Mary Stuart Hall, one of Makerere University’s most iconic residences, has reopened after a sweeping renovation that has turned decades of neglect into a modern showcase for student life.
First Lady Janet Museveni, also Uganda’s Minister of Education and Sports, presided over the reopening alongside the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of a year-long project that cost UGX 10.5 billion and restored the female hall to a standard that students and alumni can once again take pride in.
The project’s origin traces back to 2020, when the First Lady toured the facility and found conditions she described as unacceptable.
She saw a lift that had been broken for over 50 years, leaky roofs, dark and dirty corridors, and overall living standards that fell far short of what students deserved.
“When I toured these halls in 2020, the conditions were unacceptable,” Mrs Museveni recalled during her remarks.
“Today, we see a hall that not only meets but exceeds expectations, ensuring our young women can focus on their studies without the burdens of inadequate infrastructure.”
Her visit prompted the government to allocate funds for a full renovation, engaging the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Construction Works and Engineering Ltd, a subsidiary of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, to undertake the job.
The project began on July 25, 2024, and was officially handed over to Makerere University exactly one year later by NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira.
Prof Nawangwe, in his keynote address, revisited the poor state of the building before the facelift.
“The lift had not worked for 50 years, corridors were dark and dirty, and the roof was prone to leakage,” he said.
Today, the hall features a fully functional modern lift, well-lit corridors powered by solar energy to ensure reliability during outages, and ergonomically designed pantries.
Contemporary washrooms, upgraded laundry facilities, a cozy reading room, and a senior common room have also been added.
The kitchen and dining areas are still undergoing modernization to meet international standards, with additional funding required for completion.
First Lady Museveni praised the collaboration between the government, NEC, and Makerere University, adding that the solar-powered lighting and landscaped grounds align with sustainable development goals.
She noted that international studies indicate such measures could reduce energy costs by up to 30%.
Prof Nawangwe commended NEC’s exemplary work, describing the refurbished hall as a “model of excellence.”
He also recognized NEC’s role in enhancing outdoor spaces for student relaxation and called on stakeholders to support the final phase of kitchen upgrades.
The renovated hall can now house 521 female students and retains its cultural bond with Lumumba Hall, known together as “Lumbox.”
This partnership has long been part of the university’s social fabric, promoting a sense of identity and community that research links to better mental health outcomes.
Guild leaders, faculty, and students attended the reopening ceremony, with the 91st Guild President, H.E. Ssentamu, taking part in a symbolic key handover earlier in the month.
The reopening has drawn widespread praise on social media, with the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC) sharing highlights of the transformation.
Makerere University, founded in 1922, has battled infrastructure challenges for decades, but projects like this signal a shift toward modernization and student welfare.
As Prof Nawangwe stated, “This is not just about buildings; it’s about empowering the next generation.”
Plans for similar upgrades to other halls could soon transform the entire campus experience.
The revival of Mary Stuart Hall now stands as a testament to what decisive leadership and strategic investment can achieve in higher education.
