President Museveni is today expected to officiate the reopening of Makerere University’s historic Main Building, famously known as the Ivory Tower, after nearly four years of reconstruction following a devastating fire in 2020.
The First Lady, Janet Museveni , who is also the Minister for Education and Sports is also expected to attend the function.
Fire gutted the building in September 2020, following a short circuit from a faulty electrical system.
Consequently, Shs 21 billion was allocated for the building’s restoration and works were handled by Excel Construction Limited.
The Main Building was originally constructed in 1938 and funded through contributions from regional governments and individuals.
According to officials, the building has been fitted with modern fire detecting and fighting systems and equipment.
It has also been fitted with automated systems to improve utility consumption through optimum consumption of water and modern light switching to ensure it is modern, energy efficient and well aerated.
The building has also seen a 80,000 litre water tank installed that has been connected to the fire detection system that in case of a fire, it supplies water to the hydrants to put out the fire.
Also, more durable walls have been constructed to replace plywood office dividers but also tiles and terrazzo to replace the traditional wooden floor.
