BY MUZAFALUH KABUULWA
In a letter inviting various stakeholders at Makerere University, Darius Muwanguzi the Ag. Director, of Estates, and Works at Makerere University convened the site handover meeting of the proposed renovation and overhaul of Lumumba Hall on site today.
Lumumba Hall was closed on 12th September 2022 for renovation and over 700 students were told to vacate the premises. The hall of residence, which was built in 1971, had fallen into disrepair and was no longer safe for students to live in.
The site has been handed over to NEC Corporation Limited for construction and taxpayer Shs9bn has been allocated to foot the works.
“The site has been handed over today to the contractor, NEC, and Shs9bn has been allocated to fund the construction,” Ms . Ritah Namisango the PRO of Makerere said in a conversation with us.
Ms. Ritah asserted that the construction will start today and last for one year from now as they have been informed that in construction when you hand over a site to the contractor, that means construction has kicked off.
The 89th Guild Minister for Production, estates, employment, and Environment has indicated that this is a major achievement of the Guild Leadership and it will not only improve the living conditions of students but as well reduce congestion in other halls of residence.
“I am privileged to inform all Makerereans that the long-awaited renovation of Lumumba Hall is finally here. The reallocation of students from Lumumba to other halls of residence resulted in congestion of these halls which will be long gone after renovation. The aggressive endeavors and efforts of the 89th Student’s Guild Leadership are evident.” Adroni noted.
Upon the closure of the hall, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere Professor Barnabas Nawangwe said that the decision was reached during a meeting with the University Central Management Committee on 12th September.
Lumumba Hall accommodates 752 students with 241 double rooms. It is one of the nine halls of residence in Makerere of which six are male and three are female halls of residence