President Museveni Reopens Makerere University’s Restored Ivory Tower and Installs Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as New Chancellor

President Yoweri Museveni has presided over the reopening of Makerere University’s Ivory Tower building, which has been fully restored following a devastating fire in 2020. At the same event, he also officiated the installation of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the university's new Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Ezra Suruma.

The Ivory Tower, an iconic symbol of Makerere University, caught fire on September 20, 2020, thus damaging the structure. The restored building now boasts a basement museum, an expanded administrative wing, a service wing, and a business center. Speaking at the ceremony, Museveni praised the university for restoring the landmark to its former glory.

“This building is not just a piece of infrastructure; it is a beacon of history and the evolution of education in Uganda. I am pleased to see its restoration and the preservation of its architectural heritage,” Museveni stated.

Museveni also used the occasion to congratulate Dr. Kiyonga on his new role as Chancellor. “Dr. Kiyonga is an outstanding cadre and a leader in the National Resistance Movement. He has been instrumental in our efforts since the 1980s. I believe he will add immense value to this institution,” Museveni said.

Dr. Kiyonga, a former minister and experienced diplomat, expressed gratitude for the appointment, pledging to strengthen the university’s engagement with government and society. “Makerere University has a duty to lead in generating knowledge that will transform our nation and continent. I am committed to deepening the university’s linkages with stakeholders to achieve this goal,” Kiyonga said in his acceptance speech.

The President also reiterated his longstanding call for improved science education in Uganda. He challenged Makerere and other institutions to enhance their teaching of natural sciences, with a focus on value addition to raw materials. “The crisis in Africa, including unemployment and underdevelopment, stems from the knowledge gap. We need to teach our students to transform our raw materials into finished products to achieve maximum value,” he emphasized.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, also attended the ceremony. She reflected on the painful memory of the 2020 fire that destroyed the building, describing the restoration as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. “Today, we celebrate not just the rebuilding of a structure but the restoration of hope for a brighter future for Makerere University,” she remarked.

She also lauded President Museveni’s support in securing funds for the restoration and highlighted other ongoing government investments at the university, including the renovation of Lumumba Hall, the construction of the School of Dentistry, and upgrades to the university hospital.

“Your Excellency, the timely intervention to restore the Main Building and other projects demonstrates your unwavering support for Makerere and the education sector,” the First Lady added.

The Chairman of Makerere University Council, Ms. Lorna Magara, also congratulated Dr. Kiyonga on his appointment and thanked Prof. Ezra Suruma for his service. “Professor Suruma provided invaluable leadership during a difficult time, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the fire incident. We are deeply grateful for his dedication,” she said.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment, describing it as fitting for a leader with a distinguished career in medicine, diplomacy, and public service. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to bolstering its focus on science, technology, and innovation, which are crucial for Uganda’s development.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, ministers, Members of Parliament, and academia, underscoring the significance of Makerere University’s resurgence and its place in Uganda’s education system.