By Felix Oketcho
Makerere University is set to undergo a major transformation following the acquisition of $162 million from Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM) to rehabilitate and expand its aging infrastructure.
Speaking at the 76th graduation ceremony,Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced that the funds will finance the construction of new facilities across multiple schools and colleges.
“The loan will enable us to build a new laboratory and lecture block for the School of Medicine, new buildings for the School of Dentistry and School of Engineering, a new building to house the Science and Technology Centre, and completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences,” Nawangwe stated.
He described the funding as timely and essential, adding that it would help elevate the university’s infrastructure to international standards and support its ambition to become a research-intensive institution.
Nawangwe however revealed that construction of an E-Learning Building has begun, supported by a grant from the South Korean government. Once completed, the facility is expected to expand the university’s capacity to offer distance and online education across various disciplines.
In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative includes staff training programs in South Korea to ensure long-term sustainability and technological integration.
Under Prof. Nawangwe’s leadership, Makerere has made notable strides in infrastructure despite resource constraints. Recent achievements include the successful renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and the construction of the Makerere Arena, which have improved student welfare and campus facilities.
University Chancellor, Prof. D. Crispus Kiyonga welcomed the new funding initiatives saying the new loan would strengthen teaching, learning, and research infrastructure, and support staff training in South Korea.
He, however, emphasized the need for additional resource mobilization to expand research funding and sustain long-term institutional growth.
The Minister of State for Primary Education, Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, who was the guest of honor at the 76th graduation of the university,y said that the Ministry of Education and sports commits to strengthening higher education through expanding research funding, digital transformation, curriculum reform, and a strong partnership between academia and industry.
She also noted that through the Makerere research and innovation fund established by the government to support high-end research and innovation that directly contributed to national priority and development, over 1000 researchers and innovators have been able to pursue practical and scalable solutions that improves lives and strengthen sectors across the country.