Public Universities to receive sh150b for facelift

This was revealed by the parliamentary committee on budget which noted that the universities are still grappling with the issue of dilapidated buildings which endanger the lives of students and lecturers most especially at both Makerere and Kyambogo Universities.

The beneficiaries include: Makerere University (sh105b), Kyambogo university (sh11b), Busitema University (sh7.3b), Muni University (sh4.8b), Mountains of the Moon (sh25b) and Uganda Management Institute (sh3b).

The members of parliament (MP) on the committee said Ministry of Finance had allocated sh17b to Makerere University during the consideration of the national budget framework for financial year 2023/24.

The University is set to start with the renovation of both Lumumba and Mary Stuart halls of residence.

Other halls of residence slated for renovation include: Africa, Dag, Livingstone, Complex, Mitchel, Nkrumah, Nsibiriwa, University Hall, Mugyenyi, Kabanyolo and Galloway.

Earlier, the Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, said Makerere alone would need sh150b to facilitate the renovation of halls of residence and key colleges in the university.

Nawangwe said they plan to renovate all halls of residence and the College of Natural Sciences.

He added that priority is to be given to Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls which are completely dilapidated before moving to other halls and the College of Natural Science.

Nawangwe also appealed to the Ministry of Finance to avail the funds needed to renovate the listed halls of residence to improve the status of students.

He made the revelation at the on-going 73^rd Makerere University graduation ceremony at Freedom Square.