Makerere University has received a newly refurbished Mary Stuart Hall from the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) in ongoing efforts to upgrade student accommodation across Uganda’s oldest public university.
The Shs10.5 billion renovation, which began on July 26, 2024, was completed exactly one year later and officially handed over on July 25, 2025.
Mary Stuart Hall is among several infrastructure projects NEC is executing at the university under a presidential directive to renovate all halls of residence.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe praised NEC’s work during the handover ceremony, saying, “I must thank NEC for the job well done. This facility looks better than some hotels.”
He also credited First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, for initiating the university-wide renovation drive. “Let us try to maintain the facility the way it has been handed over,” he urged.
The refurbished hall includes modernized living quarters, enhanced sanitary facilities, and improved accessibility for persons with disabilities. It will accommodate up to 521 students, according to Dr. Rodney Rugyema, Deputy Dean of Students. “This marks a new chapter in student welfare,” he added.
Lt. Gen. James Mugira, NEC’s Managing Director, described the project as a symbol of women’s empowerment. “Proper accommodation fosters mental and physical health. It promotes academic excellence and builds social cohesion,” he said. Mugira reaffirmed NEC’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure on time.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), who represented the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, said: “There is value for money. This is a promise fulfilled.”
Student leaders also welcomed the development. Guild President H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James thanked the university management for the hands-on approach. Hall Chairlady Anthea Ampaire called the revamped dormitory “a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for female students.”
Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere, who led the renovation team from the Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), emphasized the collaboration between students and staff throughout the project.
With Mary Stuart Hall now complete, NEC will begin renovation of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), commonly referred to as Complex Hall, as part of broader upgrades to Makerere’s infrastructure.
