This was termed a momentous event, a sign of resilience and an enduring spirit, as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday officially reopened Makerere University’s iconic Ivory Tower, the main administration building of Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious university. The milestone ceremony comes after the building, until recently a symbol of academic heritage, was burnt to its core in a fierce fire on September 20, 2020.
A Symbol of Loss and Revival
Indeed, a very sad moment, which the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, termed “the saddest day in the history of Makerere University,” when, for generations, the Ivory Tower stood engulfed in fire, leaving many hearts sore. Miraculously, much as a lot of damage had been caused, one of the critical aspects of the university—student records—was salvaged, bringing immense relief to all parties concerned.
A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
It was an emotional ceremony as President Museveni, who was accompanied by the First Lady, Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, congratulated the team for the restoration. The President, in nostalgic mood, with fresh memories of the historical building, shared his experience of taking part in student debates in these same halls when he was a student at Makerere University. This personal connection to the building—the fact that it actually struck a deep chord in him, who remembered how the Ivory Tower stood for something important both in the university and in the wider Ugandan intellectual topography.
This confidence in the resilience of both the university and the country was further molded when Museveni, with characteristic calm, assured the public that “all is well; we shall build another building.” These were words from the president himself, amidst such loss, speaking volumes about the indomitable Makerere spirit.
Restoration Journey
The restoration of the Ivory Tower was as much physical rebuilding as symbolic rebirth into what Makerere University has been. In 2020, fire gutted the building, a tragedy that stirred serious efforts to make sure that the legacy of the university lives on. During its restoration, experts worked diligently to protect the historical and architectural integrity of the building while doing necessary upgrades.
At the ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe mentioned that the fire was emotionally draining, but he insisted that the restoration signified strength and ability on the part of the university to always rise when thrown to the ground. He further expressed his appreciation for the effort contributed by all collectively.
The events that graced the reopening of the Ivory Tower brought together dignitaries, university officials, staff, and students alike. Beyond commemorating the physical restoration of an important structure, the event had reaffirmed Makerere’s place as a beacon of knowledge and center for academic excellence.
More than that, it is a signal of buildings, revealing how Ugandan institutions have survived over all these many years amidst adversity and testifies to the continuity of an educational heritage in this country.
In the days that followed the reopening, pictorial highlights of the event were shared on various media and news platforms. They epitomized pride and optimism among the host of dignitaries, students, and other attendees who graced the event. The pictures, insinuating dignitaries and students alike, portrayed a university that, amidst many challenges, was still in business.
Looking Ahead
This is Makerere University opening a new chapter in life as the gates of the Ivory Tower reopen, standing for the past and present and beckoning to the future. The university, which churned out generations of Ugandan leaders and thinkers, now looks on to new generations that will add to its proud legacy.
The Ivory Tower stands for hope, continuity, and resilience among the people who have witnessed its destruction and restoration. Reopening the
