Makerere University Receives Rehabilitated Mary Stuart Hall from NEC in Colourful Handover Ceremony
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, received the refurbished facility on behalf of the university. The ceremony, held at the iconic all-female residence, was graced by the Managing Director of NEC, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, whose presence underscored the successful partnership between the public university and the national contractor.
In a vibrant and momentous ceremony held at Makerere University on Friday afternoon, the institution officially received the newly renovated Mary Stuart Hall of residence from the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). The handover was presided over by Lt. Gen. James Mugira, the Managing Director of NEC, and received on behalf of the university by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The renovation of the historic hall—commonly known as "Mary Stuart" and fondly referred to by students as "Box"—was executed by NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd, a subsidiary of NEC and the commercial arm of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF). The project is part of a broader initiative under the Presidential Directive to renovate all university halls of residence.
In his remarks, Prof. Nawangwe lauded the UPDF and NEC for executing the renovation with precision, efficiency, and quality. He described the transformation of the UPDF as extraordinary—moving from being a feared force in the past to becoming a symbol of national development.
“There was a time when people feared the UPDF. Today, they build roads, schools, and halls like Mary Stuart. This is true transformation,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, for initiating the directive that enabled the renovation. He further thanked the Ministries of Education and Sports, and Finance, Planning and Economic Development for their unwavering support in the implementation process.
Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies, offered his heartfelt thanks to God for witnessing what he described as a historic day. Prof. Mugagga praised the professionalism and capability of NEC and the UPDF, acknowledging a paradigm shift in how the military is perceived in Uganda.
“We used to think soldiers only knew how to handle guns, but now we know they can build roads, buildings, and even structures for the Pope in under two weeks. They have shown us their versatility,” he noted.
Prof. Mugagga also recognized the transformative leadership of Prof. Nawangwe, highlighting the previous successful renovation of Lumumba Hall and the ongoing modernization of university infrastructure.
Lt. Gen. James Mugira underscored the importance of the project and thanked the Makerere University leadership for trusting NEC with the assignment. He emphasized that the renovation was completed on time, at a high-quality standard, and within a reasonable budget.
“This project is a symbol of what collaboration between institutions can achieve. We are proud to have delivered Mary Stuart Hall ahead of schedule, and with the standards it deserves,” Gen. Mugira said.
He urged the university to ensure proper maintenance of the facility to preserve the investment and prevent future disrepair. He also sent a cautionary message to students, urging them to be responsible and avoid vandalism.
As a gesture of goodwill and sustainability, Gen. Mugira donated solar equipment for the hall, further enhancing its functionality and reducing the university’s energy burden. The Vice Chancellor expressed his deep appreciation for the donation and reaffirmed Makerere’s commitment to maintaining the facility.
Lt. Gen. Mugira also noted that NEC has been actively involved in similar infrastructural projects at other institutions of higher learning across the country. These include Mbarara University, Gulu University, Lira University, Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, and Soroti University—showcasing NEC’s expanding role in supporting Uganda’s education and development agenda.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Eng. Okuk Geoffrey Bright Owera, Director of Estates at Makerere University, and Eng. Brian Buhanda, General Manager of NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd. Their presence reinforced the importance of the project and the partnership between the military, government, and academia.
The handover of Mary Stuart Hall marks a new chapter in Makerere University's journey toward infrastructural excellence. It stands as a shining example of effective collaboration between the military, government, and academia in national development. The renovation not only restores a vital student residence to its former glory but also symbolizes a broader vision for transformation, discipline, and unity in service of Uganda’s future.
As the newly renovated Mary Stuart Hall opens its doors to students once more, it carries with it a message of resilience, renewal, and a shared commitment to building institutions that reflect the dignity and aspirations of the nation.
