MAKERERE .
It was a moment of joy as the renovated iconic Mary Stuart Hall at Makerere University was reopened on Friday .
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, . Janet Kataaha Museveni presided over the function where government injected a whooping Shs10.billon to give the girl’s hall a face lift .
Ms Museveni described the refurbishment of the hostel as a step toward restoring dignity in student accommodation across public universities.
In her speech the First Lady recalled her tour of halls of residence during the COVID-19 lockdown. “What I saw during that visit left me deeply concerned,” she said.
“The dilapidated conditions were not just a threat to health and safety, but a hindrance to learning. I prayed and hoped that we would one day transform these facilities.”
She added: “Today, I am grateful that the government has been able to respond. The renovation of Mary Stuart Hall is not only a physical upgrade, but also a statement that our students deserve better.”
Museveni saluted the Ministry of Finance for prioritising funding for the project and the National Enterprise Corporation , the business arm of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) for delivering the works on time and to the required standard.
She stressed that the renovation is part of a wider plan to upgrade student accommodation at Makerere University and other public institutions.
She urged students to jealously guard the facility , saying: “We cannot continue investing in infrastructure if we are not going to be good stewards of what has been provided. I encourage you to maintain this hall, live in it responsibly, and let it inspire you to remain focused on your education.”
Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, while welcoming the project’s completion, highlighted a broader structural concern.
“With over 30,000 students, we currently accommodate only 13% of our total enrolment. The majority of our students seek accommodation in external facilities, some of which are distant from the campus or fail to meet required health and safety standards,” Magara said.
“This is a serious gap that must be addressed if we are to create a holistic learning environment.”
She added: “Today marks not just the completion of a renovation project, but the realisation of our shared commitment to providing quality infrastructure that enhances the learning experience for our students.”
Makerere University vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe underscored the historical significance of the hall. “Mary Stuart is the oldest and largest girls’ hall at Makerere University. It was named after Mary Stuart, the wife of the first Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, who advocated for the admission of women to the university,” he said.
Addressing the First Lady directly, he added: “Maama, I warmly welcome you back to your alma mater. The reopening of Mary Stuart Hall is a significant moment for the university and for the generations of women who will pass through its doors.”
Prof. Nawangwe also shared a message for current and future residents: “To all female students who will reside in Mary Stuart, know that you are valued, supported, and empowered to reach your greatest potential at Makerere University.”
Originally opened in 1953, Mary Stuart Hall now boasts of upgraded dormitories, modern washrooms, improved lighting, study areas, and enhanced security.
The project forms part of a phased government initiative to rehabilitate student housing in Uganda’s public universities.