Makerere University is set for a significant transformation with the approval of a US$162 million (approximately Shs580 billion) loan from the Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM), channeled through the Government of Uganda, to modernize its aging infrastructure.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced the funding during recent university engagements, describing it as a timely and essential boost to address longstanding challenges of dilapidated buildings, overcrowded lecture halls, outdated laboratories, and insufficient facilities to support the institution’s growing student population and academic ambitions.
“The loan will enable us to build a new laboratory and lecture block for the School of Medicine, new buildings for the School of Dentistry and School of Engineering, a new building to house the Science and Technology Centre, and completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
He emphasized that the investment will elevate Makerere’s infrastructure to international standards and advance its goal of becoming a leading research-intensive university, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Complementing the loan, a grant from the Government of South Korea has enabled construction of a dedicated E-Learning Building to begin. Upon completion, the facility will significantly enhance the university’s capacity to deliver long-distance and online education across various disciplines.
The modernization package also includes capacity-building components, with plans to send academic and technical staff to South Korea for specialized retooling and training to ensure sustainable operation and integration of new technologies.
Under Prof. Nawangwe’s leadership, Makerere has already recorded notable infrastructure gains despite resource constraints. Recent successes include the full renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and the construction of the Makerere Arena, both of which have improved student welfare and campus life.
University Chancellor Prof. D. Crispus Kiyonga welcomed the new funding, stating it will strengthen teaching, learning, research infrastructure, and staff development. He urged students to broaden their horizons beyond academics, explore global and community opportunities, and seize development prospects in their home areas.
Minister of State for Primary Education Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, who was guest of honor at the university’s 76th graduation ceremony, reaffirmed the Ministry of Education and Sports’ commitment to higher education transformation through expanded research funding, digital advancement, curriculum reform, and stronger academia-industry linkages.
She highlighted the Makerere Research and Innovations Fund, established by the government, which has supported over 1,000 researchers and innovators in delivering practical, scalable solutions that address national priorities and improve lives across sectors.
While the KEXIM loan marks a major step forward, stakeholders acknowledge that sustained resource mobilization and broader reforms will be essential to fully overcome Makerere’s infrastructure deficits and position the university as a regional leader in higher education.
