Makerere University is seeking for Shs105bn to carry out major renovation works at halls of residency and School of Medicine. The University also wants to equip laboratories for science students.
This follows complaints about the dilapidated structures at the institution and threats of their closure.
The details are contained in the report for the 2023/2024 National Budget Framework Paper by Parliament Budget Committee where the University top administration decried the inadequate funding for rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructure at Makerere University.
While presenting the report during the plenary sitting, Ignatius Mudimi (Elgon County) argued that some Public Universities are still grappling with the issue of dilapidated infrastructure especially the old ones like Makerere University which endangers the lives of students.
Mudimi who doubles as Vice Chairperson Budget Committee informed Parliament that in 2019, the Uganda Veterinary Council warned that they would no longer register graduates of Veterinary medicine due to inadequate facilities for training and KCCA also threatened to close all halls of residence due to their dilapidated state.
To mitigate this impending catastrophe, Government allocated Shs17Bn and this money will be used to undertake renovation works at Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls.
However, that’s drop in the ocean as the money required to carry out thorough renovations is way bigger.
He informed Parliament that the University needs an additionaL Shs52Bn for renovation of the schools of medicine and additional 10 halls of residence and Shs53bn for construction and equipping of laboratories at the College of Health Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security.
“The Committee recommends that Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development allocates Shs52Bn for renovation of the schools of medicine and 10 halls of residence and Shs53bn for construction and equipping of laboratories at the College of health Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio Security,” said Mudimi.
Parliament is expected to debate findings of the report of the Budget Committee before final decision is taken.
