MakerereAt100: Makerere University’s First Buildings at a Glance

Makerere University’s 100-year journey of excellence is a remarkable feat, whose every bit is an amalgamation of particular perfections.

From the founders, students, administrators, governments and many more stakeholders to the buildings and other astonishing structures, Makerere University has been at the summit of academic excellence in sub-Saharan Africa.

As the university celebrates its centennial existence next month, it is important to note a few of the first establishments at the core of the rich history.

According to the archives shared by Makerere University, on Thursday, 13th December, 1923, Governor Geoffrey Francis Archer opened Makerere’s first Permanent Building.

This building still stands and currently houses the School of Education at Makerere Hill.

Many would falsely argue that the Ivory tower, Makerere University Main building, was the first yet its construction was completed in 1941.

Another unit with one of the first buildings is the School of Public Health at Mulago Hospital. The hospital was originally founded in 1917 by Sir Albert Ruskin Cook at the present day Old Mulago site.

It became the Teaching Hospital for the Makerere Medical School which was founded on Monday, 14th April, 1924.

Makerere College is notably another early establishment with a highlight dating as far as 1928 indicating King Edward VIII’s visit to the spot.

“On Friday, 10th August 1928, HRH Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, visited Makerere College during his visit to Uganda and Kenya. He was received by the Principal, (1924-1939) Mr. Douglas G. Tomblings. He later abdicated the throne of England in 1936,” the university revealed.

Below are some apogees of the Prince’s historical visit;