Coming from an unscrupulous few months of student trouble, lecturer strikes and a public relations crisis, Makerere University authorities have enlisted the services of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). has undertaken construction works for a resilient perimeter fence around their premises.
In the latest developments announced at Uganda’s oldest University, the national army, UPDF’s engineering department has undertaken construction works for a resilient perimeter fence around the institution’s premises, starting with the lower side which neighbours Wandegeya since most wrongdoers come from the business centre.
This was announced by the Makerere University Convocation chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, during the just concluded 67th graduation ceremony, where the university alumni body launched a fundraising drive aimed at raising money to facilitate the construction of a wall around the university’s main campus.
Makerere insists they have a main gate that does not make sense since there are many small gates thus the urge to raise money and build a better wall through the protocols of the Ugandan military.
Tanga Odoi said they will not engage any other person.
Brig Richard Karemire, the UPDF spokesperson, said they are ready.
“We are always on standby to construct any structure given to us,” Brig Karemire told Daily Monitor’s Emmanuel Ainebyoona.
The earlier feasibility study into the perimeter wall construction had indicated Shs5b but Dr Odoi said the amount is not available in hard cash so they would start with whatever amount is collected.
Outgoing Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu said they have not budgeted for this wall but counting on President Museveni’s previous pledged to build it.
