Shs2.8Bn Makerere Research Complex nears completion

EDUCATION: Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI) will soon unveil its Shs2.8 billion facility at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK).

Construction of the facility, which is funded by the World Bank Eastern & Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence (ACEII) project, was started on 16th July 2019.

The infrastructure, whose ground-breaking ceremony was officiated by the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, will house an office block and lecture theaters.

The construction work being undertaken by Build Base under the supervision of Arch Designs was meant to take 12 months ending July 2020. But due to COVID-19, work stalled but it is expected to be complete within the next 3 or 4 months.

This facility is part of the $ 6 million grant for MaRCCI which provides for additional scientific and staff support, enhancement of facilities and equipment aimed at modernizing and expanding the teaching, research, and service activities of MaRCCI.

Makerere University is among the beneficiaries of the World Bank Loan extended to the Government of Uganda under the ACE II Project aimed at promoting regional specialization among participating universities within areas that address particular common development challenges, and strengthening the capacities of these universities to deliver high quality training and applied research.

The facility is a one storied building with two classrooms, which will accommodate 100 learners, probably the largest in Kabanyolo right now.

Officials say the new structure is a beautiful addition to Makerere University, as it will increase office space, and in the long run, form part of the goal of the university and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to move many activities to Kabanyolo because the farm has a lot of land but with limited infrastructure.