Makerere University's Mary Stuart Hall sh10.5b renovation completed, handed over

KAMPALA - The Shillings 10.5b renovation of  Makerere University's students' hall of residence Mary Stuart has been completed a year after it was started by the National Enterprise Corporation Construction Works and Engineering Ltd (NEC).

NEC, the commercial arm of the defence ministry and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), handed over the newly rehabilitated Mary Stuart Hall to Makerere University's management on July 26, 2025. The renovation started on July 25, 2024.

NEC managing director Lt. Gen. James Mugira officially handed over the hall to Makerere University vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe during a function held at the premises.

The formal commissioning of the facility is expected to be presided over by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mrs Janet Museveni, who has championed the rehabilitation of the university’s dilapidated halls of residence.

The 521-female student capacity Mary Stuart Hall refurbishment included a complete overhaul of its electrical and plumbing systems, renovation of the kitchen and dining areas, replacement of the roof, upgrading of toilets and showers, and the installation of ramps to support students with disabilities.

NEC will install solar lighting along the corridors and construct a dedicated transformer and power line separating its power source from Lumumba Hall to minimise simultaneous blackouts.

“We have completed the rehabilitation of Mary Stuart Hall, which stands as a symbol of female empowerment and liberation,” Mugira said.

Mugira (Fourth from Left), Nawangwe (Fifth left) participate in cutting the cake for the handover of Mary Stuart Hall of Makerere University. The function took place at Makerere University. (Credit: John Odyek)

He emphasised NEC’s commitment to delivering quality work with integrity, on time and within budget, and called for continued maintenance of the facility.

Nawangwe thanked the government for its support in upgrading student accommodation across the university and commended the UPDF and NEC for collaborating effectively with civilians in the construction effort.

“The students of fine art, for example, can be involved in decorating these spaces to improve aesthetics,” Nawangwe said. “This is a learning opportunity, and we hope this inspires future leaders.”

He reflected on the dedication of architects and engineers, referencing a famous architect in Barcelona who invested his own earnings into the construction of a cathedral.

“True professionals work for modest and fair compensation, with passion and purpose,” he added.

Dr Kenneth Ssemwogerere, the project manager and head of the Department of Architecture at Makerere University, noted that the renovation preserved the building’s historical character while modernising it to create a conducive study environment.

Ssemwogerere expressed appreciation to both the university and government for raising accommodation standards and revealed that Complex Hall is next in line for refurbishment.

Mary Stuart Hall chairperson Anthea Ampaire said the renovations had transformed the hall into a beacon of hope. Ampaire praised the new lift, which now enables students with disabilities to access all floors.

Mary Stuart Hall was completed in 1953 and named in honour of Bishop Stuart's wife, who was a passionate advocate for women’s education during her time in Uganda. The hall's first extension was completed in 1959.

These additions included the expansion of the dining hall and the construction of a new wing, which featured a charming Junior Common Room and a small set of rooms for research students.

Hall Culture

Mary Stuart Hall is the largest female hall of residence at Makerere University. Its box-like architectural design has earned it the nickname “The Box”.

Residents proudly refer to themselves as “Boxers”, and the hall shares a long-standing tradition of solidarity with neighbouring male students' Lumumba Hall, together forming the cultural bond known as “Lumbox.”