Makerere gets sh3.7bn from MasterCard for Ivory Tower

EDUCATION  | MAKERERE UNIVERSITY


MAKERERE University has received a $1m (sh3.7bn) offer from Mastercard Foundation to help rebuild its main building which was gutted by fire.

This development was confirmed by the university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (in-charge of academics) Ass. Prof. Umar Kakumba. "It is true that we are set to get this money. We do thank the Mastercard Foundation, which has been supportive to us for the last five years," he revealed. 

According to a September 25, letter to Makerere University's Vice-Chancellor, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mastercard Foundation Roy Reeta said, "I was saddened to learn about the fire at Makerere University and the extensive damage to the iconic main building."

He added, "Thankfully, there were no injuries or loss of life. You do not need more challenges during a time you are leading the university and your teams through a global pandemic as well as preparing to receive medical and final year students in mid-October. Our hearts go out to you." 

Reeta also noted, "We understand the efforts to repair and rebuild as well as recover records are considerable. To assist with these efforts, the Foundation would like to provide $1m in support to Makerere University." 

Reeta added, "We hope this contribution expedites the reopening of the university and builds resiliency as Makerere continues to educate our future leaders. My colleague Samuel will be in touch with further details," he wrote.