Makerere University’s main building – Ivory Tower – has caught fire, with most of the floors suffering serious damage.
Authorities including the University and the police have not yet established hat exactly caused the fire, but they said the fire brigade has contained the fire that started moments after midnight.
One of the messages on the University social media handles reads: “The Police Fire Brigade is trying to put out the fire which has now covered almost half of the roof. It’s a trying moment for us.”
“Everyone is trying their best. The fire is heavy and sprouting from the right side of the Building. The fire flames are heavy coming through the right side of the roof which has sunk in. We all need to pray for the Ivory Tower.”
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called for a speedy investigation to establish the cause of the fire at Uganda’s oldest University.
“This is a tragedy and it’s unacceptable. I hope the relevant authorities quickly establish whether this was an accident or foul play. I am confident we can rebuild our building soon,” Gen Kainerugaba said in a tweet Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, President Museveni who is scheduled to speak to the nation this evening regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is set to visit the University.
Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor says records that have been destroyed by the fire are backed up and available in digital form.
The VC noted that the entire right side of the building and documents in the section were all destroyed completely.
“It is a very dark morning for Makerere University. Our iconic Main Administration Building caught fire and the destruction is unbelievable. But we are determined to restore the building to its historic state in the shortest time possible,” Prof Nawangwe said in a tweet.
“Police are actively investigating a fire outbreak at Makerere University Main building that started today at about midnight. Fire and rescue services responded at the scene and managed to contain it’s spread,” said Luke Owoyesigire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman.
Established in 1922 as a technical school offering courses in carpentry, building and mechanics, Makerere University in Uganda is the oldest higher education institution in the country.
Its main building that houses most top offices has been one of its main defining features.