KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-A huge fire has destroyed one of Africa’s oldest Universities, Makerere University
iconic Main Administration Building also called the Ivory Tower in the wee hours of Sunday destroying all records.
Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
Owoyesigire said the fire is believed to have started from the roof spreading to floors that house both records and finance departments at around midnight destroying invaluable records and property worth millions of shillings.
Reports indicates that the affected building also houses the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and student records whereas the basement is full of archive files spanning the whole history of the institution.
The university’s vice chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe on sunday wrote on his twitter page that it is a very dark morning for the university but the university will restore the building to its historic state in the shortest time possible.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni is expected to visit the scene.
The Main Building was completed in 1941 under the leadership of Mr. George C. Turner, Principal, Makerere College (1939-46).
Earlier in 1938, the Duke of Gloucester, representing His Majesty King George VI had cut the first sod for the construction of the building on November 3.
The Main Building with its unique 20th century British architecture is Makerere’s most recognisable symbol and was constructed with funds from the Colonial Development bourse.
The building’s construction was greatly delayed by a scarcity of resources to purchase materials as Britain and her allies grappled with the expenses of World War II.
Meanwhile, police have launched investigation to established what caused the fire.