Makerere University is in a critical situation, urgently seeking sh52 billion for the rehabilitation of both its medical and veterinary schools, which are at risk of closure if the necessary improvements are not made. Vice-chancellor Barnabus Nawangwe brought this alarming revelation to light during his appearance before the Parliament education committee on Monday, as he presented the budget framework paper for the institution’s next financial year.
In his address to the committee, Nawangwe expressed the severity of the situation, emphasizing that warnings have been issued by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council regarding the deteriorating infrastructure at the College of Health Sciences. The council has explicitly stated that unless substantial improvements are made, they will cease to register graduates from the affected schools.
Additionally, Nawangwe highlighted the concerning development that the Uganda Veterinary Board has already taken a decisive step by halting the registration of Makerere’s veterinary graduates. This action comes as a direct consequence of the university’s failure to address and enhance its teaching infrastructure within the veterinary department.
The financial requirement of sh52 billion is perceived as crucial for averting the impending closure of these vital educational institutions. Makerere University is now facing the challenge of securing these funds to upgrade the facilities and ensure compliance with the standards set by regulatory bodies.
The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, as the potential closure of the medical and veterinary schools would not only impact the academic community but also the broader healthcare and veterinary sectors in Uganda. Graduates from these institutions play a significant role in contributing to the country’s healthcare and veterinary services, making the need for immediate action paramount.
To provide a clearer overview of the situation, the following table outlines the key issues and consequences:
| Concerns | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Dilapidated infrastructure in schools | Risk of closure for medical and veterinary schools |
| Warnings from regulatory bodies | Ceasing of registration for graduates by medical and veterinary councils |
| Halting of registration for veterinary graduates | Immediate impact on veterinary services in Uganda |
