By Timothy Okurut.
The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has commissioned renovation and construction works at the Anglican Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo in preparation for the Martyrs Day celebrations to be held on June 3rd.
“This was an assignment which was given to us by the Church of Uganda (COU) to lead in this year’s planning and organisation for the Martyrs day,” Mushengyezi said during the commissioning.
The work involves construction of a new washroom facility and renovation of two other existing ones, face-lifting of the pavilion, museum and walkways, and installation of lights.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration (DVC F&A), Mr. David Mugawe stated that these strategic works are being made based on the report that was handed over by the organising committee of the previous Martyrs Day celebrations. “Two clear things came out, one is the need for improvement in the washroom and toilet facilities,” Mugawe said. He pointed out water shortages as the second major challenge.
He further indicated that the new washroom facility to be constructed will have the same design as that of the latest one that was constructed in the university. “This new washroom is going to be a replica of our sports washroom facility in the main campus,” he said. The construction and renovation works for all the three washrooms have been contracted to Masterline Housing, a contractor that has already been involved with the university.
Prof. Mushengyezi also handed over a contract to Allied Enterprises and Construction limited for the renovation of the main pavilion and museum at the Anglican Shrine. The contract also involves improving the VIP toilets, as well as construction and redesigning of walkways.
Both contractors have been given a period of six weeks to complete the works in order to give time to the organisers to prepare the venue for the celebrations.
“These projects are very time bound, when we enter May, we don’t want to see construction going on,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. John Kitayimbwa chaired a committee sitting that is directly charged with drawing the plans for the day’s events in which the UCU Chaplain, Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, who spoke on behalf of the Liturgy department informed committee members that the ArchBishop of the COU, His Grace, the Most Rev. Kaziimba Mugalu will be the main speaker during the celebrations.
