MAKERERE – The Makerere University Council and Management have finalized the procedures to upgrade and beautify the legendary Freedom Square into a modern 21st-century green self- contained space.
Freedom Square, is a popular spot for students and staff assembly and the project of fencing it kicked off in July 2019 which is being implemented by Prime Media Network in a phased approach.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. William Bazeyo, revealed that the redevelopment shall maintain the Square’s originality, preserving the historic trees.
“The grounds shall be beautified by undertaking some simple landscaping, constructing a fence, maintaining the greenery, and installing a modern lighting system” Prof Bazeyo revealed.
He added that the area is going to be self-contained with furniture, internet, dust bins among others.
“It is going to be designed with furniture installed on the peripheral to give people shade and sitting space; as well as litter bins with the aim of keeping the place clean and fresh. We also plan to install free internet hotspots for students’ usage,” he said.
Recently, the Guild President Julius Kateregga criticized the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for boarding off of the area saying that it was an infringement on the ideals of “academic freedom” espoused by the University and sends a wrong signal to the country.
“We kindly request that this fence be brought down with immediate effect as we preserve our heritage for the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Bazeyo said that Makerere University accords to the values of freedom of expression and assembly adding that the ongoing facelift will only serve to protect and further cement that reputation.
The Makerere Freedom Square is a compound where almost all the University events and functions including the graduations, conferences, expos and other programmes that happen to concern the University take place.
It is located between Makerere University Main Building, the University Library and the School of Social Sciences.
