Excel Construction Limited is proud to have completed the restoration of Makerere University’s main building, famously known as the Ivory Tower.
Excel being one of the leading companies in Uganda’s construction industry was awarded the contract for restoring Makerere University’s historic Main Building after it was ravaged by fire from a faulty electrical system in September 2020.
Originally constructed in 1938, the Ivory Tower is one of Uganda’s most iconic buildings, and the university desired to retain its original look.
The reconstruction of the main building commenced in March 2022 and Excel managed to complete the project within the stated time frame and budget despite the challenges faced during the construction phase, especially during the demolition of the ravaged structure.
The official handover was attended by President Yoweri Museveni and the Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni.
While the exterior has been restored to its original grandeur, significant changes have been made to the interior to reflect modern designs and safety standards notably, traditional wooden floors have been replaced with tiles and terrazzo, as wood was identified as a contributing factor to the fire’s rapid spread. Enhanced accessibility features include pathways for persons with disabilities and a restored elevator. CCTV, biometric sensors, and firefighting equipment and alarms have been installed on the entire building.
Additional improvements include the installation of more durable concrete walls and the replacement of the plywood office dividers. The building’s iconic bell, which rings at the top of each hour, has also been restored and is working effectively.
Excel’s management attributed the success of this project to the hard work of its staff who took up the challenge of restoring the building in the manner that was demanded.
Excel Construction Ltd has had the pleasure and privilege of being in the ranks of long-standing partners and supporters of the university for over two decades, during which the company has executed the construction of several prestigious educational facilities on the campus such as the Forestry Building, the Academic Registrar’s Building, the Institute of Computer Science building, two teaching facilities and renovations to Makerere University Main Library and St. Francis Chapel.
Excel Construction Limited is one of the service provision companies under the umbrella of the Madhvani Group. Excel Construction is a leading provider of construction and renovation services for industrial, commercial, residential, civil and road works. Excel projects have been carried out all over the country for both private-sector and Government clients.
