Ivory Tower Building
| Ivory Tower | |
|---|---|
 Ivory Tower Building | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | British Architecture |
| Location | Makerere |
| Country | Uganda |
| Construction started | 1938 |
| Completed | 1941 |
| Opened | 1941 |
| Destroyed | 2020 |
| Owner | Makerere University |
| Governing body | Makerere University |
| Known for | Iconic main Administration building |
| Other information | |
| Facilities | Offices, library |
The Ivory Tower Building was also called the Ivory Tower or the Makerere University Ivory Tower is the main administrative building at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.[1][2][3] It is among the oldest buildings of the university[4]
Origins[edit]
The Ivory Tower construction started in 1930s and ended in 1941 under the leadership of George C. Turner who served as the Principal of Makerere College from 1939 to 1946.[1] [2][5][4][6] The construction of the Ivory Tower building was funded by Colonial Development bourse.[2][7][8][4]
In early 1938, Duke of Gloucester represented His Majesty King George IV to cut the first sod for the construction of the Ivory Tower on 1938 -November.[7][3][9]
Architecture[edit]
The Ivory Tower is a tall building with distinct white walls and blue-shuttered windows.[1]
The Ivory Tower was constructed using British Architectural style of the 20th century with a T-shape with a bare stone on the extreme top, a large bell housed in four arches and have a large gents of Leicester clock on the entrance.[10][3][4] It's a replica of University of London.[4]
Significance[edit]
The Ivory Tower houses the Finance and records/registry department[10] which have the students records and the basement has full archive files spanning the whole historical journey of Makerere University.[1]
The Ivory Tower building is the icon for Makerere University and also considered a national pride and heritage. It's among the UNESCO Heritage sites found in Uganda.[11][4] It is a tourist attraction motivating people to visit the University.[4]
Fire[edit]
On 20th September 2020 overnight, fire gutted the Ivory Tower leaving huge cracks on the outer walls, completely burnt off the roof and most windows. [1][12][8][11][3][13][14][15] Short circuit due to faulty electrical system caused the fire outbreak according to the Criminal Investigation Department and Ministry of Works report.[5]
Fire started from the roof and spread to down floors which had the offices for finance and records department.[1][4]
Reconstruction[edit]
The Ivory Tower was knocked down after 19 months since the fire outbreak incident as a way to allow the reconstruction[16] after carrying out a detailed, conservatory study and documentation.[17] After the demolition, Makerere University reconstructed the iconic Ivory Tower.[2][8] The reconstruction used modern building methods with reinforced concrete frame unlike the previous block work structure. However, it maintains its outward appearance.[2]
The government of Uganda funded the reconstruction of Ivory Tower with 21 billion UGX, and Excel Company Limited was contracted to do the reconstruction.[8][11][18]
Mastercard Foundation contributed $1 million Uganda shillings to the reconstruction of the Ivory Tower.[18]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f "Uganda Makerere University fire: 'Ivory Tower' gutted". BBC News. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ a b c d e Kizza, Christopher (2022-07-14). "Makerere's Rebuilt Ivory Tower to Have Museum for University's 100-Year History". Chimp Reports. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ a b c d "Makerere in Drive to Restore the Iconic Main Building". School of Public Health. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "What makes Makerere's Main Building iconic?". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b "Ivory Tower will not be ready for October Makerere centenary". The Independent Uganda. 2022-05-18. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ Habib, Ashraf (2020-09-20). "FOUL PLAY? Iconic Makerere Main Building goes up in smoke as Prof Nawangwe reveals 'all the records on the side the fire started, have all been lost'". Galaxy FM 100.2. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b "Makerere fire: University to restore building in shortest time". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ a b c d "Makerere University's Iconic Ivory Tower Goes Down Silently » Business Focus". Business Focus. 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ Wamai, Mark (2020-10-02). "Mak Unveils Official Main Building Restoration Fundraising Platforms". Makerere University News. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b "Africa's 'ivory tower' of learning to be restored – DW – 09/23/2020". dw.com. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ a b c "Makerere's iconic Ivory tower goes down silently". The Independent Uganda. 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ "Uganda Makerere University fire: 'Ivory Tower' gutted - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. 2020-09-20. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ Kirabo, Jonah (2020-09-22). ""Museveni is focused on his survival and not welfare of the state" – says Muntu". Nile Post. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ "Makerere University Fire: You could see the Ivory Tower from everywhere". Nile Post. 2020-09-21. Retrieved 2023-09-26.
- ^ "Fire engulfs Makerere University's iconic main building". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Makerere University knocks down its iconic Main Building". University World News. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Makerere main building to be demolished, rebuilt". New Vision. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ a b Muhimba, Samuel (2021-09-01). "Gov't approves shs 21bn for reconstruction of Makerere main building". Nile Post. Retrieved 2023-09-26.