The funds were collected during the World Library Day Celebrations 2014 held at the Makerere University main Library Extension grounds on Friday 16th May 2014.

The celebrations were held under the theme “MakLib: A Knowledge Hub for Transforming Society”.

Makerere University Council collected 10m shillings. The 9 Colleges and School of Law collected funds ranging from 1m – 5m. Individuals also gave contributions ranging from 500 to millions of shillings.

The Katikkiro first paid a courtesy to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, before planting a tree at the Main Library in commemoration of his first official visit to Makerere University.

He thereafter toured the highly-digitized Main Library, attuned to the 21st century’s digital demands.

Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University called upon the prime minister to further the cause for literacy.

“My humble request to you Ow’ekitiibwa Katikkiro (Prime Minister), is that just as you have championed Etaffaali, you can also champion the cause of reading and writing in this country. We appeal to the Buganda Kingdom to continue its legacy of ensuring a knowledgeable society, which was initiated by Ssekabaka Edward Mutesa 1 in 1875 when he wrote a Letter to Queen Victoria of England appealing to her to introduce education for the benefit of Ugandans so that they could ably contribute to global development. We appeal to you Ow’ekitiibwa Katikkiro to continue encouraging Ugandans to not only read but also write,” he said.

Peter Mayiga applauded Makerere University for the new library extension, which he said was built on Etaffaali ideology.

“I commend the ICT levels in the new library. I am particularly impressed that there are special provisions for expectant mothers and also for people living with disabilities. This sensitivity is encouraged. I am happy that this extension was built on Etaffaali system. Of course students had to go on strike because of the fees increment, but now their followers are benefiting,” he said.

He also challenged the Makerere University legal department to seek avenues of renewing the lease title on which Makerere University stands, lest the Institution loses it.

He further called upon students and Staff members to embrace the Etaffaali as a sustainable way of building institutions. His comments come at a time when Makerere University is using a similar model to put up the proposed Students Centre, estimated to be worth US $30m.

The Katikkiro, a proud alumnus of the Makerere University School of Law donated two of his books, King On The Throne and Buganda Ku’ntikko to the University Library as is by law required.

“I am informed that Dons only read to impart knowledge and do not pay much attention to reading beyond their field. If you do this, you remain 40% ignorant. It is important that Dons broaden their scope too,” Mayiga decried the poor reading culture in Uganda..

The highly colorful ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom, former Vice Chancellors of Makerere University, Members of Staff, Students and Alumni of Makerere University. The prime Minister’s entourage left the University grounds shortly after 7:00pm.