Following extensive renovations in over fifty years, the Sir Albert Cook Medical Library has been officially handed over to the Makerere University Administration by Stanbic Bank Uganda who contributed over UGX 197 Million towards the project.
The University library was established in 1924 by Dr. Albert Cook and houses an archive of his original handwritten patient notes dating back to 1900. In 1965, the medical library was renamed after its founder.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive, Patrick Mweheire said, “We are extremely proud to be playing a role in promoting science education, while preserving a very important part of our heritage. It’s important for students to be supported with the right facilities and conducive environment to further their quest for knowledge and growth. Sir Albert Cook made an immense contribution to the development of this country particularly in the field of medicine where he built the first modern hospital at Namirembe and taught many of our first medical professionals. This helped develop the capacity that saw Uganda opening the first medical school in East and Central Africa at Mulago Hospital in 1927.”
“As a bank, we believe in building upon such legacies because they allow us to create a better tomorrow for Ugandans through increased literacy and the advancement of Education.” He added.
Making his remarks as guest of honour, the Chairman of Council Dr.Wana Etyem said, “This is a huge milestone for the library given that it was last renovated in 1968. The current renovation has certainly put the library to a higher standard that will provide a conducive environment for the students, staff and researchers to efficiently execute their work. We are very grateful to Stanbic Bank for the financial support through the efforts of the Principal of the College of Health Sciences.”
Professor Charles Ibingira, the Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences reiterated the Library acts as a hub of information for learning, teaching and research. He said, “We offer training sessions for graduate students in the use of information resources and reference management using the EndNote program. The dearth of information in form of hard copy textbooks, dissertations and online journals have supported the College researchers and enabled them to contribute the biggest number of research articles, hence improving the web presence of the University.”
The renovations of the library funded by Stanbic Bank included major structural repairs, painting works and an extensive cleaning up operation.
The Sir Albert Cook Memorial library is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 9:00pm, Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Sundays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. It is closed on public holidays.