The government has committed Shs3.7 billion to renovate Busoga University in Iganga District, ahead of its anticipated reopening in August this year, nearly nine years after its closure.
Renovation works, already underway at the main campus in CMS village and satellite branches in Bugiri and Kamuli, are being undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Engineering Brigade.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, State Minister for Primary Education Joyce Moriku Kaducu said the reopening of the university fulfils a pledge President Museveni made to ensure that every region in Uganda has access to a public university that offers quality education.
“The start of the university is a fulfilment of a campaign pledge by President Museveni to ensure all regions have a public university,” Moriku said.
“It will become a hub where ideas flourish and future leaders of this nation are shaped.”
Busoga University was formerly under the administration of Busoga Diocese but was closed in 2017 after the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) revoked its licence, citing irregularities such as awarding fake degrees, employing unqualified academic staff, and crippling financial debts.
More than 1,000 degrees were annulled at the time.
In 2018, President Museveni pledged a government takeover of the institution, which eventually led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the Ministry of Education and the university’s re-operationalisation taskforce.
This agreement cleared the way for the current renovations and preparations for reopening.
Kaducu thanked political leaders from Busoga for persistently reminding the ministry to honour the pledge.
“The numerous calls we received from your area leaders show their love for this region. Voters should reward them by returning them to office next year,” she said.
She noted that the presence of a public university in the sub-region will improve local sectors such as agriculture and health and urged the community to support the institution’s mission.
“It’s not just about buildings but about providing quality education to the people of Uganda,” she added.
Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama emphasised the university’s economic potential, especially for young people.
“This will create job opportunities and improve household incomes,” she said.
“The business community in Iganga stands to benefit greatly from the influx of students and staff.”
UPDF Engineering Brigade project engineer, Lt Col Peter Kidemuka, said the renovations include demolition of unsafe structures, complete de-roofing, plastering, and installation of new flooring across all buildings.
All structures will be repainted to give the campus a new look. Kidemuka said the work is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Kedrace Turyagenda, praised the government’s commitment to education, saying the reopening of Busoga and Bunyoro universities aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 development goals.
“The nation will have transformed from a peasantry to a modern country,” she said, adding that admissions are expected to begin by July.
Chairperson of the university’s taskforce, John Tabuti, confirmed they have begun recruiting lecturers and support staff to ensure smooth operations once the institution opens.
Kigulu South MP Milton Muwuma thanked the Anglican Church for availing the land for the main campus and said Iganga was chosen for its central location in the sub-region.
“I have always advocated for the main campus to be in Iganga. It’s at the heart of Busoga,” he said.
Other dignitaries present included Bunya South MP Idd Isabirye and Central Busoga Diocese Bishop Patrick Wakula.