Stanbic Bank has contributed Shs50 million towards the establishment of an ICT innovation hub at Bunyoro University. The bank’s Chief Executive, Mumba Kalifungwa, handed over a dummy cheque to Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa, the chairperson of the university taskforce, in Hoima on 26 March 2026.
Kalifungwa said the contribution demonstrates the bank’s commitment to education as a key driver of national development.
“Education is a core pillar in everything we do, accounting for about 70 per cent of our annual Corporate Social Investment budget,” he said. “We believe it is a critical engine for Uganda’s continued development and long-term economic sustainability.”
Kalifungwa noted that the university’s innovation hub aligns with the bank’s purpose – Uganda is our home, we drive her growth – which it pursues by empowering farmers, women, and young people through education, digital skills, and innovation.
“We hope that the innovation hub that will serve as a centre for creativity, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurship,” Kalifungwa said. By partnering with the university, he said, they are not only supporting its establishment but also sharing a future of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.
“Bunyoro University represents a bold and transformative vision,” Kalifungwa added. “Its model, where 50 per cent of learning will be practical and community-based, ensures graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the ability to solve real-world challenges.”
Kyamanywa welcomed the support, describing it as a timely boost towards establishing the university. “I pledge that the support you have given us will go towards its intended purpose of equipping the ICT innovation hub in the School of Computing and Information Sciences, which will be one of the first schools to be established,” he said.
Kyamanywa explained that his team has so far developed 18 science-based academic programmes for the university, along with policies and guidelines required before the university can open.
“We have also fulfilled other requirements, including acquiring land for the university and getting a master plan for this land developed and approved,” he stated. “The architectural and structural drawings and designs for the first four building blocks are ready. We are at the stage of procuring contractors.”
As the Government mobilises resources for the next stages of the university’s establishment, Kyamanywa said there is room for the private sector support.
“Our partnership with Stanbic is the first, and the ICT innovation has the potential to stimulate innovations and empowerment of the youth,” he added.
Jacob Karubanga, MP for Kibanda South in Kiryandongo district, and chairperson of Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, praised the partnership. “I am happy with the progress towards establishing a public university in Bunyoro,” he said.
Godwin Angalia, the Resident District Commissioner for Kikuube District, stated that the collaboration complements the government’s efforts to establish the university. Meanwhile, Hoima City Mayor Brian Kaboyo described the partnership as strategic in a region hosting major facilities, such as Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport.
