Former students of Busoga University have opposed a proposed move to rename the institution, warning that the process is illegal, premature, and contrary to existing presidential directives and binding agreements governing the university’s takeover.
In a legal notice dated February 2, 2026, the alumni, through Bagiiire Law Chamber, demanded an immediate halt to a consultative workshop scheduled for February 3, 2026, which they say is intended to solicit alternative names for Busoga University.
The notice is addressed to Prof. John Steven Tabuti, chairperson of the Task Force Management Committee established to oversee the transition of Busoga University into a public institution.
The alumni argue that the task force’s mandate does not extend to altering the university’s name or location.
According to the lawyers, the task force is strictly required to implement the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed on February 2, 2022, together with the Presidential Directive issued on February 10, 2018, and the recommendations of the Presidential Transition Committee.
These instruments, they contend, clearly stipulate that the name “Busoga University” and its headquarters in Iganga District must be retained.
“It is disturbing that you intend to hold a workshop with the agenda of totally changing the status quo of Busoga University, ignoring paragraphs 3.1 and 3.3 of the Memorandum of Agreement and the recommendations of the Presidential Committee,” the notice reads in part.
The alumni further argue that the name and brand of Busoga University constitute part of the assets assumed by government under the MoA, and that any alteration to the name is subject to an elaborate and clearly defined process set out under clauses 14.1 and 14.2 of the agreement.
They also raise concern that Busoga University Limited is currently undergoing a winding-up process in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Sports, as provided for under clause 3.3 of the MoA. Any attempt to rename the institution at this stage, they warn, would interfere with that process and expose stakeholders to serious legal and financial consequences.
The lawyers emphasise that the task force should instead focus on its core mandate of establishing Busoga University as a government institution, including securing the necessary statutory instrument in line with the MoA and existing presidential directives.
The notice further cites the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001, arguing that the law provides clear guidance on how and when a higher education institution may lawfully change its name, particularly under the unique circumstances surrounding Busoga University’s takeover.
In conclusion, the alumni issued a formal demand for the immediate cancellation of the planned consultative workshop, describing it as illegal and premature. They warned that failure to comply would compel them to institute legal proceedings against members of the task force in their personal capacities.
“Expect no further notice,” the letter cautions.
Copies of the notice were sent to the Office of the President, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda, and Busoga University Limited.
By the time of publication, the Task Force Management Committee had not issued a public response.
