Govt Boosts Higher Education and Research in Universities
The government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Education and Sports, has intensified efforts to strengthen higher education by financing the establishment of new universities and supporting research and innovation in existing institutions.
The establishment of Busoga University is well underway, with a task force constituted during the Financial Year 2022/23.
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So far, the government has allocated Shs29 billion to support its operations.
Key milestones include the the submission of 20-degree programs to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for accreditation, and the approval of the university’s strategic plan by the National Planning Authority.
Additionally, architectural drawings and bills of quantities for the rehabilitation of existing buildings have been finalized.
A similar commitment has been made for the establishment of a university in Bunyoro, where a task force was formed in 2022.
The government has allocated Shs26 billion to date and secured land and earmarked for university development in Kikube and Masindi districts.
Physical plans and architectural drawings have been developed and await approval, while 18 academic programs have already been cleared by NCHE. Policies to guide the university's operations are also in place, awaiting the constitution of a governing council.
The government’s commitment to research and innovation has been exemplified by significant investments in public universities.
The Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund, established in FY 2021/22, initially received Shs30 billion.
Funding has since increased, with Shs49.2 billion allocated in FY 2023/24 across various universities, including Makerere (Shs30 billion), Busitema (Shs 1 billion), Mbarara (Shs1.9 billion), and others.
These funds aim to support groundbreaking research and drive national development through innovation.
The government's efforts to expand higher education opportunities and bolster research capacities align with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, which prioritizes quality education and skill development.
By focusing on the establishment of new universities and supporting existing institutions, the Ministry of Education and Sports aims to create a robust framework for academic excellence and innovation across the country.
