Govt commits sh3.7b towards Busoga University renovations

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Renovation and repairs of the Busoga University main campus and its branches in Bugiri, Kamuli and Jinja districts have already commenced.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) Engineering Brigade was recently tasked to expedite the works.

The project engineer, Lt Col Peter Kidemuka, on Wednesday, said that renovation repairs on all the structures are expected to be completed by the end of June this year.

Kidemuka said renovations will also involve demolition of some dilapidated structures, new roofs and floors of all buildings, plastering and painting.

On Wednesday, State Minister for primary education, Joyce Kaducu, during the groundbreaking ceremony at the university's main campus located at Buwoya village, Iwawu parish in Bulamagi sub-county, Iganga district, said the institution is a fulfilment of a campaign pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni towards ensuring that all regions have a public university.

The State Minister of Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu (right), remarking during the ground-breaking ceremony for the critical repair works of Busoga University buildings at Buwoya village in Iganga district on Wednesday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Kaducu thanked the political leaders hailing from Busoga for their numerous reminders towards ensuring that the government fulfils the pledge.

She said the start of a public university in the Busoga sub-region will enable youths to improve in the sectors of health, agriculture, which are crucial towards steering development.

“It’s going to create a hub where ideas will flourish and future leaders of this nation will be shaped,” she said.

Kaducu urged political leaders and, community to support the institution to ensure it serves the intended purpose of providing quality education to the people of Uganda.

The State Minister of Primary Education, Joyce Moruki Kaducu (right), performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the critical repair works of Busoga University buildings at Buwoya village in Iganga district on Wednesday. Looking on is MoES Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda (left). (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The third deputy prime minister, Rukia Nakadama, said that Busoga University will formally open in August this year to allow for the recruitment of students for the academic year.

The permanent secretary Ministry of Education and Sports, Kedrace Turyagyenda, hailed the ruling NRM government for the support towards improving the quality of education in the country.

Turyagyenda said the start of Busoga and Bunyoro universities will help strengthen the pillar of development as per the 2040 national development plan.

“The nation will have transformed from a peasantry to a modern country,” she said.

She said the Ministry of Education and Sports will liaise with the UPDF engineering brigade to ensure that work is completed within the stipulated period so that admissions are conducted by the start of July this year.

Third deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama (middle), flanked by the State Minister of Primary Education, Joyce Moruki Kaducu (2nd left), and Central Busoga diocese Bishop, Patrick Wakula, in planting a tree during the ground-breaking ceremony for critical repair works of Busoga University buildings at Buwoya village in Iganga district on Wednesday. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The Member of Parliament for Kigulu South constituency, Milton Muwuma, thanked the Anglican church for the support towards providing enough chunk of land required to start a university in the region.

Dignitaries at the events included: The Member of Parliament, Bunya South, Idd Isabirye, East Busoga Diocese bishop, Paul Hannington Suubi, NCHE’s Executive Director, Prof. Mary Okwakol, and Central Busoga Diocese Bishop, Patrick Wakula, among others.