Jinja city moves to secure land for Makerere University campus

JINJA - Jinja City Council (JCC) says it is prepared to offer land in Budondo, Jinja Northern Division, for the long-awaited establishment of a fully-fledged Makerere University campus.

Rajab Kitto, the JCC public relations officer, confirmed that negotiations are in the final stages, with the city council working to provide land for the university's expansion plans in Jinja city. Kitto clarified that despite media controversies surrounding the development, the two parties are in discussions to allocate land for the project.

“The two entities are in final negotiations. Makerere University did the right thing by requesting land for the establishment of a fully-fledged campus. The availability of land will depend on the city authorities,” Kitto said.

His remarks came after a statement on March 18, 2025, by Prof. Winston Trumps Ireeta, the acting deputy vice chancellor in charge of finance and administration, reiterating the university's intention to establish a permanent campus in Jinja city.

“Establishing a permanent fully-fledged campus in Jinja city will mark a significant expansion of the university's educational footprint. This is in response to the growing student population,” Prof. Ireeta stated.

He added that the university's top management had formally approached Jinja city authorities with a request for the land in Budondo within the city’s northern division to build a campus.

“The new campus will address space constraints at Makerere’s main campus in Kampala, providing quality higher education opportunities in the Busoga sub-region. It is expected to meet international standards,” Prof. Ireeta said.

Prof. Ireeta explained that on May 2, 2023, the university's central management committee met with Jinja city leadership at Makerere University in Kampala. During this meeting, the city leadership expressed strong support for the initiative and affirmed their commitment to allocate the requested land.

“The city leadership highlighted the significant benefits of having a university branch in Jinja city, citing its potential to boost higher education and catalyse economic and social transformation,” he added.

He further noted that since the initial meetings in May 2024, progress has been made, including deliberations during city council meetings on August 24, 2024, and the commissioning of a survey to establish the land’s boundaries as part of standard procedures.

Another meeting on March 17, 2025, saw university and city officials, both technical and political, confirm that the necessary opening processes for city council approval are ongoing. The matter will be presented to Parliament for final approval, as required under section 34(6) of the Public Finance Management Act 2015 (as amended).

Despite the ongoing processes, Prof. Ireeta reassured all stakeholders of the university’s commitment to establishing the Jinja campus. He acknowledged the legal requirements in acquiring public land and appealed for patience as the due process is followed.

“The city leadership has been steadfast in their support, and this collaboration will create a legacy of progress and opportunities for future generations,” he concluded.

Jinja city Speaker Bernard Mbayo confirmed to New Vision on Wednesday that the city council is working on drafting lease documents to formalise the land allocation.

Mbayo said that the university’s establishment would bring significant advantages, both economically and socially.

“The investment will likely triple the economy, which currently has a budget estimate of sh59B for the 2025/26 financial year,” he added.

Jinja city mayor Peter Kasolo also expressed strong support for the campus, noting that it would stimulate socioeconomic growth in the region. He highlighted that the campus would provide affordable education, boost local businesses, and contribute to the overall development of the city.

Currently, Makerere University is operating from rented premises in the National Water and Sewerage Corporation building.