By Kenneth Wamatoyi
IGANGA
The Ministry of Education and Sports has announced that renovation works at Busoga University will be completed by the end of June 2025, with the project expected to take just three months.
This was disclosed during the groundbreaking ceremony held at the university premises in Buwoya Village, CMS Parish, Bulamagi Sub-county, Iganga District on 30th April 2025. The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, members of the Busoga University Taskforce, local leaders, and members of the community.
Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, stated that the university will reopen for operations in August 2025 upon completion of renovations. She urged the local community to prioritize high standards in primary and secondary education to ensure students qualify for university admission.
Dr. Kaducu commended the UPDF engineering brigade for taking on the construction works, expressing gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his continued support in uplifting education in the country. She emphasized that the establishment and revival of the university represents a strong commitment to shaping the future of education in the Busoga region.
She called on the community to let this groundbreaking serve as a legacy—where education opens doors and every student who steps into the university finds opportunity and brightness. She envisioned a future where the university plays a key role in sectors such as agriculture and public health, producing graduates capable of providing innovative solutions and improving societal well-being.
Dr. Kaducu also applauded the university leadership for their tireless efforts in reviving the institution, calling it a powerful investment in future generations.
Third Deputy Prime Minister and Mayuge District Woman MP, Hajat Rukiya Isanga Nakadama, praised the government for establishing a public university that will create employment and enhance educational access across the Busoga sub-region.
Prof. John Tabuti, Chairperson of the University Taskforce, appreciated the Ministry and other stakeholders for their commitment and effective coordination to ensure the project’s success.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, reiterated that the ministry’s Vision 2040 aims to transform Uganda from a peasant economy into a modern and prosperous nation through quality education. She stated, “The greatest pillar of transformation is quality education at all levels. Today, we renew our commitment to strengthening institutions of higher learning not only in eastern Uganda but nationwide.”
She emphasized that Busoga University, now a public institution, is part of a broader government objective to bring education closer to communities. The renovation works, which will be executed by the UPDF engineering brigade, will cost UGX 3.7 billion. The brigade is known for delivering high-quality work.
The ministry’s mission is to provide quality education, training, and sports for all, based on the belief that every child born in Uganda matters. The revival of Busoga University aligns with national development plans and the vision for regional and national transformation.
The university is expected to start admitting students in August 2025 under various academic programs.
Kigulu South MP, Milton Muwuma, expressed joy over the progress, noting that the local community is already benefiting economically through the purchase of construction materials from nearby suppliers. He highlighted that the restoration of Busoga University will boost not only educational services but also stimulate the local economy. Muwuma encouraged residents to build hostels, open restaurants, salons, and other businesses to capitalize on the opportunity.
However, it is worth recalling that in December 2016, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) revoked Busoga University’s provisional license. The institution, which had been operating since 1998 under the ownership of the Busoga Diocese, was accused of multiple irregularities. These included awarding fake degrees, recruiting unqualified academic staff, and amassing large debts—violations of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act. Over 1,000 degrees were canceled as a result, and the university lacked sufficient funds to continue operations.
