The recent transfer of Busoga University from the Church of Uganda to the Ministry of Education and Sports represents a pivotal moment in the advancement of higher education in Busoga region. This transformation from a private institution to a public university is anticipated to expand educational access and drive regional development.
On December 17, 2024, a formal ceremony at Nakasero State Lodge saw Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kazimba officially hand over ownership of Busoga University to First Lady Janet Museveni, who serves as Minister of Education and Sports.
The handover included critical documents such as a 215.4-acre land title, a memorandum of agreement between the involved parties, and an Auditor General’s report detailing the university’s assets and liabilities.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including high-ranking government officials such as First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, alongside various ministers and representatives from local governments. Their presence underscored the importance of this transition for the region.
In her remarks, the First Lady expressed profound gratitude to the church for their generous donation of land for the university’s establishment.
She emphasized that this transition is not just a formality but a commitment to creating a world-class public university that will serve as a beacon of hope for higher education in Busoga. The First Lady noted that this initiative follows widespread appeals from stakeholders after the National Council for Higher Education revoked the university’s provisional license in 2017 due to various challenges.
She acknowledged the financial hurdles faced by the institution, revealing that out of UGX 15.2 billion in verified liabilities, only UGX 7.05 billion remains unsettled. She assured stakeholders that the government is dedicated to resolving these issues promptly.
Archbishop Kazimba articulated the vision for Busoga University that aligns with both national priorities and church values, emphasizing academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. He called for ongoing church representation on the University Council to ensure that its founding principles are upheld throughout this transition.
Canon Edward Gaamuwa, representing Busoga University Limited, reflected on the institution’s journey since its founding in 1993 and highlighted the need for clarity regarding students who have not graduated since 2018. This concern underscores the urgency of addressing outstanding issues as part of the transition process.
To oversee this significant transition, the First Lady appointed a Task Force Management Committee chaired by Prof. John Robert Tabuti. This committee is tasked with ensuring that the transition is smooth and that all stakeholders are engaged throughout the process.
All involved parties in building Busoga University have been urged to ensure integrity and excellence and to foster a collaborative environment as they move forward.
