Museveni breaks ground for establishment of Bunyoro University

Hoima, (UG):– President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni Wednesday participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for Bunyoro University in Buhimba, Hoima City, a fulfilment of the NRM government’s pledge to have a public university in every subregion of the country.

The President expressed gratitude to Canon Dr. Henry Wamani and his family for their patriotic donation of 100 acres for the university’s establishment.

“Maama Janet and I joined other leaders and the people of Bunyoro for the groundbreaking ceremony of Bunyoro Public University in Buhimba. I thank Canon Dr Henry Wamani and his family for their patriotic sacrifice of donating the 100 acres to build the university,” Museveni posted Wednesday evening on his official X account.

The President, however, challenged the people of Bunyoro to ensure their children’s access to the upcoming institution by addressing school fees barriers. He urged the enforcement of free education in government schools, stating, “Insist on free education for children in government schools and implement it.”

Mr Museveni highlighted that while wealthier families might opt for private schooling, those from poorer backgrounds should not face obstacles to education. “The rich can take their children to private schools, but those from poor families should have no excuse for dropping out.”

He warned that without addressing these issues, local children might not benefit from the new university, leading to enrollment from other regions. “If families are still poor, children will drop out of school. If they drop out, who will attend this university? You will find students from other regions because local children didn’t complete primary or secondary education,” Museveni stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of Bunyoro Public University comes amidst hurdles that have hampered the progress of this multi-billion project, including political interference and land acquisition disputes.

In 2021, President Yoweri Museveni directed the education ministry to establish and operationalise a public university in Bunyoro region.

In June 2022, the First Lady who is also the Minister of Education and Sports appointed a six-member Taskforce Management Committee to oversee the university’s establishment. The committee was inaugurated in August 2022.

However, funding has been stalled due to a controversial land deal, prompting the Education Committee to urge expedited land procurement to ensure the university’s inclusion in the 2025/26 budget.

In January this year, MPs discouraged the government from acquiring land from Cano Dr Henry Wamani for the establishment of the university at a whopping Shs4.9 billion. Despite these setbacks, stakeholders remain committed to realizing the university.

The Minister for Finance, Hon Matia Kasaija recently announced that the government had allocated a 22 billion shilling funding to initiate the establishment of both Bunyoro and Busoga universities.

While Busoga University has received parliamentary approval, Bunyoro University awaits an Act of Parliament to support its implementation.