Pallisa, Uganda: The top management of Busitema University has raised alarm over severe infrastructure shortages at its upcountry campuses, warning that inadequate facilities are threatening teaching, learning and staff welfare despite rapidly rising student enrolment.
The concerns emerged during a fact-finding tour led by University Council Chairperson William Bayezo and new Chancellor Badru Kiggundu, which covered Namasagali and Pallisa campuses, with Arapai in Soroti next on the itinerary.
Prof. Bayezo said while government policy to decentralise public universities has delivered clear socio-economic benefits, decongesting Kampala institutions, creating jobs and boosting local markets, the physical capacity of satellite campuses has not kept pace with demand.
“There is insufficient space for lecture rooms, offices, libraries, laboratories and accommodation for both staff and students,” Bayezo said, noting that even when funds are available, suitable rental facilities are scarce, particularly in Namasagali. Pallisa, he added, is only slightly better due to its proximity to town.
Chancellor Kiggundu said the infrastructure strain contrasts sharply with strong growth in enrolment. He cited Pallisa Campus, which grew from 38 students at inception in 2014 to about 650 learners today, including a growing number enrolled in postgraduate programmes.
“This challenge is not unique to Busitema,” Kiggundu said, urging patience with government processes while encouraging management to actively follow up on funding approvals slowed by procurement backlogs at the Solicitor General and Auditor General’s offices.
While Kiggundu commended Pallisa District Local Government for allocating 20 acres of land and handing over former sub-county facilities to the university, he questioned delays in utilising funds already released for construction.
“Shs1.2 billion meant to complete the ground floor is already in the account, with Shs700 million earlier spent on the foundation, yet the structure remains at slab level,” he said. “My concern is the losses incurred as money sits idle—who accounts for that?”
Call for partnerships and innovation
To ease pressure, university leaders called for partnerships with private investors to develop hostels and other support infrastructure.
Kiggundu also urged campus administrators to establish income-generating projects such as recreational facilities and hotel units, especially given the presence of hospitality-related programmes.
Dean Abbey Kalenzi told the delegation that staffing remains stretched, with 17 of the 26 teaching staff at Pallisa Campus serving as part-timers.
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