Zombo, Uganda: Kyambogo University has intensified preparations for the 2026/27 academic year at its Paidha Campus by introducing three new undergraduate programmes as it anticipates increased student enrollment when admissions open in August.
The developments were announced during a benchmark visit that brought together staff from Kyambogo University’s Paidha, Soroti and Bushenyi campuses, culminating in a corporate football match with Zombo District officials at Bar Okoro Stadium in Paidha Town Council.
Situated on more than 80 hectares of land, the Paidha Campus is expected to play a key role in expanding access to higher education in the West Nile sub-region.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Stephen Kasumba, Director of the Institute of Distance Education, E-Learning and Learning Centres at Kyambogo University, said the inclusion of staff from Soroti and Bushenyi campuses was intended to familiarize them with the new campus as the university prepares for future staff deployments.
“The inclusion of staff from Soroti and Bushenyi campuses was mainly a benchmark visit to familiarise them with the new centre, as some may be transferred here in the near future,” Dr. Kasumba said.
He announced that the campus will introduce three new degree programmes during the forthcoming academic year, namely Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Vocational Agriculture with Education.
According to Dr. Kasumba, the programmes are part of the university’s broader strategy to expand academic opportunities and respond to the growing demand for higher education in the region.
Dr. Joseph Rwothomio, the focal person for Kyambogo University Paidha Campus and Acting Head of the Department of Education, said the newly introduced programmes will be offered on a full-time basis.
He revealed that the campus currently has 450 enrolled students, with about 100 new students already admitted ahead of the next intake.
Rwothomio welcomed the increasing number of academic staff joining the campus and encouraged lecturers who are still pursuing postgraduate qualifications to complete their studies.
He added that the university intends to prioritise qualified professionals from the local community during future recruitment as the campus continues to expand.
“We encourage those who are still upgrading with a second degree to complete their studies and join the teaching fraternity because priority will be given to qualified people from the local community,” he said.
Kyambogo University established the Paidha Campus in 2024, initially offering in-service teacher training programmes leading to Diploma in Secondary Education and Diploma in Primary Education.
University officials say the expansion into degree programmes marks another milestone in strengthening access to quality university education in the West Nile region while supporting government’s agenda of increasing higher education opportunities outside major urban centres.
The benchmark visit also provided staff from different campuses with an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen collaboration and assess the campus’s readiness ahead of the new academic year.
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