The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has handed over the refurbished Busoga University facilities to the Ministry of Education and Sports, marking a major milestone in the government's efforts to operationalize the institution as a public university serving the Busoga sub-region.
The handover ceremony took place on 20 July 2026 at the university's main campus in Iganga District following the completion of extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation works funded by the Government of Uganda.
The renovation project, valued at approximately Shs3.7 billion, involved the refurbishment and re-roofing of nearly 11 buildings across the campus.
The works covered key infrastructure, including the central teaching block, administration block, libraries, science laboratories and other essential academic facilities.
The handover was witnessed by Engineer Asaph Abenaitwe, the Assistant Commissioner for Construction Management at the Ministry of Education and Sports, who represented the government during the exercise.
The refurbishment forms part of the government's broader plan to transform the formerly private, church-founded institution into a fully-fledged public university to expand access to higher education in eastern Uganda.
The upgraded facilities are expected to provide a conducive learning environment as the university prepares to resume full academic operations.
The project also highlights the growing role of the UPDF Engineering Brigade in delivering strategic national infrastructure projects across the country, including education, health and public service facilities.
The Chairperson of the Busoga University Task Force, Prof. John Robert Tabuti said the completion of the renovation paves the way for the next phase of operationalization, including student admissions, staffing and the rollout of academic programmes.
The transformation of Busoga University into a public institution is expected to increase access to university education for students from Busoga and neighbouring regions while supporting skills development and socio-economic growth.
