The Church of Uganda has handed over Busoga University to the Government of Uganda as part of the process to transform the private institution into a public university in Busoga region.
At a ceremony held at Nakasero State Lodge on Tuesday 17th December 2024, Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kazimba of the Church of Uganda officially transferred the university’s 215.4-acre land title and assets to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. The handover included a Memorandum of Agreement and an Auditor General’s report detailing the university’s verified assets and liabilities.
Janet Museveni hailed the handover as a milestone for higher education in the region, stating, “We thank God for how far He has brought us in the process of establishing a public university in Busoga. This is the beginning of a new chapter for the people of this region.”
She acknowledged the government’s intervention after the National Council for Higher Education revoked Busoga University’s provisional license in 2017 due to management challenges. The First Lady added that the government has settled most of the institution’s inherited liabilities, reducing the debt from UGX 15.2 billion to UGX 7.05 billion, which will be cleared soon.
“With the land now in government hands, we expect to expedite infrastructure improvements to meet university standards,” Museveni said. She also tasked the newly formed Task Force Management Committee with overseeing the establishment of the public university and urged stakeholders to cooperate in the process.
Archbishop Kazimba expressed gratitude to President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to transform the university into a public institution. He emphasized the Church’s commitment to values of service and community transformation, adding, “We envision a university that is not only a center of learning but also a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement.”
Kazimba called for the Church of Uganda to retain permanent representation on the university’s council and urged the government to resolve outstanding liabilities and compensate for verified assets.
Canon Edward Gaamuwa, representing Busoga University Limited, reflected on the institution’s origins under the late Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze. He recounted how it was established in 1993 and began admitting students in 1999 after receiving its Tertiary Institution License.
Gaamuwa urged the government to clarify the status of students who have been unable to graduate since 2018 due to the institution’s challenges.
Prof. John Robert Tabuti, Chairperson of the Task Force Management Committee, commended stakeholders for their role in the transition and expressed hope for the Church’s continued involvement.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, and various Cabinet Ministers. Local leaders, MPs, and representatives from the Church of Uganda, Busoga Kingdom, and other entities also witnessed the event.
The government’s move to establish a public university in Busoga is expected to provide access to affordable, quality education and contribute to the region’s socio-economic development.
