AfDB commends Busitema University for implementing the HEST project

The African Development Bank (ADB) Executive Director, Dr. Nyamajeje Caleb Weggoro, has commended Busitema University for implementing the Higher Education Science and Technology (HEST) project funded by the Bank

Dr. Weggoro was on Tuesday meeting the Management of the University during his visit to review progress of implementation of the HEST project.

The meeting was preceded by a tour of the HEST infrastructural capacity building projects which included the Library, the lecture and laboratory complex and the central mechanical workshop which will also serve as a technical business innovations and incubation center.

 He stated that the Bank will continue supporting higher education "because higher education is critical for development, science, technology, innovation, vocational training and skills development which are important for increasing Africa's competitiveness".

Highlighting the Bank's priorities, Weggoro revealed that the Bank had come up with a strategy to promote socio economic transformation of Africa 2022 - 2030.

The strategy has five key priorities, namely "Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa and; Improve quality of life of the people of Africa".

He affirmed that the Bank will continue to support member countries mainly in education, agriculture and health, sectors that are regarded as key in propelling Africa from where it is. He therefore called upon the University to join hands with the bank in promoting an approach that is all round in vocational, scientific research and enhancing employability.

Busitema University is benefitting from USD 12 million under the HEST project. Other benefitting institutions include Makerere, Kyambogo, Gulu, and Muni Universities as well as Uganda Management Institute and Makerere University Business School. The project was launched at Busitema University on October 23, 2013, by H.E. the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi..

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Mary Okwakol, hailed government of Uganda and the African Development Bank for the support to the University.

She highlighted achievements in implementation of the project by the University which included; construction of a Laboratory block at Nagongera campus, construction of a Laboratory and lecture complex, and a Library block at Busitema campus, training of 15 Phd and 3 Master students, sponsorship of 28 undergraduate and 13 Master students, internship placement for 112 undergraduate students and connection of the Local Area Network, among others. 

Okwakol said that the HEST project will go a long way in strengthening the University's capacity to effectively implement its core functions of teaching and learning, research and community engagement as well as consolidate the University's partnerships with industry.

 The meeting was attended by ADB Advisor Amos Kipronoh Cheptoo, the ADB Task Manager for the Project Dr. Peter Ogwang Ogwal, and the National Project Coordinator Sebastian Omeke.