Govt hands over refurbished Busoga University structures
The phase one project, funded by the Government of Uganda with an investment of close to sh4b for the facelift, involved renovating key facilities including the central teaching block, administration block, main library, law library, main hall, science and computer laboratories, primary education lab, toilets, and associated external works.
One of the refurbished premises at Busoga University. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)
__________________
IGANGA — The UPDF Engineers Brigade of the Uganda People's Defence Forces have unveiled the newly refurbished facilities of Busoga University main campus.
The handover on July 20, was witnessed by Engineer Asaph Abenaitwe, the Assistant Commissioner, Construction Management Unit in the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Bishop of the Central Busoga Diocese, Patrick Wakula, among other dignitaries.
On behalf of the Ministry, he confirmed that the UPDF Engineers Brigade had successfully completed the works, describing the project as a significant milestone in the university’s development.
“Without infrastructure, you cannot do anything. This is what we had to begin with,” Abenaitwe stated.
He praised the contractor for delivering nearly double the original scope of work due to unforeseen structural issues uncovered during renovations, such as the need to re-roof buildings after addressing floors and ceilings.
The phase one project, funded by the Government of Uganda with an investment of close to sh4b for the facelift, involved renovating key facilities including the central teaching block, administration block, main library, law library, main hall, science and computer laboratories, primary education lab, toilets, and associated external works.
Eng. Asha Arinda (C) from the Ministry of Works leading stakeholders in inspecting the refurbished premises at Busoga University on July 20. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)
Phase Two will prioritise urgent items such as paved walkways and additional teaching spaces, with a comprehensive master plan underway to guide long-term expansion toward international recognition.
Capt. Emmanuel Kidega, representing Project Engineer Lt Col. Peter Seku Kidemuka of the UPDF Engineers Brigade, delivered a detailed completion report.
He revealed that work commenced in March 2025, and the team overcame challenges including heavy rains, material scarcity, and the extent of deterioration in existing structures.
Kidega emphasised adherence to quality standards, occupational health and safety protocols, and community involvement through local labour.
“We execute these works with the ideology that we are building for ourselves and for the people of Uganda,” Kidega said, thanking supervisors and stakeholders for collaborative guidance.
The handover included a completion report, as-built drawings, and keys to the buildings, initiating the defects liability period.
The handover of the renovated structures signals that the physical infrastructure is now ready while administrative and legal processes are being finalised for the university’s full operationalisation.
At the events, Bishop Wakula, called on government authorities, church leaders, and local political figures to fast-track the formalisation processes necessary for the operationalisation of Busoga University.
The prelate urged stakeholders to work with urgency to ensure the institution opens its doors to students without further delay.
"Even those that have reached 100% began with one. We are not in a moment of comparing structures from Muni, Soroti, or Mbarara University. What is important is beginning, whether from a mango tree, as long as the document received is accredited," the Bishop stated, highlighting that the outcome and accredited output of education matter far more than initial infrastructure hurdles.
While acknowledging the political landscape, Wakula called for unity and warned against allowing partisan politics to delay the university’s progress.
He praised local leaders for their positive stance and stressed that development in Busoga should not be chained to some political situation.
A key concern raised by the Bishop was the formalisation of land matters. With his retirement scheduled for May next year, he appealed for early engagement on the relocation of the bishop’s residence, which lies outside the currently mutated university land.
He noted he is expected to vacate the residence by September to allow renovations and urged that discussions begin as soon as possible—ideally before January, to avoid any perception of personal benefit during the election and consecration period for his successor.
Despite these administrative details, Bishop Wakula made it clear that the university’s launch remains the priority.
Prof. John Tabuti, Chairman of the Busoga University Management Task Force, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni, the Government of Uganda, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, area Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the contractor, and the Church of Uganda.
He highlighted the collaborative effort in transforming the former private institution into a public university serving the Busoga sub-region.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that academic activities could commence in the near future, enhancing access to higher education in the Busoga region.