MPs want Bunyoro public university fast-tracked
Nyakato Asinansi, the woman representative for Hoima City, moved a motion on August 26, 2026, urging the Government to table before Parliament a statutory instrument establishing the university.
Asinansi Nyakato, the woman representative for Hoima City, moved a motion on August 26, 2026. (Credit: Parliament)
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Members of Parliament have urged the Government to fast-track the establishment of Bunyoro public university, saying the absence of a public university in the sub-region is limiting access to higher education and opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
Asinansi Nyakato, the woman representative for Hoima City, moved a motion on August 26, 2026, urging the Government to table before Parliament a statutory instrument establishing the university.
The motion seeks a clear roadmap for establishing the institution, a dedicated budget vote and accountability for funds released towards the project.
Asinansi said the university is needed to address disparities in access to higher education and equip young people in Bunyoro with skills required to participate in the region's economic transformation.
The motion notes that the Government committed itself in 2001 to establishing a public university in Bunyoro to address imbalances in access to higher education.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed university took place in March 2025 in Kikuube district, according to the motion. Despite budget allocations, including about sh14 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, the motion states that no tangible construction works had commenced.
The motion cites the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, which puts Bunyoro's population at 2,792,123 people. It states that only 3.4% of people aged 10 years and above in the sub-region had attained higher and tertiary education.
The proposed university would serve Hoima city, Hoima, Kakumiro, Masindi, Kibaale, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Kagadi and Kikuube districts, as well as Masindi municipality. It would draw students from neighbouring Kiboga, Kyankwanzi and Mubende districts.
The motion argues that the absence of a public university constrains skills development and qualification attainment, particularly at a time when Bunyoro is emerging as a major centre for oil and gas activities, industrialisation and wider economic transformation.
Onesmus Twinamasiko (Bugangaizi East County, NRM) said Bunyoro remains disadvantaged compared with other regions that possess universities.
Ismail Kasule (Hoima West Division, ANT) said establishing the university closer to learners would reduce the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education outside the region.
He said the university would “help lower the cost of education” by bringing higher education closer to the people.
Under the motion, Parliament would urge the Government, through the Minister responsible for Education and Sports, to fast-track the university's establishment in accordance with Section 22 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
The law provides for the establishment of a public university by statutory instrument, on the recommendation of the National Council for Higher Education and by resolution of Parliament. The Council is required to register the university within 30 days of the instrument's gazettement and to ensure the constitution of its University Council within six months.
The motion calls for Government to provide an immediate roadmap and budget for the university and account for funds released towards its establishment.
Asinansi said the university is a matter of regional equity, skills development and qualification attainment, with the potential to support Uganda's oil and gas sector, industrialisation and the country's Vision 2040 goals.