Busitema University starts mining degree

 BY FAUSTINE ODEKE    

Busitema University has started a Bachelor of Science in mining engineering degree, the first of its kind in Uganda. At least 28 pioneer students have so far been admitted to the four-year programme.

The public relations officer Peace Balala said the programme aims at equipping graduates with knowledge and practical skills to develop, implement and manage mining engineering projects.

Balala said the programme is to produce graduates who will ensure safe and economically sound exploitation of minerals and as well as solve complex mining engineering-related problems in both surface and underground mines.

She said the programme will largely facilitate the development of human resource to meet the workforce demand in the mining industry at national and regional levels. She added that in view of the rich mineral deposits across Uganda, the university will now play a pivotal role in building the needed capacity to exploit them.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Balala said the university has positioned itself to addressing problems of national, regional and global significance by embracing unique and relevant programmes and equipping students with knowledge and appropriate practical skills.

She said last year the university started another unique programme- the Bachelor of Science in water resource engineering. Other programmes being offered at the university include agriculture mechanization and irrigation engineering, agro-processing engineering, textile engineering, computer engineering, animal production and management.

Balala said the university is putting emphasis on programmes that are relevant to the needs of the country.  She appealed to the government to invest in the programmes offered by the university and called upon development partners to lend a hand since the university's programme requires heavy investment.