President Yoweri Museveni has officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for Bunyoro University, stressing the importance of free education in government schools and tackling household poverty to enable ordinary children to access higher learning.
During the event in Kikuube District, the president urged leaders to fully implement Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to curb school dropouts, particularly among children from low-income families.
“Ensure that children in government schools receive free education and enforce it. Those who can afford private schools will send their children there, but those from disadvantaged backgrounds should not have any reason to drop out,” he emphasized.
He cautioned that without free education and economic stability at the household level, local students might miss out on opportunities at Bunyoro University.
“If families remain in poverty, children will abandon school. If they do not complete their primary and secondary education, who will enroll at this university? You might find that most students come from other regions while local children fail to qualify due to early dropouts. A university is not a marketplace; it requires an educational foundation,” he explained.
The president further underscored the necessity for families to support their children’s education beyond the limited government sponsorships available.
“Even when free education is implemented, only a select number of high-achieving students receive government sponsorships. The rest depend on family support, making it imperative to uplift household incomes,” he noted.
President Museveni also advised university planners to prioritize courses that enhance employment opportunities. He cited lessons from the establishment of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, where he insisted on launching with a medical program.
“A medical doctor will always find employment, whether locally or internationally. That is why Mbarara University started with medicine before introducing science education and ICT,” he explained.
He cautioned against promoting courses with limited job prospects, particularly for students from peasant families.
“It is unjust to educate a child from a poor household in fields such as conflict resolution while others pursue careers that guarantee employment. We need to be mindful of the courses we propose for our children,” he advised.
Reflecting on Uganda’s progress, President Museveni reminded leaders that when the NRM government assumed power, the country had only one public university, Makerere, which produced about 80 doctors annually.
“According to WHO, one doctor should cater to 500 people. With Uganda’s population at 46 million, we need more doctors,” he noted, reaffirming the government’s commitment to establishing public universities in all 18 zones of the country.
He also pointed out Uganda’s stability in contrast to neighboring countries facing turmoil, attributing it to the government’s strategic priorities.
“Some claim that NRM has sidelined them, but they fail to understand prioritization. During our struggle, we knew what to address first. With an improved economy today, we are expanding public universities as part of our agenda,” he said.
The president reassured Bunyoro that with petroleum revenues expected in the coming year, more development initiatives would be realized.
“There is a saying in Runyankore: ‘Engabo yakyeli togyihera mwana mubazi,’ meaning you don’t give a heavy shield to a weak child. We faced resistance when we launched Mbarara University, with critics urging us to strengthen Makerere instead. However, the concept of public universities is my initiative, and we shall continue expanding,” he asserted.
President Museveni commended the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, for her dedication to managing Uganda’s education sector.
The Education Minister, in turn, acknowledged key stakeholders, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, for their efforts in making Bunyoro University a reality.
“Your Excellency, stakeholders in Bunyoro have actively followed up on the development of a public university in the region, particularly in identifying suitable land for its establishment. I would like to extend special recognition to Canon Dr. Henry Wamani and his family for their generous contribution of 100 acres of land for the university campus,” she said.
She added that the groundbreaking ceremony symbolizes President Museveni’s vision of establishing a public university in each zone based on the former colonial districts.
“This vision is gradually being realized, one zone at a time, as resources allow. The establishment of a public university in Bunyoro will add to the existing ten public universities in Uganda,” the First Lady stated.
She revealed that the Ministry of Education and Sports has supported the initiative since July 2022, when a task force led by Professor Samuel Kyamanywa was formed.
“To date, the government has allocated UGX 6.4 billion to the initial phases of establishing a public university in the Bunyoro region,” she noted.
She further explained that these funds enabled the task force to develop 18 academic programs, all of which have been approved by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
“These programs, all science-based, have received approval from the NCHE, which ensures academic quality in all universities and tertiary institutions. However, the university must meet infrastructure and facility requirements to gain full accreditation as a public institution,” she elaborated.
She called on Bunyoro stakeholders to continue supporting the university’s establishment and ensure its success as a vital public asset in the region.
“The government has allocated UGX 15 billion this financial year for the university’s construction. I urge Professor Kyamanywa and his team to expedite the procurement process for a competent contractor to commence construction without delay.”
Professor Kyamanywa, chairperson of the Bunyoro University Task Force, described the university as a long-awaited development that will enhance higher education accessibility for learners in the region.
Kikuube District LC5 Chairperson, Peter Banura, emphasized the need for unity among Bunyoro’s leaders and urged them to support government initiatives regardless of personal differences.
