The construction of Bunyoro University will soon commence following the approval of architectural designs and the UPDF Engineering Brigade lined up to undertake the first phase of the project.
The revelation was made by the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang said that Shs4 billion has been allocated in the current financial year to start construction of a multipurpose building.
“We plan to start the phase with the available resources as we mobilise for additional funds. Government remains committed to the establishment of Bunyoro University,” Ogwang said during the sitting of the House on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Ogwang’s pronouncement followed a motion moved by Hoima City Woman Representative Asinansi Nyakato calling for establishment of the university.
He said the first phase of infrastructure development requires Shs177.5 billion, leaving a substantial funding shortfall. The minister added that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has been engaged to mobilise additional resources for the project.
Ogwang added that the government is finalising a memorandum of understanding with the UPDF Engineering Brigade to allow construction to commence.
Nyakato said the establishment of Bunyoro Public University was long overdue, despite repeated government commitments. She added that that the continued delays have denied residents equitable access to affordable university education.
“Establishment of the university constitutes both a matter of regional equity, skills development and qualification attainment for Uganda’s oil and gas sector development and broader industrialization,” Nyakato said.
She said the university will provide relevant technical and professional training, support research and innovation and prepare the locals participate in the oil economy.
Bugangaizi East County MP, Hon. Onesimus Twinamasiko supported the proposed focus on engineering, science and other programmes relevant to the emerging oil industry saying this will be both timely and beneficial.
Hoima West Division MP, Hon. Ismail Kasule described the establishment of the university as a matter of equity noting that Bunyoro comprises 13 districts but does not have a public university.
Hon. Jane Avur Pacuto (NRM, Pakwach Woman MP) asked the government to incorporate the university firmly into the National Development Plan saying it will create employment, strengthen human-capital development and expand the national tax base.
“In the National Development Plan IV, government is focusing on human development and the university should be one of the outputs. We have been talking about how we are grappling with unemployment, through this university many people will be employed,” Pacuto said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.