Busoga University is set to reopen in August, marking a new chapter for the institution after years of closure. This announcement was made by John Ochira, the Ministry of Education’s Assistant Commissioner in charge of university education and training.
The university’s provisional license was revoked by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in December 2016 due to various irregularities. At the time, Busoga University, which was under the management of Busoga Diocese, faced accusations of awarding fake degrees, employing unqualified academic staff, and accumulating significant debts, all in violation of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
The closure left the university in deep financial distress, unable to cover its operational costs. However, a turning point came in 2018 when President Yoweri Museveni pledged that the government would take over the institution, initiating a re-operationalization process.
In 2024, the university’s task force, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track the reopening process. During a verification exercise at the main campus in Iganga district on Tuesday, Ochira confirmed that the Church of Uganda had handed over 215 acres of land to the Ministry of Education for further development.
The verification exercise aims to assess the university’s existing physical infrastructure and outstanding liabilities before the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) engineering brigade steps in to refurbish the buildings and make them suitable for academic activities.
Ochira further revealed that the government has already cleared half of the Shillings 15.5 billion debt that the previously private university owed to various entities, ensuring smoother operations upon reopening. Additionally, preparations are underway to finalize an MoU with the UPDF engineering brigade, which is expected to commence renovation works within the next two weeks.
John Tabuti, Chairperson of the Busoga University task force, stated that efforts are being made to finalize academic programs, institutional policies, and designate buildings for lectures. The recruitment of qualified lecturers and support staff is also in progress to ensure the university functions effectively.
Kigulu South MP Milton Muwuma welcomed the reopening, emphasizing that it will not only enhance education in the region but also boost the local economy. He encouraged residents to take advantage of the university’s revival by investing in hostels, restaurants, salons, and other businesses to support students and staff.
With these developments, Busoga University is poised to regain its place as a key higher education institution in Uganda, offering new opportunities for students and the local community alike.
