Kyambogo university has announced two major development projects: a large-scale student accommodation complex and a multi-purpose sports complex with an integrated business center. Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, the Vice Chancellor of the the second biggest university in Uganda, Prof Eli Katunguka said that these initiatives aim to address the university’s critical housing shortage and provide much-needed recreational and sports facilities for both students and the surrounding community.
Development of Students’ Accommodation
With the current university accommodation only serving about 5% of its student body, a significant portion of the student population has been forced to live off-campus, often in substandard or expensive private hostels. “The proposed accommodation project will alleviate this issue by offering housing to 10,000 students, with options for both single and double occupancy” Prof Katunguka revealed.
“Designed to foster a comfortable and inclusive living environment, the hostels will feature modern amenities, including self-contained rooms, study areas, restaurants, cable TV, and high-speed internet. To ensure accessibility for all, the buildings will incorporate ramps, elevators, and specially designed rooms for students with disabilities. The project will also emphasize communal spaces to encourage social interaction and academic collaboration, supported by robust security measures.”
By offering on-campus accommodation, the university hopes to enhance the student experience, improve safety, and boost academic performance.
Multi-purpose Sports Complex with Business Centre
In addition to the housing initiative, Prof Katunguka remarked that the university will develop a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex. “This facility will cater to a wide range of sports, including basketball, volleyball, handball, swimming, and athletics, as well as provide spaces for entertainment and conferences. The indoor arena will have a seating capacity of 5,000, and the outdoor facilities will accommodate football and other sporting activities,” he said.
This complex is not only designed to enhance the physical well-being of students but also to serve as a hub for regional, national, and international sports events. The integration of a business center within the complex aims to provide retail spaces, restaurants, and other services, contributing to the local economy and offering students additional on-campus conveniences.
Why These Projects Are Critical
The university’s enrollment has been steadily increasing, resulting in a severe shortage of accommodation. Currently, only 3,911 students are housed in nearby private hostels, while the university halls accommodate 1,400 students. This leaves 27,689 students without university-provided housing.
Additionally, the university has long lacked appropriate indoor sports facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools. The new sports complex will address these gaps, providing students with the facilities they need to succeed both athletically and academically.
Project Site and Timeline
Both projects will be built on university-owned land, with the accommodation facility covering 20 acres and the sports complex taking up 11 acres. The site is located close to existing university infrastructure, including electricity, water, and fiber-optic connections, ensuring smooth development.
The university plans to execute these projects using a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The private developer will be responsible for the design, construction, financing, and operation of the facilities, while the university will provide the land and assist in securing necessary permits. At the end of the concession period, ownership of the facilities will be transferred back to the university.
Revenue Sources and Project Financing
To ensure financial viability, the university will generate revenue from several sources, including:
- Student accommodation fees
- Lease rentals from retail and commercial spaces such as dining halls, canteens, and laundry services
- User fees from sports club memberships, tournaments, and events
- Advertisements and naming rights within the sports complex
- Cafeteria and restaurant operations
