Kyambogo University has defied a directive from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to close five study centers across Uganda.
Last month, NCHE’s letter from Executive Director Prof. Mary Okwakol called for the closure of centers in Soroti, Bushenyi, Masindi, Butebo, and Bukedea, labeling them “illegal” and unapproved.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka has dismissed this directive, asserting the centers’ legality and importance.
He stated, “These centers are not going to close. They will continue to operate and offer their programs.”
He emphasized that the university’s operations comply with the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, which supports in-service and pre-service teacher training.
The centers, initially part of the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo, provide crucial training to upgrade Grade III teachers to Grade V, as mandated by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Prof. Katunguka noted the Ministry’s request for Kyambogo to continue these programs until new regulatory bodies are operational.
Despite NCHE’s stance that unapproved centers’ qualifications are not recognized, Prof. Katunguka reiterated the centers’ accreditation and the university’s commitment to quality education.
This defiance comes amid Kyambogo’s appeal to the government to address severe understaffing, with current staff levels at only 31% of the required number.
