The 26th May has been a milestone for Uganda Christian University (UCU) especially the Kampala campus. A ground breaking ceremony was held today morning to commission the construction of the new campus premises to a new location. The event also acted as a fundraiser for the project.
The university recently acquired 2.5 acres of land from Eagle Nest Primary school at a whooping UGX. 3 billion, that was secured for the construction of the new campus. The campus is shifting from its rented premises in Mengo that it has rented for the past 15 years, to a new location, a few kilometers away.
The event that started at 10 am was also attended by Arch Bishop Stanley Ntagali, who serves as the Chancellor of UCU, Dr. John Miyingo, state minister for Higher Education, who represented the minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, and Justice James Ogoola, former principle judge among other guests.
The Chancellor and the minister led the gathering to a tree planting session that was proceeded by the commissioning ceremony where the duo laid the foundation stone, right in front of the location for the new building.
The Director of the campus, Rev. Kamukama Wilberforce stated that the current location is very small, making any expansion plans for the number of students being admitted very difficult. The campus has a small population of about 900 students, whose number also keeps on fluctuating. The cost of renting has also been very expensive.
“We appeal to general support not only in finances, but also for your sons and daughters to enrol in our campus” said Rev. Kamukama Wilberforce, the Director of the campus.
The idea behind the construction is to have the numbers and the size of the institution increased. The Vice Chancellor (VC) of UCU, Dr. John Senyonyi in his speech stated that the construction once completed is estimated to accommodate over 3000 students.
The construction of the new campus buildings will be done in 3 phases, with 3 buildings constructed at each phased. The first phase will see the building in the artistic impression constructed. The building which will have 2 floors, will contain a staff and guild offices, 18 lecture rooms, the chaplaincy, a library and a basement parking lot for 48 vehicles. A provision will be left for an additional 2 floors that will be added on at a later date.
The estimated cost for the project, the first phase is USD. 2.7 million, about UGX. 9.7 billion. The VC also urged the community to participate in any funding activities when called upon.
“I want to pray for your support ladies and gentlemen.” He also asked for government support in form of tax waivers for the construction.
In her speech first lady said that universities play a big role in the attainment of Uganda’s vision 2040, which can be done through effecting reforms in their curriculum to ensure that all universities offer higher quality education, and also offering quality programs relevant to the job market.
“I wish Uganda Christian University abundant success and God’s blessing in the construction of your Kampala campus”. She also pledged that the government and her department are willing to support the development efforts of the institute.
”It is my pleasure therefore to launch the fundraising drive for the construction of UCU Kampala campus” she added.
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