Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya has dismissed as false the social media claims that the institution is set to be closed or transformed, telling journalists at a press briefing that critics are simply targeting a university that is performing well.
“When you are doing a good job, you are often attacked by people who are envious or competitive. But we remain focused. We are operating normally and continuing with our academic work,” Prof. Katunguka told the media.
He was categorical that no such move exists, adding, “There has been no discussion to close the university.”
Turning to the public, the Vice Chancellor said, “The university urges the public to disregard the false information circulating online.”
He went on to detail exactly how normal operations at Kyambogo currently look. “Kyambogo University is operating normally. Our students are currently in industrial training in the field, and we have completed admissions for various programmes,” he said.
The closure claims trace back to a widely circulated post on X, with some versions attributed to Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, suggesting the institution would be shut down and converted into a military facility. The post sparked concern among students and parents, particularly because previous posts from the same account have, on some occasions, preceded actual government announcements or policy actions.
As of the time the story broke, no government agency had officially commented on or distanced itself from the viral post, which only added to the anxiety circulating on student platforms.
Prof. Katunguka’s clarification is consistent with statements he has issued through official university channels, where he has stressed that Kyambogo University remains open and vibrant and is actively preparing for the upcoming academic year, with first year students expected to report on August 1 and continuing students reporting on August 8 for the start of the new semester.
It is also worth noting that under Ugandan law, the dissolution of a public university is a formal legal process that cannot be effected through a social media post or an administrative directive. Any move to close or restructure a chartered public university would require formal government and legislative action, not a viral announcement.
Kyambogo University Guild President Edward Agaba said the viral post had triggered anxiety across student platforms, and that student leadership would now share the Vice Chancellor’s clarification widely to calm the situation.
With industrial training ongoing for continuing students and admissions for the new intake already completed, Kyambogo University’s leadership is projecting business as usual heading into the new academic year. Students, parents, and prospective applicants are advised to rely only on official university channels, including statements from the Vice Chancellor’s office and the Academic Registrar, rather than unverified social media posts, for accurate information on the state of the institution.
CampusBee will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they emerge.
