The Church of Uganda has officially handed over Busoga University to the government, marking a significant milestone in the development of higher education in Uganda.
The ceremony, held at Nakasero State Lodge on Tuesday, saw the Church formally transfer the institution to the Ministry of Education and Sports. The move paves the way for the establishment of a public university in the Busoga region.
Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba of the Church of Uganda handed over the university’s 215.4-acre land title, along with a memorandum of understanding and the Auditor General’s report, to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
The event was graced by several high-profile officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, and ministers Matia Kasaija (Finance), Jacob Oboth Oboth (Defence), Kiryowa Kiwanuka (Attorney General), and JC Muyingo (Higher Education).
Other notable attendees were the Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Bishop Hannington Suubi of East Busoga Diocese, Bishop Patrick Wakhula of Central Busoga Diocese, and Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda.
Members of Parliament, including Iddi Isabirye (Busoga Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson) and James Kubeketerya (Chairperson, Parliament’s Education and Sports Committee), also attended, alongside representatives from local governments, the UPDF, and the Uganda Police Force.
In her remarks, Mrs. Museveni thanked the Church of Uganda for donating the land to facilitate the university’s establishment. She highlighted the significance of this development for the Busoga region, calling it “a turning point for higher education and regional development.”
She acknowledged the challenges that arose after the National Council for Higher Education revoked Busoga University’s provisional license in 2017 but praised the government’s responsiveness.
The First Lady revealed that the government had addressed most of the institution’s inherited liabilities.
“Out of Shs 15.2 billion verified liabilities, only Shs 7.05 billion remains unpaid, and we are committed to clearing it soon,” she said.
She transferred the university’s management to the Task Force Management Committee, chaired by Prof. Tabuti John Robert, and urged the committee to expedite the transition process while ensuring stakeholder cooperation.
Archbishop Kaziimba expressed gratitude to President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to take over Busoga University, adding that this transition had broad support from the Church and community.
“This university should be a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, aligning with national and Church values of service, justice, and the common good,” Kaziimba said.
He also requested permanent Church representation on the University Council and asked the government to expedite the resolution of liabilities and compensation for verified assets.
Canon Edward Gaamuwa, representing Busoga University Limited, reflected on the institution’s journey since its founding by the late Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze in 1993. He urged the government to resolve outstanding issues, including the status of students who have not graduated since 2018.
Prof. Tabuti pledged to work closely with all parties to achieve a seamless transition and maintain the Church of Uganda’s involvement in the university’s governance.
First Lady Janet Museveni, quoting Isaiah 58:12, called on stakeholders to build the university with integrity and excellence.
The government has promised to improve the institution’s infrastructure to meet public university standards, ensuring the Busoga region reaps the benefits of this landmark development.
