Bunyoro MPs challenged to push for university construction funds
He also encouraged parents to educate their children, observing that institutions such as Kyema and Nyabyeya Forestry College often serve students from outside the region more than local residents.
Hoima: Members of Parliament from the Bunyoro sub-region have been urged to advocate for funding in the national budget to support the construction of Bunyoro University.
The appeal was made during a recent one-day stakeholder meeting held at Kabalega Resort Hotel, where Professor Samuel Kyamanywa, Chairperson of the university committee, asked MPs to mobilize support from fellow legislators across other regions to secure adequate budget allocations.
Prof. Kyamanywa said plans had been made to commence construction works in April, with the aim of completing the project by October 2027 to allow student enrollment.
However, due to insufficient funding, the project has stalled. He called on MPs to push for an increase in the education budget and ensure a portion is allocated specifically to Bunyoro University.
He noted that all preparations are complete, but the task force lacks funds to begin constructing at least four buildings at the university’s main campus in Buhimba, Kikuube District. Of the UGX 100 billion required for the project, 95% will be spent on construction, while 5 percent will cover administrative costs.
Currently, UGX 14 billion has been allocated to the university in the current financial year, with UGX 12 billion earmarked for laying the foundation of the buildings, possibly by April.
John Ochira Pakony, Assistant Commissioner for University Education and Sports representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, said the ministry is considering either the UPDF Engineering Brigade or the National Enterprise Corporation to undertake the construction works.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, MP for Bujenje County in Masindi District, said the absence of a public university has long been a challenge for the Bunyoro sub-region and urged fellow MPs to support the initiative, noting that substantial funding is required.
He also encouraged parents to educate their children, observing that institutions such as Kyema and Nyabyeya Forestry College often serve students from outside the region more than local residents.
Pius Wakabi, MP for Bugahya County in Hoima District, attributed delays in establishing the university partly to disagreements among MPs from the region but said unity now prevails and pledged his full support.
Other leaders, including Steven Aseera Itaza, MP for Buhaguzi East, and Peter Banura, LCV Chairperson of Kikuube District, called on stakeholders to support the project and maintain a positive mindset.
Jacob Karubanga, MP for Kibanda South County and Chairperson of the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, who represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, said all necessary groundwork for the university has been completed, and what remains is the start of construction. He explained that leaders preferred establishing permanent infrastructure rather than operating from rented premises and asked the public to remain patient.
Dr. Fred Kabagambe Kalisa, Chairperson of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Royal Commission, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for the university, noting that its establishment has been a long-standing wish of the King since 2009.
At least seven MPs from across the region attended the meeting, including Dr. Patrick Mwesigwa Isingoma MP for Hoima East, Dr. Joseph Ruyonga MP for Hoima West, Dr. Emily Kugonza MP for Buyanja, Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha MP for Bujenje, Pius Wakabi MP for Bugahya, and Steven Aseera MP for Buhaguzi East.
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