National: A historic online meeting hosted by the local civil society group Empagi Za’ Bunyoro Kweteraniza (Pillars of Bunyoro Unity) sparked a passionate debate on January 10, 2025, regarding the long-delayed establishment of Bunyoro University.
The meeting brought together 638 participants from all nine districts of Bunyoro, who voiced their frustrations over the slow progress and political hurdles that have delayed the creation of the university.
The debate saw a strong disagreement between Hon. Angalia K Godwin, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Terego District, and Mr. Steven Birija Kazimura, the former Greater Masindi District Chairman.
Key speakers included a representative of the Bunyoro Kingdom, Dr. Wilson Kyamanywa (Chairman of the Bunyoro University Technical Committee), Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe of URDT, Dr. Paul Kyalimpa Amooti, Professor Grace Bantebya, Hon. MP Asinansi Nyakato Adyeeri, and various community leaders, all of whom discussed the university’s delayed establishment.
While the technical committee claimed to have made progress, including proposing a multi-campus model in collaboration with the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, many participants felt that political motives and internal leadership conflicts were hampering the university’s development.
Mr. Birija stressed that the primary issue was not merely about land and location, but about overcoming a deep-rooted identity crisis affecting the region.
He argued that the university should not be confined to urbanized areas like Hoima but should extend to more rural and underserved districts of Bunyoro, which are facing significant educational deficits.
Birija was critical of the views held by Hon. Angalia and others, dismissing them as politically motivated and lacking in true leadership.
In contrast, Hon. Angalia and other officials maintained that the government had already fulfilled its commitment by granting Bunyoro the university and allocating funds through a steering committee.
They suggested that internal squabbles within Bunyoro, rather than a lack of political will, were causing the delays. Angalia also pointed to the special nature of the university, emphasizing the need for more land and a baseline study to ensure its success.
Despite Angalia’s assurances, Birija and other participants voiced concerns about the repeated promises made by the government since 2007, which they felt had not been met. They urged the people of Bunyoro to stop being passive and to actively engage in shaping their future.
They argued that unity and collective action, not political infighting, would be key to achieving the long-awaited establishment of the university.
One of the most poignant reminders was from Dr. Kyalimpa, who highlighted the fact that Bunyoro, alongside Karamoja, is the only region without a public university, which significantly limits the region’s competitiveness and ability to develop. This educational gap must be addressed if Bunyoro is to realize its full potential in the modern, competitive world.
As the meeting concluded, there was a strong call for continued unity among the Banyoro to ensure that this issue remains a priority. Birija emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, urging people not to point fingers at leaders alone but to take an active role in the governance process.
He suggested that the community must demand their rights through active participation in civic matters.
Looking ahead, the establishment of Bunyoro University is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming 2026 elections. As the conversation intensifies, the Banyoro must work together to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met.
In the closing remarks, there was a unanimous agreement that the university’s establishment is not just about education—it is about reclaiming Bunyoro’s identity, fostering unity, and building a stronger, more productive society.
The leadership of Empagi Za’ Bunyoro Kweteraniza, under Mr. Dennis Kiiza, was commended for organizing this crucial discussion, and attendees called for more regular meetings to maintain momentum.
As the group plans to launch a baseline survey and mobilize resources for the education sector in Bunyoro, there is a growing sense of urgency for the region to unite and make the dream of Bunyoro University a reality. The voices of the Banyoro must rise above the noise and push for the respect and attention they deserve.
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