The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineers Brigade has officially handed over the newly refurbished facilities at Busoga University’s main campus, marking a major milestone in the journey to transform the institution into a fully operational public university.
The handover ceremony, held on July 20, was witnessed by Assistant Commissioner for the Construction Management Unit at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Eng. Asaph Abenaitwe, Bishop of the Central Busoga Diocese, Rt. Rev. Patrick Wakula, and other government and church leaders.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Eng. Abenaitwe confirmed that the UPDF Engineers Brigade had successfully completed the first phase of renovations, describing the project as a significant step toward the university’s development.
“Without infrastructure, you cannot do anything. This is what we had to begin with,” he said.
He commended the UPDF Engineers Brigade for exceeding the original scope of work after uncovering extensive structural deterioration during renovations, including the need to replace roofs after repairing floors and ceilings.
Funded by the Government of Uganda at a cost of nearly Shs4 billion, the first phase involved renovating the central teaching block, administration block, main library, law library, main hall, science and computer laboratories, primary education laboratory, sanitation facilities and other external works.
According to Abenaitwe, the completed phase focused on restoring the campus to a functional and habitable state. The next phase will prioritise paved walkways, additional teaching facilities and implementation of a comprehensive master plan aimed at expanding the university to international standards.
Presenting the completion report on behalf of Project Engineer Lt. Col. Peter Seku Kidemuka, Capt. Emmanuel Kidega said construction began in March 2025 despite challenges such as heavy rains, shortages of construction materials and the poor condition of the existing buildings.
He said the project was executed while maintaining high quality standards, occupational health and safety requirements and promoting community participation through the use of local labour.
“We execute these works with the ideology that we are building for ourselves and for the people of Uganda,” Kidega said.
The UPDF Engineers Brigade officially handed over the completion report, as-built drawings and building keys, marking the beginning of the defects liability period.
With the infrastructure now complete, attention has shifted to finalising the legal and administrative processes required for Busoga University to begin admitting students.
Bishop Patrick Wakula called on government officials, church leaders and political stakeholders to expedite the remaining formalities needed to operationalise the university, saying the people of Busoga have long prayed for a public university in the region.
He urged stakeholders not to delay the institution’s opening by comparing it with older, more established public universities.
“Every great university started somewhere. What matters is beginning and ensuring learners receive accredited education,” the Bishop said.
He further appealed for unity, warning against allowing political differences to derail the university’s progress, and praised leaders who have continued to support the project.
The Bishop also raised concerns over pending land matters, requesting early discussions on relocating the diocesan bishop’s residence, which lies outside the university’s surveyed land. With his retirement expected next year, he said the matter should be resolved well before the transition to avoid unnecessary complications.
Despite the outstanding administrative issues, Wakula maintained that launching the university should remain the foremost priority.
Busoga University Management Task Force Chairperson Prof. John Tabuti applauded President Yoweri Museveni, the Government of Uganda, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Education and Sports, the UPDF Engineers Brigade and the Church of Uganda for their collective support in transforming the former private institution into a public university.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that academic programmes will commence soon, expanding access to quality higher education and creating new opportunities for learners across the Busoga sub-region.
