Busoga University Set for Full Reopening as Public Institution After Shs3.7 Billion Renovation

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has officially handed over a fully refurbished Busoga University campus to the Ministry of Education and Sports, paving the way for the institution’s transition into a fully operational public university.

The handover ceremony took place on July 20, 2026, at the university’s main campus in Iganga District. The Shs3.7 billion government-funded project involved extensive rehabilitation works, including the re-roofing and refurbishment of nearly 11 key buildings across the campus.

This major upgrade marks a significant milestone in the government’s plan to establish Busoga University as a public institution serving the Busoga sub-region and beyond. The renovations are expected to improve teaching and learning infrastructure, enabling the university to admit students and roll out academic programmes in the near future.Prof. John Robert Tabuti, Chairperson of the Busoga University Task Force, described the completion of the works as a critical step toward full operationalisation. “This renovation paves the way for the next phase, including student admissions, staffing, and the rollout of academic programmes,” he said.

The project is part of broader government efforts to expand access to higher education in regional areas. Once fully operational, Busoga University is expected to offer programmes aligned with national development priorities and address skilled labour needs in the eastern region.

Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, has previously emphasised the importance of strengthening public universities to reduce reliance on private institutions and improve equity in higher education access.

The successful completion of the refurbishment comes at a time when the ministry is focusing on infrastructure development and safety across educational institutions following recent challenges in the sector.

Local leaders and residents in Busoga have welcomed the development, viewing it as a boost to regional education and economic growth.