Bunyoro University gets Shs 50mln boost for ICT hub ahead of construction
KIKUUBE, April 3, 2026 — Efforts to establish Bunyoro University have received a boost after the taskforce steering the project secured Shs 50 million to support the development of an ICT innovation hub.
The financial contribution, provided by Stanbic Bank Uganda under its Corporate Social Investment programme, was handed over during a function held recently at the proposed university site in Buhimba Town Council, Kikuube District.
Receiving a dummy cheque, the taskforce head, Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa, welcomed the support, describing it as timely as preparations for the government-owned institution gather pace.
He said key preliminary requirements for the construction of the university have already been completed, with the taskforce now awaiting government funding to commence physical works.
Kyamanywa noted that land acquisition, previously a major bottleneck, has since been resolved following an offer from Dr Henry Wamani.
“We have fulfilled critical requirements, including securing land and developing and approving a master plan,” he said. “Architectural and structural designs for the first four building blocks are ready, and we are now at the stage of procuring contractors, as the Government mobilises resources for the next phases.”
The taskforce has so far developed 18 science-based academic programmes, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Petroleum Engineering, Earth Sciences, Geomatics and Surveying, Mechanical Engineering, Real Estate, Construction Management, Food Science and Technology, Cooperatives, and Supply Chain Management.
Diploma programmes in Construction Management and Real Estate have also been designed, alongside the necessary policies and guidelines required before the university can open.
Kyamanywa said the funds from Stanbic Bank will be used to equip an ICT innovation hub under the School of Computing and Information Sciences, one of the first academic units expected to be established.
Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa said the contribution reflects the bank’s commitment to education as a driver of national development.
“Education is a core pillar in everything we do, accounting for about 70 per cent of our annual Corporate Social Investment budget,” he said. “We believe it is a critical engine for Uganda’s continued development and long-term economic sustainability.”
He added that Bunyoro University represents a transformative model, with half of its learning designed to be practical and community-based.
“We hope the innovation hub will serve as a centre for creativity, hands-on learning and entrepreneurship,” Kalifungwa said. “By partnering with the university, we are supporting not only its establishment but also a future of opportunity and shared prosperity.”
Jacob Karubanga, MP for Kibanda South in Kiryandongo District and chairperson of the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, welcomed the development, saying it strengthens prospects for establishing a public university in the sub-region.
“I am happy with the progress towards establishing a public university in Bunyoro,” he said.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwin Angalia said the partnership complements government efforts to operationalise the institution.
https://thecooperator.news/shs-100bln-needed-to-establish-bunyoro-university/
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