Shs 100bln needed to establish Bunyoro University

HOIMA, February 18, 2026 — The Bunyoro University Taskforce has appealed to Parliament to allocate Shs 100 billion for the construction of the proposed institution of higher learning in Bunyoro Subregion.

According to Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa, Head of the taskforce spearheading the establishment of the university in Buliisa district, the funds are required in the 2026/2027 financial year to commence implementation of the project.

Kyamanywa said that all preliminary requirements for the construction have been put in place and that the taskforce is now awaiting funding to begin works. He noted that acquisition of land had been one of the key challenges delaying the project, but this has since been resolved following an offer by Dr Henry Wamani.

“Dr Wamani offered two land titles to the taskforce. These titles have been amalgamated and transferred to the Uganda Land Commission under the Ministry of Education and Sports for Bunyoro University,” he explained.

The university will comprise five schools: the School of Engineering and Earth Sciences; the School of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; the School of Computer and Information Sciences; the School of Science Education; and the School of Health Sciences.

The institutions will offer 18 science-based programmes, including a Bachelor of Science 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 will also be available.

Kyamanywa revealed that the university’s five-year budget is estimated at Shs 365 billion. In the 2025/2026 financial year, the government allocated Shs 14 billion to the taskforce to initiate the project, of which Shs 12 billion has been earmarked for the commencement of construction works.

He said that the first phase will involve the construction of the School of Science Education, the School of Computer and Information Sciences, and an administration block. Construction is expected to begin in April 2026 and run until May 2027.

The first phase is projected to cost Shs 179 billion, funds which are currently unavailable.

“As a taskforce, we require Shs 179 billion to implement the first phase of the project. For now, however, we are requesting Parliament to allocate Shs 100 billion to enable us to commence works. The remaining funds will be sought in subsequent financial years,” Kyamanywa said.

He added that statutory instruments are expected to be secured between March and May 2027. If all proceeds according to plan, the university is scheduled to open in October 2027.

Kyamanywa made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Hoima Town on Friday, attended by Members of Parliament from the Bunyoro sub-region and officials from the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, to update them on the progress of the project.

John Ochira Pakonyi, Assistant Commissioner for University Education and Sports, said the Ministry is currently sourcing a contractor. He added that the final selection is expected to be made between the UPDF Engineering Brigade and the National Enterprise Corporation.

Engineer Asafu Alinitwe from the Ministry of Education and Sports confirmed that the architectural and structural designs, as well as the feasibility study for the university, have been completed.

Fred Kabagambe Kalisa, Chairman of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Royal Commission and Presidential Adviser on Oil and Gas, described the establishment of the university as long overdue.

He noted that since 2009, the Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Dr Solomon Iguru, has advocated for the creation of a university in the oil-rich kingdom. He said the Omukama previously established Bunyoro Kitara Royal University, but it failed kick off due to financial constraints and other challenges.

Kalisa added that the Omukama later lobbied for a branch of Gulu University to be opened in Hoima City, which has supported many students from the kingdom to access higher education, although university management is reportedly planning to close the branch as Bunyoro plans to have its own.

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