When did President Yoweri Museveni launch Bunyoro University?
On 19 March 2025 in Kikuube District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Bunyoro University. According to NRM, this is a signal for the transformative power of free education and poverty alleviation in ensuring access to higher learning for Uganda’s youth. The event brought together local leaders, stakeholders, and residents eager to witness the region’s educational advancement.
In his address, President Museveni passionately advocated for the full implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to address the high dropout rates plaguing children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “We must enforce free education in government schools without compromise,” he urged. “Wealthy families can opt for private institutions, but for the poor, there should be no barriers preventing their children from staying in school.”
The President warned that without tackling poverty at the household level, the new university risks remaining out of reach for local children. “If families remain trapped in poverty, their children will abandon school early. And if that happens, who will fill the lecture halls of Bunyoro University? We could see students from other areas taking these opportunities while our own fail to advance beyond primary or secondary levels,” he cautioned, emphasizing that university education demands a solid academic foundation.
Museveni also highlighted the limitations of government scholarships, which only benefit a small number of top performers. “Most students will need family support to pursue higher education. That’s why economic empowerment is just as crucial as free schooling,” he explained.
What courses will Bunyoro University offer?
Turning to the university’s academic focus, the President advised planners to prioritize courses with strong job prospects, drawing lessons from his role in founding Mbarara University of Science and Technology. “We began with medicine at Mbarara because a doctor will always find work—here or abroad. Later, we added science education and ICT,” he recalled. He urged caution against offering programs with uncertain career outcomes, especially for students from humble backgrounds. “It’s unjust to steer a child from a peasant family toward a field like conflict resolution when others study disciplines that assure employment,” he remarked.
A Vision for Public Universities Nationwide
Reflecting on Uganda’s educational journey, Museveni noted that when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power, Makerere University stood alone as the country’s sole public institution, graduating just 80 doctors each year. “With a population of 46 million today, and the World Health Organisation recommending one doctor per 500 people, our need for medical professionals is undeniable,” he said. He reiterated the government’s pledge to establish a public university in each of Uganda’s 18 zones, a commitment bolstered by the nation’s growing stability and economic progress.
“Some critics say the NRM has overlooked their needs, but they miss the point of prioritization,” he countered. “In our early struggles, we tackled the most pressing issues first. Now, with a stronger economy and petroleum revenues on the horizon next year, we can accelerate development—including more universities.”
Museveni took pride in the expansion of public institutions, recalling resistance to Mbarara University’s creation. “Certain voices wanted us to focus only on Makerere, but I championed the idea of public universities across Uganda, and we’re pressing forward,” he declared. He also praised First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni for her steadfast leadership in steering the sector.
What does this mean for the Bunyoro community?
Local leaders echoed the President’s optimism. Professor Samuel Kyamanywa, Chairperson of the Bunyoro University Task Force, hailed the institution as a “long-overdue milestone” poised to revolutionize education in the region. Kikuube District LC5 Chairperson Peter Banura rallied Bunyoro’s leaders to unite behind the project, urging them to back government efforts despite any differences. “This is our chance to uplift our people—let’s stand together,” he said.
As the dust settled on the groundbreaking, Bunyoro University emerged as a symbol of hope, blending educational ambition with a call for economic and social progress in one of Uganda’s historic regions.
