By East African Observer Reporter
Kampala: Members of Parliament have debated and passed a motion calling on Government to fast-track the establishment of a public university in Bunyoro, in what legislators describe as a significant step towards addressing regional imbalances in access to higher education.
The motion was tabled by Hoima City MP Asinansi Nyakato and seconded by Hoima West MP Ismael Kasule during yesterday’s sitting of Parliament, which was presided over by Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth.
The legislators argued that Bunyoro has for decades been disadvantaged in the distribution of public tertiary institutions and that establishing a public university in the region would help restore regional balance.
Kasule said Bunyoro remains among the regions without a public university, despite its growing population and increasing demand for higher education.
“Bunyoro has for long been sidelined in the distribution of public tertiary institutions. Establishing a public university in Bunyoro will help restore regional balance, as Bunyoro remains among the few regions without a public university,” Kasule said.
University to Drive Research and Innovation
Beyond expanding access to university education, the legislators said Bunyoro University should be designed as a centre for targeted research, innovation and technological skills development.
Kasule said the knowledge, innovations and skills generated by the institution would not only benefit Bunyoro but also contribute to Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation.
The proposed university is expected to respond to the region’s unique development needs while producing a skilled workforce capable of supporting emerging opportunities in Bunyoro and across the country.
Reducing the Cost of Higher Education
The MPs also highlighted the financial burden placed on families when students have to travel to Kampala and other parts of Uganda in search of university education.
According to Kasule, establishing a public university closer to communities in Bunyoro would significantly reduce the costs associated with accommodation, transport and other living expenses for students.
“Importantly, having a public university closer to our communities will reduce the financial burden on families. Household incomes in the region are currently heavily strained by the high costs of sending students to Kampala and other parts of the country in search of higher education,” he said.
MPs Welcome Passage of Motion
The passage of the motion was welcomed by Bunyoro MPs and other legislators who supported the proposal throughout the parliamentary process.
Kasule expressed appreciation to fellow Members of Parliament for supporting the motion, describing its passage as an important milestone in the campaign for a public university in Bunyoro.
“We are glad that Parliament has passed this important motion. Special thanks to fellow legislators who supported us throughout the entire process,” Kasule said.
With Parliament having now endorsed the motion, attention shifts to Government to act on the resolution and commence the necessary processes to establish the long-awaited institution.
For Bunyoro, the proposed university is being presented not simply as an educational institution, but as a potential engine for human capital development, regional research, innovation and economic transformation.