Government has agreed to take over Busoga University as a public institution with its sh15b loan, which President Museveni on Sunday morning said will be paid after its accountability.
The development follows a series of meetings between Government officials and university heads.
“After a series of meetings, the government has agreed to take over Busoga University as a public institution with its Shs15b loan. We shall pay the loan when we know what the money was used for and if this money was spent on public efforts,” said Museveni via Twitter.
According to the President the NRM policy is to have a public university in the original 18 colonial zones of Uganda. In Busoga, we are going to build a public university there (Namasagali). “As that happens, the idea of taking over this private university is a good one.”
On Saturday, President Museveni with first lady Janet Kataaha Museveni met the committee on Government takeover of Busoga University. The meeting was attended by 1st deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, State Minister for Higher Education Chrysostom Muyingo and Archbishop among others.
The takeover of the university by the government follows numerous requests from local leaders to the president. The Bishop of Central Busoga diocese Patrick Wakula was quoted in news reports saying: “The local leaders told the president having a public university in the area will reduce the costs of travelling long distances seeking education for their children.”
Celebrating the takeover, 1st Kadaga said: “Thanks to Yoweri Kaguta, Archbishop Kazimba, Busoga Diocese, the dream of Bishop Bamwoze (RIP) lives on! Agreement concluded for Gov’t take- over of Busoga University, citizens get ready for multiplier effect, food, accommodation, stationary etc.”
Busoga University woes
The university was founded by Busoga Diocese in 1998 with its headquarters in Iganga District. However, the National Council for Higher Education revoked its license in 2017 over allegations of running illegal study centres and unaccredited courses. The license was also revoked on allegations of having unqualified students and lecturers.
According to sources, the university at the time of closure was highly indebted lacked sufficient funds to sustain operational costs of the institution.