By Namutebi Sumayiya
Busitema University, based in Busia with seven branches, marked the end of its four-year council term by highlighting significant achievements, including a surge to 60,000 students and securing 11 billion UGX in research grants.
Busitema University, located in Busia with seven branches, has completed its council term that lasts for four years, marking achievements and addressing ongoing challenges.
The university’s administration discussed these during a press briefing at Emin Pasha Hotel in Kampala.
Rosemary Mutyabule, Chairperson of the University Council, presented the achievements on behalf of the administration. She reported that the university has experienced a surge in student enrollment, currently hosting around 60,000 students. This rapid growth has put Busitema University to the position of the 6th fastest growing university in the region.
To manage the increasing student population and avoid congestion, the university has established additional campuses focused on specific disciplines: Busitema campus for engineering, Mbale campus for health sciences, Namasagali campus for minerals and natural resources, Arapai for agriculture among others.
Since the current administration took office in 2020, the university has secured at least 11 billion UGX in research grants. These funds have been instrumental in driving innovation and development across the university’s various faculties.
The council’s tenure has also seen the implementation of eight critical policies aimed at improving university operations, promoting a safe and inclusive environment, and enhancing resource and technological management. These policies include a sexual harassment policy, grant management policy, resource mobilization policy, ICT policy, HIV policy, and equipment and maintenance policy.
Busitema University has emphasized inclusive education, delivering high standard training based on research and outreach with a focus on industrialization for sustainable development. This commitment ensures that the university not only educates but also actively contributes to community and industry needs.
Prof. William Bazeyo highlighted another significant achievement, noting that the university now has about 112 staff members with PhDs, 28 associate professors, and 300 staff in total. However, he also pointed out the challenge of the low staff-to-student ratio, which limits the university’s ability to add new programs. Bazeyo called on the government to admit more lecturers, emphasizing the need for specialized staffing across all campuses:
“We need specialized staff in all our campuses,” he said.
Despite these successes, Mutyabule acknowledged several ongoing challenges. Many university buildings are old and in poor condition, necessitating the construction of new structures, particularly additional classroom blocks. Most campuses are in rural areas with poor internet coverage, significantly impacting productivity for both students and staff.
Mutyabule called on the government to improve internet infrastructure in these areas. To ensure the university’s continued success and smooth operation, an estimated 120 billion UGX is needed.
Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor; William Bazeyo, Head of Appointments; and Prof. Vinand Nantulya, University Chancellor, joined Mutyabule in expressing optimism for the future. They emphasized that while considerable progress has been made, addressing the outlined challenges is crucial for the continued growth and success of Busitema University.
The council’s term will officially end on June 30, 2024, marking a period of reflection and planning for the next phase of the university’s development.