Prime
Bamwoze’s Busoga University dream shouldn’t be left to die
Author, Simon Muyanga Lutaaya. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The President can bankroll BU without imposing such stringent conditions.
The founding Bishop of Busoga Anglican Diocese, the Rt Rev Cyprian Bamwoze (RIP) was a change agent whose legacy in the socio-economic transformation for Busoga Sub-region still lives on.
From health, poverty alleviation, provision of clean water to education, Bamwoze put Busoga first and envisaged a competitive, self-reliant society. He loved education for mobilising his flock. No wonder he promoted primary, secondary and tertiary education, climaxing with the launch of Busoga University (BU) on May 6, 1995.
He kept his eyes on BU even after his retirement on December 31, 1998. So, the revocation of its licence by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) on December 4, 2017, gave him sleepless nights until his death in February 2019.
In their three-hour tribute in Parliament, President Museveni, then Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda gave hope that Bamwoze’s dream project would live on. But that dream is no more. BU’s death has been a slow but sure one.
After its inauguration, Busoga Diocese formed a private company, Busoga University Limited (BUL), to kick start it. But Busoga Diocese never withdrew its ownership as per BUL’s memorandum and articles of association.
The diocesan council was also supposed to appoint the vice chancellor and the university council, in addition to receiving annual reports. Subsequently, Bamwoze appointed Ms Kadaga as the first chairperson of BU council before his retirement in 1998.
Between 1999 and 2013 BU flourished. The students’ population increased significantly and the study programmes grew. Under Prof Wandira, Justice Samuel Wambuzi and Lady Justice Ann Magezi as the chancellors, with Prof Joseph Igaga Mutekanga and Christopher Bakwesegha as the vice-chancellors, the university appeared to be building up a good internal governing system.
Bamwoze and his friends in the UK under Busoga University Support Team gave more technical and financial assistance to BU, in addition to some financial aid from government.
But in 2014, this rosy picture changed when BU’s council under Kadaga and Bishop Kyomya dumped Dr Frank Nabwiso, then acting vice chancellor, for a little known Prof Lameka David Kibikyo from Kigali Institute of Development Studies. Within two years, the university had collapsed due to mismanagement and debts. However, Kibikyo remained a darling to the top BU leaders.
Pleas from some Busoga elders to government to take over BU gave an opportunity for government to get free land from Busoga Diocese. President Museveni set up the Chrysestom Muyingo Committee to handle the matter.
Government valuations which followed showed BU’s assets were at approximately Shs20.8 billion, against total liabilities of Shs15.2 billion and $66,000.
The total land BU possesses exceeds 210 acres in Iganga, Kamuli and Bugiri districts plus Iganga Municipality and Jinja City, which according to Mr Museveni will be surrendered on a free plate to his government in exchange of the accumulated loans which the government has agreed to pay.
But the President can bankroll BU without imposing such stringent conditions, like he did for businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba’s university in Bushenyi District. He can prevail over URA and NSSF to enter phased payments, while Busoga Diocese could forfeit some of its unpaid arrears.
He can also allow BU to reopen under NCHE’s guidance, and obtain another large piece of land and setup a multi-campus university which will include NTC Kaliro, the proposed institute of marine transport and other urgently needed courses, since Busoga has supported him religiously for the last 36 years with little benefit.
Simon Muyanga Lutaaya is a journalist
