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Land disputes and politics delay Bunyoro University.

Bunyoro University
in Hoima district remains stalled due to political interference, blackmail and conflicting interests, despite efforts to move the project forward. On November 24, 2021, President Yoweri Museveni directed Education minister Janet Kataaha Museveni to oversee the university’s establishment. In June 2022, she appointed a Taskforce Management Committee (TMC) to guide the process, including extensive consultations and site selection. The university, expected to offer 13 academic programs, has already submitted its curriculum to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) through the ministry of Education and Sports. Progress was reported in August 2024, when Minister Museveni briefed the president on efforts to secure land for the university. Among the proposed locations, Buhimba town council emerged as the top choice. In 2016, Canon Dr Henry Wamani pledged 100 acres of land in Buhimba free of charge, reaffirming this commitment in a letter dated October 18, 2022. The ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, NCHE and the Taskforce all recommended the Buhimba site, citing its central location, accessibility and suitability for university development. Despite expert approval, local politicians have strongly opposed the Buhimba site, instead pushing for government acquisition of 100 acres at Bulera, near the primary teacher’s college (PTC). Some have even accused Dr Wamani and government officials of corruption, alleging bribery in securing support for the Buhimba land. However, sources indicate these claims are politically motivated attempts to undermine technical recommendations and shift the project to Bulera. This publication has learned that the Bulera land is entangled in legal disputes, with at least 10 claimants and ongoing litigation in the High court at Hoima. Moreover, the land’s estimated cost exceeds Shs 50 billion, compared to the free land in Buhimba. A consultative meeting held at State House Nakasero on November 7, 2024, chaired by Minister Janet Museveni, reaffirmed that Buhimba remains the most viable site. She cautioned against interfering with Bulera PTC land, stressing the importance of technical recommendations over political interests. Sources within the ministry of Education confirmed that the government aims to preserve both Bulera PTC and the demonstration primary school, ensuring their operations remain unaffected by the ongoing land dispute. A regional MP, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that Buhimba was selected through an extensive evaluation process, scoring 84%, while Bulera had the lowest score at 47 percent. “The government allocated Shs 20 billion this financial year to launch the university’s development. However, influential politicians are blocking the release of funds, arguing that the Buhimba site lacks full community endorsement,” the MP revealed. With just five months left in the financial year, he urged local leaders to unite in support of the university, warning that delays could result in the allocated funds being returned to the treasury. Efforts to reach Dr Dennis K. Mugimba, the new ministry of Education and Sports spokesperson, for comment, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls or WhatsApp messages. As political wrangling continues, the future of Bunyoro University remains uncertain, despite overwhelming expert recommendations and available funding.