By Diana N.Kintu
In a significant boost to higher education and healthcare training, the government has officially launched the construction of a new, dedicated campus for the College of Health Sciences at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the university on December 1st, 2025, was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The ambitious project, with a total estimated cost of Ugandan Shillings 180 billion, marks a major investment in the country’s scientific and medical education infrastructure. Rt. Hon. Tayebwa announced that an initial sum of Shs 31 billion has already been secured to commence the work. He affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to the project, pledging the full support of Parliament to ensure its timely completion. “Come January 15th, it will be protected,” Tayebwa stated, emphasising the institution’s strategic importance and the government’s resolve to safeguard and build upon its achievements.
Representing the President’s message, the Deputy Speaker commended MUST for its consistent focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, which are deemed vital for national development. He specifically highlighted the university’s exemplary record in training medical officers and conducting groundbreaking research. Tayebwa described MUST as a flagship achievement of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. “For me, when we speak of NRM gains, MUST is one of them. It is a major national achievement—one we must protect and build upon,” he told the gathering, which included the university management led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika and the university guild.
The historical significance of the institution was underscored by the University Chancellor, Prof. Jack Pen-Mogi Nyeko, who explained that MUST was birthed from President Museveni’s strategic vision for science education shortly after he assumed office. Rt. Hon. Tayebwa reinforced this, affirming that MUST remain the President’s “special project.” He urged the university leadership to maintain a sharp focus on its core mission in STEM and health sciences, arguing that such specialization is what earns dedicated government support. “A focused university earns focused government support,” he remarked.
A notable aspect of the project was the contractor selected for the construction. Tayebwa expressed pride that the contract was awarded to the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCCL), a government agency. He used this to encourage all government entities to prioritise supporting domestic public enterprises, which have demonstrated the capacity to deliver quality projects. This move is seen as a step toward consolidating national expertise and retaining investment within the public sector ecosystem.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the critical need for proactive engagement between universities and the government. He advised universities to concentrate on offering transformative, high-quality programs backed by adequate staff, infrastructure, and research capacity, rather than pursuing excessive expansion. The new College of Health Sciences campus is poised to significantly augment MUST’s capacity in this regard. The university, which has won both national and international acclaim for its best practices in community outreach and relations, is expected to leverage this expansion to further its impact on the country’s healthcare system.
The event culminated in a collective call from the Deputy Speaker for the entire university community management, staff, and students to actively participate in protecting and advancing the institution’s hard-won gains, ensuring that this substantial public investment yields the intended transformative outcomes for Uganda’s health sector and scientific development.