President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged a fundamental rethinking of university education in Uganda, emphasizing the need for practical and marketable academic programs that can uplift students from low-income backgrounds. His remarks came during the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Bunyoro University in Kikuube District.
In his address, President Museveni highlighted the importance of aligning university curricula with national development goals and job creation, particularly for students from disadvantaged communities.
“It’s unfair to educate a child from a poor family in conflict resolution while others pursue fields that guarantee employment,” the President said. “Be mindful of the courses you recommend for our children.”
While the establishment of Bunyoro University brings hope to the region, Museveni warned that without free and effective access to primary and secondary education, many local children may never reach university level. He stressed the urgent need to fully implement Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) to curb dropout rates among underprivileged students.
“Insist on free education in government schools and ensure it’s implemented,” he urged. “The wealthy can afford private schools, but poor children must have no excuse for dropping out.”
The President noted that unless household-level economic challenges are addressed, the benefits of Bunyoro University may bypass the very population it aims to serve.
“If families remain poor, children will drop out of school. And if they drop out, who will attend this university?” he asked. “You may find students from other regions taking these slots while local children fail to complete even basic education.”
He called on university planners to prioritize courses in science, technology, medicine, and ICT—fields with clear and consistent employment opportunities. Drawing on the example of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, which began with medical programs before expanding into other science-based disciplines, he suggested that Bunyoro University follow a similar path.
“A medical doctor will always find employment, whether locally or abroad,” he said. “That’s why we started Mbarara University with medicine, followed by science education and ICT.”
President Museveni cautioned that degrees with limited job prospects could be particularly harmful to students from humble backgrounds, whose families may not be able to support them through extended periods of unemployment.
Reflecting on the past, Museveni recalled that when the NRM government came to power, Makerere University was the only public university, producing only 80 doctors a year.
“The World Health Organization recommends one doctor for every 500 people. With Uganda’s population now at 46 million, we clearly need more doctors,” he stated.
He reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to establishing a public university in each of Uganda’s 18 zones, aimed at ensuring equitable access to higher education across the country.
President Museveni credited Uganda’s educational and infrastructural achievements to strategic prioritization and long-term national stability—factors he said distinguish Uganda from neighboring countries grappling with instability.
“Some people claim the NRM has forgotten them, but they don’t understand prioritization,” he said. “During our struggle, we knew what to focus on first. Now, as the economy has grown, we’re addressing more areas, including expanding public universities.”
Looking ahead, Museveni assured Bunyoro residents that anticipated petroleum revenues will bring further development to the region.
“We started Mbarara University despite opposition from those who wanted to consolidate Makerere. But the concept of regional public universities is mine, and we shall continue expanding,” he affirmed.
The President also expressed appreciation for First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, recognizing her leadership and commitment to the education sector.
“I thank Maama Janet for her dedication and patience in managing Uganda’s education sector,” he said.
Professor Samuel Kyamanywa, Chairperson of the Bunyoro University Task Force, described the new institution as a transformative development that will enhance access to education and promote regional growth.
Meanwhile, Kikuube District Chairperson Peter Banura called on Bunyoro leaders to put aside political differences and unite behind government initiatives.
“Let us support government interventions that benefit our people, regardless of personal or political views,” Banura urged.
President Museveni’s message at the Bunyoro University groundbreaking was unambiguous: universities must serve as engines of economic transformation, especially for Uganda’s poor. For Bunyoro University to thrive, it must offer employment-focused programs, remain accessible to local communities, and become a catalyst for inclusive national development.
As Uganda expands its network of public universities, the President’s vision challenges institutions to deliver education with purpose—education that leads not only to academic achievement but also to employment and empowerment.