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Kabale University is grappling with inadequate physical infrastructure and low staffing levels, which are hindering its development despite a growing number of students. Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga has called for a special fund allocation from the Ministry of Education and Sports to address these pressing issues.
“We need the government to increase our staffing from the current 26% to 50%. We have been forced to hire private facilities and tents to create additional lecture rooms for our students. We are also hiring part-time lecturers and attracting volunteer lecturers from Nigeria,” Prof. Kwesiga stated.
Prof. Kwesiga highlighted that the university inherited physical infrastructure previously used by the administrative units of Kabale District local government. She made these remarks during Kabale University’s eighth graduation ceremony held at Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Town over the weekend. A total of 1,387 students graduated with masters, bachelors, and diplomas.
The event was graced by former Finance Minister Prof. Ezra Suruma as the chief guest, while State Minister for Primary Healthcare Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Janet Museveni.
Kabale University Council Chairperson Mr. Adison Kakuru emphasized the importance of fulfilling the unfulfilled 2016 presidential pledge of Shs48 billion, which would significantly boost the institution’s development.
“While all other public universities have benefited from government-guaranteed loan facilities, Kabale University remains the only public university without central teaching facilities and the necessary modern buildings for quality teaching and staff office space. This university should benefit from government development programs,” Prof. Kakuru asserted.
He also urged the government to support the university in constructing facilities for decent student accommodation. Although the university council approved the public-private partnership policy, its implementation still requires government support.
“While Kabale University has been requesting additional land for some time, there are government-owned pieces of land that could be made available for expansion,” Mr. Kakuru noted
The university continues to seek government assistance to enhance its infrastructure and staffing to meet the demands of its growing student population and ensure quality education.
