Cabinet has approved the takeover of Busoga University as a public university and agreed to rename it Iganga University, a move that brings the long-delayed government takeover closer to completion.
ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the decision on Tuesday following Cabinet’s meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026.
“After discussing the proposal to establish Busoga University as a public university, the cabinet decided to name it Iganga University,” Lumumba said.
She said Cabinet had authorised the Ministry of Education and Sports to work with the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to prepare the legal instrument required to establish the institution.
The Education Ministry will then present the proposal to Parliament for approval before the university can formally be established as a public institution.
The planned Iganga University will extend beyond the former main campus in Iganga. Lumumba said Namasagali will become a constituent college specialising in marine and fisheries studies.
She added that other campuses previously operated by Busoga University in Bugiri, Namutumba, Bugabula and Jinja will also be incorporated into the new public university.
“All these will be incorporated because the land has already been handed over to the government,” Lumumba said.
The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with providing Shs89.998 billion to establish Iganga University and facilitate the start of its operations. However, no opening date has been announced.
Busoga University was established in 1999 as a private institution by the Church of Uganda, with its main campus in Iganga.
The National Council for Higher Education revoked the university’s licence on November 27, 2017, citing concerns including inadequate qualified staff and the teaching of unaccredited courses.
Government subsequently began efforts to take over and revive the institution, but the process faced delays related to land, liabilities and the legal requirements for reopening the university.
In December 2024, the Church of Uganda formally handed over the institution to the Ministry of Education and Sports. The handover included a 215.4-acre land title and an agreement covering the university’s assets and liabilities.
At the time, Education Minister Janet Museveni said government would improve the institution’s infrastructure to meet university standards. She also revealed that Shs7.05 billion of the university’s Shs15.2 billion in verified liabilities remained unpaid.
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