Nkumba University marked a significant milestone today, November 14th, 2024, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest campus in Kyegegwa, located in the heart of Kyaka Municipality, Kyegegwa District. As the university celebrates 30 years of providing high-quality education, this third campus represents a bold step forward in its mission to make education accessible to more communities across Uganda.
The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including prominent community leaders, local residents, and top university officials. Among them were the Chairperson and members of the Board of Trustees, the University Council, and the university's dedicated management and staff. The ceremony was presided over by Hon. Bright Tom Amooti, the area's Member of Parliament, who expressed gratitude to the university's management for selecting Kyegegwa as the new campus location.
Hon. Tom, himself a proud alumnus of Nkumba University (Class of 2017), praised the institution for its unwavering commitment to delivering in-demand skills and knowledge. He pledged his support to promote the campus and attract prospective students from the region, noting the high number of secondary schools nearby. “This is an incredible opportunity for our youth to pursue higher education closer to home,” he said. “Nkumba has been a vital force in equipping students with skills that match the demands of today’s workforce, and I’m honored to see this legacy expand to Kyegegwa.”
Community Reactions: Education Meets Economic Growth
Local residents enthusiastically welcomed the new Kyegegwa campus, seeing it not only as an academic institution but also as a potential economic catalyst for the community. Abwooki Moureen, a resident of the area, shared her optimism, saying, “This is a huge step forward for our area. Not only will our children have a local university for post-secondary education, but this will also open up job opportunities and create business potential, especially for student hostels and other support services.”
A Vision a Decade in the Making
The vision for establishing a campus in Kyegegwa first took shape in 2014, championed by key university figures such as Dr. Ssenga Bukirwa, Dean of the School of Education, and Mr. Buyingi Raymond. After years of planning and assignments, the university council approved the initiative earlier this year, securing funds for land acquisition to bring the vision to life.
Next Steps
With the groundbreaking ceremony now complete, construction on the new campus is set to begin, marking the start of a promising future for both Nkumba University and the Kyegegwa community. This expansion symbolizes the university’s dedication to broadening its educational reach and supporting Uganda’s development through accessible, quality education.
The Kyegegwa campus is expected to strengthen Nkumba University’s role in nurturing future leaders and fostering community growth, ushering in new academic opportunities while bolstering the local economy.