“After discussing the proposal to establish Busoga University as a public university, Cabinet decided to name it Iganga University,” Lumumba said.

"Uganda has over 15 million learners and only about 300,000 teachers. The pupil-to-teacher ratio is already 1:58 to 1:60 in many UPE schools, against the recommended 1:45. Closing dozens of colleges and keeping only a few centres will drastically cut annual output. This gap will never be closed if this arrangement is fast-tracked by government," Lubega said.

The government has been implementing the restructuring of teacher education through the establishment of UNITE and the transition from the previous college-based system. The reforms have included the phasing out of the traditional National Teachers Colleges and Primary Teachers Colleges as institutions for teacher training, with teacher education being reorganised under the new framework.

Oyat suggested staggered deadlines like UNEB’s first, second and third registration windows, so schools that miss one deadline still have a chance to comply.

“UNEB will not condone any cases of indiscipline. Previously we have had parents running to us telling us that my son or daughter has been sent away from school and now we want you to intervene and force the school to have my child back to do his examination because he is a candidate. We have told them that being a candidate doesn’t immunize your child from following school regulations,” Odongo highlighted. 

Speaker Oboth said the institute will henceforth become a central engine for training, research, and capacity building, with cooperation and technical support from the German Parliament under a planned Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Organizers noted that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place and all necessary permissions from relevant authorities have been obtained, with close collaboration with security agencies to ensure a safe environment. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site.