Rukungiri District is celebrating a transformative milestone today, May 23, 2025, as Kabale University officially launches its new campus becoming the first public university to establish a presence in the district since its founding.
This landmark development marks the beginning of a new chapter in higher education for a region that has long struggled with limited access to public academic institutions.
The launch ceremony, being held at the former Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College in Kyakiina, Buyanja Town Council, will be officiated by Kabale University Chancellor Prof Mondo Kagonyera. It will be attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the area Member of Parliament, and other distinguished guests.
This development follows a collaborative agreement among Kabale University leadership, its foundation body, Rukungiri District authorities, and the Ministry of Education and Sports to repurpose the former teacher training college into the Kabale University Rukungiri Campus.
The move aligns with a national policy to phase out Grade III and IV teacher training qualifications in favor of degree-level programs. Established in 1980, the former Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College now transforms into a hub for higher learning and regional empowerment.
The University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof Johnny Mugisha hailed the campus as a critical milestone for both Kabale University and the greater Kigezi region.
“This campus represents more than academic expansion, it is a commitment to improving access to quality education and driving regional economic growth,” Prof Mugisha stated.
Academic Registrar Naris Tibenderana noted that the campus will open in phases, beginning with programs such as the Bachelor and Diploma of Education and the Bachelor of Agriculture. He added that plans are underway to introduce additional courses in health sciences, business, and technology in the near future.
Deputy Academic Registrar Canon Benon Kwikiriza emphasized the broader socio-economic benefits.
“The university’s presence here will create academic opportunities and support local businesses, generate employment, and spur urban development,” Canon Kwikiriza said.
According to Grace Tumushabe a secondary school teacher in Buyanja said that it is a dream come true for the people in Rukungiri and the impact is personal and deep.
’’Now my children will not have to leave home to chase a university education. It is here with us,” Tumushabe happily stated.
The campus is strategically positioned to serve not only Rukungiri but also neighboring districts such as Kanungu and Ntungamo, making it a regional center for academic excellence.
The first student intake is expected in August 2025, and prospective applicants are encouraged to apply through the university’s website or the newly opened campus office.
As traditional songs and dance performances light up today’s inauguration, Kabale University’s Rukungiri Campus stands as a beacon of opportunity and progress for a district that has long awaited its moment in the educational spotlight.
