education 6 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bureaucratic Delays Halt Makerere University's Permanent Jinja Campus
Makerere University's plans for a permanent campus in Jinja City have been stalled for over five years due to bureaucratic hurdles in land transfer approval. Local leaders and residents lament missed economic opportunities, despite the university's commitment to invest Shs5 billion annually. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bureaucracy-stalls-makerere-s-permanent-campus-in-jinja-5414700
Makerere University’s ambition to build a permanent campus in Jinja City remains on hold after more than five years of delays. The branch, opened in 2014 and currently housed in rented space at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation building, can only serve 700 students.
In 2021, the university proposed acquiring 52 acres of land from the former Budondo Sub-county headquarters site in Northern Division. Jinja City Council approved the transfer, but it awaits final nod from the Ministry of Local Government.
Outgoing Mayor Peter Okocha Kasolo blamed slow procedures for disposing public property. Jinja’s Principal Commercial Officer Rogers Kuboyo highlighted lost economic gains, noting universities boost local businesses like shops and eateries, similar to growth seen around Makerere Business School in Kampala.
Jinja North Division Mayor Ayoub Wabika pointed to stalled projects including a modern market, hospital, football pitch, and bursaries, which Makerere pledged to fund post-land handover. Residents like Paul Batambuze and NRM secretary Medi Ntuuyo expressed frustration over dashed hopes for jobs, housing rentals, and community benefits.
Dr. Ronald Kakungulu, the campus resident director, affirmed the university’s dedication, allocating at least Shs5 billion yearly for development. A completed campus could host 10,000 students, promising growth for eastern Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)