education 30 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Land Encroachment Jeopardizes Katonga Technical Institute Expansion Plans
Katonga Technical Institute in Mpigi District is facing a critical challenge as unidentified individuals have encroached on approximately 10 acres of its land. This encroachment severely threatens the institution's capacity for future development and current educational operations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/land-encroachment-threatens-katonga-technical-institute-s-expansion-principal-5514226
The principal of Katonga Technical Institute, Mr. Fred Mpagi, has voiced significant concerns regarding land encroachment that is hindering the institution’s growth. Roughly 10 acres of the government-funded vocational school’s land have been occupied by unknown individuals, casting a shadow over planned infrastructure projects and the overall learning environment.
This land dispute comes at a time when the institute is experiencing increased student enrollment, growing from 170 to 202 students in the current year. The government allocates approximately Shs600 million annually to support the institute’s five National Certificate programs, which include building construction, electrical installation, water and plumbing, mechanical engineering, and fashion and design.
Beyond the land issue, the institute grapples with insufficient accommodation for both students and staff, as well as a lack of reliable access to clean piped water. These challenges compound the efforts to provide a conducive learning environment for the growing student population.
Local district leaders, including Mpigi District Chairperson Mr. Peter Kawuki, have pledged to address the land dispute. Their approach prioritizes dialogue and boundary reopening over forceful eviction to peacefully reclaim the institute’s land. The district officials aim to resolve the encroachment amicably to ensure the institute’s stability and future.
Despite these challenges, Katonga Technical Institute is slated for significant infrastructural upgrades under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme. An estimated Shs9 billion has been earmarked for the 2026/27 financial year to fund a new master plan, a modern laboratory, additional student and staff housing, and advanced technical workshops. The successful implementation of these crucial developments hinges on resolving the land encroachment issue promptly.