Jinja City Approves Makerere University’s Plan for Permanent Campus

Jinja City leaders have given their approval for Makerere University to establish a permanent campus in the area, accepting a proposal put forward by the university. The existing Makerere University Jinja branch, initiated in 2009 at Bell Avenue, currently accommodates 750 students and offers seven courses in a rented facility in Jinja Town.

City Mayor Peter Kasolo confirmed that they are ready with land in the defunct Budondo Sub-county, now part of Jinja North City Division, for the establishment of the permanent campus. The proposed campus is expected to be at international standards, providing an alternative solution to the limited facilities at the main campus in Kampala.

While there have been delays in the implementation of the proposal, Mayor Kasolo expressed optimism, stating that disagreements over land acquisition procedures have been resolved. The city leaders believe that having a permanent Makerere University campus in Jinja will bring various opportunities, including improved standards of living, affordable university education, business growth, and overall development of the city.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being negotiated between Jinja City Council and Makerere University to formalize the land transfer. The land, measuring about 52 acres, will initially allocate 20 acres to the university, with plans for future expansion. The university aims to start construction by July 1, utilizing funds from donors, the government, and tuition fees.

Dr. Ronald Kakungulu, the Jinja Campus director, emphasized the need for the new campus to meet international standards and alleviate capacity issues faced by the main campus in Kampala. The expansion is expected to accommodate the growing number of students from the Eastern region, providing them with a more affordable education option closer to home.

The proposal envisions adding education and law courses to the existing curriculum once the permanent campus is established. The development aims to address the high demand for enrollment at the Jinja Campus, currently limited by space and regulations set by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

Former Budondo Sub-county councillor Annet Musika suggested exploring additional land options, including reaching out to the National Forestry Authority (NFA) for reserved land or utilizing available plots in nearby areas.

The move to establish a permanent Makerere University campus in Jinja City is seen as a significant achievement, promising economic and educational benefits to the region.