Parliament Pushes for Increased Funding for Public Universities

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called upon government to increase the funding for public universities to cater for research as a way of creating and increasing expertise in Uganda.

While presiding over a plenary sitting on Wednesday in which the House passed a motion for a resolution of parliament to commemorate 100 years of the existence of Makerere University, Tayebwa emphasized the need to invest more funds in both public and private University research programs to enhance learning systems in higher institutions for them to produce more job creators than seekers.

“If we want our universities to be relevant, to not only produce products that will go on the market to look for jobs and all that, we shall need also to give them money for research so that they can design solutions for our problems,” he stated.

The motion was moved by Sheema South MP, Prof. Dickens Mushemeza, who recognized Makerere University’s contribution to Uganda’s economic, and social development and its active participation in the political transformation of not only Uganda but also other African countries.

The state minister for Higher Education Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, called upon parliament to support Makerere University as it repositions itself in an endeavor to become a research and innovation-led university for the next 100 years.

Following the Univesity’s training of medical doctors from Mulago Hospital, Dr.Muyingo went on to encourage members to support government in its efforts towards the construction of an independent hospital for Makerere University. 

“ We are also using these celebrations to solicit support for Makerere University to come up with its own Makerere University hospital, you are aware, Makerere University has been training medical doctors from Mulago, very soon, I will be coming here to present a request, I hope you do support me," he said.

The Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka said he was a proud student of Makerere University from 1993-1996 where he was privileged to study law as a first degree. 

"Makerere is transitioning into a research- led University and we will need to support Makerere in every possible way to achieve that dream of finding home bread solutions to our problems. Makerere must start doing research to find solutions which are made for us and by us. Makerere has made us proud," he said. 

State minister for Bunyoro Affairs, Jenipher Namuyangu, also Kibuku Woman MP, called for renovation of all university halls of residence. 

" I agree that we need to support Makerere University to rehabilitate the halls of residence, I am told Lumumba apparently is closed for the next two years due to rehabilitation and I am happy for that. Halls like Mary Stuart should also be considered," Namuyangu said.