Kampala – The Government of Uganda has officially dropped the name “Busoga University” for the planned university in the Busoga sub‑region and is now proposing “Kiira University” as the preferred alternative. The decision follows recommendations by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Was announced by Acting Minister of Education and Sports Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo during a parliamentary session on 27 August 2026.
Dr Muyingo informed Members of Parliament that NCHE had rejected any name incorporating “Busoga University” because it could confuse people with the private institution that once operated under that same name. Officials also raised concerns about legal claims that could arise from reusing the title. The minister was responding to a petition by staff of the defunct Busoga University, who had asked for the establishment of a public university the retention of the original name, the tabling of the necessary Statutory Instrument and payment of verified outstanding claims.
According to the minister NCHE thoroughly evaluated naming options. Suggestions that linked the institution to Iganga District were also set aside as they could create the perception that the university’s mandate and service area would be limited to that district alone. After consideration the Council unanimously recommended “Kiira University” as the most suitable name. The Uganda Registration Services Bureau later confirmed in a letter dated 1 July 2026 that the name “Kiira University” was available for reservation.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has since submitted the proposed name to President Yoweri Museveni for approval. Once the President gives his guidance the proposal will proceed to Cabinet. Subsequently to Parliament for the enactment of a Statutory Instrument that will formally establish the institution as a public university.
The move marks a step toward resolving long‑standing questions surrounding the reopening and transformation of higher education opportunities in the Busoga sub‑region. Stakeholders had expressed hope that the institution would begin admitting students during the August 2026 intake cycle. However the naming process delayed those plans as government insisted on securing a name of legal and administrative complications before completing the legal framework required for operations.
Education experts and regional leaders have welcomed the clarity noting that a neutral and distinctive name such as Kiira University will help the new public institution build its identity while serving students from Busoga and beyond. The university is expected to expand access to education create employment opportunities and contribute to the socio‑economic development of eastern Uganda.
Government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to strengthening universities as part of broader efforts to improve the quality and relevance of higher education. The shift to competence‑based education programme reviews by NCHE and infrastructure investments across the sector all form part of this wider reform agenda.
As the nation awaits the President’s decision on the name attention now turns to the next procedural steps. Once approved Kiira University is expected to move toward formal establishment positioning it to play a meaningful role in Uganda’s expanding higher education landscape and, in the educational aspirations of the Busoga sub‑region.