Makerere University’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Education (STIE) programs are set for a major upgrade after Parliament approved a $162 million loan to finance the project Tuesday.
The loan from the Korea Export-Import Bank was approved during a plenary sitting on Dec. 16. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, moved the motion, stating the funds will construct new facilities, upgrade existing laboratories and supply internationally standardized equipment.
“Financing terms are highly concessional and we greatly support the long-term education infrastructure development in Uganda,” Musasizi said.
He said the project aims to improve education quality and graduate employability through the construction of a science and technology center, upgraded laboratories and smart classrooms, and a new building to house the mechanical, civil and electrical engineering departments.
Other developments will include new facilities for the College of Health Sciences, a new dentistry school building and capacity-building programs for university staff to operate new technologies and research facilities.
Musasizi added the development is further aimed at increasing the national ratio of science and technology to humanities graduates from 2.5% to 3.5% by 2030, and improving STIE learning outcomes from 49% to 80% in the same period. The university also aims to raise its graduate enrollment threshold from 17% to 40% by 2030.
The House suspended a procedural rule to allow for the adoption of the Finance Committee’s report without debate, following a motion by Acrobert Kiiza, an independent representative for Bughendera County.
“The contents of this loan are aimed at improving the university and they are critical to the country,” Kiiza said.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi cautioned lawmakers against passing loans without following proper procedures. Joseph Ssewungu of the National Unity Platform questioned why other universities were not benefiting.
“We have so many crippling universities, why do we come out for only Makerere University? Bring a loan for all universities,” Ssewungu said.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and the Minister of State for Higher Education, Chrysostom Muyingo, said university upgrades will be done in phases.
“Makerere is the premier university and it has supported all other universities. We sure need support to other universities and the minister should pick up on that,” Tayebwa said.
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