Kabale University has officially launched its first campus in Rukungiri District, aligning with the government's agenda of socio-economic transformation through expanded access to higher education.

The launch ceremony was held on May 23, 2025, at the former Rukungiri Primary Teachers’ College (PTC) in Buyanja Town Council. This initiative follows the government’s policy of transforming teacher training colleges into university campuses to meet the growing demand for higher education.

In her keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga announced that the Rukungiri Campus will offer the following academic programs:

Bachelor of Education – Primary

Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood

Bachelor of Agribusiness Management

Bachelor of Information Technology

Diploma in Information Technology

Bachelor of Business Administration and Management

Bachelor of Public Administration and Management

Prof. Kwesiga expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, Rukungiri Local Government, the Church of Uganda (particularly North Kigezi Diocese), and the founding body of the former PTC for their roles in achieving this milestone.

Dr. Eric Gitta, Principal Education Officer in charge of University Education and Training at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasized that the transformation of teacher training colleges was part of a broader strategy to meet the rising demand for higher learning across Uganda.

Rukungiri District Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama welcomed the development, noting its significance in enhancing socio-economic growth while reducing expenses related to travel, accommodation, and food for students who previously had to study far from home. He urged the local community to support and embrace the campus.

Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe of North Kigezi Diocese also spoke at the event, expressing heartfelt thanks to all who facilitated the transition of Rukungiri PTC into a university campus. He pledged the Diocese’s full support in helping the campus evolve into a constituent college of Kabale University. He also called upon university leadership to uphold church values, especially considering the campus’s location on Nyakina Church of Uganda land.

University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera emphasized the importance of knowledge creation as a foundation for national development.

“Everyone lives on knowledge in this dynamic world. If we want to grow, we must promote the creation of knowledge. The contribution of this institution to knowledge creation cannot be underestimated,” he stated.

He also noted that the academic programs were selected based on community needs after thorough consultation. Additionally, he encouraged a mindset change and emphasized that certain types of businesses would not be permitted near the campus, in consideration of its setting in a church-owned and residential area.