In This Newsletter:
- Muni University to Build World-Class Teaching and Research Hospital
- Muni University Appoints and Welcomes New University Secretary
- Advancing Female STEM Education Through Leaders in Teaching Program
- July 2026 News Briefs: Partnerships, Training, and Donations
The architectural design of the proposed UGX 160 billion Muni University Teaching and Research Hospital. Groundbreaking is scheduled for 21 August 2026 at Muni University's main campus on Muni Hill.
Muni University to Build World-Class Teaching and Research Hospital
The architectural design of the proposed UGX 160 billion ultra-modern University Teaching Hospital. Groundbreaking is set for 21 August 2026 at the University main campus on Muni Hill, graced by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as Chief Guest.
Muni University is set to mark a historic milestone in Uganda’s healthcare transformation journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Muni University Teaching and Research Hospital on 21st August 2026 at the Main Campus. The ceremony will be presided over by the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as Chief Guest.
A Transformative National Investment in Healthcare
The landmark project, valued at Shs160 billion, represents a transformative national investment that will position Muni University among Uganda’s leading centres for health sciences education, clinical training, medical research and healthcare innovation.
The Government of Uganda’s commitment to the construction of the state-of-the-art Teaching and Research Hospital represents a significant vote of confidence in Muni University’s growing academic excellence, research capacity and strategic contribution to national development. The facility will serve as the foundation for the University’s planned Faculty of Medicine, creating an integrated ecosystem where medical education, scientific research, innovation and patient care converge.
The project comes at a critical time when Uganda continues to experience increasing demand for highly skilled health professionals, advanced clinical research and specialised healthcare services. By establishing a modern university hospital in West Nile, Muni University is responding to the need for expanded access to quality medical training, specialised healthcare and locally generated health solutions.
The establishment of the hospital reflects Muni University’s strategic vision of becoming a leading institution in transformative education, research and innovation. The facility will provide students with practical clinical learning opportunities supported by modern laboratories, simulation centres, research facilities and partnerships with national and international health institutions.
The Government of Uganda has earmarked Shs160 billion for the construction of the hospital. At least Shs30 billion has already been released to kick-start the first phase of the project, which will be developed on 10 acres of land within the Muni University Main Campus. Construction is expected to commence during the 2026/2027 Financial Year, marking the beginning of a transformative project that will strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system while expanding opportunities for medical education and research.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and International Standards
The milestone was announced by the Vice Chancellor of Muni University, Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, during the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s Quarterly Media Briefing held at the University Conference Hall on Tuesday, 30th June 2026.
Prof. Katrini described the project as one of the most significant developments in Muni University’s history, highlighting its potential to transform medical education, strengthen research partnerships and improve healthcare services in Uganda and beyond.
He explained that the Teaching and Research Hospital is a critical requirement for establishing the University’s planned Faculty of Medicine, noting that training doctors requires extensive preparation, modern infrastructure and a world-class clinical environment.
“This is going to be a state-of-the-art teaching hospital. As Vice Chancellor, I can confidently say this hospital will have no match in Uganda. This is our vision,” Prof. Katrini said.
He revealed that the University Council and Management secured a Presidential directive supporting the construction of the hospital, with President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directing that the project be undertaken by Roko Construction Company Limited.
Prof. Katrini noted that the arrangement is expected to accelerate implementation by reducing procurement delays, allowing the University to move faster towards establishing a modern teaching and research facility.
The project is expected to take approximately two and a half years to complete, including procurement and installation of specialised equipment, creating a major healthcare and academic landmark in West Nile.
The Vice Chancellor added that the Teaching and Research Hospital will enable Muni University to train future doctors, specialists, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, researchers and other healthcare professionals equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to address emerging health challenges.
The planned 250-bed Muni University Teaching and Research Hospital will feature modern facilities including biomedical laboratories, lecture theatres, multiple operating theatres, including an organ transplant theatre and a dedicated women’s theatre, VIP clinics, outpatient departments, a fully equipped radiology unit, a mortuary cold room with capacity for 100 bodies, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Main Intensive Care Unit, dialysis unit, fertility centre with sperm bank, dentistry section, occupational therapy unit and specialised laboratories.
Additional facilities will include general wards, women’s wards, administration offices, a VIP wing featuring two Presidential suites, laundry facilities, kitchen and restaurant areas, main storage facilities and solar power installations among other supporting infrastructure.
The hospital has been designed to meet international standards and position Uganda as a competitive destination for medical education, research and specialised healthcare services.
The Chairperson of the Muni University Council, Eng. Joel Aita, said the design of the hospital was guided by two major considerations: global standards and medical tourism.
“When our graduates go to work in an American university or any other advanced facility, they should be able to compete favourably. Similarly, if an American doctor comes here for training in tropical medicine, they should find facilities comparable to what they are used to,” Eng. Aita said.
He noted that Uganda spends significant resources on medical tourism abroad, with many patients seeking specialised treatment in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Turkey and India. The new hospital is expected to contribute to reversing this trend by providing world-class healthcare services locally.
Beyond academic excellence, the project will contribute to regional transformation by improving access to specialised healthcare services, supporting employment creation and stimulating economic growth through opportunities for healthcare professionals, researchers, administrators, technicians and local businesses.
Muni University Appoints and Welcomes New University Secretary
Newly appointed University Secretary, Mr. Ocen Ambrose
Muni University has appointed Mr. Ocen Ambrose as the new University Secretary following the resignation of Hon. Emmanuel Natal Banya on June 12, 2025, to contest the Koboko County parliamentary seat, for which he was later declared unopposed.
Announcing the appointment on 1st July 2026, the Vice Chancellor said: “We welcome Mr. Ambrose to Muni University. His background in public administration and local government management will support the strengthening of governance and accountability in our operations.” He also extended his appreciation to Prof. Kajobe, noting that his dedicated service throughout the transitional period ensured continuity in the University’s administration.
Extensive Experience in Local Government Administration
A highly seasoned Administrator, Mr. Ambrose has over 25 years of experience in local government administration. He has served in senior roles across Uganda, including as Town Clerk of Fort-Portal City Council under the Ministry of Local Government. He previously held similar positions in Mbale City Council, Jinja Municipal Council, Njeru Municipal Council, Kira Municipal Council, Arua Municipal Council, and Ntungamo Municipal Council.
During the handover office to him on 17th July 2026, Prof. Robert Kajobe who had been assigned the responsibilities of University Secretary following the resignation of Mr. Banya, welcomed Mr. Ambrose Ocen as Muni University’s 3rd University Secretary. “We know you’ve brought in a wealth of experience and expertise, when we went for du e diligence, we got very good records of you. You have comes at a time when the universi is growing, you have come timely, many projects are coming up and we are here to support you ” stated Prof. Kajobe.
Mr. Ambrose Ocen appreciated everyone for the warm welcome stating he has been in the public sector for long and has had 19 handovers and takeover with Muni’s being the 20th. “ I thank you all for making this possible. Now that I have come, our appointment letters are clear on what we are to do, let’s do our roles and responsibilities, remain professional, lets follow the Law, it starts and ends with the Law. We need to have positive attitude coz this is what will take us far, we need to have accurate speed in the way we deliver, let’s make the work environment comfortable. I will be open and approachable; I thank the management of the university for employing me ” he concluded.
Muni University congratulates Mr. Ambrose on his appointment and warmly welcomes him aboard.
Advancing Female STEM Education Through Leaders in Teaching Program
Muni University has been recognised as one of Northern Uganda's strategic universities with strong capacity in teacher education, STEM training and innovative approaches to learning
Muni University has been selected as one of Uganda's strategic universities to empower the next generation of female STEM teachers through the Leaders in Teaching Uganda Programme, a five-year Mastercard Foundation initiative.
The programme will support about 15 female STEM students admitted to Muni University during the 2026/2027 Academic Year, providing scholarships, laptops, accommodation and mentorship.
Empowering the Next Generation of Female STEM Teachers
The Leaders in Teaching Uganda Program, a five-year Mastercard Foundation initiative, is investing in the next generation of female STEM teachers through scholarship opportunities for Bachelor of Science with Education (BSc-Ed) students across different universities in Uganda. At Muni University, the program will support about 15 female STEM students admitted during the 2026/2027 intake.
By supporting young women to access quality STEM teacher education, the Leaders in Teaching Program seeks to increase the number of qualified female STEM teachers and establish role models for girls in secondary schools, especially in rural areas. The presence of these teachers will inspire young girls to pursue STEM subjects and other STEM-related courses.
In total, the Leaders in Teaching Program, which is implemented in a consortium of 10 partners; Luigi Giussani Foundation (LGF), UNICEF, British Council, VVOB – education for development, Edukans International Uganda, Brainwave Careers Uganda, STiR Education, Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) Uganda, Teach For Uganda, and the Forum for Education NGOs in Uganda (FENU), is providing 400 scholarships for female students pursuing a Bachelor of Science with Education (BSc-Ed) during the 2026/2027 academic year. This initiative seeks to empower young women, including Ugandan citizens, female refugees and women with disabilities, by creating pathways into STEM teacher education while addressing the shortage of qualified science teachers in Uganda's secondary education system.
Muni University has been recognised as one of Northern Uganda's strategic universities with strong capacity in teacher education, STEM training and innovative approaches to learning.
According to Mr. Emmanuel Adengo, Consortium Manager for Leaders in Teaching Uganda, universities on the program, were carefully selected based on their strength in teacher preparation, STEM capacity and ability to support modern approaches to education, including digital and online learning.
"Muni University and Gulu University represent strategic institutions in Northern Uganda because of their capacity in teacher education and STEM development," Mr. Adengo said.
The Leaders in Teaching Uganda Program is expected to contribute to improving teaching and learning across 2,091 targeted secondary schools in Uganda. The scholarship component of the program target female students aged 18–35 years who have secured admission to pursue a Bachelor of Science with Education (BSc-Ed) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year.
Upon completion of their studies, beneficiaries will be required to serve in Uganda's teaching profession for a minimum period of two years, ensuring that the investment contributes directly to strengthening STEM education across the country.
Transforming Education and Overcoming Barriers
The programme is implemented under the strategic leadership and oversight of the Ministry of Education and Sports and is designed around four key pillars:
- Teacher recruitment;
- Teacher training;
- School leadership;
- Teacher motivation
Beyond scholarships, the initiative supports curriculum improvement, research, teacher leadership development, psychosocial support and evidence-based education reforms.
The British Council leads the pre-service teacher training component, VVOB supports school leadership, while STiR Education supports motivation and professional development, among others.
The Vice Chancellor of Muni University, Associate Professor Simon Anguma Katrini, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention that responds to some of the long-standing educational challenges affecting the West Nile region.
He noted that West Nile continues to face challenges related to educational performance, poverty levels and social factors that affect girls' ability to progress through the education system.
"This partnership comes at the right time for the people of West Nile. Many talented young women continue to face barriers that limit their access to higher education. By investing in female STEM teacher education, this programme is not only transforming individual lives but also strengthening families, communities and Uganda's future education workforce. Muni University is proud to contribute to this national effort of building a more inclusive and skilled teaching profession."
Prof. Dennis Atibuni, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Muni University, commended the partnership, highlighting its importance beyond financial support.
He noted that the programme's focus on psychosocial support, mental health, teacher motivation and curriculum improvement aligns with ongoing reforms under Uganda's Competency-Based Curriculum.
"We appreciate this partnership because it addresses the broader needs of teacher education. As Muni University continues reviewing and strengthening its curriculum, collaboration with these stakeholders will support curriculum improvement and ensure that future teachers are prepared not only academically but also socially and emotionally to serve in schools."
Prof. Atibuni further emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable access to the scholarship opportunity and strengthening support systems for teachers after graduation.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Rev. Fr. Prof. Epiphany Odubuker Picho, reaffirmed Muni University's commitment to ensuring successful implementation of the programme.
He encouraged the Faculty of Education and relevant university offices to provide timely information, guidance and support to eligible students throughout the application process.
The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Beatrice Sesanga Batte, emphasised the importance of career guidance and promoting teaching as a transformative profession.
She noted that creating opportunities for young women to become STEM teachers would have a multiplier effect by inspiring future generations of learners.
As Uganda continues investing in science and technology education, Muni University's participation in the Leaders in Teaching Uganda Programme reinforces its commitment to:
- Quality teacher education;
- STEM innovation;
- Gender inclusion;
- Research-informed education;
- National human capital development.
Through this partnership, Muni University continues to strengthen its role as a regional hub for education transformation, producing skilled teachers who will contribute to Uganda's social and economic development.
July 2026 News Briefs: Partnerships, Training, and Donations
AMUTI Transdisciplinary Summer School 2026
Muni University, Arua City Centre, Uganda strengthens global partnerships as it hosts Austrian Students from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, for a three-day. The international students were hosted on campus on 6th July 2026.
New MoU with Utah Tech University
Muni University has signed an MoU with Utah Tech University’s St. George, Utah, USA, on 29th July 2026, paving the way for collaboration in joint research, innovation, & digital learning. The MoU was signed by DVC F&A Rev. Fr. Prof. Picho E. Odubuker for the VC, pending Utah Tech's signature.
West Nile Youth Complete Renewable Energy Training
On 8th July 2026, 25 youths from West Nile received certificates from the Vice Chancellor Prof. Anguma Simon Katrini at the Muni University Capacity Building Centre after completing a 14-day Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency training by Muni University and GIZ through PREEEP.
His Worship Dratibi Jackson, Deputy Mayor of Arua City, joined officials from GIZ, PREEEP and Muni University in urging the graduates to shun laziness and put their newly acquired skills to productive use for lasting impact.
Receiving UGX 2 Billion in Laboratory Equipment
Muni University received laboratory equipment worth approximately UGX 2 billion, including a Flow Cytometer and a Real-Time PCR machine, donated by Seeding Labs (USA). The equipment was officially received on 13th July 2026 by the Acting University Secretary Prof. Robert Kajobe.
Prof. Kajobe said the equipment is intended exclusively for academic and research purposes in the faculties of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Science and Health Sciences.
In a message to the university, the CEO Seeding Labs, Melissa P. Wu, PhD says they were particularly impressed with the calibre of application by our senior Laboratory Technician, Mr. Hilary Edema and the level of excellence of the university.
