ByGerald Niyirinda
Kisoro Primary Teachers College (PTC) facilities have officially been handed over to Kabale University, marking a significant step toward expanding higher education in Kisoro District.
Officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Kabale University, Kisoro District, and Kisoro Municipal Council were present at the former PTC site to oversee the transfer. The government plans to convert the facility into a branch of Kabale University, aiming to increase access to higher education in Kisoro and neighboring districts.
Recently, Kisoro Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. John Nyakahuma, said that, “Kabale University will initially start with a Diploma in Nursing programme, with plans to introduce additional courses in the future.”
The handover follows a Kisoro District Council resolution approving the transformation of the PTC into a Health Sciences Institution, with a Ministry of Education team supervising the process.
When asked, Kazimili Wilson, the LC5 Councillor for Chahi Sub-county, noted that the PTC structures had been underutilized for years due to political disputes and resistance from owners of private nursing schools who feared competition.
Meanwhile, Canon Baker Habimana, the Chairperson of the Kisoro PTC Board, welcomed the move.
“This university branch will enable residents to access higher education within the district and boost business and economic growth in Kisoro town.”
Kwizera Questions Procedure
Despite this support, Bukimbiri County MP, Hon. Eddie Kwizera wa Gahungu, opposed the handover, citing concerns over legality and the absence of a clear land title. He described the process as politically motivated and rushed, potentially leading to future disputes.
Hon. Kwizera highlighted gaps in the legal and procedural process, including:
- Determination of the asset’s value by the Chief Government Valuer
- Consultation with the Accountant General and Solicitor General
- Compliance with the Public Finance and Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act
While appearing on a radio talkshow on www.vomuhabura.com Sunday evening, Hon Kwizera asked, “Who owns the land? Who has the land title? For a meaningful and lasting relationship between the new owners and current stakeholders, these questions must be resolved. The obligations of all parties and the corresponding benefits must be clearly defined,” he said.
Despite the opposition, Canon Baker on Monday afternoon officially handed over the facilities to the Ministry of Education and Sports, with Dr. Mugisha Annet, Commissioner at the Ministry, receiving the property.
Dr. Mugisha emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader government plan to expand higher education in Kisoro District:
“We shall make sure that this university begins as soon as possible. No one is going to stop this cause.”
She added that the new university branch will create opportunities for local students and contribute to socio-economic growth in the region.
The handover has ignited discussions on governance, legal compliance, and transparency in public asset management. Stakeholders and the public are closely monitoring the situation, seeking clarity on land ownership, asset valuation, and long-term implications for Kisoro District.
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