Today marked a historic turning point for Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) as the institution officially handed over the construction site for its new, world-class College of Health Sciences to the National Enterprise Corporation.
Earlier today, university leaders, government officials, and community members gathered to witness the beginning of a transformative project designed to turn Mbarara into a premier hub for medical training and research in East and Central Africa.
The ceremony, emceed by Mr. Dennis Lukaaya, the Faculty Administrator for the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology and the Chaiperson of the MUST Administrative Staff Forum, was filled with an atmosphere of celebration, signaling that the university’s “mother Faculty” is now on a “no-return journey” toward becoming a beacon of modern healthcare excellence.
Local leadership was central to the day’s events, with Mr.Jesus Tibyinganga, the Chairperson of LC1 Medical Cell, expressing gratitude to the President of Uganda, the government, and the university elders for bringing such significant development to the area where the building will be constructed. Following his welcome, representatives from the National Housing and Construction Corporation (NHCC), the supervising consultants, appreciated the university for its consistent partnership.
They noted that the trust placed in them is vital to their mission of nation-building and confirmed that the massive project, which is a major milestone for the university, will be executed in three distinct phases.
In a striking address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika revealed that the building’s architectural concept is inspired by the human brain, featuring four lobes representing the cerebrum alongside a cerebellum and brainstem to symbolize the coordination and precision of the medical profession. She expressed her firm trust in NEC to deliver a high-standard construction process and thanked the Government of Uganda for the funding allocation. She emphasized that this project will provide a modern learning experience for students, enhance the quality of services provided to the community, and attract both local and international scholars through close collaboration with all stakeholders.
The Faculty’s perspective was shared by Dr. Elias Kumbakumba, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who thanked the University Council, top management, and the technical teams for their dedication.
Representing the contractors, Major General (Rtd) Innocent J. Owula, Deputy Managing Director of NEC, reassured the audience of their efficiency and diverse expertise, citing their concurrent successful work at Lira University,Busitema University among other Universities. He extended his appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda and sent a clear message that NEC maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance for corruption throughout the construction process.
Closing the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Dr. Warren Namaara, Chairperson of the University Council, described the project as a “major achievement” and a long-term investment in Uganda’s medical workforce. He paid tribute to the former Vice-Chancellors for their dedicated foundation work and specifically thanked President Museveni, the university’s vision bearer, for his continued support. Dr. Namaara concluded by commending the management, National Housing, and all partners for their commitment to securing the future of medical innovation at MUST, marking today as a definitive step forward for the institution.
