Makerere University’s Science, Technology and Innovation Education (STIE) programme is set to undergo major modernization after Parliament approved a US$162 million loan to fund the initiative.
The loan, sourced from the Korea Export-Import Bank, was sanctioned during a plenary sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
The motion was presented by the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, who explained that the funds will support the construction of new infrastructure, refurbishment of existing laboratories, and procurement of internationally compliant equipment.
“These are concessional financing terms, and they strongly support Uganda’s long-term investment in education infrastructure,” Musasizi noted.
He explained that the project seeks to enhance the quality of learning while increasing the employability of graduates.
According to the minister, this will be realized through the establishment of a science and technology hub, modernization of laboratories and smart classrooms, as well as the construction and full equipping of a new facility for the mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering departments.
Additional works will include the development of new infrastructure for the College of Health Sciences, construction of a new School of Dentistry building, and implementation of capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping Makerere University staff with the skills required to operate advanced technologies and research systems.
Musasizi added that the upgrades are also intended to improve the national balance between science and technology graduates and those in the humanities, increasing the ratio from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent by 2030, while raising STIE learning outcomes from 49 percent to 80 percent within the same timeframe.
It is further anticipated that improved STIE facilities will drive higher enrollment in science and technology programmes and support the university’s goal of increasing postgraduate enrollment from 17 percent to 40 percent by 2030.
To fast-track approval, Parliament temporarily suspended Rule 162(4) of its Rules of Procedure, allowing the Finance Committee’s report to be adopted without debate following a motion by Hon. Acrobert Kiiza (Independent, Bughendera County).
“This loan directly targets improvements at the university and is vital to national development,” Kiiza stated.
However, the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, urged Parliament to exercise caution when approving loans and to ensure all due processes are followed.
Meanwhile, Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West County) questioned why similar financial support was not being extended to other public universities.
“We have many struggling universities. Why focus on Makerere alone? There should be funding for all institutions,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and the Minister of State for Education (Higher Education), Hon. Chrysostom Muyingo, clarified that the upgrading of universities would be implemented in stages.
“Makerere is our flagship institution and has played a key role in supporting other universities. That said, support for additional universities is necessary and should be addressed,” Tayebwa remarked.
