Budalang’i, Busia County.
Efforts to establish a university in Budalang’i have taken a significant leap forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and the Bunyala Community.
The MoU, signed in the presence of Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, Budalangi Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala, and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, marks a key milestone towards launching academic programs at Mundere campus in Bunyala North Ward. The campus development is underway, with renovation works and the provision of essential amenities in progress.
Governor Otuoma highlighted the agreement’s significance, stating that it represents a major advancement in providing higher education opportunities within Busia County. He emphasized the importance of educational investment in achieving near-total transition rates of learners to universities.
“My administration is committed to enhancing educational retention through initiatives like the school feeding program, which supports approximately 46,290 students across 460 Public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers in the county,” Governor Otuoma noted. He also mentioned the Busia County Support Scheme, which offers bursaries, scholarships, and loans to support bright and vulnerable students.
In his address, the Governor directed relevant departments to ensure the campus receives an uninterrupted water supply, mass lighting, road network improvements, and an upgraded Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 status to support health programs.
Additionally, the Governor announced plans to provide bursaries for the top 100 bright but needy students and expressed hopes that the new institution will foster research in key areas such as the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture.
MP Raphael Wanjala revealed that a 600-bed hostel is planned through the National Government’s Affordable Housing program. “The community is enthusiastic about the campus and is prepared to support it wholeheartedly. We, as leaders, are committed to ensuring strong enrollment and community benefit,” he said.
JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Akuno assured that the institution is poised to begin academic programs aimed at making a substantial impact on the community and region in areas such as research, agriculture, blue economy, education, environment, health, and technology.
The campus, funded by the Budalang’i National Government Constituency Development Fund, will feature an administration block, two hostels, a disaster management and rescue center, water reservoir, ablution block, and a library currently under construction.
The signing event was also attended by County executives Andrew Nakitare (Roads), Beatrice Nakholi (Education), Chief of Staff Vincent Mutanda, MCAs Sylvanus Alianda (Bunyala North Ward), John Omumi (Bunyala Central), and Stephen Nasiagi (Bunyala), along with Bunyala Community leaders, Campus Board Members, and residents.
Biko Steve 
KTMN Reporter