Kyambogo University has dismissed widespread reports circulating on social media alleging that the institution is set to be closed and converted into a military facility, describing the claims as false and urging students, parents, and the public to remain calm.
The rumours stem from a viral social media post purportedly made by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, claiming that the university would not release its admission lists because it would soon cease operations.
The post alleged that prospective students should instead seek admission in private universities as Kyambogo would be transformed into a military establishment.
The claims quickly spread across online platforms, causing uncertainty among prospective students and their families, especially as the university prepares to admit a new cohort for the upcoming academic year.
Responding to the speculation, Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya, assured the public that the institution remains fully operational and that all academic programmes are proceeding according to schedule.
He emphasized that reports suggesting the university had been shut down were entirely baseless and urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating online.
According to Prof. Katunguka, preparations for the new academic year have been completed, with the admissions process already finalized. He confirmed that first-year students are expected to report on August 1, while continuing students will resume studies on August 8 in line with the university’s academic calendar.
The controversy has also sparked debate over the legal process required to close a public university in Uganda.
Legal experts note that the dissolution of a public university cannot be effected through social media statements or unilateral administrative directives.
Under Section 22(1) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, a public university is established through a Statutory Instrument issued by the Minister of Education upon the recommendation of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and subject to Parliament’s approval.
NCHE spokesperson Saulo Waigolo said Uganda has never dissolved a public university, although government has previously closed or repurposed certain tertiary institutions.
He explained that while the Act does not expressly outline procedures for closing a public university, the authority to dissolve one would ordinarily rest with the same institutions responsible for its establishment.
Waigolo further cited Section 24 of the Interpretation Act, which provides that powers to make statutory instruments also include the authority to amend, suspend, or revoke them unless otherwise restricted by law.
This means any decision to dissolve or restructure a public university would require a recommendation from the NCHE, the issuance of a new Statutory Instrument by the Minister of Education revoking the institution’s establishment, and subsequent approval by Parliament.
Student leaders have also sought to reassure the university community following the circulation of the rumours.
Kyambogo University Guild President Edward Agaba acknowledged that the viral post had generated anxiety among students, particularly because there was initially no official response from authorities.
He welcomed the Vice Chancellor’s clarification, saying student leaders would circulate the official communication across all student platforms to counter misinformation and reassure prospective students.
Agaba also revealed that the university was expected to release its private admission lists, encouraging applicants and parents to focus on preparations for the new academic year rather than unverified online claims.
Established in 2003 under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions (Establishment of Kyambogo University) Instrument, Kyambogo University was created through the merger of Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo, the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo, and the Uganda National Institute of Special Education.
Today, the institution remains one of Uganda’s leading public universities, offering programmes in teacher education, engineering, technical and vocational training, special needs education, as well as a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
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