Limokokwing University is struggling to improve internet connectivity and road network at its Ugandan campus.
The government signed a working agreement with a Malaysian based Limkokwing university to take over Namataba vocational institute located at Namataba town council in Mukono district.
Before the takeover, Namataba institute had failed to attract students as well as receiving full equipment of the required study materials.
The university offers only technical and vocational education and training but runs as a private institution directly sponsored and managed by Limkokwing university in Malaysia. It has so far attracted over 50 students within a period of one year.
However, the university management says it is currently challenged with poor internet connectivity deterring achievement of its planned programs.
The Campus Director, Dr. Sally Bett, says several departments are affected such as their e-library where most of their study material is installed.
She also notes that several other modules are disrupted due to the poor network. She expresses fear of disruption in various courses that require faster internet services.
The university offers certificate and diploma courses among others information technology, software engineering, architectural technology and creative multi-media.
Dr. Sally says they have however addressed the matter to the top management in Malaysia and the Malaysian consulate to provide a quick solution.
She also notes that the campus is challenged with a poor road network for students to easily and quickly connect to the main road of Kampala-Jinja highway.
It Is about four kilometers from the main road to the university full of dust during day time and slippery when it rains.
Meanwhile, Sam Kasirye, the LCI Chairperson of Nakaseeta Village in Namataba appeals to the university management to expedite the push for at least the construction of the road to indirectly benefit the community as well.
“Ever since this facility was set up starting from Namataba institute to now Limkokwing university, the community has never been given back anything in the form of corporate social responsibility, not even the current fees structure is affordable.” Kasirye notes.
The institution charges shillings 1million from students on certificate and shillings 1, 200, 000 on diploma every semester.
The Deputy Malaysian Consulate, Ismael Mpanga Bbumba says issues challenging Ugandan campus have been addressed to the government for assistance.
He notes that they have worked out proper arrangements with the National Information Technology Authority Uganda-NITA-U to secure a fiber optic internet to make internet speeds available.
On the poor road networks, he also assured that arrangements are underway with the ministry of works.
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