Muni University has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the National Housing & Construction Company Limited (NHCCL) aimed at accelerating the development of modern campus infrastructure and strengthening the institution’s capacity as a fast-growing public university in northern Uganda.
The MoU, signed at the university’s main campus in West Nile, sets the framework for the construction of students’ hostels, lecture rooms, science laboratories and other essential facilities required to support the university’s expanding academic programmes and rising student population.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Muni University, Prof. Anguma Simon Katrini, said the partnership reflects the university’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and academic excellence.
“It is a great honour to host the management of National Housing & Construction Company Limited at Muni University,” Prof. Anguma said. “Our purpose is to formalise a partnership that will enable us to develop our university land into modern students’ hostels, lecture rooms, science laboratories and other critical infrastructure.”
He said the MoU would be followed by concrete action, noting that a joint committee would be established to oversee planning and implementation. According to the Vice Chancellor, the partnership is expected to benefit not only the university but also the wider socio-economic development of the West Nile region.
The Chairman of the University Council, Eng. Joel Aita, said Muni University’s rapid growth has created urgent infrastructure needs that require innovative and sustainable solutions.
“Muni University is growing very fast, and infrastructure remains our biggest challenge,” Eng. Aita said. “However, this challenge cannot hinder us from executing our mandate.”
He noted that government has encouraged public universities to reduce reliance on central government funding and instead seek partnerships that can support institutional development.
“This is why we are partnering with National Housing & Construction Company,” he said. “We welcome them as a strategic partner and call upon the university community to fully support the vision behind this MoU.”
Eng. Aita added that Arua and the wider West Nile region present increasing economic opportunities driven by cross-border trade and population movements from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Chief Executive Director of National Housing & Construction Company Limited, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, said the MoU provides the framework needed to move quickly from planning to implementation.
“This MoU gives us an entry point, including location and planning, which allows us to proceed with designs,” Eng. Kaijuka said. “As the government’s construction arm, we undertake master planning, design, construction and resource mobilisation based on agreed models.”
He said once the university approves the designs, financing structure and payment plan, the company would be ready to begin work immediately, noting the urgency created by the growing student population.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of NHCCL, Hon. Wanjuzi Sylvester Wasieba, said the company is mandated to fully deliver on MoUs signed with public institutions.
“Whenever we sign an MoU, our responsibility is to satisfy the client’s needs,” he said. “As directed by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, we are working closely with government institutions, and Muni University will receive full support to ensure all agreed developments are implemented.”
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Fr. Prof. Odubuker Picho Epiphany, said the MoU comes at a time when the university has secured large tracts of land across several districts that require structured development.
“When Muni University was established in West Nile, we had no land,” he said. “Through engagement with district and local leaders, the university has since acquired land in Pakwach, Yumbe, Madi-Okollo, Arua City, Moyo, Koboko, Ayivu and other areas.”
He said the MoU with National Housing will enable the university to put its land to full and productive use through the construction of hostels, lecture rooms, laboratories and other essential facilities.
The MoU signing concluded with Muni University management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Anguma Simon Katrini, taking the National Housing & Construction Company Limited delegation on a guided tour of the university land earmarked for infrastructure development.
As public universities in Uganda adjust to changing funding realities, the signing of the MoU positions Muni University as a forward-looking institution leveraging strategic partnerships to drive infrastructure development, academic excellence and regional transformation.
