JOOUST Partners with Bunyala Community to Launch Mundere Campus in Budalang’i

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Efforts to establish a university in Budalang’i, Busia County have gained momentum with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) and the Bunyala Community.

This agreement, which was witnessed by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, and JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, among other local leaders, will pave the way for the launch of academic programs at the Mundere campus in Bunyala North Ward following the completion of renovation work and the provision of essential amenities.

Busia Governor Dr.Paul Otuoma

Speaking at a joint meeting preceding the signing, Governor Otuoma hailed the agreement as a significant milestone for education in Busia County, emphasizing that the university will play a key role in enhancing access to higher education in the region.

“This investment in education is critical, as it will help ensure nearly 100 percent of learners in the area transition to universities,” Otuoma stated.

He further highlighted ongoing county efforts to support education, including a school feeding program benefiting approximately 46,290 learners across 460 Public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers. Additionally, Otuoma mentioned the Busia County Support Scheme, established under the Busia County Support Scheme Act of 2017, which offers bursaries, scholarships, HELB loans, and the Afya Elimu program. “These initiatives are primarily aimed at supporting bright and vulnerable learners to access education and foster a cohesive society,” he added.

The Governor directed county officials to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the campus, including uninterrupted water supply, mass lighting installation, road network rehabilitation, and the upgrading of Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 to support future health programs.

“As an affirmative measure, we commit to providing bursaries for the top 100 bright but needy students. We hope this institution will also serve as a hub for research, particularly in sectors such as the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture,” Otuoma revealed.

MP Raphael Wanjala expressed excitement over the development, announcing that plans are in advanced stages to construct a 600-bed capacity hostel under the National Government’s Affordable Housing program. “The community is eager to support this institution, and we, as leaders, are committed to ensuring successful enrollment and operation,” Wanjala said. He added that the local community stands to benefit significantly from the socio-economic impacts of the university’s presence.

JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno affirmed the university’s commitment to the community, stating, “We are ready to commence academic programs here, with a strong focus on making a tangible difference in the literacy and development of the region.”

The Mundere campus, financed by the Budalang’i National Government Constituency Development Fund, features an administration block, two hostels, a disaster management and rescue center, a water reservoir, and an ablution block, with a library currently under construction.

The event was attended by several county executives, including Andrew Nakitare (Roads), Beatrice Nakholi (Education), Chief of Staff Vincent Mutanda, and MCAs Sylvanus Alianda (Bunyala North Ward), John Omumi (Bunyala Central), and Stephen Nasiagi (Bunyala). Also present were Bunyala Community leaders, Campus Board Members, and local residents.

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