Masindi Council Approves Land Title Transfer for Kyema Technical College

The Masindi District Council has officially approved a resolution to transfer the land title of Uganda Technical College Kyema from the district local government directly to the institution. The decision, reached during an ordinary council sitting at the district headquarters, is designed to give the technical school the autonomy it needs to attract critical funding and expand its infrastructure.

The motion was introduced by district Vice Chairperson Bright Mugume, who explained that lacking the land title in its own name had severely restricted the college’s ability to secure support from government initiatives and international development partners.

College officials highlighted an urgent need for expansion. Jack Stanley Ovua, the institution’s Community Liaison Officer, noted that the college currently accommodates around 1,200 students but faces severe infrastructure deficits. Due to a shortage of space, administrators have been forced to convert lecture rooms into student accommodation and erect tents to serve as makeshift classrooms.

Ovua pointed out that potential funding opportunities, including support from the World Bank, have been missed because the institution lacked the requisite autonomy over the property. Furthermore, the capacity constraints have made it difficult for Kyema Technical College to compete effectively with other technical institutions across Uganda.

Despite the pressing need for expansion, the resolution faced significant pushback from several councillors. Critics argued that the move was rushed and demanded more time for stakeholder consultations. Charles Olema, representing Kabango Town Council, called for due diligence to fully understand the consequences of surrendering district property.

Other councillors, such as Isaac Bongomin, suggested that the district should retain a portion of the 69-acre property for future local projects. Concerns were also raised that the interests of Masindi residents could be compromised if the handover proceeded without proper safeguards.

In response to the protests, District Speaker Patrick Timbigamba defended the ruling, assuring members that a memorandum of understanding would be signed between the local government and the college to safeguard local interests. Following a majority vote, the speaker declared the motion passed, triggering a walkout by dissatisfied councillors who accused the leadership of railroading the decision.

Read the original story on Nile Post.