Busitema University has officially inaugurated its new campus in Butebo District, formerly the Kabwangasi Primary Teachers’ College.  The campus will form an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Busitema University by providing Pharmaceutical studies training. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Chancellor Professor Vinand Mutakabala Nantulya whom the Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Waako and other distinguished members of the University management accompanied.

During the ceremony, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations in the Office of the President, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero .M launched the China-Uganda Luban Workshop. This follows a collaboration between the University and Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, China. In her speech, the Minister praised the University for its excellence, highlighting the extraordinary outcomes of the projects that the Government of Uganda through STI-OP had previously funded. She pledged her continued support to the University, including her commitment to teaching at the newly acquired campus. Furthermore, she emphasized the role of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation in linking science to the economy to create jobs and boost economic growth.

While giving opening remarks, Professor Paul Waako welcomed all guests of the momentous occasion, and specially, welcomed the delegation from Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College in China, led by their Vice President, Professor Lan Zuoping. He recounted a visit to the College, during which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish the China-Uganda Pharmacy Luban Workshop. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for facilitating this collaboration and their visit to Uganda.  More still, Professor Paul Waako also acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Sports, Church of Uganda, the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, and the local government leadership for their respective roles in handing over the Kabwangasi PTC to Busitema University. He announced that the National Council for Higher Education and Pharmaceutical Council Verification team visited the facility to assess its capability to carry on with the Bachelor of Pharmacy program. The program is set to start in the academic year 2024/2025. He also outlined plans to introduce more programs in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology and establishment of a teacher education training center at the campus.

Professor Lan Zuoping also expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College and Busitema University. He pledged continued support for future collaborative efforts. At the end of the ceremony, dignitaries were taken on a guided tour of the facility to the classroom buildings that would provide a strategic direction for the campus’s future development. The establishment of the new campus in Butebo District marks a significant milestone for Busitema University, underscoring its commitment to expanding educational opportunities and fostering international collaborations in the field of health sciences.