Soroti University will begin educating Aviation Science after finalizing collaboration agreements with the Ethiopian Aviation University.
This revelation was made by the college’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Robert Ikoja Odongo whereas presenting the Budget Framework Paper for 2025-2026 monetary 12 months earlier than the Committee on Education and Sports on Wednesday, 08 January 2025.
Prof Odongo stated the partnership is a part of the collaborations they’re in search of with universities overseas the place they will get the required caliber of lecturers.
He added that the transfer is supposed to bridge the gaps in tutorial workers who he stated are exhausting to draw.
“We are actually going to India, Malaysia, and Ethiopia to get lecturers. We are in contact with the Ethiopian Aviation University to be able to begin educating Aviation Science,” stated Odongo.
He famous that there’s a rising development the place lecturers take lengthy to just accept and even reply to job gives, leaving the college with gaps in some tutorial disciplines.
“We recruited a professor of civil engineering, however for 3 months, he has not responded as to if he’s fascinated with coming to show,” Odongo stated.
The Gulu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Openjuru who additionally appeared earlier than the committee, stated the college can be dealing with challenges in recruiting lecturers specializing in agricultural extension.
“We wanted lecturers of agricultural extension, however they haven’t been educated in Uganda. At the top of the monetary 12 months, you’re left with wage for recruitment and so as to not lose the chance you find yourself getting workers who is probably not extremely wanted,” stated Openjuru.
MPs noticed that the 2 universities are working on restricted funds to the extent that Soroti University lacks educating area and funds to cater for the welfare of scholars.
Mbale City Woman MP, Hon. Connie Nakayenze requested fellow MPs to allocate the required Shs200 million saying college students’ welfare disaster is commonly the lead explanation for strikes.
“It is de facto magical that you’re utilizing sources meant for 100 college students to take look after 600 college students. I sympathise with the best way you’re struggling; we should always get the cash it is advisable to stop the doubtless disaster,” stated Nakayenze.
Hon. Isaac Etuka (NRM, Upper Madi County) noticed that the college has not been funded to conduct analysis though Shs1 billion was ring-fenced for every college to conduct analysis.
