Kyambogo University through a public-private partnership with an investor is to develop a Students’ Accommodation and a Multi-purpose Sports Complex with a Business Centre. The private developer will be responsible for the design, construction, financing, and operation of the facilities, while the university will provide the land and assist in securing necessary permits. At the end of the concession period, ownership of the facilities will be transferred back to the university.
Given the university’s limited accommodation offerings and the growing demand for affordable accommodation, there is a significant opportunity to bridge this gap. The project of students’ accommodation is expected to provide accommodation to 10,000 students, designed for both single and double occupancy.
The multipurpose sports complex will comprise a multi-purpose indoor arena, outdoor courts, and a swimming pool that will house basketball, volleyball, netball, handball, badminton, futsal, swimming, and water polo among others. The multipurpose indoor arena will also be able to house other entertainment and conference functions and graduations with a seating capacity of up to 5000 people and with parking for over 340 cars It will also positively influence the physical development of students and improve overall academic achievements.
On Tuesday 10th September 2024, the University hosted over 40 local and international companies that responded to its call for proposals. The potential investors toured the designated sites for the project, which will be built on 31 acres of land provided by the university. The estimated cost of the development exceeds USD 100 million.
According to Vice-Chancellor Professor Eli Katunguka, Kyambogo University operates on an annual budget of UGX 140 billion but receives only UGX 67 billion from the government, which is earmarked solely for staff salaries. This reliance on internally generated revenue, mainly from tuition fees, is not sufficient. As a result, the university management decided to seek alternative revenue sources through a public-private partnership.
The new hostels at Kyambogo University will accommodate at least 10,000 students, a significant increase from the current facilities that house only 1,400 students, of whom 1,000 are government-sponsored. Regarding the multipurpose sports arena, Katunguka explained that it would also generate revenue by being available for rent to external organizations. Uganda currently lacks such a facility.
The planned Business complex will have a seating capacity of 5,000 and parking space for at least 340 cars. Upon completion, the university will agree with the private investor on revenue-sharing terms, allowing the investor to recoup their investment before handing over the facilities to the university.
Mr. Robert Baterengaya, the Director of Planning and Development at Kyambogo University, said that the university aims to finalize the partnership by June 2025. Construction is expected to be completed within two years.
Tags: business center, Kyambogo sports facilities, Kyambogo University, multi-purpose arena, PPP, Public Private Partnership, sports complex, student accommodation, student housing, Uganda education, university development