Kyambogo University Uses Sports to Rally West Nile Community Ahead of Full-Time Programmes

By Mike Rwothomio

Kyambogo University organised a combined staff tour and sports competition at its Paidha Campus on Monday, 13 July 2026, as preparations intensify for the August 2026 intake scheduled to commence on 6 August.

The activities aim to rally the West Nile community to embrace the university and register for full-time programmes to advance their professional development.

The university, which began operations in 2024 with in-service teacher education programmes for practising certificate and diploma holders, is introducing new full-time undergraduate programmes. These include the Bachelor of Primary Education, Bachelor of Vocational Agriculture with Education, and Bachelor of Business Administration for the August intake.

University staff from the Soroti and Bushenyi campuses toured the expansive Paidha Campus facilities, which span 80.9 hectares in Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, and are equipped with necessary infrastructure to support teaching and learning. 

The tour culminated in a football match at the waterlogged Bar Okoro Stadium, where Kyambogo University staff lost 2-1 to Zombo District officials.

Stephen Kasumba, Director of the Institute of Distance Education, E-Learning and Learning Centres at Kyambogo University, said the activities were intended to endorse the university’s presence and involve more people.

“One of the reasons for this engagement is to promote the centre and enable my colleagues from other centres to understand what is available here, especially since some staff are transferable,” Kasumba said.

Joseph Rwothomio, the focal point person for Kyambogo University Paidha Campus and  University's Acting Head of the Department of Educational Planning and Management in the School of Education, expressed optimism that more than 100 students had  registered  for the August intake, raising the campus's total enrolment to over 400 students.

"we are using this as an opportunity to engage with the community. As a campus we have a big plan for the people of West Nile "  He said, adding " the campus will keep growing stronger and stronger" 

The university has reopened applications for students seeking admission to the campus.

Stakeholders, including Fred Cwothembo representing the CAO’s office, assured the university of full support and commended it for extending accessible higher education opportunities to the region.

Cwothembo called for the introduction of more programmes such as MBAs.

Dr. Joseph Rwothomio urged the community to actively support the institution.

Rev. Marlon Rupiny, Parish Priest of Paidha Town Parish Church of Uganda, encouraged believers to seize opportunities for continuous professional development.

Meanwhile Mr. Hassan Ringtho, Vice LCV Chairperson of Zombo District, particularly encouraged teachers to utilise the study opportunities at the campus.

The Paidha Learning Centre, established through the reconstitution of the former Paidha Primary Teachers’ College, was officially handed over to Kyambogo University on 25 March 2024. It initially offered in-service education programmes and is now expanding to full-time options

The centre, located on 80.9 hectares at Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, is viewed as a major blessing for the Greater Nebbi sub-region,  which previously lacked easy access to public university education. 

It joins other Kyambogo University centres in Soroti and Bushenyi.

Manager John Manano appealed: “Send for us more learners,” noting that growth would come through increased student numbers.

The establishment followed advocacy by local leaders including Retired Archbishop Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, former LCIII Chairperson Innocent Godfred Onega, with Zombo District Council later approving the handover.

Stakeholders across the region have welcomed Kyambogo University as the first public university serving Greater Nebbi.

Stephen Kasumba, Director of the Institute of Distance Education, E-Learning and Learning Centres at Kyambogo University,

Joseph Rwothomio, the focal point person for Kyambogo University Paidha Campus and  University's Acting Head of the Department of Educational Planning and Management in the School of Education,

Staff during the tour.

Staff during the Match time live

Staff during the tour of the facility

The Kyambogo University staff football team, clad in red, and the Zombo District staff team, dressed in black and white, line up ahead of their match at Bar Okoro Stadium.

For more information, contact Dr. Joseph Rwothomio on 0772 843 219.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa, Your number one grassroot information hub for african news, trends and updates.