Busitema University (BU) is one of Uganda’s public universities and accredited degree-awarding institutions. Established in 2007, BU has developed into a multi-campus university, focusing strongly on agricultural sciences, agricultural mechanization, engineering, health sciences, natural resources, management sciences, and vocational education. It is recognized for advancing agribusiness and applied sciences to address national and regional development needs.

Table of Contents

Busitema University (BU)

Motto: Pursuing Excellence
Type: Public University
Established: 2007
Chancellor: Vinand Nantulya
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Paul Waako
Administrative Staff: 60+ (2019)
Students: 3,000+ (2019)
Location: Busitema, Uganda
Campus Type: Rural (with multiple campuses)
Website: www.busitema.ac.ug

Location

The main campus is situated in Busitema, Busia District, along the Jinja–Tororo Highway, about 26 km southwest of Tororo and 186 km east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

Coordinates: 0°32′42″N, 34°01′30″E.

Campuses

Busitema University operates six active campuses and study centers, each specializing in different academic fields:

Main Campus (Busia District): Faculty of Engineering – 1,300 acres
Nagongera Campus (Tororo District): Faculty of Science and Education – 850 acres
Mbale Campus (Mbale District): Faculty of Health Sciences – 30 acres (linked with Mbale Regional Referral Hospital)
Pallisa Campus (Pallisa District): Various programmes – 350 acres
Arapai Campus (Soroti District): Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences – 675 acres
Namasagali Campus (Kamuli District): Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Note: Jinja and Kaliro campuses exist but are currently non-operative.

Academics

Undergraduate Degrees

Faculty of Science and Education: BSc Education (Computer Studies, Physics, Mathematics, Education)
Faculty of Agriculture & Animal Sciences: BSc Agriculture, Bachelor of Agribusiness, Bachelor of Animal Production & Management
Faculty of Engineering: BSc Agricultural Mechanization & Irrigation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Mining Engineering, Polymer/Textile/Industrial Engineering, Agro-processing Engineering
Faculty of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences: BSc Natural Resources Economics, Hydrology, Fisheries & Water Resource Management
Faculty of Health Sciences: Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing

Diplomas & Certificates

Agricultural Engineering, Ginning Engineering, Crop Production & Management, Animal Production, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, General Agriculture

Postgraduate Programmes

Busitema offers 18 postgraduate programmes, including:

Health Sciences (Mbale): Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine, Master of Public Health
Science & Education (Nagongera): Masters in Industrial Mathematics, Physics, Educational Leadership, and Educational Psychology
Natural Resources & Environment (Namasagali): MSc in Climate Change & Disaster Management, Environmental Economics
Engineering & Technology (Busitema): PhDs in Materials and Energy Engineering, MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering, MSc in Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Forensics
Business & Management: MBA, PhD in Business Administration

Distinctive Focus

Busitema University is specialized in applied sciences and technical disciplines. It emphasizes engineering, agricultural innovation, environmental sustainability, and health sciences, making it a strategic national institution for developing Uganda’s science-driven workforce.