Soroti University (SUN)

Soroti University (SUN) is a public multi-campus university in Uganda, designated as one of the country’s degree-awarding institutions. It was founded to expand higher education opportunities in the Teso sub-region and to strengthen Uganda’s capacity in medical sciences and engineering education.

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Type: Public University
Established: June 23, 2015 (10 years ago)
Chancellor: Professor Francis Omaswa
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Robert Ikoja-Odongo
Location: Soroti, Uganda
Coordinates: 01°45′56″N 33°37′44″E
Campus: Urban, 200 acres (81 ha)
Website: www.sun.ac.ug

Location

Main Campus: Arapai, Soroti District, about 8 km northeast of Soroti city center along the Soroti–Amuria Road.
Distance from Kampala: ~296 km (184 mi) northeast of Uganda’s capital.
Land Size: 200 acres (81 ha).
Nearby Institutions: Located near Teso College, a boys’ secondary school.
Coordinates: 1°45’56.0″N, 33°37’44.0″E.

History

2012: Following lobbying by Teso stakeholders, the Ugandan government approved the creation of a public university in Soroti District.
2012 (Sept): A five-person task force was formed, led by Prof. Robert Ikoja, to establish the institution.
2013: Initial plans set to open the university this year, but delays arose due to administrative challenges and parallel involvement with the private Teso University.
2014 (June): Construction of the main building commenced.
2015 (June): Soroti University was officially established through a Statutory Instrument tabled by Minister of Education Jessica Alupo and approved by Parliament.
2018: First intake was expected but delayed.
2019 (Aug): The university admitted its pioneer class of students.

Academics

Schools

As of 2018, SUN operated the following schools:

School of Medicine and Health Sciences
School of Engineering and Technology

Degree Programmes

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic & Computer Engineering

SUN focuses primarily on medical training and engineering disciplines, with expansion plans to broaden its academic portfolio in the coming years.

Significance

Soroti University is among the youngest public universities in Uganda, strategically serving the Eastern and Northern regions.
Its emphasis on medicine, nursing, and engineering addresses Uganda’s need for skilled professionals in healthcare and technology.
The institution also serves as a regional hub for higher education, boosting social and economic development in the Teso sub-region.