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 yr earlier than the Committee on Education and Sports on Wednesday, 08 January 2025.
Prof Odongo mentioned the partnership is a part of the collaborations they’re looking for 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 educational employees who he mentioned are onerous to draw.
“We at the moment are going to India, Malaysia, and Ethiopia to get lecturers. We are in contact with the Ethiopian Aviation University in an effort to begin educating Aviation Science,” mentioned Odongo.
He famous that there’s a rising development the place lecturers take lengthy to just accept and even reply to job presents, leaving the college with gaps in some educational disciplines.
“We recruited a professor of civil engineering, however for 3 months, he has not responded as to if he’s considering coming to show,” Odongo mentioned.
The Gulu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Openjuru who additionally appeared earlier than the committee, mentioned the college can also 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 yr, you’re left with wage for recruitment and so as to not lose the chance you find yourself getting employees who is probably not extremely wanted,” mentioned Openjuru.
MPs noticed that the 2 universities are working on restricted funds to the extent that Soroti University lacks educating house 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 reason for strikes.
“It is absolutely 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 must always get the cash it’s worthwhile to stop the doubtless disaster,” mentioned 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.
