By The Respondent Reporter
On December 15th, a significant milestone was marked in the educational landscape of Tanzania with the laying of the foundation stone for the Bukoba University Campus in Itahwa Village, Bukoba Rural.
The ceremony, officiated by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, was attended by esteemed dignitaries including retired President and chancellor University of Dar es Salaam, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, regional officials, security personnel, and local community leaders.
Dr. Kikwete emphasized the strategic vision behind this project, announcing plans to allocate additional land to transform the Kagera campus into a fully independent university.
The new institution will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure designed with inclusivity at its core, notably prioritizing facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
This initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to establish universities in Tanzanian regions lacking government higher education facilities—a move expected to decentralize education and boost regional development.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Kikwete acknowledged the cooperation of local residents from Itahwa and Kangabusharo villages, Ward and District Councils, as well as the World Bank, which is financing the first phase of construction.
He further noted that negotiations to secure funding for the second phase are actively underway.
The Bukoba campus construction project, funded with over TZS 14 billion, has sparked enthusiasm among Itahwa residents and neighboring communities.
Locals anticipate the university will create numerous job opportunities and stimulate demand for residential buildings, goods, and services, injecting vitality into the local economy.
To maximize the campus’s potential, Dr. Kikwete called on the government to improve infrastructure connectivity by paving the road linking the Bukoba-Mwanza highway to the university site—a necessary step to ensure seamless access for students, staff, and visitors.
As this ambitious project takes root, the Bukoba University Campus promises to become a cornerstone of knowledge, innovation, and unity in East Africa, empowering new generations and fostering inclusive growth across the region.