Makerere University Secures UGX 980 Million to Construct a Student Hostel at Buyana Stock Farm
Makerere University has secured funding amounting to UGX 980 million for the construction of a student hostel at Buyana Stock Farm, a key research and training facility under the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB). The construction due to commence soon, will be undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), addressing a longstanding challenge of inadequate accommodation for staff and students.
The announcement was made during a handover ceremony on Thursday, 28th August 2025, where Dr. Mathias Wasswa, the long-serving Farm Manager, officially passed the mantle to Ms. Nansubuga Frances after a 19-year tenure. Dr. Wasswa was lauded for his resilience and commitment in steering the farm through resource constraints and maintaining its relevance in Uganda’s veterinary education landscape.
Left to Right: Dr. Mathias Wasswa, outgoing Farm Manager; Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, Principal of CoVAB; and Ms. Nansubuga Frances, incoming Farm Manager, during the handover ceremony held on Thursday.
The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Buyana Stock Farm, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive review and restructuring. On the same day, an audit led by Mr. Muteganda Amon, Chair of Makerere University’s Audit Committee, uncovered critical challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, staffing constraints, and an urgent need for strategic reforms. These findings underscore the necessity of revitalizing the farm to reclaim its status as Uganda’s premier veterinary training institution.
Among the issues highlighted were the lack of student housing, a crumbling administration block, and deteriorated animal units. Other challenges included poor water supply system and animal welfare concerns, including disease outbreaks, poor pasture management, and lack of contingency plans for dry seasons. The farm also faces Governance gaps, with most workers not formally employed by the university and rigid recruitment policies leaving key roles vacant.
A section of the College and Audit Committee members during a de brief meeting following the inspection of facilities at Buyana
The handover event was attended by key stakeholders including Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine (Principal, CoVAB), Prof. James Acai Okwee (Deputy Principal), Ms. Nyakato Barbara (Human Resource Officer), and Prof. Robert Tweyongyerer (Dean, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources).
As Ms. Nansubuga Frances assumes leadership, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to animal welfare. The transition is expected to usher in a new era of revitalization, with plans for infrastructure upgrades, improved governance, and a renewed focus on research and outreach.
Some of the stock at Buyana farm
By Harriet Musinguzi
