The Bunyala community in Budalangi Subcounty, Busia County, celebrated a significant milestone as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a satellite campus in the region.

The MoU, witnessed by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala, JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno, and other local leaders, paves the way for launching academic programs at the Mundere campus in Bunyala North Ward.

During a joint meeting prior to the agreement, Governor Otuoma highlighted the significance of this development for the region’s educational growth.

“My administration is committed to keeping students in school,” Governor Otuoma said, referencing the county’s school feeding program that currently supports approximately 46,290 learners across 460 Public Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) centers.

He also mentioned the Busia County Support Scheme, established under the Busia County Support Scheme Act 2017, which offers bursaries, scholarships, HELB loans, and the Afya Elimu program.

These initiatives primarily target bright and vulnerable students, helping them access education and fostering social cohesion.

The governor directed his officers to ensure that relevant departments facilitate the campus’s development by providing reliable water supply, mass lighting, road network rehabilitation, and upgrading Port Victoria Hospital to Level 4 to support future health programs.

“As part of our affirmative action, we will provide bursaries to the top 100 bright but needy students. We anticipate that this institution will create research opportunities in key sectors such as the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture,” he added.

MP Wanjala also highlighted ongoing plans to construct a 600-bed hostel under the National Government’s Affordable Housing program.

“We are fully prepared to see this campus become operational. The community is enthusiastic and ready to support the institution in every possible way. As leaders, we are dedicated to ensuring strong enrollment,” he said.

He further noted the economic benefits that the community would gain from the presence of the new institution.

JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Akuno assured the Bunyala community that the university is ready to begin academic programs, focusing on research in agriculture, the blue economy, education, environment, health, and technology.

The goal is to make a significant impact on the local community and the region.

The Mundere campus currently features an administration block and two hostels, funded by the Budalang’i National Government Constituency Development Fund.

Additional facilities include a disaster management and rescue center, a water reservoir, an ablution block, and a library under construction.