By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Amolatar District Local Government has handed over land titles to the Management of Lira University at a colourful ceremony held on 16th April 2024.
Lira University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Okaka Opio Dokotum said that Management plans to establish the College of Agriculture and Marine Engineering in Amolatar Campus. He added that the land boundary roads have been done in both sites of Alemere and Agwingiri.
Prof. Okaka Opio revealed that the artistic impression plan of structures and buildings, estimated to cost sh23Billion, has been produced for use in lobbying for funds. He added that the University now plans to engage a contractor to come out with a Master Plan for the land before constructions start.
The DVC praised the Amolatar District leaders and the community for donating land to the university. “We promise to utilise the lands for a good purpose and add values to Amolatar District,” he said.
He added that the University campus will be a training and skilling Centre for agricultural activities adding that this campus of Lira university will be a key player in the national development.
“This campus will boost business, bring money into Amolatar community as students rent, eat and transact business here,” he said. He reveals that Amolatar, located at the centre of Uganda, has several beautiful creatures and features with potential of attracting tourists from across the world.
“So Lira University is coming with good intention and zeal of adding value to Amolatar District, no doubt,” Prof. Okaka Opio asserts.
Resident District Commissioner, Mr Okello Francis Odoki who stood in for the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, lauded President Museveni and his government for taking seriously and funding Higher Educational institutions in this country. He hailed the people of Amolatar for sacrificing land for establishing Lira University Campus.
The RDC thanked Government for giving Ugandans right to own land, unlike other countries. “Today, land belongs to people, not government. This comes with great benefits to Ugandans,” he explains.
The Director of Lands in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Kabanda Naume praised the community of Amolatar for prioritising giving land for promoting higher education in the area. “Land is a critical asset and it is important you donated it to Lira University for opening up its campus here. The project will come with immense benefits to northern Uganda and the rest of the country,” she said.
Geoffrey Ocen, the LC5 Chairperson, Amolatar lauded Lira University for being committed in utilising the land by first processing its ownership registration titles. “As District Leaders, we hope to work as a partner in establishing the university campus here in Amolatar. We believe Amolatar community will definitely benefit from this project, directly or indirectly,” Ocen explained.
Kyoga MP, Hon. Okot Moses Junior also attended the ceremony, asked Lira University to prioritise developing the Amolatar as soon as possible. “In the next 2 to 5 years, we hope not to see the bushes still here, but rather structures of the university,” he says.
