By Mike Rwothomio
Stakeholders have called on the public and local communities in the Greater Nebbi sub-region to support Kyambogo University’s Paidha Campus in Zombo District, West Nile Subregion, as it commences registration for full-time undergraduate programmes in the August 2026 intake.
The Paidha Campus, which began operations in 2024 with in-service teacher education programmes targeted at practicing certificate and diploma holders, is expanding its academic offerings by introducing full-time study options. This development marks a significant step in enhancing access to higher education in the West Nile region.
Dr. Joseph Rwothomio, Acting Head of the Department of Education at Kyambogo University and focal point person for the Paidha Campus, urged the community to embrace and actively support the institution to position it as a leading centre of higher learning in the sub-region.
In an interview on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Dr. Rwothomio announced three new full-time programmes to be offered at the Paidha Campus starting in August 2026 for A-Level entrants: Bachelor of Primary Education , Bachelor of Vocational Agriculture with Education
and Bachelor of Business Administration
He confirmed that an advertisement is currently running, with application forms already uploaded on the university portal.
Rev. Marlon Rupiny, Parish Priest of Paidha Town Parish, Church of Uganda, encouraged believers during a recent service at St. Paul Church of Uganda Mvungu to take advantage of the opportunity for continuous professional development and educational advancement, describing the campus as a timely boost for personal and community growth.
Mr. Hassan Ringtho, Vice LCV Chairperson of Zombo District, particularly urged teachers to utilize the study opportunities available at the campus.
The establishment of the Kyambogo University learning centre at the former Paidha Primary Teachers’ College (PTC) in Zombo District is viewed as a major milestone for local residents who previously faced challenges accessing university education due to long distances to other institutions.
The facility, situated on 80.9 hectares of land in Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, was officially handed over to Kyambogo University on March 25, 2024, by the Zombo District Local Government and the National Council for Higher Education.
Zombo District Assistant Education Officer, Mr. Bikadhu Patrick Othuma, recently emphasised the urgency for Grade III teachers to upgrade their qualifications within the remaining transition window under the National Teacher Policy 2019. He highlighted the local availability of pathways to bachelor’s degrees in education as a cost-effective and accessible solution.
Hundreds of students who joined the centre in 2024 participated in a comprehensive orientation programme, raising hopes among stakeholders and dispelling earlier doubts about the establishment of a public university in the Greater Nebbi sub-region comprising Zombo, Nebbi, and Pakwach district.
Mr. John Manano, Manager of the Paidha Learning Centre, stated: “We have already started; we should stop complaining that we are left behind.”
The Paidha Campus now serves as a permanent satellite of Kyambogo University, joining other centres such as Soroti Campus in Eastern Uganda and Bushenyi Campus in Western Uganda.
The initiative followed advocacy by prominent leaders, including Retired Archbishop Dr. Henry Luke Orombi and former LCIII Chairperson of Paidha town council Innocent Godfred Onega, who petitioned Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Elly Katunguka during a 2022 thanksgiving ceremony of Dr. Joseph Rwothomio at Mvungu Upper Primary School playground in Paidha town council.
During the handover in early 2024, Prof. Katunguka commended the Alur Kingdom and local leaders for their support and called on the community to take ownership of the university’s success.
The arrival of Kyambogo University has been widely welcomed across the Greater Nebbi sub-region, as it becomes the primary public university institution serving the area, alongside Ora Technical Institute and Uganda College of Commerce Pakwach.
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