Kagadi
The Task Force Committee for the establishment of the Bunyoro University has concluded a three-day benchmarking visit at African Rural University (ARU) in Kagadi District , praising the institution’s education model that combines academic learning with community engagement to drive grassroots transformation.
The engagement started on Tuesday.
During the visit, the delegation held discussions with ARU staff and toured several communities, including Masaka B Village in Kakumiro District, to observe how the university’s approach to visionary education is impacting rural livelihoods.
The team interacted with members of the Abetereine Masaka Group, a community initiative that has benefited from ARU’s empowerment programs. Members explained how the university’s training helped them organize themselves, strengthen savings initiatives, and launch income-generating activities.
According to the group members, the initiative was mobilized and supported by Monica Atuhhura, who introduced the visionary approach she learned at African rural university-ARU and the URDT Girls School.
Through this effort, the group has grown to more than 40 active members working together to improve household incomes and community welfare.
Members said the education model championed by Mwalimu Musheshe has enabled them to save up to UGX 13 million.
Using the savings, the group has purchased land and a commercial house and now plans to establish a maize milling business by 2027.
The Abetereine Masaka Group began in 2018 with only five members but has since expanded to about 75 participants.
One of the members, Margret Kiiza, said many households in the area have improved their livelihoods through savings groups and small-scale projects.
Another member, Novence Ahimbisibwe, said training from ARU and the Uganda Rural Development and Training Programme (URDT) enabled her to educate her child and establish several farming enterprises, including four acres of coffee, matooke plantations, and a piggery project.
As part of the benchmarking tour, members of the Bunyoro University team, including Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, Stephen Tumusiime, and Elisha Obella, also visited Kabasenkede Subcounty under the guidance of ARU’s community engagement team led by John Tusiime.
The visit allowed the delegation to learn from ARU’s grassroots engagement practices and how the university works closely with rural communities to promote sustainable transformation. The lessons learned are expected to inform Bunyoro University’s program design and strategies for effective community engagement.
The construction of Bunyoro University was launched in 2024 by Yoweri Museveni and the institution is being led by Professor Samuel Kyamanywa as the designate Vice chancellor.
In his remarks, Dr. Musheshe welcomed the benchmarking team and said the visit demonstrates growing recognition of ARU’s practical education philosophy.
He explained that the university’s approach focuses on producing graduates capable of solving real-life community challenges rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.
Dr. Musheshe also encouraged communities in the Bunyoro sub-region to support the establishment of Bunyoro University, noting that the institution will expand access to higher education and bring development opportunities closer to the people.
Meanwhile, John Tusiime said ARU students play a key role in transforming communities by applying classroom knowledge to practical development projects. He added that the university will continue providing training programs to ensure sustainable community progress.
The task force was led by Professor Grace Bantebya Kyomuhendo, who commended ARU for its strong focus on community engagement and practical learning.
She explained that the university’s curriculum blends theoretical learning with hands-on experience, enabling students to acquire skills that directly benefit rural communities.
According to her, similar approaches could be adopted by Bunyoro University to promote inclusive development in the region.
As a gesture of support for local initiatives, the visiting committee contributed UGX 1 million to the Abetereine Masaka B Group.
Professor Bantebya said the knowledge gained from ARU’s field activities will be carefully reviewed and integrated into the planning of Bunyoro University.
She also praised Dr. Musheshe for promoting a leadership model that prepares students and staff to serve as change agents within their communities.
About the ARU Education Model
The education model at African Rural University focuses on developing visionary leaders who can drive sustainable rural transformation. It combines academic study with practical community engagement, allowing students to work directly with rural communities through internships, participatory research, and collaboration with local knowledge holders.
The approach emphasizes visionary leadership, systems thinking, gender empowerment, and sustainable development, preparing graduates to become Rural Transformation Specialists capable of supporting long-term community progress.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
