The Ugandan government has begun building a Shs13 billion Uganda Wildlife Training College hostel for female students in Kasese. The investment falls under the Competitive and Enterprise Development Project (CEDP), which is funded by the World Bank.
Robert Baluku, director of the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC), handed the project site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). He praised the government for turning a long-held vision into reality. According to him, this project helps the college move toward becoming a Centre of Excellence for wildlife research and training.
Earlier, the government completed a Shs20 billion administration block and lecture rooms. This new hostel, designed to offer safe and modern housing for girls, forms the next phase of development. Baluku added that the hostel will also support the college financially. During holidays, it will host tourists visiting the area, turning the facility into a revenue source.
Strategic Friends International, a Ugandan consultancy firm, will supervise the three-year construction. Architect Herbert Muhoozi, who manages the project, promised timely completion. He confirmed that they could finish the building in one year, provided funding continues smoothly.
Capt. Elias Turinomuhangi, who spoke for NEC, said his team had the experience and tools to deliver quality work. NEC currently manages projects across all public universities in Uganda except Kyambogo. Although this hostel is smaller than their other assignments, he emphasized their commitment to delivering excellence.
This hostel represents more than just a building project. It reflects Uganda’s broader effort to upgrade the tourism sector through skill development and infrastructure. Alongside this initiative, the Hotel and Tourism Training College (HTTC) in Jinja has received major upgrades, including a Shs24.5 billion application hotel and a Shs19.4 billion training facility.
By investing in institutions like UWRTC and HTTC, Uganda hopes to train a skilled workforce for its tourism and wildlife sectors. These facilities not only improve education quality but also attract visitors and generate income for surrounding communities.
Clearly, the new Uganda Wildlife Training College hostel supports both academic goals and economic growth. It prioritizes student welfare while opening doors to sustainable tourism development. Through this integrated approach, Uganda continues to build a stronger, smarter tourism future.
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