Stanbic Bank Uganda has contributed Shs50 million towards the establishment of an ICT innovation hub at Bunyoro University, in a move aimed at strengthening digital skills and innovation in the region.
The bank’s Chief Executive, Mumba Kalifungwa, handed over a dummy cheque to Prof. Samuel Kyamanywa during a ceremony held in Hoima on March 26, 2026.
Kalifungwa said the contribution reflects the bank’s continued investment in education, which he described as a key driver of national development.
“Education is a core pillar in everything we do, accounting for about 70 per cent of our annual Corporate Social Investment budget,” he said, adding that it remains critical to Uganda’s long-term economic sustainability.
He noted that the planned ICT innovation hub aligns with the bank’s purpose of driving growth through empowering young people with digital skills, entrepreneurship, and practical learning opportunities.
“We hope the hub will serve as a centre for creativity, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurship,” Kalifungwa said. “By partnering with the university, we are supporting a future of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.”
He also commended the university’s proposed learning model, which will see at least half of its academic programmes delivered through practical and community-based approaches.
Receiving the support, Kyamanywa described the contribution as timely, noting that it will go towards equipping the ICT innovation hub under the School of Computing and Information Sciences, one of the institution’s pioneer faculties.
He revealed that the university taskforce has already developed 18 science-based academic programmes, alongside key policies and guidelines required before operations can commence.
“We have fulfilled critical requirements, including acquisition of land and approval of a master plan. Architectural and structural designs for the first phase of construction are ready, and we are now procuring contractors,” Kyamanywa said.
As government continues to mobilise resources for the next phase of development, he called for increased private sector participation to support the project.
“Our partnership with Stanbic is the first, and the ICT innovation hub has the potential to stimulate youth innovation and empowerment,” he added.
Jacob Karubanga, who also chairs the Bunyoro Parliamentary Caucus, welcomed the progress towards establishing a public university in the region.
Meanwhile, Godwin Angalia said the partnership complements government efforts, while Brian Kaboyo described the collaboration as strategic, particularly given the region’s growing infrastructure, including Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport.
