Soroti City, Uganda – In a significant step towards expanding access to higher education and strengthening its position as a leading science and technology institution, the Soroti University Senate has approved several new academic programmes for submission to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for accreditation.
The members of Senate during the meeting to approve new programmes
Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Space Engineering and Satellite Technology, Bachelor of Nursing Science (Extension) program.
Others are Bachelor of Science in Nuclear and Radiation Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The Senate also received and approved the revised Competence Based Curriculum (CBE) in line with the new government policy of aligning the university curricula to emphasis students led learning
The senate also approved the establishment of post graduate courses in several disciplines. Courses like Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Medicine in Psychiatry, Master of Science in Human anatomy master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology, master of Public Health master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Post graduate Diploma in Medical Education (PGDME).The PGDME is a pedagogical skills for those interested in teaching medical related courses at higher institutions of learning.
The new programmes will broaden the University’s academic offerings, increase student enrolment opportunities and enhance its contribution to national development through quality teaching, research, innovation.
The Senate’s decision reflects Soroti University’s commitment to continuously reviewing and expanding academic portfolio in line with emerging labour market demands, government priorities and global trends in higher education. The proposed programmes have been developed through rigorous academic planning, benchmarking and stakeholder consultations to ensure they meet national quality assurance standards and address critical skills gaps across various sectors.
The expansion comes at a time when the University is experiencing increasing interest from prospective students and stakeholders seeking quality, market-driven academic programmes. By introducing new fields of study, Soroti University aims to provide learners with more opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, health sciences, education, business, and other strategic disciplines that are essential for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Mr. James Gregory Okello. The Soroti University Academic Registrar
Speaking on the development, the Academic Registrar Mr. James Gregory Okello described the Senate’s approval as a strategic confidence in the institution’s future and a deliberate tactical direction. He noted that the new programmes will not only enhance access to higher education but also strengthen the University’s competitiveness, attract a diverse student population, and reinforce its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in science, technology and innovation.
The programmes will now be forwarded to the National Council for Higher Education for the requisite evaluation and accreditation process. Upon approval, the University will begin preparations for their rollout, student enrolment and infrastructure enhancement.
This latest development is part of Soroti University’s broader transformation agenda, which has seen the institution strengthen research and innovation, expand strategic partnerships, enhance academic quality assurance and invest in infrastructure to support teaching and learning. Some of the programs are earmarked to start as early as January 2027.
As the University continues to grow, the approval of these programmes underscores its unwavering commitment to widening educational opportunities, fostering innovation, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s human capital development.