Monthly Archives: September 2025

By Fr. Isaac Ojok, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Ngetta Campus, strategically located 8 kilometers along Kitgum Road, is undergoing a significant period of transformation marked by spiritual revitalization, academic excellence, and major infrastructural development.

A key highlight of this transformation is the renovation of the former Ngetta Demonstration School block. This project, recently completed, signifies a substantial step forward in the University’s commitment to providing quality education in a conducive learning environment. To celebrate this milestone, the campus administration, under the leadership of Director Dr. Alex Okot and University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Olugu, organized a thanksgiving Mass and dedication ceremony on 22 September 2025. The newly renovated block has now been officially allocated to the Faculty of Education.

The thanksgiving liturgy, animated by students and staff, was held on the campus’s spacious and serene green compound, a vibrant space that fosters learning, worship, and community engagement. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, with Rt. Rev. Giuseppe Franzelli, Bishop Emeritus of Lira Diocese, serving as Guest of Honor.

In his homily, Bishop Wanok expressed gratitude to God for His continued blessings and commended the University’s leadership for their vision and resilience in spearheading transformative change. Drawing from Romans 12:4-8, he emphasized the importance of using individual gifts in unity for the common good-echoing the University’s mission to foster a holistic and collaborative educational environment.

The Bishop also stressed that true growth must extend beyond physical infrastructure to include the internal transformation of values, character, and faith. Referencing Matthew 7:24-27, he urged both students and staff to build their lives on the firm foundation of Christ’s teachings, which he described as essential for withstanding the “storms” of modern life-such as corruption, selfishness, and social fragmentation.

The celebration served as a timely reminder of the University’s founding values, inspiring all stakeholders to recommit themselves to a shared vision rooted in faith, integrity, and excellence. Bishop Wanok further called on the academic community to cultivate ethical leadership and service, noting that the University’s ultimate success will be reflected in the character and impact of its graduates.

Following the Mass, Bishop Wanok formally blessed both the newly refurbished Education Block and a newly constructed student hostel, key infrastructural milestones in the campus’s ongoing development.

In his remarks, Dr. Alex Okot, Director of UMU Ngetta Campus, expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Wanok, Bishop Emeritus Franzelli, and all stakeholders for their continued support. He reaffirmed the campus’s dedication to delivering high-quality, affordable education to both local and international students.

Professor Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, echoed this commitment. He called on local communities, religious institutions, and development partners to actively participate in the University’s mission to serve the Lango sub-region and beyond.

Bishop Emeritus Giuseppe Franzelli, honored as Chief Guest, reflected on the visionary role of the Comboni Missionaries in establishing educational institutions in the region. He emphasized the transformative power of education in uplifting communities and advocated for increased financial investment to support further development projects at the campus.

Programs Offered at Uganda Martyrs University Ngetta Campus

UMU Ngetta Campus currently enrolls approximately 1,200 students, including seven international students from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting its growing regional importance. The campus is particularly known for its practical, skills-based training and its focus on community-driven education.

1. Faculty of Education

Diploma and Bachelor of Education (Primary) – Direct entry and in-service upgrading

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – In-service upgrading

Diploma in Education (Primary & Secondary)

Diploma in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Newly introduced

2. Faculty of Agriculture

Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor in Crop Production

Certificate, Diploma, and Bachelor in Animal Production

Strong emphasis on hands-on learning with student-managed plots and livestock

Collaborations with Ngetta ZARDI and Alito Farm for field-based practice

3. Faculty of Business

Bachelor of Business Administration and Management

UMU Ngetta Campus remains committed to providing affordable, accessible, and practical education, with a particular focus on agriculture and teacher education. The University also plans to introduce additional programs in response to emerging community and national development needs.

Looking Ahead

The recent developments at UMU Ngetta Campus mark a defining chapter in its growth, one grounded in faith, driven by academic ambition, and supported by strong community collaboration. With continued support from stakeholders and visionary leadership, the campus is well-positioned to become a transformative hub for education in Northern Uganda and the broader East African region.

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