Soroti University to Introduce Aviation Science Amid Collaboration with Ethiopian Aviation University
Soroti University plans to introduce Aviation Science in collaboration with Ethiopian Aviation University, as announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Robert Ikoja Odongo. The initiative aims to address lecturer shortages through partnerships with international institutions
Soroti University is set to introduce Aviation Science as part of its academic programmes following collaboration agreements with the Ethiopian Aviation University.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor made this announcement, Prof. Robert Ikoja Odongo, during his presentation of the 2025-2026 Budget Framework Paper to the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports
Prof. Odongo revealed that the partnership aligns with the university’s efforts to collaborate with international institutions to address a shortage of qualified lecturers.
“We are now going to India, Malaysia, and Ethiopia to get lecturers. We are in touch with the Ethiopian Aviation University to start teaching Aviation Science,” Prof. Odongo explained.
He highlighted challenges in recruiting academic staff, citing delays in responses from lecturers. “We recruited a professor of civil engineering, but for three months, he has not responded to whether he is interested in coming to teach,” he said.
Similarly, Gulu University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Openjuru, raised concerns about the lack of specialised lecturers in agricultural extension, noting that such professionals are not trained in Uganda. “At the end of the financial year, you are left with wages for recruitment, and to avoid losing the opportunity, you may end up hiring less needed staff,” Prof. Openjuru remarked.
The challenges were further compounded by funding shortfalls. MPs noted that Soroti University struggles with insufficient teaching space and limited resources to cater for student welfare.
Mbale City Woman MP, Connie Nakayenze, urged fellow MPs to allocate the required Shs200 million to address the student welfare crisis, warning that inadequate funding often leads to strikes.
“It is magical that you are using resources meant for 100 students to take care of 600 students. I sympathise with how you are struggling; we should get the money you need to prevent a likely crisis,” Nakayenze said.
Isaac Etuka (NRM, Upper Madi County) observed that despite Shs1 billion being ring-fenced for research in each university, Soroti University has not received adequate funding to conduct research.
