Kazimba said institutions accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) have the capacity to provide quality education comparable to colleges and universities elsewhere in the country. He encouraged parents to prioritise nearby institutions instead of sending their children outside the region for further studies.
The archbishop’s visit marked the second day of his farewell pastoral tour of the Ruwenzori Diocese. Bishop Balya College, which previously operated as a Bible School, was accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) as a tertiary institution in February last year. Since then, it has expanded its academic programmes beyond theology to include Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Kazimba also called on the local community to support the institution and its students, saying community involvement is critical to the college’s growth and sustainability. The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, said the college has experienced slow growth in student enrolment, partly because the creation of new dioceses from the former Ruwenzori Diocese has led to the establishment of additional theological training institutions.
Despite the challenge, the college principal, Rev. Canon Michael Kitooke, expressed optimism that the introduction of new academic programmes would attract more students and increase the institution’s contribution to the community. Kitooke also revealed plans to seek approval from the National Council for Higher Education to upgrade Bishop Balya College into an independent university after completing the probation period under its current charter.
Founded in 1960 by the Diocese of Ruwenzori under the stewardship of Rev. Canon Shem Rubaale, Bishop Balya College was established to honour the ministry and legacy of Bishop Abel Balya, the retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
The institution has historically played a key role in training clergy in the region. Its alumni include the current Bishop of Ruwenzori, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku of South Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bernabus Tibaijuka of Ruwenzori West Diocese, the late Rt. Rev. Patrick Kyaligonza and the retired Bishop, Rt. Rev. (Emeritus) Jackson Nzerebende. The college currently has an enrolment of 250 students-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
