Historical Background

Ankole Western University is truly unique due to its historical background. Education in Uganda during the 1970s was extremely challenging, as only those who scored Division 1 in the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) were allowed to pursue secondary education. This unjust system deprived many pupils of their right to secondary education, forcing those who didn’t meet the criteria to repeat primary seven.

By 1978-1979, the West Ankole Diocese had a mere 3 secondary schools, namely Bweranyangi, Muntuyera High School, and Kabwohe SS (now Nganwa High School), which was a privately established institution by the church to combat illiteracy in the region. Dissatisfied with this situation, the then Bishop of West Ankole, the Rt Rev. Yoram Bamunoba, and the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma’s Rev. Gerald McAlister decided to take action. Their vision led to the establishment of seven diocesan private schools, including Ruyonza School, Ruhinda SS, Kitagata SS, Ruhindo SS, Rubaare SS, Kyeizooba GSS, and Masheruka GSS.

In 1982, the synod unanimously resolved that the establishment of a diocesan university was imperative to alleviate the burden on parents and students attending the aforementioned secondary schools. The idea was conveyed to the Bishop of Oklahoma and the West Ankole Diocese, and the Bishop of Oklahoma affirmed the necessity of a university during their pastoral visit.

Upon the Bishop’s return, Prof. Bibens (RIP) was dispatched to assist in establishing the university, drawing from his expertise in education. Despite facing challenges like inadequate facilities, such as libraries and lecture rooms, the idea of a university persisted. Consequently, a seven-member committee, comprising distinguished individuals including Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Rev. Goerge Tibesigwa, and M/s Joy Kwesiga, was appointed to design a curriculum for tertiary studies, giving rise to the initial foundation of the university.

Although the dream of starting a university was momentarily deferred due to Bishop Yoram Bamunoba’s retirement in 1996, Bishop Magambo revived the idea, and the synod wholeheartedly supported it. A committee was appointed to address the technicalities of establishing the university, leading to the recommendation to start the university in Kabwohe, under the name Ankole Western University, symbolizing its commitment to the former great Ankole.

Despite initial challenges and advice from the National Council for Higher Education to start as an institute, the university officially commenced its operations in 2005. It subsequently evolved from an institute to a full-fledged university, and on 27th June 2016, it received official recognition from the National Council for Higher Education, culminating in the attainment of an operating license.