The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Hon. David Calvin Echodu, has revealed that plans are underway, in partnership with American investors, to establish a state-of-the-art Science University on the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) land in Dakabela, Soroti District.
Echodu made the announcement while addressing thousands of supporters at Soroti Sports Ground, during day four of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign trail in the Teso sub-region.
The rally drew enthusiastic crowds from across Soroti District and Soroti City who gathered to welcome the NRM National Chairman and presidential candidate.
Echodu began his speech by warmly welcoming the President to Soroti City, the regional capital of Teso, and expressed gratitude for the peace and stability that have characterized the region under Museveni’s leadership.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the people of Teso, I welcome you to Soroti City, the regional capital. Almost forty years ago, this city hosted thousands of internally displaced persons. But today, under your visionary leadership, there is total peace, the economy has recovered, and the people are hopeful again,” Echodu remarked.
He emphasized that while Uganda’s economy has grown, Soroti City still lags behind other cities in terms of industrial investment and infrastructure development.
The city’s industrial park currently hosts only two factories, a situation he said must change if Soroti is to realize its full potential.
In his most striking revelation, Echodu announced that his office, in collaboration with American partners, has completed plans to construct a unique Science University in Soroti.
The university, he said, will focus on innovation, applied sciences, and industrial research to empower the next generation of scientists and innovators from Eastern Uganda and beyond.
“Through your guidance and support, Your Excellency, we have finalized arrangements with our American partners to establish a modern Science University on the UBC land in Dakabela. The UBC and Ministry of ICT are in the final stages of transferring the title to us, and once that is complete, construction will begin immediately,” Echodu disclosed.
He added that the new institution will not only expand access to quality higher education but also promote research-driven industrial development, addressing youth unemployment and regional disparities in technical education.
Echodu further revealed that he has initiated discussions with various investors to revive and modernize sports facilities in Soroti, including the construction of a new golf course after the 2026 elections and the upgrading of Oligoi Football Stadium, the region’s main sports hub.
“Sports is not only for recreation but also for talent development and youth engagement. We request the government to include Oligoi Stadium in its national sports development plan,” Echodu said, drawing applause from the crowd.
The NRM Vice Chairperson highlighted ongoing challenges in the Teso sub-region, including climate change, flooding, and low value addition for local produce such as cassava, simsim, groundnuts, and grains.
He praised the President’s initiative to give five cattle per household, saying it has renewed hope among families that once depended on livestock before the cattle rustling era.
Echodu also welcomed the revival of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF), noting that the program had previously transformed communities by improving schools and livelihoods.
“Your Excellency, NUSAF changed the face of Teso before, and its return will bring tangible progress again. With programs like Operation Wealth Creation, Teso has become a fruit-growing hub, but we still need stronger markets and partnerships to sustain this progress,” he said.
He commended new partnerships in the Soroti Fruit Factory under the management of Mrs. Zenawi, saying they have boosted farmers’ confidence and created new opportunities for diversification into other fruit products.
In his address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hailed the people of Teso for their resilience and reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating service delivery in the region.
He announced a major upgrade of health facilities in Soroti District, including: Upgrading Atiriri Health Centre IV to a district hospital, Upgrading Kamuda Health Centre III to Health Centre IV, Upgrading Aukot, Awaliwal, Lale, and Ocokican Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs and Construction of a new Health Centre III in Tubur Sub-county
The President said the move is part of his government’s ongoing efforts to improve public health services and ensure that no Ugandan is left behind in accessing medical care.
Museveni also used the opportunity to announce a new Special Fund for unemployed university graduates, religious leaders, and fishermen, under the Parish Development Model (PDM) framework.
“We are creating a fund for university graduates who have been jobless for over two years. They will be able to borrow and start something meaningful. Religious leaders and fishermen will also receive support, about fifteen million shillings under the PDM,” the President said.
He also expressed disappointment that Soroti City had not shown overwhelming support for NRM, despite the visible development strides in infrastructure and health, before concluding with a prayer for forgiveness for those “who have been hating NRM in Soroti City.”
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Let establishment of Soroti Internal Airport (SIA) be included to boost regional and international trade and businesses.