A land dispute involving encroachers on part of Katonga Technical Institute’s land in Mpigi District is threatening learning and the institution’s planned expansion, the principal has said.
Mr Fred Mpagi, the principal of the government-owned vocational institution, said unidentified people have encroached on about 10 acres of the institute’s land, creating uncertainty over future infrastructure development.
He made the remarks during an oversight visit by Mpigi District leaders and technical staff on Monday.
‘The land issue remains one of our biggest challenges. Encroachers have occupied part of the institute’s land, and this is threatening learning and our expansion plans,’ Mr. Mpagi said.
He revealed that the government injects about Shs600 million into the institute annually to facilitate training and operations.
Katonga Technical Institute currently offers five programmes leading to National Certificates in building construction, electrical installation, water and plumbing, mechanical engineering, and fashion and design.
According to Mr Mpagi, student enrolment has increased from 170 last year to 202 this year, reflecting growing demand for technical and vocational education. However, only 35 of the enrolled students are natives of Mpigi District.
The institute has 21 government-employed teaching staff, 13 privately employed instructors, and four non-teaching staff.
Besides the land dispute, Mr. Mpagi said the institution faces inadequate accommodation for students and staff as well as limited access to clean piped water.
‘We need more accommodation facilities and a reliable supply of clean water if we are to provide a conducive learning environment,’ he said.
The Chairperson of Mpigi District, Mr. Peter Kawuki, acknowledged the land dispute and said the district leadership would prioritise resolving it through dialogue.
‘We shall reopen the boundaries and negotiate with the encroachers because we do not want to use force to evict them. Our goal is to peacefully restore the institute’s land,’ Mr. Kawuki said.
Meanwhile, the Mpigi District Commercial Officer, Mr. Ronald Kazibwe, said the institute is expected to benefit from major infrastructure investments under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area [GKMA] Urban Development Programme. He said the government has earmarked Shs9 billion for the institution in the 2026/27 financial year.
‘The funds will support the preparation of a new infrastructure master plan, construction of a modern laboratory, accommodation for students and staff, and technical workshops equipped with modern machinery to enhance practical skills training,’ Mr. Kazibwe said.
Katonga Technical Institute is one of the government technical and vocational institutions established to equip young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
The planned investment under the GKMA Urban Development Programme is expected to strengthen technical education in Mpigi District and support the government’s industrialisation agenda. However, local leaders say resolving the land dispute will be critical to ensuring the planned infrastructure projects are implemented without interruption.