The government has been urged to reduce the tax burden on Ugandan investors in the education sector to enable them to compete with foreign investors, establish more institutions and create jobs for young people.

Dr Ariyo Gracious Kazaara, proprietor of Metropolitan International University, said a more favourable tax regime for local investors would encourage greater private investment in education and expand opportunities for Ugandans to access higher education.

Dr Ariyo made the appeal during the university’s 10th anniversary celebrations at its Mbarara Campus, where he called for a review of taxes imposed on local investors compared with their foreign counterparts.

He argued that easing the tax burden on Ugandan investors would encourage more citizens to establish educational institutions, with potential benefits for employment and skills development.

Metropolitan International University celebrated the anniversary under the theme, “Building the Future, Transforming Lives.” The event brought together university officials from its Kampala, Mbarara and Kisoro campuses, alumni, students, educationists and other invited guests.

The guest of honour, Mbarara City Woman Member of Parliament Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda, commended the university for equipping young people with knowledge and skills, noting that many of its graduates had secured employment.

Kamuhanda urged educationists and investors to sustain their commitment to educating Ugandans, saying education can equip people with the skills to create employment and contribute to national revenue generation.

Dr Ariyo also thanked President Museveni for creating an enabling environment for private investment in education and for financially supporting the university.

Meanwhile, Dr Julius Arinaitwe, the vice-chancellor of Metropolitan International University’s Mbarara Campus, said the university’s campuses had contributed to efforts to address youth unemployment by equipping learners with relevant knowledge and skills.

Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Kampaho Wilberforce, a lecturer at the university’s Mbarara Campus, credited Dr Ariyo for establishing the institution, saying it had enabled him to earn a living through employment.

The anniversary celebrations highlighted the role of private investment in expanding higher education, developing skills and creating employment opportunities.