Soroti University Closes Shs 1.2 Billion Main Gate Over Safety Fears After Cladding Falls Off

 October 15, 2026   |    198 views

Soroti University has temporarily closed its iconic Main Gate after it developed serious structural defects, with granite and stone cladding falling off the gate arch, posing a risk to human life.

In an internal Memo dated 14th October 2026, seen by this publication, the Directorate of Estates and Works informs all staff, students and the University community about the closure.

“The Directorate of Estates and Works wishes to inform the University community that the Main Gate has developed defects involving the debonding and falling of granite/stone cladding from the gate arch. This poses a significant risk to human life and property,” reads the Memo signed by the Deputy Chief of Estates.

According to the Memo, which is copied through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration) to the University Secretary, the Main Gate shall be temporarily closed to all pedestrian and vehicular traffic with immediate effect to facilitate correction of the defect.

“The Contractor shall undertake the necessary remedial works during the closure period to address the defect and ensure the gate is safe for use. The gate shall only be reopened after completion of the correction of identified defects works and confirmation by our technical personnel,” the Memo further states.

All staff, students, visitors and other road users have been requested to use the previous alternative access route during this period.

The Main Gate, which was constructed at a reported cost of Shs 1.2 Billion, has been a signature landmark for Soroti University, a public university billed as “A University of Professionals and Innovators”.

The development raises questions about the quality of workmanship, supervision, and value for money for the multi-billion shilling project. It remains unclear whether the remedial works will be at the contractor’s cost under the defects liability period or will require additional public funds.

By press time, the University management had not yet issued a public statement beyond the internal memo. Efforts to get a comment from the University Secretary were still underway.

Soroti University is one of Uganda’s nine public universities.