Kasese — Plans to construct the first university in Kasese by Celak Development Foundation hit a snag on Friday after it was discovered that the land where the varsity would be constructed is a gazetted industrial area.

Celak Development Foundation is an organisation promoting vocational, languages, culture and tourism education in Kasese District.

The Kasese District chairperson, Rev. Julius Kithaghenda, who laid the foundation stone on Friday, stunned guests when he revealed that the planned location of the university is an industrial area.

The controversial land, which belongs to Kilembe Mines Limited, is located in Katadoba Sub-county near Mulongoti army barracks in Kasese town council.

"We appreciate your contributions in this country especially towards education and creating employment but stop doing things impromptu," Rev. Kithaghenda warned.

He further advised the proprietors of CELAK to work within legal guidelines and government policies to avoid future interferences.

Celak Development Foundation Executive Director Elly Nyakango admitted that the foundation stone has been laid in the land belonging to Kilembe Mines Limited for ceremonial purposes, adding that they are ready to take the planned university to other premises.

Kasese Town Council authorities have been battling a number of illegal developers on the gazetted industrial area since 2006.

At the same function 250 grandaunds were awarded certificates and diplomas in different disciplines from Celak vocational college.

Mr Joshua Mugenyi the chairperson college's governing council said it took them over 15 years to come up with plans to start a university.

He added that it will be the first cultural and language university in Uganda.