The International University of East Africa (IUEA) has embarked on a bold new chapter in its institutional development with a major expansion project that includes the demolition of Wonder World Amusement Park, formerly known as Didi’s World, located in Kansanga, a suburb of Kampala. While this decision has stirred public debate and sparked nostalgia among many Ugandans, it also marks a significant shift in priorities—toward world-class education, research, and innovation.
The once vibrant family park, known for its rides and joyous atmosphere, is now being repurposed into a modern academic hub. According to IUEA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeka Akaezuwa, this move reflects a deeper mission: to reshape the university into one of the leading institutions for innovation, employability, and global relevance in Africa.
This story was originally reported in New Vision. You can view the original article here.
Why IUEA Demolished Wonder World Amusement Park: A Strategic Shift for the Future
Why did IUEA demolish Wonder World Amusement Park? This is the question many have asked in recent weeks. The answer lies in IUEA’s strategic vision to expand its academic footprint in response to rising demand for higher education in Uganda and East Africa.
“Our students come from over 50 countries,” said Prof. Akaezuwa. “We want to scale up our infrastructure to meet international standards and empower our students with skills that solve real-world challenges.”
By transforming the land formerly occupied by the amusement park, IUEA plans to build:
- Modern lecture halls with smart-classroom technology
- Advanced research laboratories
- Innovation hubs for student entrepreneurs
- Specialized research centers in fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and agricultural technology
This expansion will double the university’s current capacity and allow IUEA to welcome more students from across the continent.
Honoring the Past While Building the Future
Wonder World Amusement Park was once a beloved part of Kampala’s leisure landscape. Generations of children and families made lasting memories there, particularly on weekends. Its rides, funfair games, and family-friendly atmosphere made it a go-to destination for both locals and tourists.
However, as Prof. Akaezuwa pointed out, “Uganda’s educational needs are growing rapidly. As a university, we must prioritize those needs.”
Benna Nansubuga, a frequent visitor to the park, shared her mixed emotions about the demolition: “It offered joy, yes. But building the future matters even more.” Her sentiment reflects the delicate balance between preserving cultural landmarks and meeting the evolving demands of national development.
A Necessary Trade-Off: Education Over Entertainment
The move comes at a time when city dwellers are concerned about the diminishing number of recreational spaces in Kampala. Yet many others see this transformation as essential to the country’s future.
Mohammad Kaliisa, a boda boda rider in Kansanga, summed it up: “Education is the foundation of national development. While Didi’s World served its purpose, this land will now nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers.”
By focusing on building an institution that blends academic excellence with practical innovation, IUEA believes it is making a long-term investment not just in its students, but in the country and region as a whole.
Responding to Uganda’s Demographic Pressures
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, and the demand for quality higher education continues to grow. Yet access to globally competitive institutions remains limited. IUEA’s expansion is a direct response to this education-access gap.
“By expanding our facilities, we are enabling thousands of additional students to access quality education,” Prof. Akaezuwa explained. “We are not just building more classrooms; we are building opportunity.”
With plans to attract students from across East Africa and beyond, the university is also aiming to position Uganda as a regional hub for academic excellence and innovation.
Creating a University for the 21st Century
The transformation of the Kansanga campus will not only improve capacity but also elevate IUEA’s global standing. The university plans to establish:
- State-of-the-art facilities for scientific and technological research
- Global academic partnerships
- Centers of excellence focused on solving African challenges using African-led research
IUEA is particularly committed to aligning its curriculum and infrastructure with key sectors like renewable energy, agricultural technology, and digital innovation, all of which are vital for sustainable development across the continent.
Making Higher Education Accessible to All
In addition to physical infrastructure, IUEA is also expanding access through affordable education programs and targeted scholarships. The university recently announced new scholarships for underprivileged students, including those from Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region.
Job Owualinga, one of the new scholarship recipients, shared his story: “I sat for A’Level in 2018 but failed to get a scholarship until this year when IUEA gave me one. I’ve finally joined university.”
This is part of a broader initiative by the university to support government efforts in expanding access to quality education for all Ugandans, regardless of background.
Balancing Urban Development and Social Memory
While the demolition of Wonder World Park has raised concerns about the loss of recreational spaces, IUEA’s response has been clear: such transformations are a necessary part of Uganda’s development.
The university has acknowledged the emotional connection many hold to the amusement park and expressed openness to the idea of supporting similar leisure facilities elsewhere in Kampala in the future. The primary goal, however, remains to turn a space once known for play into one that fosters purpose, knowledge, and progress.
Conclusion: Why IUEA Demolished Wonder World Amusement Park
In retrospect, why IUEA demolished Wonder World Amusement Park is not just a matter of construction—it is a matter of vision. The decision reflects a national and institutional commitment to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
This redevelopment is more than a physical change. It represents IUEA’s dedication to transforming lives through education, driving research that solves real African problems, and empowering students to become innovators, job creators, and leaders.
As the landscape in Kansanga changes, so does the future of education in Uganda—and IUEA is proud to be at the center of that transformation.
Read the original feature in New Vision: Why IUEA Demolished Wonder World Park
