Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) held its 31st graduation ceremony in October 2024. The chief guest was Mr. Muzamil Mukwatampora, representing the Ministry of Education and Sports. During the ceremony, outgoing Vice Chancellor Professor Celestino Obua publicly presented his successor, Professor Pauline Byakika Kibwika, as the third Vice Chancellor of MUST.
Chancellor Professor Charles Lwanga Mark Olweny conferred degrees on 1,615 graduates, including 973 male and 642 female . Of these, 227 were postgraduate students (139 male and 88 female), including 16 PhD candidates (2 females and 14 males).
The Chancellor acknowledged the hard work of the university’s administration, management staff, and parents. He highlighted MUST’s achievements while also addressing some challenges. He shared a message to the graduates, emphasizing the importance of leadership and service.
Professor Olweny praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Celestino Obua, stating that he could not have asked for a better leader. He pledged his support to incoming Vice Chancellor Professor Pauline Byakika Kibwika and urged her to uphold the legacy of her predecessors.
The representative from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr. Muzamil Mukwatampora commended MUST for being an icon of science and technology and encouraged the new Vice Chancellor to maintain this legacy.
The Chairman of the University Council thanked the students for making everyone proud and urged them to carry the MUST legacy forward. He acknowledged the work of the Vice Chancellor search committee and commended them for their efforts.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Celestino Obua, expressed his gratitude to the MUST staff for working with him for the past ten years. He described this experience as a valuable learning opportunity and apologized for any mistakes he may have made. He urged the staff and students to focus on productive activities like research, innovation, and learning rather than wasting time.
The event was attended by over 6500 guests, including VIPs, parents, sponsors, and partners. Security was by the Uganda Police Force and the MUST security team, first aid and emergency response was by Divine Mercy hospital and the University clinic team. The decoration was by Grace and Family Events streaming was by NBS Television, Sound, mega screens and photography was by Cool event, the UPF band led the procession. The event organisation chair was by Dr. Martha kyoshaba Twinamasiko the Academic Registrar MUST.
