On August 11, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted the 76th General Meeting of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF). The meeting brought together academic leaders from across the country to discuss critical issues such as enhancing student employability, promoting research and innovation, and strengthening collaboration among universities.
The event was moderated by Prof. Paul Waako, the Chairperson of the UVCF. The distinguished guests included Dr. Safinah K. Museene, Commissioner of Higher, Technical, Vocational Education and Training; Mr. Brighton Barugahare, Commissioner for Education; and Mr. Timothy Sejjoba, Acting Commissioner for University Education and Training, all from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Key Discussions and Presentations
In her welcoming address, the host Vice Chancellor, Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, acknowledged the impressive turnout and delivered a presentation on MUST’s history, achievements, and future projections.
Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, the UVCF Executive Director, thanked Professor Byakika-Kibwika for her hospitality and emphasized the importance of subscription fees from member universities. He also introduced the UVCF secretariat and outlined their roles.
The meeting also included deliberations on:
- Reports from UVCF representatives on university councils.
- Updates from various universities.
- The impact of the new TVET ACT 2025 on the mandate and operations of universities.
A key highlight was the keynote speech by Ms. Justine Namuli, Senior Human Resource Officer at Roofings Group. She challenged the traditional view of career guidance, urging universities to promote rural internships to create a real societal impact. Ms. Namuli stressed the need to balance employability with critical thinking, ensuring graduates are equipped not just with skills but also with innovative mindsets to navigate a dynamic world.
Aligning Standards and Future Outlook
Dr. Cyrus Ssebugenyi, a committee member from the Uganda National Qualification Framework, shared insights on aligning academic standards with national and international benchmarks. This is a crucial step for improving the quality and recognition of Ugandan higher education qualifications.
The discussions concluded with a strong emphasis on policy alignment, innovative teaching, and adapting to technological advancements to foster critical thinking and sustainable academic excellence.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to MUST for their excellent hosting, and it was announced that Uganda Christian University, Mukono, will host the 77th UVCF General Meeting.
