Mbarara University of Science and Technology has officially ushered in a new era of leadership. In a solemn and high-profile ceremony during the latest University Top Management meeting, Associate Professor Robert Bitariho was formally inducted as the Second Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC F&A).
The induction featured the traditional taking of the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, marking Dr. Bitariho’s official entry into the university’s inner sanctum of governance.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, opened the proceedings by expressing her profound gratitude to His Worship Joshua Mukuru of the Mbarara High Court for presiding over the ceremony despite his demanding schedule.
In her remarks, Prof. Byakika-Kibwika described Dr. Bitariho as a person of high ethics noting that his track record in various positions of power and authority speaks for itself. She acknowledged the immense shoes he has to fill, following the distinguished service of his predecessor, Dr. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba.
“Dr. Tushabomwe-Kazooba raised the MUST flag high,” the Vice Chancellor remarked. “I now charge Dr. Bitariho to fly that flag even higher. The MUST community expects a great deal from him in this pivotal role.”
The weight of the Oaths
Presiding over the swearing-in, His Worship Joshua Mukuru echoed the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments regarding responsibility. Before administering the oaths, he offered a stern word of caution regarding the legal and ethical implications of the commitments being made.
- The Oath of Allegiance: A commitment of loyalty to the institution and the sovereign laws governing it.
- The Oath of Secrecy: A binding promise to protect the confidential information of the university.
His Worship Mukuru emphasized that these oaths are not temporary. “Even if Dr. Bitariho leaves Top Management in the future, the grounds of these oaths still stand,” he warned, highlighting the lifelong professional integrity required of such a high-ranking official.
Legal Ratification and Witness: Assisted by the University’s Principal Legal Officer, Timothy Mugumya (Esq), Dr. Bitariho officially took and signed both oaths. The documents were then sealed by the High Court and handed over to the University Secretary, Mr. Vincent Kansiime Kwatampora, for record-keeping.
The historic moment was witnessed by:
- Pauline Byakika-Kibwika (Vice Chancellor)
- Nixon Kamukama (1st Deputy Vice Chancellor)
- The University Legal Team and top management members
As an Associate Professor of Dr. Robert Bitariho, Associate Professor of Environment and Natural Resource Management, Dr. Bitariho brings a wealth of academic rigor and administrative experience to the DVC F&A office. The MUST community has greeted his appointment with immense enthusiasm, with many noting that “expectations are shooting through the roof.”
The university looks forward to his leadership in managing the institution’s financial and administrative health, ensuring that MUST continues to thrive as a center of excellence.
Congratulations, Dr. Robert Bitariho! Succeed we MUST.
