On April 15th, 2026, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Buganda Kingdom. This high-level visit served to strengthen the bonds between cultural engagement, academic excellence, and student leadership within the Ankole–Kigezi region.
The event brought together university leadership, Buganda Kingdom officials, staff, and Baganda students from various higher education institutions across Western Uganda. It marked a significant moment of unity between traditional cultural institutions and modern academia.
A Grand Reception: Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga was warmly received by the university’s top and senior management. The welcoming party included:
- Abel Kamya, Chairperson of the Baganda Nkobazambogo MUST chapter.
- Fred Kaggwa, Patron of Nkobazambogo.
- Hajji Mutaka Kafeero and Owek. Joseph Kawuki, Buganda Kingdom leaders in Ankole–Kigezi.
The delegation was joined by leaders of the Baganda Nkobazambogo Students’ Associations from neighboring institutions, including KIU Western Campus, Kabale University, and the Uganda College of Commerce. This diverse gathering highlighted a robust network of Baganda students pursuing higher education in the region while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural identity.
Diplomacy and Academic Insights: The visit commenced with a courtesy call to the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA), Prof. Joseph Ngonzi, at the City Campus. During the meeting, Prof. Ngonzi shared insights into MUST’s operations across its two campuses and explored potential areas for collaboration.
The Katikkiro lauded the university’s rapid development, noting that MUST was growing at a “supersonic speed” thanks to its dedicated leadership. However, he balanced his praise with a call for preservation:
“As you grow, kindly keep memories of the university’s original structures and preserve them as historical sites. It is good practice to conserve our roots so that future generations can appreciate where we began.”
Championing the Teaching Profession: In a heartfelt address, the Katikkiro expressed his deep respect for the university’s role in grooming young professionals. He shared his personal conviction that teaching remains the most vital profession:
“Teachers are the foundation of all professions. Given the chance, the best students should pursue education.”
He further congratulated Prof. Ngonzi for serving his alma mater with distinction. “We have known MUST as a young institution,” the Katikkiro remarked. “The fact that it is now producing its own professors, like Ngonzi, is a testament to its growth and success. We must give it full credit for its impact.”
A Legacy of Unity: After signing the visitor’s book, the Katikkiro proceeded to address the larger gathering of students and staff. The visit stood as a poignant reminder that while science and technology drive our future, it is our culture and history that provide the essential compass for our progress.
The visit by Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga to MUST was more than a mere diplomatic gesture; it was a powerful affirmation that when the ivory tower of academia meets the deep-rooted wisdom of culture, the resulting leadership is truly transformational.
