Exactly one month ago, on October 24, 2024, a new chapter unfolded at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) as Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika assumed the role of the 3rd Vice Chancellor. Succeeding Prof. Celestino Obua, who himself followed in the footsteps of the founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. F.I.B Kayanja, Prof. Byakika’s appointment marked a historic moment, making her the first female Vice Chancellor of MUST and the second in all public universities in Uganda.
A Busy Start
On October 25, 2024, Prof. Byakika’s tenure kicked off with a flurry of activities. Immediately after assuming office,Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor received guests from Somalia International University led by Dr. Mohamed Ali Ismail. They shared the past collaboration, current situation and future plans of the two institutions. Prof. Pauline appreciated the partnership goals and pledged full support and corporation with SIU.
The other members to host the team from SIU, were: the dean Faculty of Medicine Associate professor Joseph Ngonzi, the dean Faculty of Computing and informatics Dr. Evarist Nabaasa and the Communications officer incharge of International Relations, Shiela Niinye Olivia Twinamasiko (Mrs)
Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika also represented MUST at the 20th Graduation Ceremony of Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara.
Later that evening, she attended the CAMTech Uganda Open Showcasing and Pitch Competition, where she commended the leadership of CAMTech Uganda for their significant achievement and encouraged young innovators to persevere, even in the face of setbacks.
Campus Familiarization and Strategic Partnerships
In the following weeks, Prof. Byakika embarked on a familiarization tour of the campus, engaging with staff and faculty to gain insights into the university’s operations and identify areas for improvement. This gave her a strong foundation to fully own information in management meetings.
On October 29 2024, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika initiated strategic partnerships, such as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), aimed at fostering collaboration and advancing research. https://www.must.ac.ug/naro-and-must-join-forces-to-drive-innovation-and-research/
Courtesy call: GHC Leaders Visit the vice chancellor
November 4, 2024: Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika hosted Prof. Louise Ivers and Dr. Stephens Asiimwe from the Global Health Collaborative (GHC) in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
Prof. Ivers is a Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Director of the Harvard Global Health Institute at Harvard University. Dr. Stephens Asiimwe is the Program Director of the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Global Health Collaborative (GHC), Uganda, an institutional partnership between MUST and the MGH Center for Global Health. https://www.must.ac.ug/a-courtesy-call-to-the-vice-chancellor-strengthening-collaboration-for-the-future/
Engaging with Stakeholders and Fostering Innovation
On Novemebr 5,2024, Prof. Byakika’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation was evident in her participation in various events. She attended the First Mile 2.0 Stakeholders Meeting, where she expressed gratitude for the support of the Global Health Collaborative and acknowledged the impactful research conducted by MUST faculty and students. https://www.must.ac.ug/a-legacy-of-impact-the-first-mile-project-concludes/
On November 11, 2024, she visited the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) and Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable development. https://www.must.ac.ug/vice-chancellors-familiarization-trip-to-bwindi-and-the-institute-of-tropical-forest-conservation-itfc/
On November 13, 2024, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika attended the mentor’s workshop, where she highlighted the numerous benefits of mentorship for both mentors and mentees. She encouraged participants to develop strong mentoring relationships to facilitate learning, networking, and professional growth.
She also attended the 6th White Coat Ceremony on the same day, addressing the eager students with a powerful message about the significance of the white coat as a symbol of compassion, care, professionalism, and excellence. https://www.must.ac.ug/musts-6th-white-coat-ceremony-a-rite-of-passage-for-aspiring-medics/
On November 14, 2024, she attended the 9th PhD Symposium at Kihumuro campus, encouraging PhD candidates to take the feedback from experienced academicians seriously. She emphasized the importance of such symposia in providing feedback, fostering community building, and offering insights into potential career paths.
On November 15, 2024, Pauline Byakika Kibwika attended the 19th Annual Research Dissemination Conference. She appreciated the diversity of researchers, the participation of MUST partners, and recognized the contributions of junior researchers. She also expressed gratitude to the keynote speakers, Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, Prof. Jessica Harberer, and Prof. Aman Russom, as well as the organizing team and all presenters. She encouraged participants to network, collaborate, and seek support from each other.
A Bright Future for MUST
On November 19, 2024, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Pauline Byakika, held a meeting with the student leadership. They discussed suggestions, challenges, and plans. She emphasized that leadership is about action and doing the right thing at all times.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) celebrated a significant milestone on a bright and hopeful day. The Kihumuro Main Campus filled with excitement as the university launched the MUST Holdings Company Limited and the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC). This marked the culmination of two years of dedicated work.https://www.must.ac.ug/a-new-dawn-for-innovation-at-must/
Professor Pauline Byakika-Kwibika, the Vice Chancellor of MUST, expressed her delight at the launch. She highlighted how these initiatives would equip the university community with valuable skills and facilitate resource mobilization. She encouraged students to seize opportunities and build connections. She also received guests from the University of California, San Francisco, USA, who shared their past collaborative achievements and future plans with MUST.
We congratulate Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika on becoming the 3rd Vice Chancellor of MUST and the first female Vice Chancellor of MUST, and the second in all public universities.
As Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika continues to lead MUST, her vision for a brighter future is clear. With her strong leadership, dedication to academic excellence, and commitment to fostering innovation, MUST is well-positioned to achieve new heights.
