Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), a pivot of higher education in Uganda, traces its roots back to October 1989. Initially housed within the repurposed Mbarara District Hospital’s School of Midwifery, the university was formally established through the Mbarara University of Science and Technology Statute 1989, enacted by the National Resistance Council.
Founded amidst the economic and social turmoil of the 1970s and 1980s, MUST emerged as a beacon of hope, reflecting the government’s recognition of higher education’s pivotal role in national development. With a keen focus on science and technology as the drivers of progress, the university embarked on its mission to cultivate skilled professionals.
Under the leadership of its inaugural Vice Chancellor, Professor Frederick Ian Bantubano Kayanja and in collaboration with Cuban professors, MUST’s journey commenced with the Faculty of Medicine, admitting its first cohort of 43 students to pursue the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree.
Over the years, the university expanded its horizons, establishing the Faculties of Science and Development Studies, as well as the Institutes of Computer Science and Tropical Forest Conservation. By January 2012, MUST had grown significantly, nurturing a student population of 3,508.
A pivotal milestone was achieved in May 2012 with the inauguration of the Kihumuro campus, a spacious facility strategically located along the Mbarara-Bushenyi road. This marked a new chapter in MUST’s history, accommodating the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology and symbolizing the university’s commitment to comprehensive academic offerings.
The Kihumuro campus now houses the Faculties of Computing and Informatics and Applied Sciences and Technology, fostering a vibrant academic environment.
MUST has consistently demonstrated growth in infrastructure, faculty, student enrollment, partnerships, innovations, and academic achievements. Professor Celestino Obua, the second Vice Chancellor, left an enduring legacy through his contributions to research, grant acquisition, and publications during his ten-year tenure.
In a historic appointment on August 2, 2024, Professor Pauline Byakika Kibwika became the university’s third Vice Chancellor, making history as the first female to lead MUST.
As MUST continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its dedication to producing skilled graduates who contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s development.
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