Following recommendations from the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the secretary to the treasury- Ministry of Finance Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, a delegation from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika- Kibwika, convened with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire (Mrs.).
Preliminary Meeting with the commissioner:Â Mr. Adam Tusiime
The meeting aimed to address critical challenges facing MUST, emphasizing a collaborative approach to finding sustainable solutions.
The delegation was received by Mr. Adam Tusiime Mugarura, the Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource Management at the Uganda Ministry of Public Service in charge of Payrol. He provided valuable insights into the Public Service’s handling of governmental institution issues and the intricacies of budget planning. This preparatory session served to familiarize the MUST delegation with the administrative processes involved.
In the meeting with PS Hon. Catherine Bitarakwate, Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika presented MUST’s core challenges, which included:
- Staff promotion issues.
- The need for additional funding to finalize harmonization processes.
- Seed funding for industrial development initiatives.
Delegation Composition: The composition of the MUST delegation reflected the importance and multifaceted nature of the issues, including:
- Mr. Vincent K. Kwatampora (Accounting Officer).
- Mr. Prinari Behangana (Chief Human Resource Officer).
- Assoc. Prof. Joseph Ngonzi (Dean, Faculty of Medicine).
- Dr. Emmanuel Munyarugyero (Chairperson, Academic Staff Association).
- Mr. Javira Kasule (Chairperson of NUEI).
- Mr. David Kashaija (General Secretary, NUEI).
- Angella Nakato (Communications Officer).
PS’s Response and Guidance: Hon. Catherine Bitarakwate acknowledged the legitimacy of MUST’s challenges and commended the Vice Chancellor for bringing them to her attention. She offered guidance on navigating the necessary procedures, mentioning the need to work together with Abraham. The PS acknowledged the importance of continued communication between the ministry and the university.
The meeting was deemed fruitful, with a clear understanding of the challenges and a pathway toward resolution established. Official communication regarding the meeting’s outcomes will be issued by MUST’s top management. This meeting signifies a crucial step in fostering constructive dialogue between MUST and the Ministry of Public Service, emphasizing transparency and collaborative problem-solving.
A significant aspect of the meeting was the shared connection between Hon. Catherine Bitarakwate and Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika as alumni of Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga. The PS congratulated Prof. Byakika- Kibwika on her appointment, recognizing her adherence to the “Namagunga Mantle”. she wished her the best in her team of office and urged bring out the best in her term. They shared a few moments of light of their school in line with mentoring and  nurturing the girl child.
