On September 20,2023, the 8th University council was invited to the Statehouse for an inauguration ceremony. Led by the chairman council Dr. Warren Naamara, the council members were received at State house Nakasero by the First Lady and Minister for education and sport, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni.
The event started with the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, Prof. Celestino Obua thanked the government of Uganda for supporting MUST since 1989, “we can never tell our history of development and growth without mentioning the government of Uganda’s support. Through you, Mama Janet we wish to convey our gratitude to H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for not only being our founding father but also for the unweaving support to MUST”. Prof. Obua later invited the chairman council Dr. Warren Naamara who presented the achievements, progress and challenges of MUST.
Dr. Warren Naamara pointed out that for MUST to achieve her vision of that say “A Centre of Academic and Professional Excellence in Science and Technology”, we are geared towards:
- Learner centered problem-based instruction providing experiential and flexible learning.
- Being a research driven University, where research and teaching/learning are mutually reinforcing.
- Enhancing knowledge transfer partnerships and networking, because knowledge production and transfer between universities and broad public and private sectors should be a two -way traffic that calls for cultivation and fostering of symbiotic relationships.
Dr. warren revealed that while they are determined to achieve all the above and more, as council and management they face several challenges that hinder critical operations of the University. Among them are the following: –
- Potential risk of closure of the Medical School of MUST due to the dilapidated infrastructure at the town campus. The infrastructure was condemned by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC) and National Counsel for Higher Education (NCHE) when they visited the Faculty of Medicine in a facility verification process
- Constrained to fully develop Kihumuro campus with teaching facilities, administrative blocks, accommodation, sports facilities and a student’s center. The transfer of other faculties would decongest the Town campus and leave staff for expansion of the Medical School.
- Unfriendly process of Engaging of PPP to develop infrastructure at University.
- The low staffing capacity at MUST, currently at about 22% and various audits have indicated that this is a low capacity that greatly affects performance and deliverables of the University. (full speech attached below).
Dr. Warren’s presentation was followed by the host, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the hon. Minister of Education and sports. She welcomed the MUST Council Members to statehouse for the inauguration ceremony.
She appreciated the University Management, led by the Vice Chancellor Prof Celestino Obua, for ably managing the University and implementing Council decisions, thus making this University one of the best in Uganda. Your work with previous Councils has resulted in the University’s growth and steady advancement. “Despite the financial constraints, I appreciate MUST staff and students for keeping calm and having better negotiating channels rather than striking”.
She also thanked the outgoing council members for their dedication to the University and for ensuring that MUST continues with its growth. Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, welcomed the MUST 8th council and reminded them that they were chosen by God and granted the leadership role to steer into the future.
She mentioned that great institutions are built and sustained by great leaders who understand and purposefully implement their mission and vision. I have no doubt in my mind, that the calibre of leaders on this Council will rise to the occasion, and through their efforts the University will experience significant growth and development.
Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni urged the MUST staff to support students in achieving academic excellence, as well as instilling values of integrity and noble character so as to produce an all-round graduate. “I need not remind you that the main mission of a university is to produce a skilled and productive workforce, for national development”.
She pointed out that many of our students are challenged economically, socially, and academically and they face hurdles to success, as they go through University education. They need our support, guidance and encouragement.
She added that the world is dealing with a generation of youth who are challenged by various situations, including drug abuse, homosexuality, corruption, immorality, and many other unacceptable vices. “We can no longer ignore these vices among our youth at Mbarara University of Science and Technology or any other University in our country”. Said Mama Janet
The minister urged the, Council Members to work towards sustaining the stability of this great institution.
She pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education and Sports for a better Mbarara University of Science and Technology. “This University is still relatively young, having been in existence for 34 years, and as such it requires the support of every stakeholder, to contribute to its growth and sustainability (full speech attached below).
Succeed we MUST