From April 8 to 11 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology held it’s three-day Council retreat at Beauvais Retreat Centre in Wakiso District, held under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Effective Governance,” with a series of pivotal sessions aimed at enhancing the institution’s strategic direction and operational efficiency.
The retreat, which commenced with opening remarks from the Council Chairperson Dr. Warren Naamara, emphasized the importance of collaborative governance and continuous improvement.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika provided a comprehensive overview of the University’s achievements, challenges, and future goals, setting the stage for focused discussions and training sessions.
Governance Training and Team Building:
A significant portion of the retreat was dedicated to governance training, facilitated by Dr. Godfrey Kalibbala from Team Building Uganda. Dr. Kalibbala led sessions covering critical topics such as conflict management, board council characteristics, secretariat performance, action planning, integrity, emotional intelligence and fostering an enabling environment.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and self-evaluation exercises, focusing on equity and equality within the university framework.
Team-building sessions, conducted by Mr. Samuel Kamau from Team Building Uganda, fostered collaboration and strengthened bonds among council members. These sessions culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing the top-performing teams, highlighting the importance of teamwork in effective governance. The drivers also received etiquette training focused on improving their efficiency and effectiveness at work.
Recognition and Appreciation:
The retreat also featured a certificate presentation ceremony, acknowledging the contributions of key individuals. Recipients included Mr. Hannington Ashaba, the outgoing council member for his outstanding service as the chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee in the 7th and 8th Council, Guild President Daisy Arinda Kankiriho, for her dedication in representing the student voice on the Council; Guild Speaker Promise Amutuhaire who was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister Adella Natumanya.
The Deputy Council Chair Ms. Sarah Nyacho Mwaka and Timothy Ndiana Mugumya, Esq the Senior Legal Officer were recognized for leading the retreat organization on behalf of council and management respectively. Ms. Angella Nakato the Communications Officer in charge of Public Relations coordinated the preparation of team building, Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko the Communications officer in charge of International Relations coordinated the retreat programme, Ms. Irene Ahabwe the Deputy University Secretary and Mr. Ivan Muhwebwa the Legal Clerk were recognized for their contribution on the organizing committee.
The Team Building Uganda coaches were also appreciated and recognized for the well planned activities that benefited the council members.
New Council Member Inauguration:
The final day of the retreat began with an official Council meeting, a significant moment marked by the swearing-in of Ms. Sally Sandrah Kebirungi, the Assistant Commissioner of Infrastructure and Social Services in the Ministry of Finance as a new member of the 8th University Council.
She took the Oaths of Secrecy and Allegiance, officially joining the council and replacing Mr. Hannington Ashaba from the Ministry of Finance, who served on the 7th and 8th Councils. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Her Worship Nyamwenge Immaculate, Magistrate Grade One of Kakiri Court, and Mr. Ivan Mwambu Ivan, Court Clerk, Kakiri Court.
Strategic Discussions and Future Direction:
Throughout the retreat, council members engaged in strategic discussions aimed at enhancing the university’s governance and operational frameworks.
The sessions emphasized the importance of unlearning and relearning, self-evaluation, and creating an enabling environment for all stakeholders. The retreat concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative leadership and strategic planning, poised to shape the future of MUST.
MUST extends its gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the council retreat.
