Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) officially welcomed its newest cohort of students for the 2025/2026 academic year in a vibrant admission ceremony held on Friday, August 15, 2025. The event, which followed the official reporting period that began on August 4, celebrated the beginning of a new academic journey for hundreds of students.
The ceremony was moderated by Nakato Angella Muyingo, the Senior Communications Officer-Public Relations , along with a freshman, Brian Akandwanira , a student studying for a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Livelihoods and Farm Production.
The Ceremony Highlights
The event began with the announcement of the Chief Fresher, Nuwamanya Fred, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture and Livelihoods, and the Lady Fresher, Wanyana Kairu Vivian, a Bachelor’s of Information Technology student.
Mr. Emmanuel Kyagaba, the Dean of Students, addressed the new students, expressing gratitude and highlighting the successful orientation activities carried out by various university departments. He noted that the Academic Registrar’s Department and student guild leaders played a key role in the smooth reporting process. Following his remarks, students took the oath of allegiance, pledging to uphold the university’s values of truth, diligence, and discipline.
Deans from all faculties were then invited to present their students to the Vice Chancellor for official admission. Each faculty dean led their respective programs through the admission process, marking their formal entry into the university community.
Words of Wisdom and Welcome
The new students received inspiring remarks from the university’s leadership. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe Kazooba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, shared a piece of advice, telling the students, “You are your own prefect through the student guild.”
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, offered a warm and insightful welcome. “You have come from a protected environment; you are now in an open environment,” she said. “You need to know how to take care of yourselves, have fun responsibly, get into a routine, and develop good study habits. You made the right decision to join MUST.”
In her welcome address, Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika emphasized the university’s dedication to providing a world-class education and a supportive, inclusive community. She underscored MUST’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation, urging students to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available, including international student exchange programs.
“Our university is dedicated to fostering a culture of academic excellence, research, innovation, creativity and critical thinking,” she stated. “We are committed to harnessing the power of technology, ICT and Artificial Intelligence to enhance your learning experience.”
She also reminded students of the university’s zero-tolerance policy for harassment and abuse, referencing the institution’s anti-sexual harassment policy. The Vice Chancellor encouraged students to participate in extracurricular activities and to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
The ceremony concluded with a message of encouragement for all new students to have a fulfilling academic journey, echoing the university’s powerful motto: “Succeed We MUST.”
