On November 5, 2025, the Faculty of Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) successfully hosted a crucial one-day retooling workshop aimed at enhancing postgraduate supervision skills, particularly in alignment with the modern Competence Based Curriculum (CBC).
Titled “Effective Postgraduate Supervision in the Era of the Competence Based Curriculum,” the event drew enthusiastic participation from faculty members eager to sharpen their mentorship skills.
The workshop was made possible through vital funding from the Organisation of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), specifically via the OWSD Early Career Fellowship championed by Dr. Priscilla Muheki. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to developing high-quality research output and mentorship in developing nations.
The day’s proceedings were led by a distinguished facilitator: Associate Professor Dennis Atibuni Zami from Muni University. Prof. Zami, an accomplished MUST alumnus and a member of the International Academic forum and the Ugandan Universities Quality Assurance Forum, brought a wealth of experience to the training.
Prof. Zami delivered a powerful session emphasizing the non-negotiable standards required in research mentorship. He focused heavily on the interconnected roles of morality, integrity, and quality in supervising graduate students.
He challenged the supervisors to elevate their expectations, noting, “Students should be prepared to be the machines that will produce flawless products.” His message highlighted the supervisors’ responsibility not just for academic guidance but for shaping the ethical and professional character of future researchers.
Dr. Eunice A. Olet, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, extended sincere appreciation to the faculty who committed their time to the training and thanked the OWSD for their essential financial support.
Dr. Olet stressed the ongoing necessity for such professional development, especially given the dynamic changes in academia. “In our evolving academic and technological landscape, the need for continued retooling of teachers is absolutely critical,” she affirmed.
The successful workshop marks a significant step for the Faculty of Science in ensuring its postgraduate supervision practices remain rigorous, ethical, and relevant to the demands of the modern, competence-based global environment.
