During the 29th MUST graduation, 1327 students were conferred Degrees and Diplomas. Among the 26 candidates, Dr. Specioza Birungi, one of the pioneer staff received her PhD at 62 years. Specioza was the first secretary to the Vice Chancellor Prof. F.I.B Kayanja and the Academic Registrar, Mr. Stephen Bazirake respectively. She has risen through all the academic ranks from a diploma to a PhD. As the saying goes a PhD is not for the bright but for the determined. Speciouza was determined to pursue her PhD and she was unstoppable.
Born December 4th, 1960. Birungi’s journey began in, in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District, she grew up in the Mbarara Police barracks, Spe went to school in St. Hellens primary School nyamitanga for P1 and P2. She later joined St. Thereza Girl’s Primary School Kabale and Bishop Kivengyere Girls School from S1-S6. She later joined UCC Nakawa now called MUBs where she was awarded a diploma in secretarial Studies.
In 2002 she joined Makerere University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in secretarial studies, she successfully completed the program in 2005. She was ranked among the stars. This was published in the New Vision paper of October 28 2005 as MUK’s top students, rated at no 61. She Joined MUST for a PGD in Project Planning and Management and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Development Studies, which led her to the PhD journey.
Work history
She worked in the Ministry of Agriculture as a stenographer secretary. Later transferred to the Mbarara district and worked at the District Executive’s office (Now referred to as the CAO) in the same position. Due to her enviable skills, Spe was employed in the Special District Administrator’s office (currently referred to as the RCC). I
Specioza in MUST
Speciouza joined MUST at its inception in 1989. She began as the Personal Secretary to Professor Frederick I. B. Kayanja, the founding Vice Chancellor, later joined the Academic Registrar’s department and Faculty of Computing and Informatics as an Administrator, she was later promoted to the Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of the Postgraduate Studies. Currently, she is a senior Administrator in the Dean of student’s office, in charge of the entire kihumuro Campus.
PhD Journey
Dr. Speciouza conducted research under the Topic: Perceived Organizational Behavior and Performance of Academic Staff at Bishop Stuart University
She was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Charles Tushabomwe-Kazooba and Assoc. Prof. Fr. Adrian Mwesigye. Speciouza was self-sponsored.
Her findings revealed the positive impact of enhancing organizational behavior and implementing specific remedies on academic staff performance. Notably, she identified inadequate financial rewards and management coordination as key challenges, recommending the establishment of well-organized mentoring programs as a remedy.
Her educational journey, characterized by determination and perseverance, culminated in her achievement of a Ph.D. from Mbarara University of Science and Technology at the age of 62. Dr. Birungi attributes her success to the grace of God and encourages others to remain hopeful, emphasizing that where there is a will, there is always a way.
Family
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Orikurungi Augustine a retired police officer, Speciouza is blessed that both her parents have witnessed the award of her PhD. She is blessed with two daughters, Ms. Pamela Kabagyeni an IT specialist, and Dr. Charlotte Kabaseke (Esq), pioneer Dean of Law School at Kabale University.
These described their mother as a devoted, cherished mother and grandmother, a fulfilled daughter and sibling, an exceptional cook, a loyal friend and counselor, a committed worker, a compassionate philanthropist, and a faithful friend of God.
She is also a grandmother to two adorable girls Pearl jazimine sharine and Praize Joyous Ahirweomugisha.
With all the above she has attained the highest level of academic qualification. Many congratulations on your success. You’ve motivated many not only to dream but also to work hard to achieve them.
