On 11th April 2026, the UCoBS Boardroom at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) City Campus was a hub of inspiration and professional growth as the Women In Science Displacement Outreach Master’s (WISDOM) Project hosted its highly anticipated Mentorship Workshop.
Under the theme “Empowering Your Journey: Mentorship for Academic Success and Career Growth,” the workshop brought together academic leaders, staff, and students to deconstruct the mechanical necessities of professional guidance and psychosocial resilience.
Setting the Stage for Success
The day commenced with Ms. Sheila Niinye Twinamatsiko, the International Relations Officer,who provided a comprehensive brief on the WISDOM Project. She highlighted the initiative’s core philosophy “Resilient Minds, Bright Futures” explaining that the project is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem where students aren’t just academically proficient, but emotionally and professionally prepared for the global market.
Ethics, Peer Support, and Wellness
The workshop featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who tackled the various dimensions of the mentorship journey:
- Ms. Gladys Nakalema on Psychosocial and Peer Mentorship: Focusing on the power of “the collective,” Ms. Nakalema discussed how peer-to-peer support networks act as a first line of defense against academic burnout. She emphasized that students often find their greatest strength in those walking the same path, provided there is a structured framework for that support.
Ms. Gladys Nakalema - Prof. Gertrude Kiwanuka on Roles, Responsibilities, and Ethics: A veteran in academic leadership, Prof. Kiwanuka provided a masterclass on the ethics of the mentor-mentee relationship. She deconstructed the boundaries and professional standards required to maximize outcomes, ensuring that mentorship remains a safe, productive, and high-integrity space for all involved. She challenged the attendees to view mentorship not as a luxury, but as a strategic requirement for institutional and personal excellence. She noted that navigating the complexities of higher education requires a “playbook” that only experienced mentors can provide.
Prof. Gertrude Kiwanuka - Ms. Maureen Kahiima on Counselling and Psychosocial Support: Recognizing that a resilient mind is the engine of academic achievement, Ms. Kahiima’s session focused on mental wellness. She provided practical tools for stress management and highlighted the counseling resources available through the WISDOM project, ensuring that no student has to face their challenges alone.
Ms. Maureen Kahiima
Building a Legacy of Mentorship
As the session concluded before the lunch break, the atmosphere was one of renewed purpose. The WISDOM Project continues to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the soft skills required for career longevity.
By fostering these connections today, MUST is ensuring that its graduates are not only skilled in their respective fields but are also equipped with the emotional intelligence and professional ethics to lead Africa’s digital and academic transformation.
