Dear members of Kyambogo University Council, Management, Secretariat and other University staff in-attendance (including the helpers of Dr Sam Lutalo-Kiingi and Hon. Flavia Niringiyimana), the entire University Community, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am honoured to have been elected chairperson of Kyambogo University Council, with Counsel Sarah Babirye Lubega fulfilling the important role of Vice Chairperson. Each of us brings relevant experience and expertise, and with the support of the full Council – continuing and new members alike – we are confident that this 5th Kyambogo University Council is well-placed to fulfill its obligations to the University over the next four years.

As the new Council, we are privileged to have the opportunity to serve Kyambogo University and its community of students, staff, members of the alumni community, and the very many supporters and friends of the University. We are a university that thrives because of our multiple stakeholders, the quality of our staff, the quality of the students we graduate, the quality of our research, the impact we have on society, the boldness of our vision and mission, the values that Kyambogo University represents, and the relevance of our Five Strategic Focus Areas, as clearly outlined in the University’s current Strategic Plan. Just for emphasis, the five strategic focus areas are:

  1. Teaching and Learning
  2. Research, Innovation and Knowledge Creation
  3. Physical Infrastructure, Facilities and ICT Development
  4. Institutional Development
  5. Strategic Marketing

Being a new Council, we have the opportunity to start afresh, to restate our commitment to the mission of our university and to support the members of the University Management in their leadership and management of the university.

We are aware of the many past and more recent successes of the university, and the collective contributions of the Vice-Chancellor (Prof Eli Katunguka Rwakishaya) and his Senior Management Team in leading and managing Kyambogo University during these extremely challenging times. To mention just one out of the many recent successes: In the Ministerial Policy Statement for the FY 2019/2020, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in collaboration with the Equal Opportunities Commission ranked Kyambogo University as the most gender and equity responsive among all Universities in Uganda. Nationally, the University was in the fourth position out of 147 Ministries, Departments and Agencies that constitute the 18 Sectors. This success is also well-depicted in the composition of the leadership of the New Council and composition of the University Management.

So, we applaud efforts of the Vice Chancellor and your Management Team, Senate, the extended leadership in the various departments of the University, and the members of the wider Kyambogo University community, during this very difficult period.

Thank you to our funders, especially the Government of Uganda, who continue to support our institution in these unprecedented times.

Hon members of Council, like I said in my opening remarks when you selected me Interim Chair a few weeks ago, we have been selected to serve this University at a time of unprecedented uncertainty – when it is not business as usual. This puts an extra demand on us to ensure that we work closely with Management to enable the University to thrive in this new World.

But this is also a time for kindness and compassion towards each other. Let’s stay together, be understanding and support each other as we continue to navigate the new world. It’s also a time for us to remain positive – that no matter how challenging the times are, we are going to do our very best to keep and take forward Kyambogo University as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country and in the region.  

As we proceed to elect the Chairpersons and members of the various committees of Council, let us deploy our strengths and expertise to move Kyambogo University to another level. Looking at the composition of this 5th Council, I feel so proud and honoured to lead such a talented and well-accomplished team. Let’s use our intellect and individual assets to support one another as we all strive to leave a positive mark on this great institution.

On my part as the new Chairperson of Council, I can’t say enough how proud and honoured I am to be part of the team leading one of Uganda’s finest universities. This is a responsibility and an opportunity that I will tackle with much enthusiasm as education is one of my greatest passions. I promise dedicated, impartial and respectful leadership. I will respect each one of you unconditionally.

I look forward to walking this journey with you, as we continue to advance the mission of this great University. 

I remain your Humble Servant,

Knowledge and Skills for Service,

For God and my Country.

Mary Goretti Nakabugo, PhD