Prof. Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University has articulated that in order for the University to become a center of academic and professional excellence, the research function should be given the priority it deserves.

This was during the mentorship and consultative session with Lectures on Thursday 3rd March 2022 at the University premises. The session was attended by over eighty lecturers with both physical and online attendance.

These mentorship sessions began with Graduate fellows to Assistant Lectures, to lecturers and will also involve Senior Lecturers and then to Professors.

Having a Vision to “Transform Kyambogo University into a truly international, research-active institution with better-qualified staff, adequate facilities and ICT infrastructure, producing high quality, relevant and skilled graduates”

Prof. Katunguka started this mentorship program to support and encourage Academic staff to maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.

Prof. Katunguka said that for the vision and mission of the university to be realized, teaching and non-teaching staff at all levels must work together. He went further to say that the university should as a matter of priority put in place a mechanism that attracts and retains senior academic staff and also groom and mentor the juniors to upscale their qualifications and join the ranks of senior academic staff.  “It is imperative to recognize that senior academic staffs are the ones that provide academic and research leadership as well as strategic direction to scholarly work in the universities.” Prof. Katunguka said

He also said that in avoidance of compromise in the quality of education, admission of more students and expansion of academic programmes should be in tandem with the infrastructure and other facilities in the university.

He recommended that the School of Graduate Studies should be strengthened to be able to provide strategic guidance and leadership in graduate studies and advance teaching and research at the university.

Prof. Katunguka addressing lecturers in a mentorship session

He explained that the contract appointment of academic staff after retirement at 60 years was approved by council as follows; Senior Lecturer up to 65 years, Associate Professors up to 70 years, Professors up to 72 years.

He said that they would continue to work under the same conditions with no 30% gratuity at the end of the contract and one must add value to the department, continue the supervision of graduate students and conduct of research and publications as well as contributing to curriculum development (Masters and Doctorate programmes).

In his concluding remarks, the Vice Chancellor urged lectures to have a plan for their lives, set goals (short term, long term) with a passion to achieve them. “Seek help from experts and follow the advice (Get mentors). Focus on yourself and avoid negative people.” Prof. Katunguka said

Currently, Kaymbogo University requires 253 Lecturers, only 69.2% is filled with 175 Lectures on campus.   That means the vacant positions are 78.