Vice Chancellor Welcomes First-Year Students at Busitema University Admission Ceremonies
Vice Chancellor Welcomes First-Year Students at Busitema University Admission Ceremonies
13 November 2026
Busitema University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, formally welcomed first-year students during admission ceremonies held at Namasagali, Kabwangasi, Nagongera and Busitema campuses from 9 to 11 November 2026. Addressing students who had already commenced their studies, he explained the University's academic regulations, governance structures and learning opportunities, while outlining the responsibilities expected of them throughout their university education.
Accompanied by members of the University's Top Management, and the respective Faculty Deans, Prof. Waako began the engagements at Namasagali Campus, home to the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, on Monday afternoon. The programme continued at Kabwangasi on Tuesday morning, where he addressed students of the Faculty of Health Sciences, before proceeding to the Faculty of Science and Education at Nagongera that afternoon. On Wednesday morning, he met students at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Busitema Campus.
During his addresses, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that the University had admitted 7,948 students for the 2026/2027 academic year, with female students accounting for 39 per cent of the intake. He explained that the University Council had set a target of achieving equal representation of male and female students in admissions, where possible.First-year students attend the formal admission ceremony at the Faculty of Science and Education, Nagongera Campus, on 10 November 2026.
Achieving that balance, however, remains a challenge, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where female participation continues to lag behind that of male students.
A substantial part of the Vice Chancellor's message focused on helping students understand how the University operates and where different responsibilities lie.
He introduced the University Council, chaired by Prof. William Bazeyo, with Hon. Dr. Beatrice Mukaye Wabudeya serving as Vice Chairperson. The Council is the University's highest governing body, responsible for overseeing its administration, policies and general direction.Students also learnt about the University Senate, which Prof. Waako chairs. He explained that the Senate oversees academic matters, including the approval of training programmes, teaching, learning, research, outreach and examination results. It also plays a central role in approving students for graduation and the award of academic qualifications.
The Vice Chancellor explained the functions of other university bodies, including the Students' Affairs and Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Mr. Aloysius Kiribaki, which handles student disciplinary matters. Staff disciplinary matters fall under the Appointments Board, chaired by Ms. Rosemary Iwanu Mutyabule.
He further introduced the office of the University Visitor, a position held by the President of Uganda in accordance with the law governing public universities, and that of the Chancellor, Eng. Dr. Prof. Badru M. Kiggundu.
Prof. Waako reminded students that the Chancellor had conferred degrees on graduates during the University's 17th Graduation Ceremony on 3 October 2026. He expressed hope that the newly admitted students would successfully complete their respective programmes and eventually have their academic qualifications conferred.
The roles of the Deputy Vice Chancellors were also explained. The Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Academic Affairs and Research, Assoc. Prof. Saphina Biira oversees the University's academic functions, while the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Assoc. Prof Pakoyo Fadhiru Kamba supervises financial and administrative operations, including human resources, legal services and ICT.
Other offices introduced included that of the University Secretary, headed by Dr. Gregory Tweheyo, and the Office of the Academic Registrar, headed by Dr. Lillian Gimuguni Nabaasa. Mr. Ivan Ronald Mugabi, who is responsible for admissions, represented the Academic Registrar during the engagements. The Dean of Students' office was identified as the appropriate point of contact for matters concerning student welfare.
With the administrative structures explained, the Vice Chancellor turned to academic discipline and the responsibilities that come with university education.
He warned students against absenteeism and reminded them that lecture attendance is compulsory. Unlike at earlier levels of education, students who fail to attend the required classes or complete their coursework may be denied permission to sit university examinations.
Under the University's examination regulations, students must meet the minimum attendance requirement of 80 per cent for lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, alongside the prescribed coursework requirements, to qualify for a Certificate of Due Performance. Without this certificate, a student may be barred from sitting examinations.
Prof. Waako urged students to familiarise themselves with the university handbook and understand the regulations governing their conduct and academic progress. Those dissatisfied with university decisions were advised to use the established channels for raising complaints rather than taking matters into their own hands.
He also encouraged students to make regular use of the University website, where they can access information on tuition fees, academic regulations, the student handbook and other services.
Access to digital learning resources was another issue raised during the ceremonies. The Vice Chancellor advised students to seek support from their parents, guardians, sponsors and other benefactors to acquire laptops where possible, noting the growing dependence of university education on digital technologies.
He encouraged students to use the University's Learning Management System and embrace blended learning, which allows teaching and learning to take place through both physical and online platforms.
The University library, he explained, offers more than the physical books available on their shelves. Busitema has access to over 100,000 electronic books, and students were encouraged to consult librarians for guidance on accessing these resources for coursework, assignments and research.
On student life, Prof. Waako urged the new entrants to appreciate the diversity of the university community. He described the University as a place where people from different tribes, religions and backgrounds meet, interact and learn from one another.
Students were encouraged to build genuine friendships, respect their colleagues and avoid hatred and discrimination. He explained that university life would expose them to experiences and perspectives different from those they were accustomed to, helping prepare them for life beyond their studies.He also encouraged participation in sports and other inter-campus activities, which provide opportunities for students to visit different faculties, meet colleagues from other programmes and develop friendships across the University.
Throughout the engagements, the Vice Chancellor reminded students of Busitema University's core values: pursuing excellence, relevance, innovativeness, professionalism, ethics and integrity, internationalisation and respect for diversity. He urged them to uphold these values in their academic work, personal conduct and interactions with others.
Prof. Waako congratulated the students upon joining Busitema University and performed the formal admission at each of the four campus ceremonies, welcoming them into the university community and encouraging them to make good use of the opportunities available during their studies.
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