Chancellor Professor Eng. Badru Kiggundu Completes Campus Tour, Pledges Commitment to Excellence
Busitema University’s newly installed Chancellor, Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu, has concluded a comprehensive five-day familiarization tour of the University’s multi-campus system, gaining invaluable first-hand insight into the institution's academic heartbeat, pioneering projects, and future aspirations. The tour, which ran from 1st to 5th February 2026, marked the Chancellor's first in-depth engagement with the University community since his installation during the 16th Graduation Ceremony in November 2025. Organized by the Office of the University Secretary and accompanied by key members of the University Management team, the visit underscores the leadership's commitment to unity, progress, and stakeholder engagement.
Eng. Dr. Kiggundu traversed the University, visiting all its constituent campuses, where he was warmly received at the Faculties of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Management Sciences, Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, as well as Science and Education. While students were not on campus at the time during the start of the semester having been adjusted to 10th February in accordance with a government directive ahead of the 2026 Presidential Elections, the tour provided a vital opportunity for deep engagement with the academic and administrative staff who form the university's backbone. At each campus, the programme skillfully coordinated by the respective Faculty Deans, offered a comprehensive look into university life through staff assemblies that brought together faculty and staff in conference halls for collective briefings, the singing of the National and University anthems, detailed presentations by Deans highlighting faculty-specific achievements, and guided tours of key facilities, laboratories, and project sites, offering a tangible view of the University’s physical and intellectual resources. The formal sessions were addressed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Waako; the Chairperson of the University Council, Professor William Bazeyo; and the Chancellor himself.
In his overview at each stop, Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Waako painted a compelling picture of the University's trajectory, highlighting significant institutional milestones including robust growth in infrastructure, the expansion of local and international partnerships, and notable improvements in staffing levels. A key focus of his presentation was the advancement of several flagship projects that exemplify Busitema’s commitment to problem-solving research and innovation, such as TASCOV at the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Black Soldier Fly initiative at the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences showcasing sustainable agriculture, and Agricultural Mechanization Innovations at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology demonstrating practical solutions for the community. Faculty Deans provided further depth, detailing the unique contributions and progress within their specific areas, reinforcing the University's strength in specialized fields.
Addressing the gathered staff, University Council Chairperson Prof. William Bazeyo delivered a powerful message on the importance of translating academic work into tangible developmental impact, stressing that the University's investments must yield visible benefits for the community and the nation. He noted that the Council is actively lobbying for increased government funding, but that their strongest argument is demonstrable commitment, efficiency, and tangible results from project leaders. He urged all staff entrusted with institutional responsibilities to uphold the highest standards of performance and service delivery, making it clear that the University is committed to a culture of excellence and accountability.
In his remarks, Chancellor Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu expressed profound appreciation for the dedication and quality of work he witnessed, and was particularly impressed by the innovative spirit on display, observing that Busitema University possesses immense potential to not only compete favorably at the national level but, through sustained innovation and collaboration, to emerge among the top-ranked universities in Uganda. Throughout the tour, the Chancellor fostered an atmosphere of open dialogue and encouraged staff to see him as a partner in the University’s journey, describing himself as approachable and genuinely interested in their ideas. He remarked that he was there to listen and to learn, and that his door is always open to constructive ideas and suggestions from every member of staff as they work together to strengthen Busitema University's academic and research profile and elevate its standing on the national and international stage. The successful conclusion of this familiarization tour marks the beginning of a collaborative and dynamic new chapter for Busitema University, with its leadership now more closely connected to the people and projects that define its unique character.
