By Jumah Kakomo
The Busitema university council chairperson Ms. Rosemary Mutyabule on Friday while reflecting on the performance of the 4th University Council 2020-2024, in a meeting held at Kampala noted that they have made significant progress.
According to Mutyabule, under her leadership, they have improved infrastructure development, expansion of academic programs, enhancement of research capacity, student-centered initiatives, improved graduation rates, improved employability, Modernization of science labs, establishment of a state-of-the-art library, strengthened community engagement, effective governance and leadership, Promotion of quality assurance and gender mainstreaming, enhanced ICT integration in university operations among others.
According to Mutyabule, by the time they entered into office in 2020, the university was utilizing Ugx37b but now they are using about Ugx59b despite it is still insufficient. She adds that during their tenure, the university has managed to also increase its staff from 300 to 500 with about both professors and associate professors, and its rank has gone high from 9th to now 6th across the country.
In terms of student’s enrolment, Mutyabule says they have shifted from 3,500 to now about 6,000. She says they have also increased the university research funds from Ugx1b to now Ugx12b.
However, she also acknowledged some of the challenges they face which include; Financial Management: according to Mutyabule, effective financial management is a significant challenge for many institutions, including Busitema University. The university faces challenges in managing its finances, including budgeting, resource allocation, and ensuring transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
Infrastructure Development: Busitema University faces challenges in infrastructure development, including the construction of modern classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and other essential facilities. The university must prioritize infrastructure development to create a conducive learning environment.
Staffing: Attracting and retaining qualified staff is a significant challenge for Busitema University. The university faces challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified academic and non-academic staff, which can impact the quality of education and research.
Student Enrollment: Busitema University faces challenges in attracting and retaining students. The university must develop strategies to attract and retain students, including offering competitive programs, improving student services, and creating a conducive learning environment.
Community Engagement: Busitema University faces challenges in engaging with the local community. The university must develop strategies to engage with the local community, including offering community-based programs, conducting research that addresses local needs, and developing partnerships with local organizations.
The chancellor of the university Vinand Nantulya says the university at least needs to double its current budget to ensure quality education and its smooth running. He calls for the government and other partners too to expeditiously support them with more resources to elevate the university.
About the council;
The 4th Busitema University Council, led by Chairperson Rosemary Mutyabule, began its term with high expectations and a clear vision for the university’s growth and development.
Initially, the council focused on improving infrastructure, including the construction of new lecture halls, laboratories, and student housing. They also prioritized staff development, providing training and capacity-building programs for academic and non-academic staff.
As the term progressed, the council turned its attention to academic programs, introducing new courses and strengthening research collaborations with international partners. They also established a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, providing students with opportunities for practical skills development.
Despite facing challenges such as financial constraints and staffing gaps, the council remained committed to their goals. They engaged with students, staff, and the local community, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity.
Under their leadership, Busitema University witnessed significant growth, including increased student enrollment, improved graduation rates, and enhanced research output. The university became a hub for innovation and community engagement, earning recognition and respect nationally and regionally.
As the 4th University Council’s term came to a close, they reflected on their achievements with pride, knowing they had laid a strong foundation for the university’s future success. Rosemary Mutyabule and her team handed over the reins to the incoming council, confident that the university would continue to thrive and grow.
