Former Electoral Commission boss Prof Badru Kiggundu has been installed as the third chancellor of Busitema University for a four-year term, pledging transparency and strengthened governance at the eastern Uganda-based government institution.
The swearing-in took place on Friday during the university’s 16th graduation ceremony at its main campus in Busitema Sub-county, Busia District, overseen by Tororo High Court Judge Henry Kaweesa.
University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wako said the institution has maintained discipline among students, a factor he credited with a growing enrollment.
‘As we talk now, we have attracted many students from other countries including Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and many others, therefore we want to call upon the government to increase funds for better performance,’ Prof Wako said.
He noted that graduation numbers are steadily rising as 1,600 students completed their studies last year, while this year 1,915 students graduated across different faculties.
Prof Wako also highlighted new vocational skills courses in irrigation, building and concrete practice, tailoring, and plumbing, aimed at equipping youths with employment-ready skills.
‘We introduced these courses to empower the youths to ensure that they can also get employment opportunities rather than waiting to be employed by the government,’ he said.
Despite progress, the vice chancellor flagged challenges including insufficient infrastructure across seven campuses and a severe shortage of faculty staff, currently at only 10 percent.
He called for government support in laboratory equipment and research funding.
Eng Prof Kiggundu, addressing the graduates and staff, pledged to facilitate resources for the university’s smooth operations.
‘I want to appreciate the leadership of this university for maintaining discipline, and producing highly skilled students,’ he said, promising transparency and a collaborative approach with staff and government.
Representing President Museveni, Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth praised the university for using dialogue to maintain peace and urged graduates to uphold professionalism.
‘The NRM government has invested a lot in youth projects because we believe that the youths have the ability to transform this country if they are guided well. Get involved in the youth projects as you wait for your professional jobs,’ Oboth said.
He added that the government is exploring ways to create jobs, including constructing factories in every sub-region.
About Kiggundu
After 14 years as head of the Electoral Commission, Eng Kiggundu retired in November 2016.