Busitema University installs new chancellor, awards 1,915 graduates at 16th graduation ceremony

29 November 2025, 11:06 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Busitema University yesterday held its 16th graduation ceremony at its main campus in Busia District, where 1,915 students were awarded certificates, diplomas and degrees. The event also marked a historic moment as the university installed its third Chancellor, Dr. Badru Kiggundu, who immediately assumed his duties. Ministers, parents and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

Outgoing Chancellor Vinaand Mutakabala Nantulya, whose eight-year tenure ended this month, thanked the University Council for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the institution. He expressed pride in the growth achieved during his time in office and wished his successor the very best. He said he had witnessed tremendous development at the university and was pleased to hand over a stronger and more vibrant institution. He welcomed Dr. Kiggundu and expressed confidence that he would steer Busitema University to greater heights. He also advised graduates to use the knowledge and skills they had gained to help build a better country. He wished them success and good health as they move on with their lives.

The Chairperson of the University Council, Professor William Bazeyo, praised the outgoing chancellor for his service and thanked the President for appointing Dr. Kiggundu as the new chancellor. He said he believed Dr. Kiggundu would work closely with the council to take the university to the next level. He reminded graduates that their achievements reflected both their hard work and the university’s commitment to excellence, innovation and advancement in science and technology. He encouraged them to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Oboth Oboth, together with the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, applauded the university leadership for educating the people of Uganda and for embracing environmental conservation through a tree-planting initiative.

The university launched the Square of Excellence, a green conservation space created by the convocation to address the effects of climate change. Each graduation year, the best male and female students plant a memory tree in recognition of their academic success. These trees are tagged with the students’ names, course, faculty and campus and are expected to be preserved for 500 years. Other graduates also plant trees at their respective campuses and take care of them throughout their time at the university. Through this initiative, the convocation aims to plant one million trees in five years across the different Busitema University campuses.

The ceremony also made history as the university awarded doctoral degrees to two individuals for the first time. These were Dr. Manya Joseph from the Faculty of Management Sciences and Dr. Mercy Wanyana from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Graduates came from various university campuses in the eastern region, including Nagongera in Tororo District, Mbale City, Arapai in Soroti District, Pallisa District and Kamuli District. Parents and guardians were thanked for their support to the university and its students.