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 every success. 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, expressing confidence that he would guide Busitema University to even greater heights. He also encouraged graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they had gained to help build a better country, wishing them success and good health as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

The Chairperson of the University Council, Professor William Bazeyo, praised the outgoing chancellor for his dedicated service and thanked the President for appointing Dr Badru Kiggundu as the new chancellor. He expressed confidence that Dr Kiggundu would work closely with the council to elevate 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, and encouraged them to celebrate their accomplishments.

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon Oboth Oboth, together with the Minister of State for Higher Education, Hon John Chrysestom Muyingo, commended the university leadership for educating the people of Uganda and for promoting 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 achievements. These trees are tagged with the students’ names, courses, faculties, and campuses, and are expected to be preserved for 500 years. Other graduates also plant trees at their respective campuses and care for them throughout their time at the university. Through this initiative, the convocation aims to plant one million trees within 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: Dr Manya Joseph from the Faculty of Management Sciences and Dr Mercy Wanyana from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Graduates attended 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 commended for their support of the university and its students.