Prof. Okong elected chairperson of Soroti University Council

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Prof. Pius Okong has on Thursday, September 11, 2025, been elected chairperson of the Soroti University Council.

He will be deputised by the former ambassador to Italy, Grace Akello, to steer the university over the next four years.

Their election follows the expiry of the term of the second council board. Prof. Okong, a native of Amuria district and the current chairperson of the Health Service Commission, takes over from Eng. Dr. Vincent B.A. Kasangaki.

Prof. Okong is a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with extensive experience in maternal and neonatal health.

Other newly elected council members who have already taken oath include vice chancellor of Busitema University, Prof. Paul Wako; Prof. Godfrey Akileng, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Dean of the School of Business; Eng. Henry Francis Okinyal; John Pakony Ochira; Edward Kiwanuka; and Cornelius Ojangole from NUDIPU.

The function, held in Moroto town, was attended by the university chancellor, Prof. Francis Omaswa. He encouraged the new council to generate solutions and lobby for funds to support the university’s growth.

Prof. Pius Okong receiving Handover Report from the Chairperson of the Second University Council Engineer Dr Vincent B A Kasangaki. (Courtesy)

“Discuss with management relevant courses to be introduced; we do not want to duplicate courses,” Prof. Omaswa advised.

While administering the oath to the newly elected council members, assistant registrar of Moroto High Court, Nusra Nankya, who represented the resident judge Tom Chemusto, cautioned the new council members to uphold integrity while performing their tasks, noting that failure to comply has serious legal implications.

Prof. Okong promised to offer his best in ensuring that the university shines globally, considering his vast experience in the health sector.

Soroti University, a university of science and technology, was established in June 2015 as the ninth public university in Uganda and officially opened as a fully-fledged public university in July 2015.

The Council is the supreme organ of the university, tasked with policy making, offering strategic direction and guidance, academic policy and strategy, ensuring compliance, budget approval, and financial oversight, among other responsibilities.

Who is Prof. Okong?

The Amuria native has held various leadership positions, including president of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda. 

He has also worked with international organisations such as the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, as well as serving as the current Chairperson of the Health Service Commission.