Muni University on Saturday installed a new vice chancellor during the institution's 6th graduation ceremony presided over by the Chancellor, Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi.

The graduation saw 143 students conferred diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in the seven academic programs run by the university.

The graduation saw seven students attain first-class degrees while the first cohort of the 11 master’s students also graduated with a master’s degree in education planning and management.

Students jubilating after graduating at Muni University.

The chief guest was Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, who represented First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni.

Associate Professor Simon Anguma Katrini was installed as the second-ever vice chancellor of the university replacing the deceased founding vice-chancellor, the late Prof. Christine Dranzoa, who died in June 2022.

Minister Janet Museveni in her statement read by Moriku, congratulated the new vice chancellor upon being assigned a new role at a time when questions were been asked about who could fit in Prof. Dranzoa’s shoes.

Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the minister of state primary education and Muni University Chancellor, Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi waving to the congregation after the graduation ceremony.

She acknowledged the tremendous progress made by the new vice chancellor within the shortest period.

Mrs Museveni further implored the graduates to exhibit the academic knowledge acquired from the university to transform society's creativity and innovation.

“The loss of the founding vice chancellor was a big loss for us and the issue of who would replace her was lingering in our minds little did we know that she was quietly grooming her deputy for the job and we are proud of the developments at the university so far within your shortest time,” she said.

Assoc. Prof. Anguma Katrini in his maiden speech boasted of the increased enrolment of students from 700 to over 1,300 students.

“99 of the graduates are male while 44 are females and these are going to graduate from thirty operational academic programs and we are optimistic that after three years, the number of graduates will increase since most of the programs have just started and we also have the first cohort of our masters graduates in educational planning and management,” said Prof. Anguma.

Archbishop Emeritus Orombi encouraged the new vice chancellor to carry on with the legacy left by the founding vice chancellor as he challenged the new graduates to face the new future with optimism, courage and resilience while having a passion for their profession.

“I am happy to note that in your short period, we are able to see tremendous progress and we are hopeful that you will keep the legacy of the late vice chancellor by driving this university to greater heights and for the graduates, to face the future with optimism and courage whether you are pursuing further education or you are entering the world of work, let us do that with a passion,” advised Orombi.

Joel Aita the Muni University Council chairperson said the council had set a target of enrolling 15,000 students by 2030.

Some of the graduates described the journey as a battle that has been fought through resilience amidst difficulties and resource constraints.