Kyambogo University lauded for averting strikes

Sep 28, 2018

The university's management was commended for creating stability at the university and the progress made so far in advancing professional training of students

The state minister for higher education, Dr Chrysostom Muyingo, has hailed Kyambogo University for stopping strikes that had become commonplace at the institution. 

Under the stewardship of former vice chancellor Prof. Isaiah Omolo Ndiege, Kyambogo University witnessed the highest number of student and teacher strikes in the country.

Muyingo in his speech read by the assistant commissioner of higher education in the ministry of education and sports, Muzamil Mukwatampola, said the university has experienced stability under the new management.

"Government is grateful to the current university council for maintaining peace at the university that has improved the image of the university. I urge you to continue building relationships between yourselves and management based on mutual trust and respecting order to maintain the prevailing peace that has attracted public confidence" Muyingo said.

This was during the university council retreat held at Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe on Friday.

The minister commended the management headed by the vice chancellor Prof. Elly Katunguka, for creating stability at the university and the progress made so far in advancing professional training of students.

He noted that Kyambogo University has become a destination for many students both in and outside Uganda seeking hands-on training.

He urged the university council to develop coherent and robust policies that will maintain the brand.

He also appealed to the council to take note of changing needs in higher education terrain.

"It is important that you position Kyambogo University to remain relevant and robust in challenging higher education terrain especially in the areas of teacher education, science, vocational education, special needs where you have competitive advantage," he said.

He asked the governing council to focus on creating a conducive environment that enables university to continue producing skilled graduates, stimulating collaboration and knowledge exchange between the university, industry and government in line with the national development priorities.

Muyingo encouraged the university council to put emphasis on research and knowledge generation as the key drivers of national development.

Under the leadership of Katunguka, the university has been equipped with multipurpose lecture facilities and science laboratories funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda through the higher education science and technology project.

The minister called upon the management to develop a mechanism of maintaining the state of the art facilities to avoid them going to the waste or getting vandalised.

Prof. John Okedi, the Kyambogo University Council chairperson, emphasised that the council will strive to ensure that there is peace and stability at the university and called on the council to work as a team.

"We need peace and harmony in the university, among the administration, support staff and students. The issue of harmony is critical," Okedi said.

He said the council's focus is to add value to the teaching staff and students and make Kyambogo University a unique university in Uganda and the East African region.

Okedi underscored the need to address two critical areas to remain stable and sustainable and these are excellent academic performance and cost effective education which is not expensive, so that the majority of parents are able to afford tuition fees for their children.

On his part, Katunguka pledged to improve efficiency in the running of the university affairs.

"We are moving forward. There is more to do through action planning," he said. 

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