Mbarara University a model institution of excellence

Mbarara University Chancellor Prof. Charles Olweny congratulating a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduand during the institution's 25th graduation ceremony

Mbarara University of Science and Technology also known as MUST, last week marked the climax of its 2017/2018 academic year activities, with the 25th graduation ceremony since its establishment in 1989. The ceremony was held at the Kihumuro Main Campus grounds on the Mbarara- Bushenyi highway.

During the ceremony, 964 graduands were awarded PhDs, master's degrees, bachelor's degrees and diplomas in various disciplines, of which 377 (39%) were female and the rest male. Eleven graduands received PhDs, 126 masters, six post-graduate diplomas, 27 diplomas and 794 undergraduate bachelor's degrees.

"This year, we are graduating 11 PhDs, most of whom are our academic members of staff. This has increased the pool of PhD holders at the university who have the skills to teach, do research and provide services to the community," Prof. Celestino Obua, the vice-chancellor says.

During the event, 36 pioneer students of the bachelor of science in procurement and supply chain management were awarded degrees.

Dennis Lukaaya, the university's public relations officer, says 22 students graduated with first class degrees, while 18 were nominated as the best performing students for the 2017/2018 academic year. The faculty of medicine presented the highest number of graduates, with 265 students, of whom 177 were male.

Martha Kyoshaba Twinamatsiko, the academic registrar, said 76 doctors had been cleared for graduation (52 male and 24 females).

She explained: "Since the first graduation in 1995, MUST has trained, nurtured and contributed 14,418 graduates to the country's human resource pool." Kyoshaba further noted that these graduates were a force to reckon with on the job market.

Growth over the years

As the university celebrates 29 years, it traces its history from the first 43 students in 1989 to the current 4,142. The growth has been gradual.

There is no doubt that the university has grown into a leading higher education institution that is open to students from East Africa and beyond. Key is the fact that East African students who qualify to join MUST are considered nationals and thus enjoy a local fees structure.

The university has two campuses — the old Mbarara town and Kihumuro campus.