Kabale University Honors Founding VC Prof. Kwesiga on Retirement After 21 Years

Kabale University has officially bid farewell to Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga, its founding Vice Chancellor, who retired on June 30th after an impressive 21-year service.

A vibrant ceremony was held on Friday at the university grounds on Kikungiri Hill to honor Prof. Kwesiga’s extensive contributions. The event was attended by her family, friends, university staff, students, local political leaders, and other key stakeholders.

During her address, Prof. Kwesiga expressed gratitude to the university community for the opportunity to serve, marking her retirement as a significant personal milestone. She reminisced about joining Kabale University in 2005 when it was a nascent institution with just 42 students and rudimentary facilities, describing it as a “university without form.”

Under her leadership, the university has seen remarkable growth, now boasting over 8,000 students. This expansion includes a wider range of academic programs, enhanced research and innovation activities, and increased national and international recognition. Prof. Kwesiga highlighted this transformation, stating, “My tenure was marked by growth in student enrolment and finances, governance reforms, expansion of academic programmes, increased research and innovation, and greater national and international visibility.”

Despite these successes, Prof. Kwesiga pointed out that challenges persist, most notably a shortage of land crucial for the university’s continued expansion. She urged Kigezi leaders to adopt a more supportive mindset towards the university, emphasizing the importance of an 80-acre plot owned by the Kabale District Local Government for the institution’s future.

This land issue was a central theme at the ceremony, with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa echoing the call for Kabale District leaders to allocate more land to Kabale University. He stressed that sufficient land is vital for sustaining growth and accommodating the rising student population.

Prof. Kwesiga leaves behind an institution that has undergone a significant metamorphosis but still grapples with infrastructure strain due to limited space. The university is currently under the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Johnny Mugisha, as efforts to secure additional land, including the critical 80-acre parcel, continue. Her departure marks the end of an era, underscoring the urgent need for stakeholders to address the land constraints hindering Kabale University’s next phase of development.

Source: Nile Post