KABASA Transition Highlights Unity, Dialogue, and Academic Progress

Kabale University has marked a significant milestone in its institutional journey with the successful leadership transition of the Kabale University Academic Staff Association (KABASA), held at the University Board Room. The event underscored continuity, collaboration, and a shared vision for advancing academic excellence and staff welfare.

The ceremony officially witnessed the handover of leadership from the outgoing Chairperson, Professor Abed Mucunguzi, to the incoming Chairperson, Dr. Eliab Byamukama Mpora. It brought together members of academic staff, university management, and stakeholders of the association in a moment of reflection and forward-looking commitment.

In his farewell address, Prof. Mucunguzi highlighted key achievements realized during his tenure, including strengthened engagement between academic staff and University Management, enhanced advocacy for staff welfare, and the promotion of a collaborative and professional working environment. He expressed appreciation to KABASA members for their unwavering support and urged the new leadership to build upon the strong foundation established.

Taking on the mantle, Dr. Mpora reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening KABASA as a vibrant platform for dialogue, representation, and professional growth. He pledged to prioritize staff welfare, deepen collaboration with University Management, and champion transparency, inclusiveness, and mutual respect. He further called on members to remain united and actively engaged in advancing the association’s mission.

Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga, commended the outgoing leadership for its commitment to fostering constructive engagement and representing the interests of academic staff. She emphasized the critical role KABASA plays in strengthening governance, promoting staff welfare, and enhancing the University’s academic environment.

Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga called for sustained collaboration between KABASA and the University Administration, noting that dialogue and mutual respect remain central to achieving shared institutional goals. She reiterated that academic staff are the backbone of the University, driving teaching, research, and community engagement.

The Vice Chancellor also challenged the incoming leadership to uphold high standards of professionalism, academic excellence, and research productivity, while aligning their efforts with the University’s strategic vision. She assured staff of the University’s continued commitment to improving working conditions, expanding capacity-building opportunities, and supporting academic growth.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration),Assoc. Prof. Helen Musanabera. Byamugisha applauded KABASA members and the outgoing executive for fostering a calm and respectful relationship with University Management. She noted with appreciation the professionalism demonstrated in engagements, emphasizing that such an approach strengthens institutional harmony. She commended the incoming leadership for prioritizing dialogue over confrontation and urged them to uphold and enhance the image of Kabale University. She expressed optimism about continued collaboration with KABASA in improving staff welfare and advancing institutional goals. She also extended gratitude to staff for their congratulatory messages upon her appointment and thanked University Management for the trust placed in her.

The Head of Internal Audit, Mr. Benson Barigye, provided valuable insight into the role of internal audit within the University. He emphasized that the Internal Audit function is designed to support, rather than police, University operations.

Mr. Barigye highlighted key responsibilities, including ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls, strengthening risk management systems, and enhancing governance processes. He encouraged staff to view internal audit as a partner in promoting accountability, transparency, and proper resource utilization.

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover, marking not only a transition in leadership but also a renewed commitment to unity, professionalism, and shared responsibility. The event reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between academic staff and University Management in driving Kabale University toward sustained growth and excellence.

As KABASA embarks on this new chapter, the collective resolve remains clear: to champion the interests of academic staff while contributing meaningfully to the University’s mission of academic distinction and societal impact.

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