Kabale University Administration and Support Staff Honour Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga’s Legacy of Transformational Leadership

The administration, support and non-teaching staff of Kabale University have paid glowing tribute to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, in recognition of her remarkable 21 years of dedicated service, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth and transformation of the University.

The farewell engagement, held on Friday, 31st July 2026, at the University’s Computer Laboratory on Kikungiri Hill, formed part of Prof. Kwesiga’s ongoing retirement programme, providing an opportunity for administrative and support staff to celebrate her enduring legacy and reflect on the institution’s remarkable journey under her stewardship.

Addressing staff, Prof. Kwesiga reflected on Kabale University’s humble beginnings, recalling a time when limited personnel required her to simultaneously serve as Vice Chancellor, Academic Registrar and Secretary. She expressed gratitude to staff whose dedication and teamwork helped transform the institution from a modest private university into one of Uganda’s respected public universities.

She emphasized that every member of staff, regardless of role, contributes to the University’s success and encouraged the continued promotion of professionalism, fairness, teamwork and mutual respect across all departments. Prof. Kwesiga also challenged staff to embrace lifelong learning, mentorship and gratitude as essential values for personal and institutional growth.

Speaking on behalf of University Management, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Associate Prof. Helen Musanabera Byamugisha, praised Prof. Kwesiga’s resilience and determination in steering the University through challenging times. She commended her relentless efforts in mobilizing support that ultimately enabled Kabale University to attain its charter and transition into a public university.

The University Secretary, Johnson Baryantuma Munono, applauded the Vice Chancellor for strengthening governance systems, championing merit-based recruitment and cultivating a culture of staff recognition and appreciation that motivated employees to excel. He urged staff to honour her legacy by continuing to build an even stronger Kabale University.

Several members of staff shared heartfelt tributes, describing Prof. Kwesiga as a mentor, visionary leader and compassionate administrator whose guidance transformed careers, strengthened institutional systems and fostered a culture of excellence, accountability and teamwork. They acknowledged her commitment to nurturing talent, empowering staff and ensuring that every employee felt valued within the University community.

In his tribute, Godfrey Joseph Sempungu, Principal Communications and Branding Officer and Chairperson of the Executive Administrative Committee, described Prof. Kwesiga as a “lion-hearted leader” whose humility, inclusiveness and commitment to developing people have left an indelible mark on Kabale University. He noted that her leadership fostered unity among academic, administrative and support staff, creating a shared sense of purpose that has been instrumental in the University’s continued success.

The farewell gathering concluded with messages of appreciation and a renewed commitment by staff to preserve the values, culture and strong institutional foundation established during Prof. Kwesiga’s tenure. As she continues her farewell engagements across the University, her leadership remains a source of inspiration for generations of staff and students, and her legacy will continue to shape Kabale University’s future for years to come.

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Writer: Anjello Nkera (Student of Journalism)