Vice-Chancellor’s speech at the 7th Bishop Stuart University Week official opening and Confirmation on Sunday 31st July 2022.
The University Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, The Chief Missioner, Bishop Emeritus Geoffrey Rwobusisi, Chairperson Council, BSU Management and Staff, Guild President, Student Leaders and entire student body,
All invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen!
1. Welcome Remarks
On behalf of Bishop Stuart University (BSU) and on my own behalf, we greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praise God!
You are most welcome to BSU and in particular to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd to officially open the 7th BSU Mission and Exhibition week. On a special note, we welcome our Chief Missioner Bishop Emeritus Geoffrey Rwobusisi and our beloved Bishop and Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa. We are greatly honored to host you. Thank you for allowing to be used by the Almighty God to bless many souls.
The theme for this 7th BSU Mission and Exhibition week is “….Separate yourselves from the people around you and from your foreign wives.…” Ezra 10:11(NIV). BSU is also celebrating 20 years of existence since 2002; guided by the scripture in “Ezra3:8….The Levites who were 20 years old or older were put in charge of rebuilding the Lord’s Temple.” A youth at 20 years is mature enough to be a supervisor. BSU students and Alumni since 2002 to date you are a worthy and strong workforce of great supervisors, leaders, Levites, Priests, etc with integrity transforming society in Uganda and globally. Thus the theme of BSU@20 “Celebrating 20 years of Generational Transformation of the Community through Holistic Education”.
2. The background of Bishop Stuart University Week
My Lord Bishop, BSU Week started way back on 25th October 2014 when the University received its fully signed Charter by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, The President of the Republic of Uganda. That day marked the beginning of BSU week which is celebrated annually in commemoration of this great milestone in the history of Bishop Stuart University. The Week is marked by Missions and exhibitions and many other activities. More so, in Joshua’s Generation (Joshua 1:1-9) since May 2014, the Priests were key in possessing the Promised Land; Meaning that it is By God’s Grace that we shall sing Victory and Hallelujah; Amen! We have since held successful themed BSU weeks (Annex1).
The last 6th BSU week was held from 8th to 15th March 2020, thereafter, it was followed by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, and so we did not celebrate BSU week in 2021 since the institutions opened on 1st November 2021. We thank God for keeping us safe. We condole with those who lost their dear ones due to COVID-19 and we thank God for sparing us.
In this 7th BSU Mission and Exhibition Week, we have invited different speakers for plenary sessions and workshops throughout this week and they include among others; the Chief Missioner, Bishop Emeritus Goeffrey Rwobusisi, Rev. Can. John Mulindabigwi, Rev. Jasper Tumuhimbise and Mrs. Peninah Byarugaba. We believe that many souls will be won for Christ.
BSU weeks are always characterised by different activities and in particular, this 7th BSU week apart from the mission that will go on every day, (Annex1);
a) BSU Week@20 with parents by Rev. Can. John Mulindabigwi on Monday 1st August 2022. Board of Trustees and Children of the Clergy (BCOGs) session by Chancellor Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa and Bishop Emeritus Goeffrey Rwobusisi on Monday 1st August 2022.
b) Academic Dissemination, community service and pro bono services on Tuesday 2nd August 2022.
c) Staff workshops by Prof. Joy Kwesiga and Rev. Jasper Tumuhimbise on Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
d) Public Lecture in honor of Late Prof. Enoka Rukare (1st BSU Vice-Chancellor) by Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu as the Guest speaker and prof. Elly Sabiiti as Discussant, signing of recognition register by distinguished individuals who were nominated, scrutinised and approved by Council on 4th August 2022. BSU Council and BOT are naming the 3rd floor of BSU Library as Professor Enoka Rukare Research Carrels for his great contribution to starting a University from scratch (Omutara) at 10 am.
e) Opening exhibition by Hon. Min. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science Technology and Innovations (MOSTI) under the President’s office on Thursday 4th August 2022. She has confirmed her presence at 2 Pm. Best exhibitors will be awarded and represent BSU at the NCHE and Jinja show grounds.
f) Community hour fellowship by Bishop Emeritus Goefrey Rwobusisi and students’ workshop by Mrs. Peninah Byarugaba on Friday 5th August 2022.
g) Alumni Day and Door to Door/Hostels Ministry on Saturday 6th August 2022.
h) Last plenary session by Bishop Emeritus Goefrey Rwobusisi and Sunday service on 7th August 2022.
I) On the 7th August 2022, Vice Chancellor’s Tournament, inter-Departmental games at BSU Play Ground, the winners will receive a bull.
We call upon the entire BSU Staff, students and the entire community to come and witness these functions.
3. Some Key BSU@20 Achievements;
- BSU was founded by Ankole Diocese in 2002 as a non-profit private higher education institution. It started in 2003 on the premises of the former National Teachers’ College-Kakoba (NTC-Kakoba), BSU started as an affiliate of Uganda Christian University (UCU) based in Mukono. It received a provisional License from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to operate as a private University on 23rd June 2006 and had its first graduation the same year under Uganda Christian University. The first BSU-organised graduation under the Provisional license was held in 2010. On the 25th of October 2014, the University received a Charter from the Government of the Republic of Uganda; granted and signed by the President; His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tubuhaburwa. For the last 20 years, BSU has grown from strength to strength and we are grateful to God for the far He has brought us.
- Disciplined Guild leadership of H.E. Emmanuel Behangana.
- Nursing and Health Science faculty own Home in Ruharo
- Graduation Numbers from 2006 to 2022 is 18,764, the last graduation alone was 1773 with 2 PhDs graduating. BSU we are now very strong.
- Faculty of Law. We now have Advocates and one of the best in the Country.
- Collaboration with Trinity Western University- Canada for studying online for a Master of Arts in Leadership and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Facilitated Academic Resource (FAR) Centre was established
- Several MOUs, RUFORUM over 14 staff doing their PhDs and Masters (9 PhDs & 5 Masters)
- Agro-studies, Expedia, AIH, Innovations at work,
- Art Gallery, Medicinal gardens and oil extraction unit in Ethnobiology Laboratory.
- In sports, we have many trophies from our students
- Our alumni are employed in all sectors and leaders/ managers and HODs of units, Districts, Local government, MOES, Politics – Lord Mayor Hon. Kakyebezi is our student-Alumni, etc.
- Three chaplaincies under BSU Chapel of the Good Shepherd (CGS), St. John’s Catholic Community, and Moslem Community. We thank God for the harmonious existence.
4. Pending work
(i) Completion of the Library; (ii) Chapel Construction; (iii) Tarmacking BSU Road network; (iv) Government Science Research & Laboratory; (v) Online teaching enhancement (Online Campus creation in the process); (vi) Art Shade and Technology (vii) BSU Students Hostels -Need sponsors and genuine Investors to partner with BSU.
5. Upcoming International Ecumenical Conference organized by BSU.
6. Appreciation
a) We thank GOD as Psalms 103, enumerates various reasons as to why we should be grateful to GOD. “……. Bless the LORD oh my soul and forget not all his benefits…….” As BSU and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, we testify to this. Indeed, God has been and is still gracious to us. We are very grateful for the far He has brought us”. Ebenezer!
b) My Lord Bishop, we thank you for gracing this occasion. Sparing your precious time to come and confirm these confirmants and minister to us, is a gesture of how much you love Bishop Stuart Community.
c) On behalf of the University, I take this opportunity to introduce and appreciate our Chaplains, Rev. Emmy Mwesigye, Rev. Judith Ahumuza and Rev. Charles Mukundane who is the Mission Coordinator. They are doing a very commendable work in taking care of our Spiritual Welfare, amidst Covid-19 challenges and behavioral changes in youths. Mr. Kakuba Dennis, Head of Laity for running chapel activities in liaison with the Chaplains. We acknowledge your zeal to have Chapel of the Good Shepherd perform its duties to the fullest. As the administration of BSU, we pledge our continued support.
d) We appreciate the Board of Trustees, Members of the University Council, Administrative staff, Academic Staff, support staff, Guild council and the entire student body. Thank you for the good work well done. The success of BSU Week entirely depends on you.
e) We appreciate founders, Councils, Former and current staff, Alumni, Community, and service providers in various categories.
f) Government, MOES, President of the Republic of Uganda
g) BSU Week organising committee chaired by University Secretary assisted by Public Relations office and Academic Registrar’s office.
7. Concluding Remarks.
Once again, I thank you my Lord Bishop for allowing us to honour our invitation to grace our mission week. To the entire BSU Staff and BSU community, thank you for coming. I call upon you to continue coming.
Annex 1: Successfully Held and themed BSU weeks from 2014 to 2020
PERIOD | THEME | CHIEF MISSIONERS & GUEST OF HONOURS |
1st BSU Week
15th – 22nd March 2015 |
“….Live as children of light” Eph 5:8 | Bishop Luke Orombi |
19th Feb 2015 | Public Lecture | Dr. Alice Mwesigwa and
Dr. George Muganga |
20th Feb 2015 | Opening of Library ground floor | Late Prof. Tumusiime Mutebile BOU Governor |
2nd BSU Week
28th Feb – 6th March 2016 |
“ A man after God’s Heart” Acts 13:22 | The Most Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi |
29th Feb 2016 | Cancer walk from Booma through Mbarara town to BSU | Hon. Min. Elioda Tumwesigye Min of Energy then represented by Dr. Jackson Orem Director, Cancer Institute-Mulago |
1st March 2016 | Opening Exhibition | Prof. John Opuda Asibo former ED-NCHE |
2nd March 2016 | Public Lecture | Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa |
4th March 2016 | Alumni Dinner | Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi |
3rd BSU Week
19th – 26 Feb 2017 |
“….Set apart as holy, useful to the master 2Tim 2:21b
|
Bishop Nathan . K. Gasatura |
22nd Feb 2017 | Opening of exhibition and launch of nursing school construction (Now Faculty NHS completed) | Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (former Prime Minister) rep. by Eng. john Byabagambi (former State Minister Karamoja) |
23rd Feb 2017 | Laying the foundation stone for the Faculty of law and
Public lecture |
Hon. Chief Justice Bart Katureebe
Hon. Justice Gaswaga |
25th Feb 2017 | Alumni Dinner | Bishop Emeritus Nathan Kansiime Gasatura |
4th BSU Mission
18-25 Feb 2018 |
”…………… I will rebuild its walls and restore its former glory…” Amos 9:11 | Bishop Goeffrey Rwobusisi |
20th Feb 2018 | Research Dissemination | Prof. Celestine Obua-VC Mbarara University of Science & Technology |
21st Feb 2018 | Mobile Health Camp | Hon. Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo |
22nd Feb 2018 | VC tournament & Evangelism | Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa |
5th BSU Week
24th Feb – 2nd March 2019 |
“………………… let the Lord go with us” Exodus 34:9
|
Bishop Stanley Ntagali |
25th Feb 2019 | Matching through Mbarara town, stakeholders/parents meeting and children of clergy session | Bishop Stanley Ntagali |
26th Feb 2019 | Mobile health clinic in Ruti,
Staff workshop, the opening of the Ethnobiology lab |
Hon. Michael Tusiime
Bishop Stanley Ntagali |
27th Feb 2019 | Commissioning ISSB Block and opening exhibition | Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni represented by Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda |
28th Feb 2019 | Research Dissemination | Prof. George William Bazirake Byarugaba (Prof. of food- Kyambogo University |
29th Feb 2019 | Cultural gala and launch of new academic program | Hon. Peace Mutuuzo (State Minister Gender and Culture) |
6th BSU Week
8th – 15th March 2020 |
“………the Lord searches every heart………” 1Chronicles 28:9
|
Bishop Emeritus Alfred Acur Okodi |
10th March 2020 | Open debate | Mr. Fagil Monday |
11th March 2020 | Health camp at Municipal Council | Hon. Dr. medard Bitekyerezo |
12th March 2020 | Dissemination workshop
Opening exhibitions |
Dr. David Dave Ayurvedic expert
Prof. William Bazeyo |
14th March 2022 | Children with disabilities run the launch of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ruharo
Cultural gala at All Saints grounds |
Hon. Robert Mwsigwa Rukaari
Hon. Gen. Elly Tumwiine |
15th March 2022 | VC Tournament | Hon. Mwiine Mpaka |
Our God Reigns.
Prof. Maud Kamatenesi Mugisha (Ph.D.)
Vice Chancellor