On Friday, 25th October 2024, Bishop Stuart University (BSU), held its 20th Graduation Ceremony at its main campus in Kakoba Mbarara, Uganda where 2035 students from five faculties were conferred and awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates.
- Faculty of Education, Arts and Media Studies: 318 female and 270 male graduates
- Faculty of Law: 36 Female and 41 male graduates
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences and Technology: 128 female and 218 male graduates
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences: 113 female and 85 male graduates
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Governance: 455 female and 349 male graduates along with 22 from UBTEB graduates.
Among these graduates, 54 attained first-class honors, with the Faculty of Education, Arts and Media Studies leading with 15 first-class honorees. The overall best student, Atukwatse Rosemary (Bachelor of Arts with Education) scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.67 out of 5.0.

Five distinguished students in fields of Agriculture and Rural Innovations, Development Management and Language, Culture and Society, were conferred PhDs. The graduates were Dr. Dauphin Nahikiriza, Dr. Asiimwe Enoch, Dr. Michael Balituumye, Dr. Leonard Ninsheka and Dr. Byamukama Willbroad.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovations, commended BSU for the remarkable transformation and great strides made towards academic excellence and the growth of the country. “I wish to take this opportunity to commend Bishop Stuart University for the remarkable improvements we witnessed across its beautiful campus. The paving of roads and walkways and the construction of new facilities such as the Z.C.K Mungonya Library, which I had the privilege of commissioning during the Public Lecture, are a clear indicator that the university is committed to creating an environment that fosters academic excellence, innovation and holistic development”.
She urged graduands to be innovative and resilient and serve the community as they move out of the University to pursue their careers. She reminded them to always give back to communities and contribute to the development of the nation.

While addressing the congregation, the Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa congratulated the graduands for their hard work, resilience and determination and advised them to be honest, hardworking and good examples in the world of work. He recognised one of the most resilient graduates of BSU 2024, Kakama Innocent, an Old Boy (OB) of Mbarara High School.
“Kakama lost hope after his primary seven and went for a certificate in mechanics, but diverted to looking after cows and later worked as a cook at Mbarara High School. He revised with Senior Fours in his free time and studied only Senior Six and today he is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics 2nd class upper. I want to thank the OBs of Mbarara High School (80-90 cohort) for their contributions, the organisation, individuals and the school which supported him greatly and even bought a bicycle to transport him to BSU.”

The chancellor revealed before the congregation a couple of BSU’s key achievements including the commissioning of the University’s Main Library and the steady progress of the Science Laboratories, citing that the building is currently in the plastering phase both inside and out. He applauded the Board of Trustees, University Council, Management, Staff and Students for the good transformation exhibited.

The Chairperson, University Council, Prof. Kenneth Kagame in his address, lauded the Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, for his wise counsel and the staff’s commitment that has seen the University excel. He congratulated the graduands upon attaining their degrees. “Most important, today is to congratulate you. We are proud of you and know what it has cost you. Once upon a time, it was KIBOKO to encourage you to work your way from primary school to secondary. Then sleepless nights at the campus. But all that is behind you now, today is Party after party after party. Remember that this milestone is just a stepping stone to more successes to come.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John F. Mugisha, thanked staff, students and all the stakeholders for according him a warm and gracious reception. “It is with profound humility and honor that I stand before you today, as I am being installed as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Chancellor and the University Council, for offering me the opportunity to serve BSU and the Church. No one ever gets a second chance to make the first impression. I am impressed by your great love for this institution and your respect for the reforms that have started to unfold. Change has come to BSU”.
Prof. John noted that the University has registered several achievements from the time he assumed office (1st July 2024) including paving the university road from the main gate through the VC’s office to the VC’s residence, renovating the Vice-Chancellor’s and Chaplain’s houses, completed the Guild Canteen, commissioning and naming the Z.C.K Mungonya Library, purchasing two new motor vehicles, accreditation of four market-relevant academic programmes by NCHE among other achievements.

The 20th Graduation Ceremony was preceded by a Public Lecture which attracted a number of attendees from within and outside Mbarara. These had an opportunity to tap knowledge about climate change from the guest speaker, Prof. Moses Muhumuza and the discussant, Assoc. Prof. Mesharch Katusiimeh among other distinguished guests. The discussion was hinged on the theme “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Role of Universities”.
During this event, the University officially commissioned and named the new library building after the late Z.C.K Mungonya. The commissioning was graced by Hon. Dr. Monic Musenero-Minister for Science, Technology and Innovations and the University Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa.
Prof. Kamuntu, a Senior Presidential Advisor (Economic and Manifesto Implementation) and member of Bishop Stuart University Governing Council, led the citation in honour of the Late Z.C.K Mungonya. He noted that Z.C.K. Mungonya was a prominent illustrious and industrious Ugandan politician admired and notable for being Uganda’s first African Minister in a Colonial administration.
“His contributions to Uganda’s pre-independence and post-independence political and religious landscape were significant and enduring, particularly through his work in the government and his involvement with the Church of Uganda.”

See more photos here.