Assoc. Prof. Gershom Atukunda

Director, Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations
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Assoc. Prof. Atukunda Gershom (PhD)- Director, Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations
Assoc. Prof. Gershom Atukunda (Ph.D.)- Director, Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations
Ph.D., MADS, PGDE, PGD (M&E), PGCRN, BSc.GEOG(Hons) CERT.TTR

Gershom Atukunda (Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor and the current Vice-Chancellor’s Commissary and Director, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations at Bishop Stuart University (BSU). Gershom was formerly Ag. Vice Chancellor BSU (Feb, 2023- June 2024), Dean Faculty of Business, Economics and Governance at Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, a position he held for 5 years, from 2016 to 2021.

He is the BSU’s Focal Person for the Inter-University Council for East Africa. Gershom holds an MA in Development Studies and a Ph.D. in the same field, with specialization in sustainable development under the mentorship of Professors Murindwa-Rutanga and Mushemeza. Gershom has attended and presented at international conferences in East Africa and Sudan.

Recently, Gershom was appointed Chairman Board of Education for Ankole Diocese. Competencies in Quantitative methods (QM), Basic/Business Statistics, Research methods both at Graduate and undergraduate levels, Management Skills Improvement, Human Resource Management, Monitoring and Evaluation(M&E), Participatory Development Methodologies, Public Policy and Management, Public Sector Management; Theory and Practice, Environment and Sustainable Development, Vulnerability, Gender and Management/Development, Urbanisation and Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Adoptation and Management/Development, Integrated Rural Development among others.

I also have skills in Innovative Teaching Methodologies, including E-learning, Collaborative learning, the use of Case Studies and group presentations, which enhance participatory approaches in teaching. Team building, managing multiple tasks, working within deadlines, Innovative and self-initiative with analytical skills to interpret and evaluate reports, effective communication and presentation skills, appreciating inquiry, staff appraisal skills, planning, monitoring and evaluation, including Organisational Capacity Assessment, computer literacy and I am currently mentoring PhD and master’s students both at Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

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  1. Ph.D. (Dev’t studies) – Bishop Stuart University (Oct. 2007-Oct.2012)
  2. PGD(M&E) – Uganda Management Institute (Sep. 2014-Oct. 2015)
  3. Postgraduate Cert. in Research Methods and Writing Skills – C B R (Kololo) (2009)
  4. MA (Development Studies) – Uganda Martyrs University (2003)
  5. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) – Makerere University (1996)
  6. BSC. (HONS) Geography 3:1:1 – Makerere University (1995)
  7. Certificate in Project Planning and Management – Institute of Adult and Continuing Education (MAK) (1995).
  8. UACE (Private) – Kebisoni High School (1992).

Elias Nuwagaba, Prof. Murindwa Rutanga, Assoc. Prof. Gershom Atukunda (2025): Urban Farming for Sustainable Urban Livelihoods in Mbarara City, Western Uganda; EastAfrican Scholars Journal of Education, Humanities and Literature, ISSN: 2617-443X (print) & 2617-7250 (online), East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya, Vol-8 ISSUE -9 Sep-2025, Doi: https://doi10.36349/easjehl.2025.vo8i09.002, https://www.easpublisher.com

Elias Nuwagaba, Prof. Murindwa Rutanga,  Assoc. Prof. Gershom Atukunda (2025): Political Influence and Creation of New Political Cities in Uganda; Challenges Facing Newly Created Cities in Uganda; A case of Mbarara City; East African Scholars Journal of Education, Humanities and Literature, ISSN: 2617-443X (print) & ISSN: 2617-7250 (online), East African Scholars Publisher, Kenya, Vol-8 Issue-9, Doi: https://doi.org 10.36349 easjehl.2025.vo8io9.001, https://www.easpublisher.com

Atwine Johnson, Gershom Atukunda, Wycliffe Tumwesigye, Organisational Commitment and Performance of Health Centres IV Workers in Greater Mbarara, South Western Uganda. International Journal of Research Publications, Volume-52, Issue-1, May (2020). ISBN- 2708-3578 (online)

Atukunda Gershom, Population Growth and Land Degradation in South-West Uganda. VDM Verlag Dr.Mullar GmbH & CO. KG Germany (2011).

Atukunda Gershom, Urbanisation and Environmental Sustainability. VDM Verlag Dr. Mullar GmbH & CO. KG Germany (2011).

Moses Tukwasibwe, Atukunda Gershom and Emmanuel Ahabwe, Challenges of Teaching and Research in a new Private University: Bishop Stuart University: Journal of development Issues (2009).

Atukunda Gershom, Women and Elections in Uganda; Challenges and Opportunities for Gender Equality and Development-Journal of development Issues, BSU (2011).

Atukunda Gershom, Climate change, Adaptation and Development.’ A study Mannual( 2015) (2015). ISBN- 978-9979-9326-149

Atukunda Gershom, “Urban Expansion and Sustainable Development”(Book 2015) (2015). ISBN- 978-9979-9326-12

Niyongere Pierre Celestin, Gershom Atukunda and Roberts Muriisa K, ‘The Effect of Forest Management Initiatives on Sustainability of Forests: Evidence from Uganda. International Journal of Science and Research Paper ID: ART20179862, Vol 7 Issue 2, February (2018). ISBN- 2319-7064

Goretty Nagawa, Gershom Atukunda, Milton Nuwabimpa and Doreen Atwongyeire, Community Perceptions towards the Implications of human activity on River Rwizi Sustainability; International Journal of Earth Sciences, ISSSN2321-2527, VOL.6(7),1-8, July (2018).

Atukunda Gershom, Dynamics of Urban and Rural Linkages in Uganda; Exploring the Effects, Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Rural Development. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS) ISSN 2523-6725 (online) Volume 2,Number 9, September (2018).

Twinomujuni Joshua; Atukunda Gershom and Muganga George, Sustainable Waste Management Practices for Urban Growth and Development in Uganda: a Case of Kamukuzi Division Mbarara Municipality. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies (JAIS) ISSN 2523-6725 (online) Vol 2, No.10, October (2018).

Other publications Download my CV here

  1. Urban and rural linkages
  2. Environment and sustainable development
  3. Gender development
  4. Climate Change

Innovations  and won Research Grants

  1. Nov.2017: Member of the Project Winning Team to establish an Agribusiness Incubation Hub at Bishop Stuart University in Partnership with Excel Hort Consult
  2. March 2018 todate: Member of the Agribusiness Incubation Hub Project Implementation Team, In-charge of Smart Business Training in the Hub.
  3. March 2018-todate: Member of the Innovations Committee of the Agribusiness Incubation Hub.
  4. 2016: Goretty Nagawa; Gershom Atukunda; Milton Nuwabiimpa; Doreen Atwongyeire: Bsu won Grant on ‘Assessment of Community Practices and Strategies towards Conservation of River Rwizi’.

Higher Institutions Level

  1. July 2024-Todate: Vice-Chancellor’s Commissary, Bishop Stuart University
  2. 13th February, 2023 – June 2024: Acting Vice Chancellor, Bishop Stuart University
  3. 1st February, 2021-Todate:  Director, Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Bishop Stuart University
  4. 2nd May,2016- Feb, 2021:   Dean, Faculty of Business, Economics and Governance, Bishop Stuart University. Responsible to the Academic Registrar for satisfactory performance and coordination of departments within the faculty.
  5. April 2019 to date: Associate Professor, Faculty of Business, Economics and Governance, Bishop Stuart University
  6. March 2012-March 2019: Senior Lecturer Department of Public Adminstration and Governance, Bishop Stuart University
  7. Jan-Sept 2011:  Care-taker Dean, Faculty of Business & Development Studies, Bishop Stuart University.
  8. Feb-March 2010:  Monitor of School Practice Supervisors from Uganda Martyrs University during the supervision of DEP. II Students on their school practice in Mbarara, Bushenyi, Ibanda and Kamwenge districts.
  9. 2008 to May,2016: Head of Department, Development Studies, Bishop Stuart University
  10. March 2007-March 2012: Lecturer, Development Studies, Bishop Stuart University

Other Responsibilities Held at Bishop Stuart University

  1. 2023 – Todate Chairperson, Editorial Board; Bishop Stuart University Journal of Development, Education & Technology; ISSN-L-2959-0523.
  2. July 2024 to date: Member of BSU Senate Committee on staff promotion
  3. March 2019 to date: BSU Focal Person for Inter-University Council for East-Africa ( I.U.C.E.A)
  4. Nov 2017- Feb, 2021:  Chairperson on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Member of the Senate Graduate Committee
  5. 2017-: Chaired the Senate on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor on several occasions
  6. Overall supervisor for University Undergraduate Examinations (dec2016, may2017,nov2017,may   2018, May, 2019)
  7. August 2013: Council Vice Chancellor Search Committee Member
  8. 2013 -2017: Coordinator, MA(Development Studies)
  9. 2008-2012: Chairperson, Faculty of Business and Development Studies Examination Malpractices and Irregularities Committee.
  10. 2008-2015: Member of the faculty of Business and Development Studies students’ liaison committee
  11. 2008 to date: Member of the Students’ Admissions Committee
  12. 2008-2021:  Chairperson and Member, Faculty of Business, Economics and Governance Staff Development and Promotions Committee.
  13. 2008 to date: Member of the Senate.
  14. 2009:  Chairperson select Committee of the Senate on Recess Programmes.

Previous Responsibilities in other Higher Institutions of Learning

  1. August 2007 – 2010: Part-time lecturer, Uganda Martyrs University (Distance Programme)
  2. 2004 – 2007: Examiner, Faculty of Education, Uganda Martyrs University.
  3. 2004 – 2007 Part-time Lecturer, TEAM BUSINESS COLLEGE (weekend session)

Contact Details

Email:
gatukunda@beg.bsu.ac.ug
Tel:
+256 772 590865
Mob:
+256 701 477444
Address:
Bishop Stuart University Graduate School
Categories:
Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Faculty of Business, Economics, and Governance

Papers Presented

12th February, 2021
Roles and Responsibilities of Board Of Governors: A paper presented at Isingiro SS during Induction Workshop for the newly appointed Board of Governors
17th-18th December, 2018
Instilling Christian Values and Culture in Transforming Church of Uganda Schools; A paper Presented to the Uganda Anglican Head and Deputy Head of Education Institutions’ Conference held on 17th -18th December, 2018 at UCU-Mukono
29th September, 2018
The role of Alumni in Promoting Development in their former Schools: A Paper Presented to Alumni (Old Boys) of Mbarara High School in the ADB Library at the School Campus
6th August, 2018
Standing out as a Student Leader for a Lasting Legacy: A paper Presented to Secondary Schools’ Student Leaders and their Patrons in Ankole Diocese, in Ruharo Cathedral.
5th June, 2018
Main Discussant for a Paper entitled, “Bridging the Education Gap; Institutions at Play” which was presented by Dr. Irene Aheisibwe in an Education workshop with a theme: “Teaching Beyond a Classroom, The Missing Link”. held at Bishop Stuart University.
18th December, 2017
Main Discussant for a PhD Proposal entitled ‘ Formerly Abducted Young Mothers’ A bduction Experiences and their social Reintegration in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda; Voices from Kitgum District’ during Research Seminar at MUST.

Areas of Specialisation

1. Urbanisation and sustainable development
2. Environment and sustainable development
3. Gender and developments

Socials