Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has announced the appointment of Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwiika as its new Vice Chancellor, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold the position at the university.
Prof. Kibwiika, who is the third Vice Chancellor for MUST, will succeed Prof. Celestine Obua, whose tenure concludes on October 24. Prof. Obua was also appointed chairperson of the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB) in 2023.
Prof. Obua has led the institution since October 24, 2014, following the tenure of Prof. Fredrick Kayanja, the founding Vice Chancellor and the longest-serving leader in the 35-year history of MUST.
“We are delighted to announce our new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kibwiika, who brings an impressive track record and a strong professional background. We are confident that she will work constructively with our staff to advance the institution,” said University Council Chairperson Dr. Warren Namara as he confirmed the appointment on Monday.
Dr. Namara added, “As the chairperson of the university council, I have today handed over the instruments of power signed by the university chancellor. Prof. Kibwiika emerged as the top candidate. She is young, professional, and we trust that she will steer the university to greater heights.”
Prior to her new role, Prof. Kibwiika served as the head of the Department of Medicine at Makerere University. During public presentations for the Vice Chancellor post at the Kihumuro campus on July 29, 2024, she outlined her vision to elevate MUST to a university ranked first nationally, among the top 20 in Africa, and within the top 1,000 globally.
Prof. Kibwiika was selected from a competitive pool of candidates, including MUST Pharmacology and Therapeutics Professor Amon Agaba, head of MUST’s Department of Microbiology Dr. Joel Bazira, head of the Department of Pathology at the University of Botswana Dr. Lynnette Kyokunda, and Dr. Juliet Mwanga Amumpaire, director of Epicentre, Mbarara Research Centre.
MUST Convocation Chairperson Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, who also serves as the National Drug Authority board chairperson, expressed his congratulations: “I was among those who participated in her selection. We wish her the best and hope she will collaborate effectively with other staff to elevate MUST to new heights.”
Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a public institution established in October 1989, is committed to providing quality and relevant education at both national and international levels, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, and their applications to community development.
 has announced the appointment of Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwiika as its new Vice Chancellor, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold the position at the university.){kind=link}