Africa Renewal University, Uganda’s premier Pentecostal institution and beacon of transformational leadership, has just unveiled its latest game-changer in academic leadership. In a move that has everyone buzzing, the university’s board has appointed the distinguished Dr. Mark D. Walugembe as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (DVC-AA), effective March 1, 2025.
Dr. Walugembe isn’t your everyday academic—he’s a force to be reckoned with! With a Doctorate in Biblical Studies focusing on Leadership from Midwest Bible College in the USA, a Master of Arts in Leadership from Pan Africa Christian University in Nairobi, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Makerere University, this Ugandan scholar, author, and Christian leader has been making headlines in education circles for over 20 years.
Already a familiar face at AFRU, he has been the Director of Academic Affairs since 2022, spearheading impressive milestones like the restructuring of the academic department into three dynamic schools and guiding the university through a rigorous accreditation process. Under his watchful eye, groundbreaking programs—including a PhD in Leadership, a Masters of Information Technology, and a Master of Social Works—have taken center stage, culminating in the university earning its coveted charter in 2023!
Dr. Walugembe’s credentials extend far beyond the classroom. As the founder and president of Christian Leadership and Institutional Transformation (C.L.I.T) Ministries, he’s been on a mission to equip leaders and ignite godly change across various sectors. And his influence doesn’t stop there—he also serves on multiple boards, including Y-Save Multi-purpose Cooperative Ltd. When he isn’t busy reshaping academia, he’s busy shepherding a vibrant community as a zonal leader at Watoto Church Bweyogerere, where he nurtures spiritual growth in over 12 cells!
The Buzz Around Campus
Students and staff alike are thrilled with this bold appointment. Many insiders say that placing a dynamo like Dr. Walugembe in the DVC-AA seat is not just a smart move—it’s a signal that AFRU is gearing up for a new era of academic excellence. With the university set to celebrate its 6th graduation this year, expecting to crown over 500 graduates—the highest number ever—the timing of this appointment is nothing short of spectacular.
Could this be the spark that propels AFRU to even greater academic heights? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: with Dr. Walugembe at the helm of academic affairs, the future of AFRU is looking brighter and bolder than ever!
By Tenywa Rodney Ernest
