Kabale University has bid farewell to its former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, following 21 years of service during which she played a central role in transforming the institution from a small community university into a chartered public university with more than 8,000 students.
Prof. Kwesiga, who retired on June 30, was on Friday honoured at a farewell ceremony held at the university grounds on Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Municipality.
The ceremony brought together her family, friends, university staff, students, politicians and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate her contribution to the growth and development of the institution.
From 42 Students to More Than 8,000
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Kwesiga expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Kabale University for more than two decades, describing the farewell as a significant moment in her life.
She reflected on her early days at the institution, recalling that when she joined in 2005, Kabale University was what she described as a “university without form.”
At the time, the university had only about 42 students, limited infrastructure and a small number of academic programmes.
Over the years, however, the institution underwent significant transformation, growing to more than 8,000 students and transitioning from a private community university into a public university.
Prof. Kwesiga said the transformation was characterised by the expansion of academic programmes, growth in student numbers and finances, governance reforms, increased research and innovation, as well as a stronger national and international profile.
Despite the achievements registered during her tenure, Prof. Kwesiga acknowledged that she was leaving behind challenges that still require attention.
Among the major concerns is the need to change the mindset of leaders in Kigezi towards the university, alongside the long-running challenge of securing additional land for expansion.
She pointed to an 80-acre piece of land belonging to Kabale District Local Government, which has been identified as critical to the university’s future growth.
The land question was also raised by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who appealed to Kabale District leaders to consider providing additional land to the institution.
Tayebwa’s appeal comes as Kabale University continues to experience rapid growth, placing increasing pressure on its existing infrastructure and physical space.
The additional land would enable the university to expand its academic, administrative and other infrastructure as it prepares for its next phase of development.
With Prof. Kwesiga’s retirement, Kabale University has entered a new chapter under Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Johnny Mugisha, working alongside Chancellor Canon Matthew Rukikaire.
The new leadership inherits an institution that has undergone remarkable growth over the past two decades, but also faces the challenge of consolidating those gains while addressing infrastructure and land constraints.
Prof. Kwesiga’s 21-year tenure leaves behind a significant institutional legacy — from a university that had just 42 students in 2005 to a public university now serving more than 8,000 learners.
Her departure marks the end of one of the longest chapters in Kabale University’s development, while the institution looks ahead to the next phase of its growth.
