Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka has cautioned newly admitted students against alcoholism, reckless sexual practices, theft, riots and mob justice as they begin their university education.
In his welcome message to freshers, Prof. Katunguka urged the students to approach university life with discipline, responsibility and a clear focus on their academic goals.
He warned that university life comes with new freedoms and challenges, including peer pressure that could tempt students into behaviours they may have previously been protected from by their parents and teachers.
“You must therefore be prudent and discerning in selecting your friends and in how you utilise your leisure time,” Prof. Katunguka advised.
The Vice Chancellor reminded students that their parents and guardians make significant sacrifices to finance their education and urged them not to engage in activities that could endanger their lives or prematurely end their academic journeys.
He specifically cautioned them against alcoholism, reckless sexual practices, theft, participation in riots and mob justice.
Prof. Katunguka emphasised that academics should remain the primary purpose of students’ time at the university.
He encouraged the freshers to attend classes regularly, take assignments seriously and form discussion groups to promote peer learning.
Students were also encouraged to utilise Kyambogo’s internet hotspots, libraries, electronic resources and laboratories to enhance their learning.
The Vice Chancellor further warned students against examination malpractice, noting that they would sit end-of-semester examinations after 15 weeks of teaching and learning.
Students found guilty of examination malpractice will face disciplinary action in accordance with university regulations.
Prof. Katunguka also reminded students of the university’s requirement to enrol on the ACMIS system through the student portal every semester.
Freshers have been urged to pay the prescribed fees and complete their registration within the first eight weeks of the semester to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the online enrolment system is intended to ease registration, provide timely access to academic records and ensure students receive official university information without having to queue at university offices.
Prof. Katunguka further cautioned students living in private hostels around the university that Kyambogo cannot guarantee their safety outside campus.
He said the university’s security system involves the Uganda Police, Pearl Security and the university’s own security personnel.
Students residing outside campus were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report security threats to hostel custodians, Local Councils, the Dean of Students or the nearest police station.
The Vice Chancellor also urged students facing psychosocial challenges to seek professional help from the Counselling Unit under the Office of the Dean of Students or gazetted places of worship within the university.
Prof. Katunguka welcomed the freshers to Kyambogo and assured them that the university’s management and staff were committed to supporting them throughout their academic journey.
He encouraged the students to uphold discipline, integrity and diligence as they pursue their studies.
