Victoria University (VU) has inaugurated its inaugural University Tribunal, a landmark step in enhancing governance, accountability, and internal dispute resolution.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Speke Resort Munyonyo, with tribunal members taking the Oath of Office administered by Buganda Road Court Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, serving as Commissioner of Oaths.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including University Director and Board Chairman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, University Council members led by Jay Sakaria, senior administrators, staff representatives, student leaders, and Vice Chancellors from partner institutions.
Magistrate Kayizzi highlighted the tribunal’s role as the first legal reference point for university disputes, warning that cases bypassing the tribunal for national courts risk dismissal with costs.
“The tribunal offers a timely, structured, and fair process for resolving academic and administrative matters,” he said.
The tribunal is composed of representatives from all major arms of the university to ensure balanced oversight. Members include:
- Mr Elisha Bafirawala – Chairperson
- Ms Rebecca Irene Nassuuna – Secretary
- Mr Calvin Gizamba – Student Representative
- Dr Bill Nkeeto – Academic Staff Representative
- Mr Vikrant Jha – Administrative Staff Representative
- Dr Harriet Mimi Uwineza – Senate Representative
- Dr Mary Kanyiginya Tizikara – University Council Representative
Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga said the tribunal aligns VU with global best practices in institutional governance.
“We want to ensure that fairness, transparency, and discipline are upheld at all times,” he said, noting that the tribunal will safeguard academic integrity and enforce accountability at all levels.
University Chancellor Prof. John Opuda-Asibo advised tribunal members to base their judgments on evidence, ensure proportionality, and respect the right to appeal.
He emphasized confidentiality, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals such as persons with disabilities or those with language barriers, and instructed the tribunal to operate within national and institutional legal frameworks, including the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, and the University Council Charter.
According to the Chancellor, the tribunal’s mandate is to ensure justice within the university community through fair hearings and the implementation of disciplinary or corrective measures as needed.
The ceremony concluded with a pledge from the tribunal members to uphold integrity and professionalism.
Chairperson Elisha Bafirawala assured the university community that the tribunal will serve as an effective, trusted, and impartial body for dispute resolution.