Prof Pauline Byakika is new MUST vice-chancellor

MUST has been without a substantive vice-chancellor since Dr Obua was appointed as the chairperson of Uganda National Examinations Board last November.

Professor Pauline Byakika-Kibwika has been named as the third Vice-Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) after a tense race that attracted five candidates.

Dr Byakika, a professor of medicine at Makerere University, succeeds Dr Celestino Obua, a physician pharmacologist, at the country's institution founded on the ethos of medical science.

MUST has been without a substantive vice-chancellor since Dr Obua was appointed as the chairperson of Uganda National Examinations Board last November.

In a race that attracted three women - including Dr Juliet Mwanga Amumpaire, an associate professor at the Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre, and Dr Lynnette Kyokunda, an associate professor of anatomical pathology from the University of Botswana, it was Dr Byakika's presentation that nailed it before the search committee.

The two men in the race were Dr Amon G. Agaba, a professor of pharmacology and therapeutics at MUST, and Dr Joel Bazira, an associate professor of microbiology at MUST.

But their attempt to continue the history of men holding the reins in the western Uganda-based varsity after founding VC Frederick Kayanja and Dr Obua was drowned in the cold mist.

Nail-biting race

Dr Byakika's victory did not come easy. The appointment follows a nail-biting process conducted by the Vice Chancellor Search Committee (VCSC), which commenced in January upon the retirement of Dr Obua, who had led the university since 2014.

The university described its new vice-chancellor as a distinguished academic with extensive experience in public health and higher education leadership

Byakika’s prospects for winning the battle of brains started when the Vice Chancellor Search Committee scored her overall performance at 84.3 percent, followed by Dr Joel Bazira with 81.8 percent.

The search committee, chaired by Prof Philippa Musoke scored Prof Agaba scored 80.7 percent, Dr Amumpaire 75.3 percent, and Dr T Kyokunda 72.2 percent.

The search process involved several key stages, including the development of operational documents, advertisement of the position, shortlisting of candidates, due diligence, and final evaluations through interviews and public presentations.

A total of 11 applicants expressed interest in the position, with five being shortlisted based on their qualifications and adherence to the specified criteria.

The shortlisted candidates underwent a comprehensive evaluation process, culminating in interviews and public presentations designed to assess their suitability for the VC role.

The candidates were evaluated across three stages: shortlisting (30 percent), interviews (50 percent), and public presentations (20 percent).

In her profile, Prof Byakika also served in various senior roles, contributing significantly to policy development and institutional growth.

After a comprehensive evaluation process, the top three candidates — Prof Byakika, Dr Bazira, and Prof Agaba —were recommended to the University Council by the University Senate.

The Council was in a tight spot with the three candidates all worthy of the top seat.

Dr Bazira is known for his work in microbiology and his dedication to advancing clinical research, has held several administrative positions and is praised for his ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

His excellent presentation gave the Council migraines and things did not end there, with Prof Agaba, a seasoned educator and researcher with a strong background in engineering and technology, having a commendable collar as well.

Agaba has been instrumental in developing innovative educational programs and has a proven track record in academic management.

In the end, it was the woman who triumphed over the two men she was left with in the fight for the top seat.

The Council then forwarded her name to the Chancellor, Prof. Charles Olweny, who duly appointed her as the new Vice Chancellor.

The formal appointment was marked by the signing of her Instrument on Friday, August 2, by Prof Olweny and Dr Warren Naamara, the chairperson of the University Council.

Prof Byakika takes over an institution renowned for running a smooth operation devoid of students unrest but one that in the last years of is immediate former vice-chancellor saw some upheavals.

Dr Obua saw strikes and unrest with staff accusing of financial mismanagement, suffocating operations of the grants office, disregarding policy on staff training, among others.

Before Obua, Kayanja led the institution from 1989 as its first head and stepped down in October 2014.