The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope Kadhumbula IV, has been installed as the first Chancellor of Lubega University of Science and Technology, marking a significant milestone as Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals officially transitioned into a fully-fledged university.
The development was announced during the institution’s 5th graduation ceremony held at its main campus in Buseyi, Iganga District, where more than 500 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in medical and business-related fields.
Addressing the congregation, the Kyabazinga applauded the university’s founder and Executive Director, Prof Dr. Muhamadi Lubega Kisambira, for spearheading the transformation of the institution and investing heavily in education within Busoga.
“This university will provide greater academic opportunities and professional growth for our people. I thank Dr. Lubega and his team for this progressive investment. The Kingdom of Busoga is proud to be part of this journey, especially through the scholarships extended to our students.
The Kyabazinga also commended the Ministry of Education and other naty bodies for guiding the institution’s growth. He urged graduates to uphold professionalism in their work and to take up the fight against teenage pregnancies in their communities.
“As Uganda’s national ambassador in the fight against teenage pregnancies, I commission you to do the same wherever you go. Be responsible, professional, and patriotic citizens,” he added.
The event began with a closed-door installation ceremony where Kyabazinga Gabula was officially inaugurated as Chancellor, before joining the public graduation, where he conferred awards to graduates.
The Institute’s Executive Director, Prof Dr. Muhammadi Kisambira Lubega, who also serves as the First Deputy Premier of Busoga Kingdom and Chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), hailed the Kyabazinga for accepting the Chancellor role, describing it as a source of pride and inspiration to the institution.
He revealed that the newly established Lubega University of Science and Technology will begin with two faculties, Health Sciences and Education and Management, with plans to expand into other disciplines in the future.
“We applied to the National Council for Higher Education, and I am proud to report that the authority to operate as a university has been granted,” said Dr. Lubega. “We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Education Council to accredit our nurses and export skilled labor to countries like Germany, Canada, and across Europe.”
Graduates of the day were conferred diplomas and certificates in programs including Enrolled Nursing, Enrolled Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Extensions, Pharmacy, Laboratory Techniques, Clinical Medicine and Community Health, Records and Information Management, Bakery and Cookery.