Mbarara, Uganda: Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has made a historic decision by selecting Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika as its new Vice Chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the university’s 35-year history.
The influential CEO East Africa Magazine, broke the news story this morning.
Prof. Byakika, an esteemed physician, epidemiologist, and academic, becomes the first female to hold the top leadership position at MUST.
Her appointment follows a rigorous selection process, which included the institution’s first-ever public presentation of candidates.
The selection process was overseen by a distinguished panel of judges chaired by Prof. Philippa Musoke and included prominent figures such as Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dr. Stevens Kisaka, Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo, Dr. Nabaasa Evarist, and Dr. Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko as the Committee Secretaries.
The five highly qualified candidates presented their visions for the university’s future, showcasing their qualifications, experience, and strategic plans. They included Dr. Lynnette Kyokunda (Associate Professor, Anatomical Pathology, University of Botswana), Dr. Juliet Mwanga Amumpaire (Associate Professor, Epicentre Mbarara Research Centre), Dr. Amon G. Agaba (Professor of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, MUST), and Dr. Joel Bazira (Associate Professor, Microbiology, MUST).
Prof. Byakika’s academic journey began at Makerere University, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1999.
She continued at Makerere to obtain a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Internal Medicine and a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
Her quest for knowledge led her to Trinity College Dublin, where she earned a PhD in Clinical Pharmacology, focusing on drug-to-drug interactions between antimalarial and antiretroviral drugs.
She began as a medical officer at Mulago National Referral Hospital and advanced to consultant in the Department of Medicine.
Her students, especially those she has supervised speak fondly of her as one who is helpful to students particularly those struggling to complete their doctoral studies.
Concurrently, she has had a long-standing association with Makerere University College of Health Sciences, progressing from a research associate to her current role as Professor of Medicine.
Prof. Byakika has also been actively involved with the University’s Infectious Diseases Institute, contributing to research and clinical care in infectious diseases.
Prof. Byakika’s leadership roles are extensive. From 2017 to 2019, she served as Vice President of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), advocating for medical doctors’ interests.
Her career has been marked by significant contributions to both clinical practice and academia. She is a prolific researcher with over 40 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on malaria, HIV/AIDS, and clinical pharmacology. Her research has significantly influenced clinical practices and policies in Uganda.
In addition to her academic and clinical achievements, Prof. Byakika is involved in various national and international organizations.
She is the Director of Research at the Department of Medicine at Makerere University, chairs the Scientific Review Committee, and is a consultant for the Ministry of Health and other global health partners.
She is also a fellow of the Uganda Academy of Sciences and a member of the Accreditation Committee for Research Ethics Committees in Uganda.
Her appointment as Vice Chancellor of MUST is proof of her dedication, expertise, and leadership in the medical and academic fields.
She set out her vision to build a MUST that is inclusive and one that will enhance the university’s research capabilities, improve healthcare education, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
Prof. Byakika’s journey from a young medical graduate to a renowned professor and now Vice-Chancellor is inspiring.
Her story inspiring story illustrates the profound impact one individual can have on the health and well-being of communities and the advancement of education and research.
“As she takes on this new role, the entire MUST community and the broader Ugandan society anticipate significant progress and development under her leadership,” one of her former students but an active administrator at MUST told ResearchFinds News.
After her presentation at FAST Building, Kihumuro Campus, MUST, on July 29th, 2024, she wrote on the social media app X:
“It was an honor and privilege to present myself publicly at the second interview for the Position of Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology yesterday. Thank you all for the questions asked. Special thank you to the VC Search Committee.”
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