MBARARA, UGANDA – May 27th and 29th, 2023: Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the western Ugandan city of Mbarara held its 28th graduation ceremony yesterday, awarding degrees and diplomas to 1,319 graduands across various disciplines.
Among the graduates, one individual stood out – Dr. Specioza Birungi, a 62-year-old former secretary.
Dr. Birungi conducted groundbreaking research on the influence of perceived organizational behavior on the performance of academic staff at Bishop Stuart University. Her findings revealed the positive impact of enhancing organizational behavior and implementing specific remedies on academic staff performance. Notably, she identified inadequate financial rewards and management coordination as key challenges, recommending the establishment of well-organized mentoring programs as a remedy.
Dr. Birungi, affectionately known as ‘Dr. Spe’ among her peers, boasts an impressive educational background and extensive employment record. Born on December 4th, 1960, in Kabale Municipality, she grew up in the Mbarara Police barracks before moving to the village. After attending St. Thereza Girl’s Primary School, she pursued her studies at Makerere University Business School. Her career path led her to the Ministry of Agriculture and eventually to Mbarara University, where she began as the Personal Secretary to Vice Chancellor Professor Frederick I. B. Kayanja and currently serves as the Deputy Academic Registrar.
Her educational journey, characterized by determination and perseverance, culminated in her achievement of a Ph.D. from Mbarara University of Science and Technology at the age of 62. Dr. Birungi attributes her success to the grace of God and encourages others to remain hopeful, emphasizing that where there is a will, there is always a way.
Dr. Gad Ruzaaza Ndaruhutse, Head of the Community Based Education Research and Service (COBERS) program in the Faculty of Medicine at MUST, commended Dr. Specioza Birungi’s remarkable impact on individuals she has guided and empowered. Her leadership and meticulousness during the transition from typewriters to computers elevated academic standards at MUST, particularly within the office of the Academic Registrar. Driven by resilience, eloquence, elegance, and exceptional time management skills, she embodies the qualities that have transformed MUST.
As a lifelong learner and advocate for the transformative power of education, Dr. Birungi has inspired those around her with her slogan, “You can make it. You will make it.” Her dedication to pursuing her own Ph.D. while supporting her daughter in completing hers exemplifies her unwavering commitment to personal growth and empowerment. With her newly acquired doctoral degree, she will undoubtedly open doors and positively impact the lives of many.
Dr. Birungi’s daughters, Ms. Pamela Kabagyeni and Dr. Charlotte Kabaseke, expressed their heartfelt tribute to their mother, acknowledging her outstanding qualities and achievements. They celebrated her as a remarkable academic, a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother, a fulfilled daughter and sibling, an exceptional cook, a loyal friend and counselor, a committed worker, a compassionate philanthropist, and a faithful friend of God.
Dr. Birungi expresses admiration for the Uganda bush war hero, General Caleb Akandwanaho a.k.a Salim Saleh, and considers him a mentor.
She said while she had hoped for his presence at her luncheon, she understands his busy schedule and sends him a message of appreciation and inspiration.
“As I enter a new phase of her life, I am optimistic and determined, holding the belief that success is inevitable,” she told her guests who turned up for the party at Dreamwood Suites in Ruharo, last evening.
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