Kampala University’s Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Kateregga, has called on university lecturers to prioritize the integration of new technologies and the advancement of research and innovation in their academic practices.

Addressing the lecturers during the commencement meeting for the new semester on August 5, 2024, at the Ggaba Main Campus, Prof. Kateregga emphasized the critical role these elements play in modernizing the university’s academic offerings and enhancing student engagement.

Prof. Kateregga, who is East Africa’s longest-serving Vice-Chancellor, stressed the importance of adopting digital tools and online platforms to increase student enrollment and successfully implement the university’s digitalization program.

“The use of new technologies and online agendas should always be embraced because it will greatly support increasing the number of students and actualizing the University digitalization program,” he remarked. He further highlighted that this approach is vital to strengthening the university’s long-distance learning program, making it more meaningful and accessible to a broader student base.

In his address, Prof. Kateregga reminded the lecturers that they are part of an institution where the generation of new knowledge through research and innovation is fundamental. He cautioned that without a strong focus on research, universities risk becoming “glorified secondary schools.”

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged faculty members to pursue both individual and collaborative research projects to elevate Kampala University and advance their own academic careers.

Customer care was another focal point of Prof. Kateregga’s address. He urged all university employees to prioritize excellent customer service by treating students—the university’s primary customers—with respect and care. “The moment you have been employed here at Kampala University as a lecturer or in any other capacity, you must take good care of our customers, (students), handle them with utmost care, guide them, and own them up,” he said.

Prof. Kateregga also reinforced the importance of adhering to the academic schedule, urging lecturers to commence teaching on the first day of the semester as per the timetable, regardless of class size. “You should appear and teach the students even if it’s one student who has turned up in the first lecture,” he emphasized.

The meeting, which marks the beginning of the semester, was attended by key university officials, including the Director of Finance and Marketing, Mrs. Jolly Kateregga, the Academic Registrar, Mr. Hamza Segawa, and the Director of Quality Assurance, Prof. Chris W.N Kirunda, among others. The session is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that all faculty members are aligned and prepared for the semester ahead.

The new semester officially began on August 5, 2024, across all Kampala University campuses.

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