Africa Renewal University (AfRU) had the distinct honor of hosting the 75th Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF) on May 26, 2025, welcoming over 60 Vice Chancellors and senior representatives from leading universities across Uganda to its Buloba campus. The forum served as a pivotal space for collaboration, dialogue, and innovation aimed at strengthening the future of higher education in the country.
A Warm Welcome to Transformative Leadership
The forum commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Vincent Byamukama, Vice Chancellor of AfRU, who welcomed guests with a heartfelt message emphasizing unity, vision, and shared purpose.
“This gathering represents a significant opportunity for us to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and collectively advance the mission of our institutions,” he said.
The warm reception highlighted AfRU’s commitment to cultivating visionary leadership and excellence in education.
Keynote Highlights: Guiding the Future of Academia
The forum featured powerful presentations from renowned academic leaders:
Prof. Jude Lubega, Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University
Prof. Lubega addressed the pressing issue of Uganda’s PhD shortage. His presentation offered a strategic roadmap for increasing the number of doctoral degree holders to enhance research, innovation, and academic quality.
He urged institutions to invest in:
- Faculty mentorship and development
- Supportive environments for research
- Long-term academic growth strategies
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University
In his session on “Normative Leadership and the Conduct of a Vice Chancellor,” Prof. Nawangwe challenged university leaders to lead with integrity, vision, and discipline.
“The character of leadership defines the culture of the university,” he emphasized.
His message resonated with attendees, reinforcing the need for ethical leadership across Uganda’s higher education landscape.
Critical Themes Discussed
Throughout the forum, attendees engaged with a range of transformative topics, including:
- Artificial Intelligence in education and its potential to reshape learning delivery
- Cross-institutional collaboration for enhanced impact
- Sustainable leadership pipelines for universities
- The evolving role of universities in national development
These conversations reflected a united commitment to not only respond to challenges but to proactively shape a thriving academic future.
More Than a Meeting: A Moment for Momentum
As participants toured the AfRU campus, networked, and shared ideas, the spirit of the forum was clear: universities must stand together to build bridges—between tradition and technology, leadership and innovation, vision and execution.
The lush greenery and welcoming atmosphere of AfRU’s campus served as a fitting backdrop for this historic event, reinforcing the university’s role as a hub for Christ-centered, purpose-driven education.
Conclusion: Leading Together, Impacting Generations
The 75th Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum was more than a formal meeting—it was a clarion call to academic leaders to think boldly, collaborate deeply, and lead with purpose. Africa Renewal University is proud to have hosted this impactful forum and remains committed to championing excellence, innovation, and servant leadership in higher education.
