Muni University has reinforced its commitment to academic excellence, global competitiveness, and strong institutional culture after inducting 99 newly appointed staff in a three-day induction, training, and mentorship programme led by the University’s top management and Human Resource Directorate.
The induction, spearheaded by the Human Resource Office with support from senior university leadership, was designed to equip new staff with the values, skills, and institutional knowledge required to advance leadership, innovation, and professional excellence in one of Uganda’s fastest-growing public universities.
Presiding over the induction, Muni University Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, warmly welcomed the new staff into the university community, congratulating them on joining an institution with a growing international academic profile.
He urged them to embrace the culture and values of Muni University, emphasizing teamwork, mutual respect, and collegiality as foundational pillars of the institution.
“At Muni University, we work as a team. Collegiality means that every one of us is responsible for the success of the other,” Assoc. Prof. Katrini said.
The Vice Chancellor further challenged the new staff to cultivate a strong work ethic, noting that hard work is not a burden but an opportunity for growth and excellence.
“Complaining about work is often a sign of unpreparedness. Hard work creates opportunities, sharpens competence, and drives institutional progress,” he added, urging staff to remain focused on fulfilling the university’s mission and strategic objectives.
The Head of Human Resource, Mr. Wahid Abdul Ijosiga, together with his team, led comprehensive sessions on university policies, staff welfare, and operational procedures. He guided the new staff through the Human Resource Manual, clarifying terms of service, benefits, and performance expectations.
A key focus of the HR sessions was the ethical code of conduct, with Mr. Ijosiga reminding staff that their professional behaviour serves as a mirror to students and the wider community.
“As lecturers and administrators, your conduct reflects the values of this university. Ethics and professionalism are non-negotiable,” he emphasized.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Rev. Fr. Prof. Odubuker Picho Epiphany, called on staff to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and productivity in their respective roles. He encouraged them to align their work with Muni University’s vision of becoming a model university.
He cautioned against excessive engagement in part-time lecturing elsewhere, noting that it often undermines professional growth, institutional loyalty, and quality knowledge production.
On the academic front, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Jacob Agea, urged staff to be versatile, hardworking, and collaborative in teaching and research.
He encouraged academic staff to use their time strategically for career development, including pursuing doctoral training, and clarified the distinction between academic degrees, which are earned through rigorous study, and honorary degrees, which are awarded in recognition of community contribution.
The University Legal Officer, Mr. Samuel Ondoma, guided staff through key legal frameworks and university policies, advising them to exercise caution, follow institutional protocols, and seek clarification when necessary.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Academic Registrar and Coordinator of the Directorate of Research and Training, Mr. Ronald Hiirya, outlined Muni University’s research agenda and funding mechanisms. He emphasized the importance of developing high-quality, competitive research proposals to attract internal and external funding.
Staff wellbeing also took centre stage. Rev. Fr. Isaac Adroamabe, the University Counsellor, addressed issues of physical and psychological stress, highlighting their impact on performance. He encouraged staff to seek professional support from counsellors and psychiatrists when facing stress, trauma, or mental health challenges.
The Assistant Security Officer, Mr. Apangu Emmanuel, briefed staff on personal and campus security, urging vigilance and responsible conduct both within and outside the university environment.
To support financial literacy and personal development, the HR Office invited officials from Centenary Bank, ABSA Bank, and Stanbic Bank, who provided guidance on financial planning, discipline, and wealth management, empowering staff to make informed financial decisions.
The three-day induction programme was concluded with a staff networking cocktail and traditional nyamachoma dinner, organised by the Human Resource Directorate. The evening also featured music and dance, offering the newly appointed staff an opportunity to relax, connect informally with senior management and colleagues, and reflect on the intensive induction experience in a warm and collegial setting.
The closing event reinforced Muni University’s commitment not only to professional excellence, but also to staff wellbeing, inclusion, and a supportive institutional culture, ensuring that new staff begin their journey at the university feeling welcomed, motivated, and part of a shared vision.
