Kabale University Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Jonny Mugisha has urged newly admitted students to remain focused on their studies and future, warning that risky sexual behaviour, drug abuse, irresponsible spending and negative peer influence could derail their academic dreams.
Prof. Mugisha made the remarks on Wednesday during the general orientation of fresh students at the university’s Kikungiri Main Campus playground in Kabale Municipality.
The orientation marked the final stage of the university’s programme, which started on August 8 with registration and verification of students’ academic documents. Further orientation will be conducted at faculty level and through classroom interactions.
Prof. Mugisha told the students that joining university marks an important stage in shaping their future and urged them to take responsibility for the choices they make.
“This is where your transformation takes place. You must concentrate on your future. This is where your dreams are shaped.”
He also encouraged students who had been admitted to programmes that were not their first choice not to lose hope, saying no programme at the university is inferior to another.
“Some of you have come here with shattered dreams because you were given a course that was not your first choice. But take heart. There is no programme that is inferior to another. Just get reshaped and shape your dreams accordingly,” he said.
Prof. Mugisha cautioned the students against risky sexual behaviour, noting that HIV remains a threat despite receiving less public attention than in the past.
He urged students to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves from HIV infection, warning that contracting the virus could affect their future plans.
The vice chancellor also warned against drug abuse, saying its consequences may only become apparent when it is too late.
He reminded students that university life comes with greater independence, including the freedom to decide how to use their money.
Prof. Mugisha cautioned them against irresponsible spending, saying students could exhaust their pocket money within a week and struggle for the remainder of the semester.
He said the university would provide guidance, counselling and other support services but urged students to take responsibility for their decisions and uphold the institution’s core values.
Prof. Mugisha also encouraged students dissatisfied with university services to report their concerns to management.
Students urged to use official channels
Kabale University Principal of Communications, Branding and Marketing, Canon Joseph Godfrey Sempungu, urged the freshers to regularly use the university website and other official communication channels to access accurate information.
He also advised students to observe official working hours when seeking assistance from staff, unless they are dealing with an emergency.
Canon Sempungu challenged the students to protect the image of the university wherever they go, warning that individual misconduct can affect the institution’s reputation.
“This one bad apple does not represent Kabale University. If you go out, please represent Kabale University very well,” he said.
Senior Legal Officer Judith Ahimbisibwe sensitised the students about the university’s Sexual Harassment Policy, which was passed in September 2020.
She said the university has zero tolerance for sexual harassment and urged students to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Ms Ahimbisibwe also warned students against entering sexual relationships in exchange for academic or other benefits, saying such decisions could have serious consequences for their future.
Deputy Chief of ICT Services Murangira Jones encouraged students to have smartphones or tablets to support their academic work.
He said the university was working to expand Wi-Fi coverage across its four campuses, although he reminded students that the service is primarily intended for academic purposes.
Representing the Dean of Students, Senior Warden Prossy Mukasa Nakidde told the students that Kabale University is a non-residential institution and works with landlords to address accommodation-related concerns.
She urged students to remain vigilant because some areas around the university may pose security risks.
The students were cautioned against walking in unsafe areas at night and urged to immediately report cases of insecurity, rape, assault or other threats.
Students cautioned on friends, academic integrity
Academic Registrar Narcicir Tibenderana told the freshers to obtain programme structures showing the course units they are expected to undertake from first year to graduation.
She encouraged students to study the structures in advance and plan their academic journey accordingly.
Ms Tibenderana also urged the students to choose their friends carefully, saying their social circles and choices can influence their university experience and future.
Kabale University 10th Guild President, Hon. Justice Kyarikunda Drake, congratulated the freshers on joining the institution and urged them to approach their studies with commitment and energy.
“You are the ones who make the institution. When you come here, come with vigour. Do it with a lot of energy so that you can finish your course successfully,” he said.
He cautioned students against irresponsible alcohol consumption and relationships, urging them to consider what they hope to achieve by the time they complete their studies.
He particularly warned female students against relationships with “sugar daddies” and urged them to protect their dignity and future.
The Guild president also reminded students that although their parents provide them with money, they should spend it responsibly.
Principal Quality Assurance Officer Monica Karungi told the students that maintaining quality education is a shared responsibility among members of the university community.
She said all programmes offered by the university are accredited by the National Council for Higher Education and assured students that the institution continuously reviews its programmes, examinations and learning environment.
Ms Karungi urged students to attend lectures regularly, participate actively in learning and complete assignments on time.
She also warned against examination malpractice, plagiarism and unauthorised use of artificial intelligence.
“Don’t be tempted to look for shortcuts in getting results,” she cautioned.
Ms Karungi encouraged students to understand their programme requirements, read course outlines and consult lecturers whenever they face academic difficulties.
She also urged them to embrace competency-based approaches being introduced by lecturers and uphold the university’s values of quality, integrity and excellence.