Nkumba University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega has commended the security department for playing a critical role in safeguarding the institution and supporting its operations, as the unit marked seven years of service during a celebration held Yesterday at the University Gardens.
In his address, Prof. Jude emphasized that effective security remains the foundation of any successful institution, adding that Nkumba University has registered reduced incidents of crime largely due to the commitment of its full-time security team. “Crime has remained low at Nkumba University because we have dedicated officers supporting us at different points.” He said.
He noted that although security officers may sometimes feel unnoticed, university management continuously evaluates and appreciates their performance. “Sometimes I may by pass you as if I have not seen you, but I am thinking and analyzing your work. Many times, you are doing good, and we thank you as a university for that support,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor reflected on the transformation of the unit since its establishment seven years ago, recalling that officers initially lacked proper uniforms, a situation he said affected morale and professional image. “When I came here, I found you dressed in very old T-shirts, and I felt it was not right,” he said. “at that time, I stood my ground and said we could not have graduation without security officers having uniforms. That is how the first uniform came, and the rest is history.”
He congratulated the team for maintaining professionalism and improving their appearance and standards over time.
In a motivational address, Prof. Jude encouraged security personnel to pursue education and long-term career ambitions, stressing that their current roles should not limit their future potential. “I do not expect you to remain security guards forever,” he said. “Some of you are already studying up to degree level, and we must think about how to support you to become better and better.”
He cited the example of Dr. Ssekandi, a former security guard who rose through academic ranks to become a university Dean after pursuing higher education. “He started at the gate like you, studied while working, completed his bachelor’s degree, then a master’s and later a PhD, and eventually became a dean,” Prof. Lubega said. “You must ask yourselves, where do you want to be ten years from now?”
The university leadership pledged continued investment in training, welfare and professional development, including skills in hygiene, sanitation and public hospital.
Prof. Lubega revealed that the School of Science, working with the Rotary WASH Institute, would conduct training sessions on water, sanitation and hygiene to equip officers as frontline personnel interacting with students and visitors.
“When Covid-19 came, hygiene became critical. You are the first contact people on campus, so these skills must be at your fingertips,” he said.
He also disclosed plans for closer collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, installation of additional security cameras, improved lighting across campus, and consideration of salary enhancement following concerns raised by the officers.
The Vice Chancellor urged officers to maintain professionalism when dealing with students, warning against confrontations that could damage the institution’s reputation. “A student is a student; sometimes they understand things differently,” he said. “Do not argue with them. If it is policy, implement the policy calmly. We should never go back to the era where security personnel fought with students, that gave the institution a bad image.”
Nkumba University, one of Uganda’s oldest private universities founded in 1994, has steadily expanded both academically and infrastructurally, prompting increased investment in institutional security systems. The establishment of a structured security unit seven years ago formed part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening campus safety and professionalism.