Nkumba University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega, has released the long-awaited end-of-February 2025 Semester Circular confirming 4th August as reporting date for the August 2025 semester, with Nursing students reporting on 14th July , almost 2 weeks earlier.
In his message, the Vice Chancellor lauded the collaborative efforts of students, partners, and stakeholders in making the semester a success. “On behalf of the Nkumba University Community and on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate you all upon completion of this semester,” Prof. Lubega said.
Nkumba University closed the February 2025 semester with a trail of academic, administrative, and extracurricular developments that signal a growing international footprint, enhanced local partnerships, and a renewed commitment to academic excellence.
New Faces at the Helm
Two significant leadership changes were confirmed with Mr. Ssengendo Francis being appointed as the new University Secretary, taking over from Prof. Francis Kasekende, who has been in the position for close to a decade. In the Institute of Nursing and Midwifery, Sr. Agnes Babirye has assumed the role of Acting Principal, replacing Sr. Harriet Leleru, who pioneered the establishment of the Nursing Department.
“We congratulate Mr. Ssengendo Francis, and in the same vein thank Prof. Kasekende for his outstanding service,” Prof. Lubega noted, also extending gratitude to Sr. Leleru for her contributions.
International Collaborations and Mobility
Nkumba is cementing its place as a hub for global academic collaboration. A landmark partnership with TotalEnergies saw the University receive state-of-the-art hardware and software to support its Petroleum Engineering programme, significantly boosting digital learning.
Under the Erasmus+, AfricaUniNet, and Leonardo mobility schemes, 25 international student and staff exchanges were recorded. Students from the Schools of Education, Social Sciences, and Industrial Arts studied in Austria, Belgium, and Italy, while Nkumba hosted two Belgian students.
Faculty members also participated in exchanges and conferences abroad, with joint delegations visiting Germany and Italy in early June.
“These mobilities reflect our growing international footprint,” the circular noted.
In a related development, the University is set to host international relations officers from FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Austria, from July 7–10 under Erasmus+.
DECEDA Project and Community Impact
The Uganda Communications Commission, through UCUSAF, awarded Nkumba University a bid to implement the DECEDA (Digitally Enabled Community-Centered Early Childhood Development Approach) Project, targeting digital learning in underserved rural primary schools in the country. Thirty-one primary schools across five regions, including Nkumba Primary School, are set to benefit.
Semester Activities and Major Events
Among major semester highlights was the 2nd International Conference on Governance, Leadership, and Social Economic Transformation (ICGLST’25) held on June 26–27 in collaboration with Mzumbe University and the University of Johannesburg. Prof. Benon C. Basheka delivered the keynote address.
Earlier in January, the university hosted the National Student Patriotism Training Camp, an intensive civic development programme presided over by President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni.
In another milestone, Rotary International President Stephanie A. Urchick launched the Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative (ROWAShi) at Nkumba. “Her presence accentuated importance of partnerships in driving community-focused development,” the circular reads in part.
Student Democracy and Vibrancy
The 31st Guild Presidential Elections were held on April 26, with Law student H.E. Derick Mawanda elected Guild President, and Jamirah Nansubuga elected Guild Governor at Kampala Campus.
The Cultural Gala on April 19 showcased the university’s diversity, with the Iteso cultural group emerging as winners, followed by the Basoga Nsete and Baganda Nkoba’zambogo respectively. A Health Week, orchestrated by the Guild leadership to offer free medical services, was also a success.
Sports, Graduation, and Academic Calendar
In sports, the university’s volleyball teams won the Dr. Apuru Okol Memorial Tournament in Kumi, and the men’s football team reached the UFL quarterfinals. Captain Lubega Ismael was named Best Defender of the 2024/25 season.
Looking ahead, Nkumba will hold its 27th Graduation Ceremony on October 25, 2025, preceded by the Commencement Lecture on October 22 under the theme “Unlocking Potential: The Journey from Learning to Leading.”
Admissions, Tuition, and Scholarships
Admissions for August 2025 are ongoing, including PhD programmes by research. Tuition fees for continuing students remain unchanged, except for Law students, whose fees are now UGX 2,412,800 per semester.
Partial scholarships are being offered to five students from each district. Meanwhile, students in science programmes are encouraged to apply for loans from the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB).
Timetables and Registration
The August 2025 semester begins with orientation for distance freshers already underway (June 30–July 6). Day programmes resume in August, and all students are urged to complete registration and enrolment within the first two weeks to avoid missing examinations.
With a stable security situation and a renewed “Bring Your Own Device” policy to encourage digital self-learning, the University is optimistic about the semester ahead.
“Wishing you Happy Holidays and may God bless all of you,” Prof. Lubega concluded.
Editor’s Note: Nkumba University is currently accepting applications for the August 2025 Intake. Applications can be made via admissions.nkumbauniversity.ac.ug.
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