Muteesa I Royal University Launches Strategic Plan 2025–2030

Kampala, Uganda – Owek. Hajj Prof. Twaha Kigongo Kaawaase, the First Deputy Katikkiro of the Kingdom of Buganda and the Kingdom’s Minister for Administration, ICT, and Innovations, has officially launched the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan for Muteesa I Royal University.

The launch event was held Wednesday afternoon at the University’s Kakeeka, Mengo Campus under the theme: “Empowering Learners, Nurturing Competence and Ethical Character.”

In his address, Owek. Kaawaase commended the University Management for integrating cultural heritage into the strategic plan and aligning it with advancements in ICT and artificial intelligence. He emphasised the importance of well-planned, research-based projects that align with both cultural values and the broader vision of the Buganda Kingdom.

He further applauded Vice Chancellor Prof. Vincent Kakembo for inviting fellow university leaders to the event, including keynote speaker Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa from Uganda Martyrs University.

“I want to applaud you for inviting competition, for instance, our keynote speaker, Prof. Kyamanywa, and the Vice Chancellor of St. Lawrence University. It shows that this is a plan not just rooted in tradition but one that seeks transformation. I saw a meaningful linkage between culture and ICT, truly fitting for Omulembe Omutebi,” he said.

Oweek. Kaawaase also warned against academic malpractice, particularly the issuance of fake degrees.
“We expect you to uphold integrity in academics. If you award fake degrees, you undermine the honour of the Buganda Kingdom. Whether it is a certificate, diploma, or degree, it must meet the standards of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). This strategic plan must serve to protect that honour,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Kyamanywa stressed the critical role of institutional culture in empowering learners and shaping character.

“Universities must provide an environment where learners can make choices they are proud of. We can talk about character and empowerment, but the context and culture in which learning occurs matters deeply,” he noted.

Prof. Kyamanywa cautioned that even the most well-written strategic plans are ineffective without an underlying institutional culture that supports them.

“The biggest challenge for university leadership is to build a culture that drives learners toward positive transformation. Wishful thinking and lectures alone won’t work if the institutional environment doesn’t reinforce the values we aim to impart,” he said.

He added that empowering students and building their character must be a non-negotiable institutional standard, not an option.

Prof. Vincent Kakembo, the Vice Chancellor of Muteesa I Royal University, thanked the Buganda Kingdom cabinet for their support in shaping the plan. He highlighted the University’s journey from its beginnings as a technical institute to its current ambitions as a leading institution of higher learning.

“Our vision is to become a premier university that responds effectively to contemporary challenges. Our mission is rooted in providing relevant training, research, and technical guidance that addresses community needs,” he said.

Prof. Kakembo outlined the university’s seven strategic pillars: Teaching and Learning, Research, Community Engagement, Human Resource Development, Financial Stewardship, Infrastructure Development, Institutional Visibility and Partnerships.

Each pillar, he explained, has specific goals to ensure quality education, integration of modern technology, and community relevance.

He also announced a new infrastructure project: a building planned for the Kakeeka Campus, already included in the Kingdom’s budget. Looking ahead, the University targets an enrolment of between 7,000 and 10,000 students by the year 2035.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Education for Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, the MRU Council members, Board, management and staff and well-wishers.