Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia Graces Victoria University’s Strategic Plan Launch & Tribunal Inauguration

By Frank Kamuntu

Victoria University has today held two mega events at Speke Resort Munyonyo, featuring the inauguration of the University Tribunal and the launch of its Strategic Plan 2025/26–2029/30. This mighty ceremony was graced by the University Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, whose visionary support continues to drive the institution’s rapid growth and international recognition.

The tribunal members took their Oath of Office before Buganda Road Magistrate His Worship Ronald Kayizzi, acting in his capacity as Commissioner of Oaths. The presence of Dr. Ruparelia, alongside members of the University Council including his son-in-law Jay Sakaria, senior management, staff, student representatives, and Vice Chancellors from partner universities, underscored the significance of the occasion.

In his remarks, Magistrate Kayizzi emphasized the tribunal’s role as the first point of justice within the university, cautioning that cases must be presented here before being taken to national courts.

“From today onward, all disputes must first be brought before this tribunal. Skipping this step can result in a court dismissing the matter with costs,” he noted, adding that the tribunal provides a fair, structured, and timely platform for resolving administrative and academic disputes.

Tribunal Composition

The tribunal brings together key representatives from across the university:

• Mr. Elisha Bafirawala – Chairperson, qualified to serve as a High Court Judge
• Ms. Nassuuna Rebecca Irene – Secretary, advocate
• Rt. Hon. Gizamba Calvin – Student Guild Speaker, representing students
• Dr. Bill Nkeeto – Academic Staff Representative
• Mr. Vikrant Jha – Administrative Staff Representative
• Dr. Harriet Mimi Uwineza – Senate Representative
• Dr. Mary Kanyiginya Tizikara – University Council Representative

Strategic Plan: A Vision For A World-Class University

In her opening remarks, University Secretary Mrs. M. G. Katusabe-Ssemwezi described the strategic plan as a roadmap for Victoria University to become a world-class institution of higher learning in Uganda and across the globe.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga praised the university’s rapid growth, attributing it to the strong support of its directors, particularly Dr. Ruparelia, who has allocated a prime site for a mega campus designed to accommodate thousands of students.

Prof. Muganga emphasized that the strategic plan is future-focused, technology-enabled, and designed to deliver life-changing education. He highlighted Victoria University’s distinctive approach: integrating classroom excellence with work-integrated learning, career readiness, and a modern block teaching model that fosters deeper learning and higher employability.

“We aspire to be the university that turns potential into productivity where every course leads to competence, every assessment prepares for the workplace, and every learner leaves with evidence of readiness,” Prof. Muganga said.

He also emphasized the university’s commitment to research, entrepreneurship, and community partnerships that actively shape the future rather than merely reacting to trends.

University Chancellor Prof. John Opuda-Asibo urged the tribunal to deliver proportional, evidence-based decisions while ensuring confidentiality, accessibility, and fairness for all students and staff, including those with disabilities or language barriers. He stressed that the tribunal must operate within the framework of the 1995 Constitution, the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, and all university policies and regulations.

The Chancellor noted that the tribunal’s primary role is to foster justice, fairness, and appropriate disciplinary measures across the university.

The ceremony concluded with a firm commitment from the tribunal leadership to uphold integrity, professionalism, and impartiality. Mr. Elisha Bafirawala, Chairperson of the Tribunal, pledged that the body would serve as a respected and effective platform for resolving disputes, strengthening governance, and maintaining the university’s reputation for fairness and excellence.

With the strategic plan and tribunal in place, Victoria University continues to set a benchmark for governance, innovation, and academic excellence in Uganda and beyond.

 Pictorial!