kampala-university-hosts-transformative-quality-assurance-workshop

Kampala University Hosts Transformative Quality Assurance Workshop

It was a momentous day of reflection, learning, and professional growth on 19th June 2025, as Kampala University held a Mega Quality Assurance Workshop at its Main Campus in Ggaba. The landmark event, held under the theme “Enhancing Quality Assurance and Operational Efficiency at Kampala University,” brought together a cross-section of university staff in a bold step to promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

The workshop was officially opened by the University Resident Director and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Ms. Rashidah Kateregga, who delivered a powerful and inspirational keynote message. In her remarks, Ms. Rashidah emphasised that "quality is everyone’s responsibility and it never stops." She reminded participants that this initiative was about more than policy: practical assurance, measurable outcomes, and walking the talk. “We are here to learn how to do better and how to measure the impact of our work,” she noted.

The event’s keynote facilitator, Dr. Amaal Kinene Nsereko, a renowned Quality Assurance expert and the Director of Quality Assurance at the Islamic University in Uganda, engaged the participants in an intensive and enlightening session. Dr. Amaal presented a comprehensive overview of what quality assurance means in the context of higher education, emphasising its central role in building institutional credibility and public trust.

"Institutions are primarily responsible for quality and how it is managed," Dr. Amaal stated. "Quality assurance is not about fault-finding, it is about controlling, improving, auditing, assessing, and above all, showing our quality to the world."

She stressed the importance of institutional self-evaluation, proper planning, and budgeting for quality-related activities. From developing unit work plans and financial plans, tracking alumni outcomes and student feedback, Dr. Amaal urged the university to embrace a holistic, proactive approach to quality. “Quality staff means quality management,” she emphasised, calling on all university staff to invest in professional development and internal review processes.

Dr. Amaal also elaborated on the vital role of Quality Assurance Units within universities. She explained that these units are mandated to develop and update operations manuals, design instruments for institutional evaluations, guide implementing units to comply with quality standards, lead quality audits, monitor both teaching and non-teaching departments, and ensure ongoing training and orientation on quality practices.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of student feedback. “Our students are key stakeholders,” Dr. Amaal remarked. “Their views provide insight into our strengths and the areas needing improvement.” She encouraged the university to also track alumni success and employability, as these reflect the long-term impact of academic programs and institutional reputation.

The workshop was well-attended by senior university leadership, including Mr. Muhammed Faquih Kateregga (Deputy Resident Director), Dr. Wardah Rajab Gyagenda (DVC ARII), Mr. Kamoga Ronald (University Finance Consultant), Ms. Naila Florence (University Administrator), and Ms. Carol Achola (HRM and PA to the VC. Also present were Ass. Prof. Chris Kirunda (Director Quality Assurance), Mr. Segawa Hamza (Academic Registrar), Ms. Bamusiima Winnie (Deputy Academic Registrar), Dr. Miiro Anifah (Deputy Director Quality Assurance), Mr. Shakool Wahab (Consultant on Operations), Campus Directors, Deans, Heads of department, Quality assurance officers, Lecturers, and administrative staff.

This workshop signals a renewed commitment by Kampala University to instill a culture of quality, responsiveness, and institutional excellence in all its operations. As Ms.Rashidah aptly put it, “Quality is not a one-time goal. It is a continuous journey of reflection, action, and transformation.”

The university community left the session re-energised and better equipped to lead with impact, ready to implement the lessons learned, and more aligned with the vision of making Kampala University a centre of excellence in education, research, and service.

By Julius Ssekatawa 
PRO – Kampala University.