Ms. Rashida Kateregga Champions Kampala University’s Global Governance And Research Ambitions At UK Conference

Kampala University has identified new opportunities to strengthen institutional governance, financial sustainability and international research collaboration following its participation in a high-level executive conference at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.

Ms. Rashida Kateregga, the Resident Director and Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, represented the University at the Global Skills Hub Three-Day High-Level Executive Conference for Governing Councils and Management Teams of African Universities, held from 22 to 24 June 2026.

The conference brought together executive leaders and council members from 15 African universities, including Kampala University and Cavendish University from Uganda. It provided a platform for engagement with Lancaster University’s executive leadership and senior council members on strengthening universities amid financial pressures, expanding student populations, regulatory demands and global competition.

For Kampala University, the discussions offered practical insights into aligning the responsibilities of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council and Executive Management. Participants examined how governance bodies can provide strategic direction, safeguard institutional autonomy and ensure accountability while enabling management to execute university operations effectively.

A central message was that effective governance requires both clear responsibilities and a broad range of expertise. Sessions highlighted the value of legal, financial, academic and operational experience within university councils, alongside transparent decision-making and regular evaluation of institutional performance.

Contributors included Lancaster University’s Pro-Chancellor, the Right Honourable Alistair Burt; Registrar and Secretary, Susan Mitchell; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rebecca Lingwood; and Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Randall Paley. Their presentations explored council oversight, academic leadership, financial risk management and sustainable revenue generation.

African university leaders also shared experiences of managing institutional growth, responding to regulatory requirements and connecting academic programmes with industry needs. These exchanges highlighted the flexibility available to private universities such as Kampala University to respond to changing educational demands while maintaining quality and institutional integrity.

Beyond governance, Ms. Kateregga held preliminary discussions with Prof. Kirk Semple, Lancaster University’s Director of International Research, and Dr. Akanimo Odon, Head of Strategic Africa Partnerships. The discussions explored possible avenues for Kampala University’s participation in African research networks, international research partnerships and faculty development initiatives.

She also formally invited the Lancaster University organising team and the Global Skills Hub secretariat to explore collaboration with Kampala University through governance support and institutional knowledge exchange. These engagements established a basis for further discussions and follow-up.

The conference strengthened contacts with leaders from Mount Kenya University, Cavendish University and other African institutions, creating opportunities to exchange experience in university governance, resource mobilisation and institutional development. A tour of Lancaster University’s facilities further demonstrated how physical and technological infrastructure can support teaching, research and long-term sustainability.

In her report, Ms. Kateregga expressed gratitude to Kampala University’s Founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, for the opportunity to represent the institution.

The insights gained will inform recommendations to strengthen leadership coordination, financial and risk oversight, and international engagement—supporting Kampala University’s continued pursuit of academic excellence and sustainable growth.

Ssekatawa Julius Abubakar
Public Relations Officer