Victoria University Sets Out Ambitious Five-Year Strategy To Transform Learning

By Gad Masereka

Victoria University set a new tone for its future on Friday as it introduced a five year strategic plan during a ceremony that highlighted both ambition and self examination. The gathering at Speke Resort Munyonyo brought together senior administrators, partner institutions and student representatives, all eager to see how the institution intends to position itself in a rapidly shifting global education landscape.

The new blueprint arrives at a moment when universities across the region are rethinking how to prepare graduates for an economy shaped by digital transformation and fluctuating labour demands. Victoria University has chosen to respond with a plan that places technology, industry collaboration and practical learning at its core. Rather than expanding traditional academic structures, the strategy outlines a transition toward a model where teaching, assessment and research are tied closely to real world challenges.

Much of the ceremony’s energy centred on the vision presented by Vice Chancellor Prof Lawrence Muganga who spoke of a university determined to reshape how learners experience higher education. He said the priority was to create an environment where competence grows through exposure to real tasks rather than memorisation. He added that the institution wants graduates who can demonstrate capability in the workplace and who understand the social and economic issues that shape their communities.

Although technology is a recurring theme in the plan, university officials were keen to stress that digital tools are intended to enhance teaching rather than replace the human element. Prof Muganga explained that students will be guided on how to use artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies responsibly, with lecturers encouraged to focus on ethics, critical thinking and the ability to engage constructively in professional environments.

The announcement also revealed the first details of a major infrastructure project that is expected to define the university’s next chapter. Board Chairman Dr Sudhir Ruparelia has set aside land for a new campus intended to accommodate rising enrolment and support more specialised facilities. While the current campuses have helped the university establish itself within Uganda’s competitive higher education space, the proposed expansion signals an ambition to become a regional hub for innovation and applied learning.

As part of the wider transformation, Victoria University also inaugurated its first Tribunal on the same day. Members of the body, sworn in by Buganda Road Court Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, will oversee the handling of internal disputes and academic grievances. The magistrate reminded the audience that any case originating from the institution must first be addressed through the tribunal before it can be taken to court. He said this system will help ensure that disagreements are resolved fairly and within the institution’s established governance structures.

University leaders view the tribunal as a natural complement to the strategic plan. Chancellor Prof John Opuda Asibo urged the panel to ensure that their decisions reflect due process, confidentiality and respect for the rights of all members of the community. He said the work of the tribunal will reinforce the values of transparency and accountability that the university is promoting in its new roadmap.

The strategic plan also emphasises research that responds directly to national development priorities. Administrators say they want research output to have tangible impact, whether by supporting local industries, improving livelihoods or contributing to policy debates. A senior member of staff familiar with the plan noted that the intention is to steer research away from purely academic exercises and toward projects that address community needs and economic opportunities.

Much of the optimism in the room stemmed from the belief that the university’s direction aligns with a broader regional push for education systems that produce graduates who can adapt quickly to change. The strategy reinforces the institution’s commitment to work integrated learning and to maintaining partnerships with employers, innovators and public agencies. Students will be expected to complete field based assignments and collaborative projects that simulate the practical demands of modern workplaces.

As the ceremony concluded, university officials expressed confidence that the next five years will broaden opportunities for students while strengthening the institution’s role within the country’s higher education sector. Prof Muganga described the launch as the start of a long journey that will challenge the university to remain flexible and forward looking. He said the future belongs to institutions that are willing to rethink old approaches and build learning environments that match the realities of contemporary society.

With the strategic plan now in motion and work set to begin on the new campus, attention will turn to how effectively the university translates its ambitions into daily practice. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the promises of technological advancement, stronger governance and practical learning unfold as intended and whether the institution can meet the expectations of a generation seeking meaningful preparation for an uncertain future.