In a new chapter of influence and leadership in higher education, ARU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, PhD, a Senior Ashoka Fellow, has been elected as a Committee Member of the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum (UVCF).

This announcement was made during the UVCF meeting held today at Kabale University, where Vice Chancellors Forum members elected new leaders and executives to steer the forum for the next two years.

Dr. Musheshe has been instrumental in shaping national higher education dialogues. As a champion of education for rural transformation, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional higher education, ensuring that universities actively contribute to national development.

In his remarks, Dr. Musheshe noted “This is a vote of acknowledgment for ARU’s work, which has been an exemplar in driving a shift in orientation within educational financing, institutional governance, program development, community engagement, and a transition from reactive approaches to structural transformation. We are committed to enhancing research, community engagement ,advocacy, and increasing visibility in shaping the national education agenda.” He also added that this selected  is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the transformative work ARU has been doing in the higher education sector.

Thought Leadership in Higher Education

In 2024, Dr. Musheshe further cemented his thought leadership by presenting a groundbreaking paper to the UVCF titled: “Integrating Higher Education in the Sustainability of the Parish Development Model (PDM)”

This paper provided a strategic roadmap on how universities can contribute to the sustainability of PDM, ensuring that higher education institutions play a central role in grassroots transformation and national progress.

As a Committee Member of the UVCF, Dr. Musheshe will continue to advocate for a higher education system that is relevant, visionary, holistic, and transformative.

New UVCF Leadership

During the UVCF meeting at Kabale University, members elected a new executive to lead the forum for the next two years. The leadership team includes Chairperson Prof. Paul Wako, Vice Chancellor, Busitema University, Vice Chairperson Dr. Charity Basaza Mulenga, Vice Chancellor, King Caesar University, Treasurer Prof. Jude Lubega, Vice Chancellor, Nkumba University, Committee Members Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, Vice Chancellor, African Rural University, and Dr. Olive Sabiti, Vice Chancellor, Cavendish University Uganda

At the forum, Dr. Musheshe was represented by ARU’s Academic Registrar, Lwanga Anthony Claret.

We congratulate Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe on this prestigious appointment and look forward to his continued impact on shaping the future of higher education in Uganda.