Associate Prof Helen Musanabera Byamugisha has been appointed deputy vice chancellor in charge of finance and administration at Kabale University.
The appointment was announced in a press statement issued by the vice chancellor, Joy Constance Kwesiga, who said the university expects the new appointee to strengthen institutional efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
The position had remained vacant for nearly a year following the departure of Anny Katabazi Bwengye. Kwesiga explained that the delay in filling the post was due to the absence of a substantive chancellor.
The tenure of Mondo Kagonyera ended on April 28, 2025, after nearly a decade of leadership at the institution. He was succeeded by Mathew Rukikaire, who was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni in October 2025.
However, his official installation was only completed in early April 2026, delaying subsequent senior appointments, including that of the deputy vice chancellor. According to the university, Musanabera is a seasoned academic and information science professional with extensive leadership experience in higher education management.
She holds a PhD in Information Science, a Master of Science in Information Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Librarianship, a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, and a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology.
She previously served as University Librarian at Makerere University from 2018 to 2023, where she provided strategic direction in the management of library services, research support systems, and access to academic resources – with a strong focus on innovation, digitisation of information services, and strengthening institutional capacity to support teaching, learning, and research. She was also a member of the institution’s top management structures, including the senate and various high-level committees.
Her governance experience also extends to Kabale University, where she served as vice chairperson of the University Council from 2010 to 2015. Musanabera joins the university’s top leadership team, referred to as the “Officers of the University”, as provided for under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 (as amended).
These officers include the chancellor, vice chancellor, deputy vice chancellors, university secretary, academic registrar, university librarian, and university bursar, who are responsible for the administration and academic management of the institution.
The appointment follows a rigorous selection process in which a search committee of the University Council recommends candidates to the chancellor for formal appointment. University officers are typically appointed for a five-year term.
