29 October 2026

Busitema University leaders and staff have praised Ms. Alice Nakaye, the retiring Principal Assistant Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions, for her commitment to fairness and integrity, particularly her refusal to compromise University admissions procedures under external pressure.

The tributes were delivered during a retirement farewell celebration held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Brand Masters along the Tororo–Jinja Highway, where colleagues reflected on her service, professional conduct and contribution to the University.

The First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research, Assoc. Prof. Saphina Biira, praised Ms. Nakaye's reliability, recalling how she consistently produced well-written reports for admissions and University meetings. She particularly admired the confidence and composure with which Ms. Nakaye presented her work, even when the assignments had been demanding.

Assoc. Prof. Biira noted that Ms. Nakaye approached her responsibilities with the determination of someone beginning a career, despite nearing retirement. She also reflected on their close working relationship, recalling how visiting Ms. Nakaye's office had become part of her daily routine, an interaction she said she would sincerely miss.

Ms. Nakaye's humility and principled character also drew praise from Assoc. Prof. Pakoyo F. Kamba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, who described her as a legend whose contribution was recognised at both Busitema University and Makerere University.

He encouraged staff to emulate her discipline and commitment to duty, describing retirement as the beginning of another chapter rather than the end of a productive life. He also emphasised the importance of determination, innovation and a positive mindset in overcoming institutional challenges.

Dr. Lillian Nabaasa Gimuguni, the Academic Registrar, highlighted Ms. Nakaye's contribution to mentoring staff and strengthening professional standards within her office.

She praised her openness, transparency and dependability, noting that she had guided many colleagues and encouraged them to take their responsibilities seriously. Her willingness to share knowledge and insist on work being done correctly, she said, had earned her the respect of those who worked alongside her.

Ms. Nakaye's commitment to institutional standards was evident in her handling of student admissions, a responsibility she assumed in 2019.

He described her as honest, hardworking and principled, noting that neither personal connections nor external influence could persuade her to disregard University procedures.

Although some people considered her tough, Mr. Mugabi explained that her firmness was directed at maintaining standards rather than treating people harshly. He credited her approach with helping preserve the credibility of the University's admissions process.

He also recalled her dedication during busy admissions periods, when she would spend long hours verifying and correcting admission lists, sometimes remaining in the office while colleagues were resting.

Other University officials commended Ms. Nakaye's contribution to the institution. The Deputy University Secretary Ms. Racheal Nambafu Wandeka, praised her moral uprightness, while the Dean of Students, Mr. Joseph Wanyama Erogo appreciated her cooperation with other departments. Dr. Mercy Wanyana Mugonola, Busitema University's Chief Human Resource Management Officer encouraged staff to prepare for retirement early and draw lessons from her career.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Nakaye thanked Busitema University for the opportunities that had contributed to her personal and professional growth. She acknowledged that her responsibilities had sometimes tested her abilities, particularly when handling difficult assignments and negotiating challenging situations.

She expressed gratitude to University leaders and colleagues, especially staff in the Academic Registrar's Office, whose cooperation had enabled the department to meet demanding deadlines despite operating with a relatively small team.

Ms. Nakaye also appreciated the support she had received from staff across the faculties and welcomed the progress being made at Arapai Campus, expressing hope for further improvements within the Faculty of Science and Education.

Although retiring from formal University service, Ms. Nakaye said she intended to remain active and continue applying her knowledge and experience to productive work.

Her departure concludes her tenure overseeing admissions, leaving colleagues with memories of an administrator who upheld University policies, supported fellow staff and remained committed to her responsibilities until retirement.