18 October 2026

Busitema University brought together newly admitted international students, University officials and student leaders on Sunday, 18 October 2026, for its third International Students' Orientation held at the Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (FNRES), Namasagali Campus. The gathering provided an opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with University life while learning about developments intended to strengthen their participation in student leadership, academic opportunities and welfare support.

The annual orientation has gradually moved across the University's campuses, beginning at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Mbale in 2024, followed by Arapai Campus in 2025. This year's gathering at Namasagali continued the arrangement, with Busitema Campus expected to host the fourth edition in 2027.

Ms. Harriet Nabirye, the Principal Institutional Advancement Officer responsible for Internationalisation and Partnerships, reported that 29 international students had been admitted for the 2026/2027 academic year from five African countries. South Sudan accounted for the highest number with 13 students, followed by Kenya with 9, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 3 each, and Tanzania with 1. However, only 14 of those admitted had reported to the University at the time of the orientation.

Financial difficulties were among the reasons some students had been unable to report, while others pursuing postgraduate studies had encountered challenges in obtaining permission from their workplaces. Ms. Nabirye noted that the University continued to receive applications from several other African countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Burundi, Ghana, Benin, Namibia and Zambia, Afhaganistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Liberia, reflecting the geographical reach of its academic programmes.

As the University continues to attract students from different countries, their participation in institutional decision-making has become an important consideration. During the orientation, the 17th Guild President, H.E Kamara Onesmus, announced that amendments to the Students' Guild Constitution providing for a minister responsible for international students had been approved by the University Council. He explained that the position would be filled by a representative drawn from the Busitema University International Students Association (BUISA).

The announcement follows discussions dating back to March 2024, when BUISA held its inaugural leadership elections at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Mbale. During the inauguration, an official representing the Dean of Students pledged to advocate for changes to the Guild's governance arrangements to accommodate international student representation. The elections, coordinated by Ms. Nabirye, saw Mr. Kumiki Radwan Said elected as the Association's first President.

Two years later, the constitutional amendments reported by H.E Kamara represent progress towards giving international students a formal voice in the Guild Government. He encouraged students to take an active interest in leadership and assured them that the Guild remained available to support their concerns and work with them throughout their academic journey.

The importance of such representation was also reflected in remarks by BUISA President, Gift Emmanuel, who spoke about the challenges international students encounter when adjusting to life in a new country. Established in 2023, BUISA has provided a platform through which students can support one another while navigating differences in language, culture and social environments.

Emmanuel commended the relationship between international and Ugandan students, noting that his experience at Busitema had been free from discrimination by fellow students. He encouraged the newcomers to embrace leadership opportunities, remain committed to their studies and make good use of the resources available at the University. 

Welcoming the students on behalf of Dr. Sowedi Masaba, the Dean of Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Mr Orionga Moses acknowledged that studying in a different country could present challenges, particularly when adapting to unfamiliar cultures, languages and academic systems. He encouraged them to remain determined, respect University regulations and develop the discipline and professional values needed to succeed in their studies.

The students also received guidance on the practical requirements of studying in Uganda. Ms. Nabirye emphasised the need to obtain student visas, complete the equating of academic qualifications and comply with the necessary immigration procedures. 

These requirements were reinforced by Mr. Mugabi Ivan Ronald, Deputy Academic Registrar responsible for Admissions, who explained the University's registration and examination procedures while assuring the students that the Office of the Academic Registrar serves all students without discrimination.

Mr. Mugabi stressed the importance of attending lectures and maintaining academic integrity, cautioning against examination malpractice and the falsification of examination permits. He reminded the students that failure to meet the minimum lecture attendance requirement of 75 per cent could prevent them from sitting examinations.

Principal Accountant, Ms. Juliet Erumbi, offered financial guidance to the students, explaining the University's enrolment and payment procedures. She advised International students to use authorised banking and mobile money channels rather than making cash payments to individuals. 

Alongside academic and financial guidance, the orientation addressed the importance of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. Dr. Elizabeth Birabwa, Principal Gender Officer and inclusivity Directorate, reaffirmed the University's commitment to equality, equity and inclusion, stressing that discrimination and harassment should not be tolerated. She encouraged students to report incidents through established institutional mechanisms, including a digital platform that allows them to submit complaints and supporting information.

Dr. Birabwa also highlighted initiatives supporting students with disabilities, including an association established to promote advocacy, identification of needs and projects intended to improve their participation in University life. The engagement of international students in inclusivity initiatives was highly encouraged. On a light note, she advised international students to learn local languages and build positive relationships within their communities as part of adjusting to their new environment. She also called upon international students to consider engaging in a cultural gala as a way of promoting their visibility and cultural identity within the University community.

The University's internationalisation efforts also extended opportunities for postgraduate training and academic mobility. Ms. Harriet Nabirye reported that Busitema University had been offered 10 slots under the Inter-University student mobility scholarship programme and expected additional master's students through an East African Community scholarship Programme. under the IUCEA-SMS

The developments come amid wider efforts to strengthen the University's participation in regional higher education programmes. In August 2026, Busitema University was selected to host postgraduate scholars under Phase II of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) scholarship programme, following the approval of its Master of Science in Industrial Mathematics and Master of Science in Materials Engineering programmes. The initiative creates opportunities for postgraduate training and academic exchange among students from East African Community partner states

With international students spread across the University's campuses, the orientation provides an opportunity for students to meet their peers, engage directly with administrators and better understand the support available throughout their studies. The planned introduction of international student representation in the Guild Government adds a further dimension to these engagements, giving students a potential avenue to influence decisions affecting their University experience as preparations begin for the next orientation at Busitema Campus in 2027.