The Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (FAAS) at Arapai Campus officially ushered in a new era of leadership during a Deanship Handover Ceremony held on Thursday, 15th May 2026, at the Arapai Campus Conference Hall. The occasion brought together University top management, faculty staff, students, and invited guests in a celebration marked by reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment to academic excellence.

The ceremony formally witnessed Dr. Geoffrey Lubadde assume office as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, succeeding Prof. Egonyu James Peter, who served in the role for the past two years. The event was presided over by the Deputy Dean, who had earlier served as Acting Dean during the interim period preceding the elections. Reflecting on his experience, he noted that leadership at the faculty level demands commitment, resilience, and continuous dedication to service.

Speaking during the function, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Saphiina Biira, congratulated both the outgoing and incoming Deans for their service and leadership. She emphasized the importance of sacrifice, accountability, and institutional continuity in academic leadership. Prof. Biira encouraged the new Dean to strengthen community engagement and champion student-centered reforms such as Competence-Based Education (CBE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and
other academic programmes aligned with directives from the National Council for Higher Education. She further reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and resource mobilization initiatives.

In his remarks, the outgoing Dean, Prof. Egonyu James Peter, expressed gratitude to University Management and the faculty community for the support accorded to him throughout his tenure. He highlighted several achievements registered under his leadership, including the enhancement of quality training, revision of the faculty’s vision and mission, strengthening committee operations through gender inclusion, and establishment of graduate programmes. He also noted progress in partnerships and research, including
collaborations with NARO, EAGC, and the STI-OP Secretariat, alongside the publication of 41 peer-reviewed papers and plans for establishing a Veterinary Training Institute and the Uganda Soil Institute.

Taking over office, Dr. Geoffrey Lubadde thanked the University leadership and faculty members for the trust placed in him. He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor while addressing pressing challenges affecting the faculty. Among the concerns he raised were inadequate lecture space, limited practical training equipment, insufficient exposure for students through study tours, staffing shortages, delayed payments for graduate fellows and casual workers, and the need to rehabilitate key facilities such as the fish pond and valley dam. He nonetheless commended the University for ongoing developments including the construction of the library block, staff development initiatives, commercialization projects, and enhanced campus security.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Waako, applauded both leaders and described the transition as a sign of institutional growth and continuity. Quoting the saying, “Good dancers do not leave the stage; they only change it,” he praised Prof. Egonyu for his contribution to the Faculty and encouraged Dr. Lubadde to uphold and advance the faculty’s legacy. The Vice Chancellor also pointed out areas requiring urgent attention, including improving examination facilities for students, repairing the school bus, increasing livestock production at the university farm, and maintaining campus infrastructure through proper implementation of the institutional strategic work plan.

Prof. Waako further commended the successful conduct of the Deanship election, while also sharing his view that appointments often promote unity compared to competitive elections, which may sometimes create divisions among stakeholders.

The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note as University leaders, faculty members, and the outgoing and incoming Deans shared a symbolic cake-cutting session to mark the peaceful transition of leadership. The event reflected the University’s continued commitment to strengthening leadership, academic growth, and service delivery at Arapai Campus.