By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
Soroti University has bolstered its leadership and administrative structure with the appointment of 76 individuals to various roles, encompassing senior academic, administrative, and support positions.
A standout among these appointments is Prof. Patrick Engeu Ogwang, who has taken on the role of Head of the Department of Pharmacology. A distinguished Ugandan pharmacologist, researcher, and innovator, Prof. Ogwang brings a wealth of expertise in higher education, tropical medicine, pharmaceutical research, and scientific innovation.
He is particularly remembered for his development of Covidex, a product that provided crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
University spokesperson, Juma Hassan Nyene shared this announcement in a statement posted across various social media platforms on the afternoon of July 7, 2026.
Nyene emphasized that Prof. Ogwang’s leadership is anticipated to enhance Soroti University’s research initiatives, especially within health sciences, contributing to the institution’s vision of becoming a hub for excellence in science, technology, innovation, and community transformation.
This news arrives during a period of mourning at Soroti University, following the passing of Prof. Percival Christopher Egau, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, who died early in the morning of July 7 at the age of 79.
Additionally, Gilbert Denis Otim has been appointed as the University Bursar. A Certified Public Accountant and esteemed member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Otim has served as Acting University Bursar after the departure of CPA Robert Magemeso and has been the Deputy University Bursar for the past eight years.
His impressive credentials include a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance, a Master of Business Administration from Makerere University, a Master of Public Administration, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management from Uganda Management Institute (UMI). He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Uganda Martyrs University and a Bachelor of Science with Education from Kyambogo University, with additional training in Administrative Law at the Law Development Centre.
Moreover, Samuel Omoding has been appointed as the Chief Planning Officer. Omoding joined Soroti University in 2016 as a University Planner and advanced through the ranks to become the Deputy Chief Planning Officer, later serving in an acting capacity following the resignation of Samuel Otuba.
He holds a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Mathematics from Makerere University, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Uganda Management Institute, and a Diploma in Secondary Education from the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (ITEK).
“His vast experience in strategic planning and institutional development is set to bolster the University’s planning and performance management functions,” Nyene states.
The University Council has also extended Augustine Okuku Maloba’s contract as Chief Human Resource Officer, demonstrating continued trust in his leadership and his contributions to human resource management within the institution.
Nyene highlights that these appointments mark a significant step in bolstering Soroti University’s leadership as it expands its academic programs, research initiatives, innovation strategies, and community engagement efforts.
The spokesperson notes that the newly appointed officials will offer strategic guidance, facilitating the ongoing growth of the University. “The selection of these accomplished professionals’ underscores Soroti University’s dedication to excellence, accountability, innovation, and transformative leadership,” Nyene adds.
These appointments arrive at a crucial time when Soroti University is broadening its academic offerings, strengthening research collaborations, investing in innovation, and enhancing infrastructure to address the increasing demand for quality higher education in Uganda and the surrounding region.
The University remains focused on graduating competent professionals, promoting impactful research, and contributing to national development through advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
The University Council has approved these appointments in line with the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and the University’s governance framework, anticipating improvements in institutional governance, academic excellence, research, innovation, and service delivery.
Soroti University, by Statutory Instrument No. 34 of July 2015 became a fully-fledged Public University under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of 2001 as amended.
Accordingly, Soroti University’s mandate is to train competent and competitive professionals capable of serving in all parts of the country, and the region in Applied Sciences.
Soroti University is the 9th Public University in the country. The University is located in Soroti City, seven (7) kilometres from Soroti town along Moroto Road.
