By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
Soroti University has taken a significant step in recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of its academic staff by announcing the promotion of several members in light of their professional advancement, academic successes, and valuable contributions to teaching, research, and innovation.
During its 44th meeting, the University’s Appointments Board reviewed and endorsed a list of 30 staff promotions, in alignment with the Soroti University Human Resource Policy and approved guidelines.
In the School of Health Sciences and the School of Engineering and Technology, 19 lecturers transitioned to senior lecturer positions, while 11 assistant lecturers were elevated to lecturers.
Notable promotions within the School of Health Sciences include Leopold Rusizana (Physiotherapy), Dr. Patrick Lubogo (Pharmacology), Hellen Akurut (Public Health), and Alice Collette Alum (Midwifery), who advanced from assistant lecturer to lecturer.
The School of Engineering saw four assistant lecturers promoted to lecturers: Dr. Stanley Mugisha and Richard Edmond Hirya (both in Computer Science and Informatics), Michael Tobby Agwe (Civil Engineering), and Abbas Kagudde (Electronics and Computer Engineering).
Furthermore, in the School of Applied Sciences and Science Education, three assistant lecturers—Paul Otingole, Lawrence Etoromat, and Rachael Nabutsale—made the jump to lecturers in the field of Accounting and Finance.
Among those who progressed from lecturer to senior lecturer in the school of health sciences are Lawrence Osuwat Obado (Medical Laboratory Science), Dr. Ronald Opito (Public Health), Dr. Naome Amuron (Orthopedics), Lwere Kamada (Microbiology), Josephine Namujju (Midwifery), James Katerega, Clement Munguiko, and Samuel Okello (all in Nursing).
Others are; Mary Abwola Olwedo (Public Health), Rita Kiconco (Biochemistry), and Dr. Letizia Atim (Psychiatry). Additionally, Dr. James Yahaya Joseph and Dr. Morgan Thomas Denis Emmanuel have been appointed as senior lecturers on contract in the school of health sciences.
In the School of Engineering and Technology, further promotions to senior lecturer include Dr. Rachael Naryongo (Computer Science and Informatics), Dr. Chemisto Satya Musa (Electronics and Computer Engineering), Dr. Hellen Aluku (Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering), Dr. Abubakar Sserwadda (Electronics and Computer Engineering), and Dr. Hussein Ssali (Electrical and Electronics Engineering).
Dr. Robert Etengu Oguti of the School of Applied Science and Education advanced from lecturer to senior lecturer in Accounting and Finance.
University officials emphasize that these promotions reflect Soroti University’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a robust, motivated, and skilled academic workforce dedicated to delivering high-quality education and fostering knowledge advancement.
Juma Hassan Nyene, the University’s spokesperson, added that this initiative reinforces the institution’s priority on academic excellence, research, innovation, and professional development while creating new opportunities for staff to take on greater responsibilities in shaping the academic direction of the University.
According to Nyene, staff promotions are vital for the growth and sustainability of the University.
He encourages staff to seek higher qualifications, engage in research and professional activities, and contribute to addressing both national and global challenges.
The timing of these promotions is significant, coinciding with Soroti University’s ongoing expansion of academic programs and its commitment to enhancing research and innovation while establishing itself as a center of excellence.
“As we approach the next decade, investing in our people remains a top priority,” stated Nyene. The University extends its congratulations to all promoted staff, urging them to continue their dedicated service marked by excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to transforming lives through education, research, and innovation.
On July 7, 2026, Soroti University further strengthened its leadership and administrative structure by appointing 76 individuals to various positions, including senior academic, administrative, and support roles.
A notable appointment is Prof. Patrick Engeu Ogwang, who has assumed the role of Head of the Department of Pharmacology.
As a distinguished Ugandan pharmacologist, researcher, and innovator, Prof. Ogwang brings extensive expertise in higher education, tropical medicine, pharmaceutical research, and scientific innovation.
He is particularly recognized for developing Covidex, a product that played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Soroti University officially opened its doors and admitted its pioneer cohort of students in August 2019. It is the 9th Public University in the country located in Soroti city, seven (7) kilometres from Soroti town along Moroto Road.