Foster Excellence and Integrity

University Council

The University Council of USJM is the supreme governing body responsible for overall administration, implementation of strategic objectives, and academic, financial and institutional oversight.

Reports to: Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese of Mbarara
Responsible for: governance, policy, finance, discipline, academic quality and institutional development.
University Council

Overview

The University of Saint Joseph Mbarara has a University Council appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese of Mbarara. The Council is the highest governing body of USJM and ensures due implementation of the University’s objectives and functions.

Council Members

Council membership is presented in leadership order: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, then members.

Chairperson Name Chairperson

DR. Gumoshabe Deogratias (PhD)

Council Chairperson

Vice Chairperson Name Vice Chairperson

Prof. Adeodata Kekitinwa

Deputizes the Chairperson

Member Name 1 Member

Prof. Richard Akisimire

Member Name 2 Member

Rev. Fr. Dr. Karemire Deus (PhD)

Member Name 3 Member

Dr. Kenneth Mugambe (PhD)

Member Name 4 Member

Ms. Owomugisha Winnie

Member Name 5 Member

Mr. Leo Beyagira

Member Name 6 Member

Mr. Godwin Robert

Member Name 7 Member

Prof. Grace Kagoro R

Member Name 8 Member

Dr. William Tayebya

Member Name 9 Member

Mr. Tukahebwa Cleiphas Basiima

Member Name 10 Member

Mr. Chris Gumisiriza

Member Name 11 Member

Dr. Stephen Businge

Member Name 12 Member

Prof. Savino Biryomumaisho

Member Name 13 Member

Mr. Dan Tamwesigire

Member Name 14 Member

Rtd. Justice Ruhinda Asaph Ntegye

Member Name 15 Member

Assoc. Prof. Asingwire Narathius

Structure & Composition

Foundation Body

  1. 1. Chairperson of the Governing Council
  2. 2. Chairperson of the Appointments, Welfare and Discipline Committee
  3. 3. Chairperson of the Finance, Planning and Development Committee

Other Members

  1. 1. The Vice Chairperson elected at the first meeting after inauguration
  2. 2. Vice Chancellor
  3. 3. One member from the Laity Council of AoM
  4. 4. One member from relevant professions such as Accounting, Finance, Law or Medicine
  5. 5. One member from Higher Educational Institutions
  6. 6. One member from Clergy and Religious Congregations of AoM
  7. 7. One member from Local Communities
  8. 8. One member from Government
  9. 9. One representative from AMDA
  10. 10. Two academic staff members (female and male)
  11. 11. Two non-teaching staff members (female and male)
  12. 12. Two student representatives (female and male)
  13. 13. One USJM alumni representative
  14. 14. One Senate representative
  15. 15. University Academic Registrar as Secretary
  16. 16. Archdiocese of Mbarara Education Secretary as Ex-officio

Chairperson of Council

Appointment

The Chairperson is appointed by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Archdiocese of Mbarara on the advice of the Board of Trustees.

Primary Duties
  • 1. Preside at all Council meetings
  • 2. Keep owners informed of important University matters
  • 3. Perform additional functions assigned by Council or owners
Vice Chairperson

The Vice Chairperson is elected from Council members at the first meeting and must not be a staff member or student. The Vice Chairperson deputizes the Chairperson.

Alternate Leadership

If both the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are absent, Council members elect another member to preside, provided that member is not a staff or student representative.

Terms of Service

  1. All elected and appointed Council members except student representatives serve for three years and are eligible for re-appointment.

  2. The Chancellor and Board of Trustees may extend the term of any member.

  3. Student representatives serve one year and may be re-appointed for one additional year while they remain students.

  4. Members must accept their appointment in writing to the Chancellor/Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

Vacancy of Office

  1. 1. Resignation by letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
  2. 2. Incapacity by mental or physical illness.
  3. 3. Gross misconduct as determined by Council.
  4. 4. Bankruptcy or arrangements with creditors.
  5. 5. Failure to attend four consecutive meetings.
  6. 6. Death.

Functions of USJM Council

  1. Ensure the University attains its vision and mission.
  2. Formulate general policies and statutes for governance and management.
  3. Approve establishment of schools, faculties, institutes, campuses and departments.
  4. Appoint University staff other than Management members.
  5. Constitute disciplinary bodies in consultation with BoT.
  6. Determine terms and conditions of service for staff.
  1. Promote the image of the University.
  2. Consider and approve University statutes.
  3. Receive proposals and recommendations from other University organs.
  4. Approve financial borrowing in accordance with statutes.
  5. Direct administrative, financial and academic affairs.
  6. Fix fees structures and other University charges.
  1. Authorize opening and closing University bank accounts.
  2. Approve investment proposals.
  3. Approve annual budgets and audited accounts.
  4. Receive gifts, donations, grants or other monies and make disbursements.
  5. Approve affiliations with accredited institutions in Uganda and abroad with NCHE approval.
  6. Provide annual reports to the Board of Trustees and NCHE.
  7. Provide for welfare and discipline of students, employees and officers.
  8. Perform other functions conferred by this Charter.