Renown businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Patrick Bitature, has been appointed the new Chancellor of Uganda Technology And Management University (UTAMU) for a period of four (4) years with effect from 17th September 2021.
Dr. Bitature takes over from His Excellency Hon. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the Former Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, who served as the founding Chancellor of UTAMU since June 2013.
Unveiling the new Chancellor, UTAMU University Board Chairman Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba on Monday thanked His Excellency Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka for successfully steering the University over the last 8 years into a centre of academic excellence.
An astute businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Patrick Bitature is the founder, chairman and CEO of Simba Group of Companies, an East African conglomerate, with interests in telecoms, energy production, mining, media, real estate, travel, and leisure.
In a statement, Prof Baryamureeba said Dr. Patrick Bitature brings with him immense knowledge and experience in business development, innovation and governance of public and private sector institutions.
“He is a person that affirms faith in business i.e., professes business. He is indeed a practice professor of business. This business giant joins UTAMU, bringing with him an international perspective that will inspire and change the mindset of today’s graduates. He is the perfect fit for the position of Chancellor of a University such as UTAMU that focuses on producing graduates that are job creators instead of job seekers” Prof Baryamureeba said.
Bitature holds an honorary doctorate and is a graduate of the London School of Accountancy in the United Kingdom. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
The Chancellor is the titular head of a University and confers degrees, awards diplomas, certificates and other qualifications of the University in the name of the University. The Chancellor also promotes the image of the University and may from time to time give advice to the University Council which he considers necessary for the betterment and advancement of the University’s scientific, technological, cultural and social progress.
According to Baryamureeba, Dr. Patrick Bitature shall preside for the first time as Chancellor of UTAMU at the 6th Graduation Ceremony, which will take place on the 24th of September, 2021 in Kampala, Uganda.
Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) is a private university that was accredited by the National Council for Higher Education in March 2013, offering academic programmes at all levels of the Higher Education System with opportunities for every individual interested in pursuing university education at Certificate, Bachelors, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and PhD levels in 3 intakes of January, May and September of every year.
Prof Baryamureeba says UTAMU is mindful of its strategic plan and the perspective of education in this 21st century that emphasizes nurturing scientists, technologists and innovators who can transform and create new knowledge.
“UTAMU is grateful to His Excellency Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka for successfully steering the University over the last 8 years into a center of academic excellence. His contribution has been central to the progress and promise of driving UTAMU to national, regional and international stature in the service of higher education. Amidst his busy schedule, he dedicated tremendous time and effort in ensuring that the University is regionally recognized, inclusive and acknowledged as an institution of uncompromising quality that meets the needs of today’s world.” he said.
“I congratulate the UTAMU fraternity at the national, regional and international levels, as we welcome and look forward to having Dr. Patrick Bitature as Chancellor of UTAMU.” Prof Baryamureeba stated.