AMECEA: ‘Safeguard the Institutional Identity and Reputation of CUEA’, -The Outgoing Vice Chancellor tells his successor
Msgr. Dr. Pius Rutechura, Outgoing VC CUEA
Rev. Dr. Pius Rutechura, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) has urged his successor Prof. Justus Mbae to safeguard the institutional identity and reputation of the university in order to promote the vision of the founding Fathers and maintain the AMECEA spirit of CUEA.
“Promote our identity; overcome ethnic and other divisive tendencies and destructive politicking,” Msgr. Rutechura urged.
He further said that the University needs turn around strategies in order to stay afloat and excel.
“It is openness and focusing on addressing root causes rather than throwing blames on others that will help CUEA to move forward,” he said adding that it is crucial to mobilize all stakeholders to urgently mobilize resource available. “It is crucial to reduce stress and neutralize apathy and anxieties so as to strengthen the base of moving forward with hope,” he said.
At the same time he urged Prof. Mbae to leverage ICT for Academic and Operational Systems of the University. “Accuracy of data which is an important tool in planning and development, highly depends on having a reliable integrated system. I salute the new zeal and innovative steps that the new DVCs are bringing in to address this issue,” he said adding that CUEA needs positive enhancement of embracing the ICT Culture across board.
“I salute and encourage the DVC Academic Affairs and Research in forming the CUEA ICT Solutions Consortium which brings on board both staff and students. This is the way to go; this is the path for the future,” he said.
He also urged Prof. Mbae to enhance corporate leadership and responsibility through operating on basis of policies and procedures. “Prevailing situations in CUEA demand nurturing across board leadership that operates on basis of policies and procedures that are set by Council and other regulatory bodies within Catholic Education Tradition,” he said.
Rev. Dr. Rutechura who has been given another assignment by his Bishop of the Diocese of Bukoba in Tanzania, said, “He looks back with gratitude and forward with hope having served AMECEA Institutions for 11 years, six of which as the Secretary General of AMECEA and five as Vice Chancellor of CUEA.”
“I firmly believe that tough battles that are bravely fought for the sake of the Kingdom, will always lead to bearing good fruits for the growth of God’s Kingdom. CUEA has a long history, CUEA has a future,” he said.
He thanked AMECEA Executive Board and the University Council for arriving at the important decision of appointing a new Vice Chancellor with a view of ensuring that there is no vacuum in leadership of the University.
“I congratulate the incoming leader, Prof. Mbae for accepting to shoulder this responsibility. This appointment is not a privilege as many might perceive; it is a call to duty whereby you will have to go an extra mile in providing leadership for this august institution,” he said adding that “During his tenure as the Vice Chancellor, CUEA has witnessed a number of achievements including a vibrant chaplaincy which has boosted the Catholic identity within campus ministry as evidenced in lively spiritual movements, liturgical activities, and celebration of sacraments, recollections, retreats and pilgrimages.”
He further said that CUEA has also succeeded in intensifying and upgrading its quality of networking as evidenced in MOUs that have been signed and subsequent joint ventures in terms of research, academic programs, exchange of staff and students.
By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
