Munyonyo, Uganda: Victoria University Kampala, Uganda’s benchmark for transformational education, has inaugurated its first-ever University Tribunal, a landmark move poised to reinforce institutional governance, streamline dispute resolution, and strengthen discipline across the university community.
The installation ceremony, held on Friday, November 14 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, was presided over by Buganda Road Court Magistrate His Worship Ronald Kayizzi, who administered the Oath of Office to the tribunal members in his capacity as Commissioner of Oaths.
The event drew an audience of top university leaders, including Founder and Ruparelia Group Chairman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, members of the University Council, Vice Chancellors from partner universities, staff representatives and student leaders.
Tribunal Becomes First Point of Justice
Upon swearing in the members, Magistrate Kayizzi emphasized the tribunal’s mandate as the primary internal court for resolving administrative and academic disputes. According to Mr Kayizzi, all cases arising within the institution must first be heard by the tribunal before parties can seek redress in national courts.
“From today onward, a case must first be presented before this tribunal. Skipping this step can result in a court dismissing the matter with costs,” he cautioned, highlighting the tribunal’s centrality in enforcing order and legal compliance.
Speaking at the same event, Victoria University Chancellor Prof. John Opuda-Asibo advised tribunal members to deliver proportional judgments, maintain confidentiality, uphold evidence-based decisions, and remain sensitive to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and students with language barriers.
Prof Opuda urged the tribunal to strictly operate within national legal frameworks and institutional policies, including the 1995 Constitution and the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga said the establishment of the tribunal aligns the institution with global governance standards and ensures that disciplinary and administrative matters are handled transparently and professionally.
He noted that the tribunal now stands as a safeguard for integrity, fairness, and academic accountability.
Who Is Who on Victoria University’s Tribunal
Mr. Elisha Bafirawala – Chairperson; Mr. Bafirawala is an advocate of the Courts of Judicature with more than 20 years of active legal practice. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Litigation Services at the Parliament of Uganda.
His vast experience includes serving as a Partner at Marlin Advocates and as a Principal State Attorney in the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Mr Bafirawala holds an LLM in Public International Law from the University of Oslo, with additional training in international legal practice from institutions in Washington and Finland. His expertise in litigation, constitutional affairs, and institutional governance positions him as a highly qualified chair of the tribunal.
Ms Nassuuna Rebecca Irene – Secretary to the Tribunal; Ms Nassuuna is the Managing Partner at Nassuuna & Company Advocates and brings over 17 years of legal practice to the tribunal. She holds an MBA from ESAMI, an LLB, and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from LDC.
A specialist in banking and land law, she has served as external counsel to several financial institutions and holds leadership roles in Kampala Corporate Women SACCO and Karibu Microfinance. Her strong administrative and legal background equips her with the precision required for managing tribunal affairs.
Rt. Hon. Gizamba Calvin – Student Representative;- Gizamba, the current Guild Speaker, represents the student body on the tribunal. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.
Known for his energetic approach to student leadership, he has distinguished himself as an advocate for student welfare and institutional participation. His experience in governance, mobilization, and campus athletics ensures that students have a strong and informed voice on the tribunal.
Dr. Bill Nkeeto – Academic Staff Representative; Dr. Nkeeto is the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management at Victoria University and holds a PhD in Economics from Makerere University. With more than 15 years of experience in higher education management, he has built a reputation as a seasoned academic administrator, researcher and curriculum developer.
Dr. Nkeeto is well-regarded for spearheading institutional growth and faculty development initiatives, making him a critical voice for academic integrity on the tribunal.
Mr. Vikrant Jha – Administrative Staff Representative; Mr. Jha currently serves as the Acting University Bursar and is a chartered accountant with broad expertise in accounting, financial management, internal audit and taxation. He previously led internal audit operations at the Ruparelia Group and served as an Assistant Taxation Manager at JP Kapur & Uberai Chartered Accountants. His strong grasp of compliance, institutional finance and administrative oversight gives the tribunal a valuable perspective on governance processes.
Dr. Harriet Mimi Uwineza – Senate Representative; Dr. Uwineza is the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and brings more than a decade of experience in academic leadership. A former Country Director at Childcare Worldwide and former CEO of P-Save SACCO, she has led major governance reforms in multiple institutions.
She is trained under the African Union’s FEMWISE-Africa framework and is recognised for her expertise in negotiation, conflict mediation, advocacy and institutional governance. Her presence on the tribunal strengthens its capacity for fair and empathetic adjudication.
Dr. Mary Kanyiginya Tizikara – University Council Representative; Dr. Tizikara holds a PhD from Makerere University and is a Chartered Human Resource Analyst with over 20 years of experience in HR and administration.
She has served more than a decade in senior management roles within higher education, with expertise in talent management, organisational development, performance management and diversity and inclusion.A professional mentor and trainer, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to equity and staff welfare.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a pledge from the newly inaugurated tribunal to uphold transparency, impartiality and professionalism. The newly sworn-in Chairperson, Mr Elisha Bafirawala, assured the university community that the tribunal will operate as a respected, credible and effective platform for internal dispute resolution.
With this installation, Victoria University positions itself among the regional leaders in modern governance, structured justice mechanisms and institutional discipline.
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