Uganda Management Institute (UMI) hosted its orientation ceremony for incoming Masters and PhD participants on the 8^th August 2026 at its Kampala Campus. The event marked the official commencement of the academic journey for the newly admitted postgraduate cohort.

The ceremony was moderated by the Deputy Institute Registrar, Mrs. Ritah Walala, who warmly welcomed the participants to UMI. The Director of Programmes and Student Affairs, Associate Professor Kasozi Mulindwa appreciated the students for choosing UMI and emphasized management’s commitment in enabling a seamless academic journey for the students. He introduced the Deans of the various schools along with the respective academic staff, registrars and administrators.

Providing an overview of the institute’s leadership, the Director of Finance and Administration, Dr. John Nakabago, detailed UMI’s unique administrative structure. He highlighted the governance hierarchy running from the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Chancellor, through the Director General and the 17-member Governing Council chaired by Eng. Steven Kagoda, down to executive management of the institute.

Delivering the key orientation address, the Director General Prof James .L. Nkata warmly congratulated the incoming cohort on choosing UMI. He emphasized that as a purely postgraduate institution, UMI addresses its learners not as “students,” but as “participants” who bring valuable real-world experience to the academic environment. He reminded the audience that UMI confirmation into admission requires complete registration, timely payment of fees, and maintaining a minimum class attendance threshold of 75% to qualify for final examinations sitting. He further highlighted the role of UMI’s academic staff, noting that lecturers serve as facilitators who help participants contextualize knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions rather than merely teaching theory.

While emphasizing institutional values, the Director General urged participants to embody professionalism, dress decently, uphold strict academic integrity, and respect the institutional regulations.

In addressing the PhD candidates, the Director General noted that the doctoral path demands significant financial and personal investment and assured them that the knowledge will transform them into highly polished scholars and societal leaders. He similarly encouraged Masters Students to aim high and view their current studies as a stepping stone toward advanced academic and professional excellence.

In conclusion, Prof Nkata highlighted UMI’s strong academic standing ranked 4th nationwide and backed by ISO certification, guaranteeing internationally recognized quality standards. He welcomed the participants and wished them a successful and transformative tenure at the institute.