By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus- The August intake students were last week officially oriented on how things work at KIU with several of them turning up for the two-day groundbreaking orientation ceremony that ended on Friday 8th September 2023.

Several administrators used the opportunity to advise the freshers on ways to succeed academically as well as a variety of survival skills while at KIU. Prof.Janice Desire Busingye, the Deputy vice chancellor for Finance and Administration was the guest of honor on the second day of the event and her message was a strong one.

"Your number one priority is to study; the rest is background noise. Be bold enough to set your values and proud enough to understand those values,” she advised.

She highlighted the fact that girls are always more susceptible to temptations and empty promises compared to boys and as such they usually fall prey to future limiting circumstances hence disappointing both their guardians and the University. She advised them not to give flatterers a chance.

"Guard yourself generously, tell yourself you are beautiful every day, and don't let someone lie to you."

Prof.Janice's powerful message was complemented by another strong piece of advice from Ms. Judith Ariyo Bakakimpa, the KIU Campus Administrator whose emphasis was on attitude.

"Your attitude determines how far you go, so have a positive attitude," she said.

Other administrators that graced the event include Dr. Mbabazi Mbabazize, the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ivan Muhwezi, the acting Director of Academic Affairs, and a contingent from the Admissions Office led by the Deputy Director, Ms.Sharifa Nakitanda.

Mr. Ivan Muhwezi cautioned the students on laziness and negligence that at times lead to missing marks and other details. This he said begins with registration.

"Registration is every semester. When you report for a new semester, go to the department and register such that we know that so and so has come back," he noted.

"University is not like high school, it's a free environment, you come in and go freely. You do not raise your hand to ask, "Please sir may I go out. What matters here is doing the right thing at the right time," he added.

In conjunction, Dr.Mbabazize urged the students to ensure they have completed the registration process before embarking on anything else and also encouraged students from his college, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to embrace leadership.

"I want to encourage students from CHSS to stand for chief fresher because this is the best college for politicians," he said.

The Orientation exercise began on Thursday 7th September and closed on Friday 8th September 2023, marking the beginning of life in the University for our August intake students as a University, we promise to play it straight to their ultimate expectations as we look forward to seeing them explore the heights.