Strengthening Academic Registries Through Practice & Benchmarking

The Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVCF) Secretariat successfully convened a two-day Academic Registrars’ Training Workshop under the theme “Strengthening Academic Registries Through Practice & Benchmarking.” The workshop brought together Academic Registrars, quality assurance officers, legal experts, and higher education practitioners from across Uganda to exchange experiences and explore innovative approaches to enhancing efficiency, integrity, and service delivery in academic registries.

The training addressed key thematic areas including governance, leadership, data protection, legal and ethical compliance, and professional visibility of Academic Registrars. Participants examined data governance frameworks, confidentiality obligations, and legal risks in managing academic records, with emphasis on strengthening institutional accountability and trust.

A major highlight was the focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in higher education administration. Discussions explored practical applications of AI in admissions, student verification, and data analytics, alongside ethical considerations and operational risks. The workshop further emphasized leadership, change management, customer service, and stakeholder engagement as critical drivers of improved institutional performance.

Day one sessions focused on evolving student expectations in the digital era, academic document verification and integrity management, as well as examinations, assessment, and quality assurance. Presenters underscored the need for responsive, transparent, and technology-enabled academic services to enhance institutional credibility.

Day two concentrated on governance, data ethics, and inter-university collaboration. Participants shared benchmarking experiences and explored opportunities for strengthening registry systems through partnerships and coordinated information-sharing mechanisms. The workshop concluded with a plenary session where participants developed institutional resolutions and action points aimed at improving registry operations across universities.

The workshop was officially opened by the Executive Director of UVCF, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, who emphasized the pivotal role of Academic Registrars in safeguarding academic integrity, ensuring compliance, and enhancing student satisfaction. He urged participants to embrace innovation, continuous professional development, and collaboration in response to the evolving higher education landscape.

UVCF extends appreciation to all facilitators and presenters who contributed to the success of the workshop, including:
Managing Student Expectations in the Digital Generation – Mr. Okopa Michael
Ensuring Authenticity of Academic Documents – Dr. Annie Begumisa
Examinations, Assessment & Quality Assurance – Mr. Edward Katumba Segawa
Data Governance, Legal Risks and Ethics in Higher Education Institutions – Ms. Judith Ahimbisibwe
Personal Branding for Academic Registrars – Mr. Marx Rukundo
AI and Emerging Technologies in the Academic Registry – Dr. Giju Paul
Leadership, Change Management & Service Delivery – Mr. Peter Mitanda
Inter-University Collaboration – Dr. Martha Kyoshaba Twinamasiko
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening professionalism, innovation, and collaboration within academic registries to enhance the quality of higher education in Uganda.