SOROTI CITY — Soroti University has strengthened its ambition to become a leading centre for health sciences and research with the appointment of renowned Ugandan pharmacologist and Covidex innovator, Prof. Patrick Engeu Ogwang, as the new Head of the Department of Pharmacology.

Prof. Ogwang is among 76 senior academic, administrative and support staff appointed by the University Council in a move aimed at reinforcing the institution's leadership, expanding research capacity and improving service delivery.

The appointments were announced on July 7, 2026, by the University's spokesperson, Juma Hassan Nyene, who said the recruitment marks a significant milestone in Soroti University's continued growth as a centre of excellence in science, technology, innovation and community transformation.

Nyene said Prof. Ogwang brings extensive experience in higher education, pharmaceutical research, tropical medicine and scientific innovation, positioning him to strengthen the University's research agenda, particularly in the health sciences.

Prof. Ogwang is widely recognised for developing Covidex, a herbal supportive treatment that gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. His appointment is expected to enhance research, innovation and collaboration in pharmacology and related medical fields.

The University also appointed Gilbert Denis Otim as the substantive University Bursar. A Certified Public Accountant and member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Otim had been serving in an acting capacity following the departure of CPA Robert Magemeso after previously serving as Deputy University Bursar for eight years.

Samuel Omoding was confirmed as the University's Chief Planning Officer after serving as Deputy Chief Planning Officer and later acting in the position. According to Nyene, Omoding's experience in strategic planning and institutional development is expected to strengthen the University's planning, monitoring and performance management functions.

In addition, the University Council renewed the contract of Augustine Okuku Maloba as Chief Human Resource Officer, citing confidence in his leadership and contribution to the institution's human resource management.

Nyene said the appointments reflect Soroti University's commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing academic excellence and building a strong foundation for research, innovation and community engagement.

"The selection of these accomplished professionals underscores Soroti University's dedication to excellence, accountability, innovation and transformative leadership," he said.

The appointments come as the public university continues to expand its academic programmes, deepen research collaborations, invest in innovation and improve infrastructure to meet the growing demand for quality higher education in Uganda and the wider region.

The University Council approved the appointments in accordance with the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and the University's governance framework. The new team is expected to provide strategic leadership that will improve institutional governance, academic performance, research output and service delivery.

The announcement was, however, made amid a sombre moment for the institution following the death of Prof. Percival Christopher Egau, the Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, who passed away on the morning of July 7 at the age of 79.

Established as Uganda's ninth public university under Statutory Instrument No. 34 of July 2015, Soroti University has a mandate to train competent and competitive professionals in applied sciences while contributing to national development through research, innovation and technology.