Professor George Nasinyama: A Man of Multitudes

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From a distance, it’s easy to believe that Professor George William Nasinyama is a hard nut to crack. After all, Prof. Nasinyama, who is Kampala International University’s (KIU) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Extension carries himself with a particular blend of seriousness and sophistication.

This perception calls for a calculative interaction, but after speaking to him, I started to realize a different side of him. Behind his sophistication, the Professor is the embodiment of enthusiasm, curiosity, and unwavering purpose – a cocktail of personality that fits his role as a humble agent of change.

Why? Because we live in uncertain times, banks have fallen, and investors are leaving because the economy is rough. In fact, recently, Dr. Adam Mugume, the Director of Research at Bank of Uganda stated that 2017 will “be a bad year.”

Prof. Nasinyama has a different take. He see’s these times as exciting, challenging, and exhilarating. He is using this boundless optimism to turn KIU into a powerful engine for change and transformation on a national and regional level.

“We are not discouraged by the challenge. Research is pivotal to change and can lead to better outcomes. All significant developments have been possible because of research. We will do whatever it takes to get where we need to be,” he said.

On a University level, the Professor shared his thoughts on KIU’s research.

“KIU is committed to becoming a top university in research. It’s our primary mission to make sure it rises to the next level. So far, it has been very rewarding and fulfilling to contribute to society positively by informing and encouraging new ideas,” he said.

In his steadfast goal to turn KIU into the research University of the 21st Century, the Professor strongly encourages KIU’s staff to dedicate more time to research despite any financial constraints.

“When we devote more time to research, it boosts not only our professional careers but the status of our university as well,” he offered.

Professor Nasinyama’s contribution to the world of research stretches back to his days at Makerere University where he served as the Deputy Director of Research and Innovation. His work helped to keep MUK in the top echelons of global research. When asked about the secret of his success, he responded, “It’s not intellect, but it’s your character.”

Prof. Nasinyama advises that having a good character can take you further. “Intelligence without mental and moral qualities only hinders success,” he advised.

He added: “Every new day provides an opportunity to grow. Therefore, people should embrace life’s gift and use it to the fullest.”

In spite of his busy schedule, Prof. Nasinyama still finds time for his family even when faced with the challenge of striking a balance between work and personal life. However, he admits that at one point balancing work and life, proved a challenge.

“I love my job. In the past I was always tempted to carry work home, this habit wasn’t well received. With time, I realized I had to drop it. These days, I strive to see to it that I complete all my assignments at the office in time. When I am home, it is time to catch up with family.”

“I also like watching television, reading books and exercising as a way of detoxifying my brain after a long day of work, or over the weekend,” he said.

And just when I thought I had figured him out, he surprises me again. He is a philanthropist who takes great pride in seeing others succeed.

“I am passionate about community service which I am involved in when I am not in the office. I also serve in the church at my parish at the same time chairing boards in some secondary schools,” he said.

In his final words to me, he shared thoughts about his unwavering commitment to KIU.

“We are proud to say we have been able to accomplish a number of collaborations and partnerships with international universities and research institutions. But we’re not satisfied, we are determined to make sure that we secure more partnerships and grants to further research at university level,” he offered.

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