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Fredrick Mutabaruka

Fredrick Mutabaruka

Senior Lecturer

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Dr. Fredrick Mutabaruka is an accomplished educationist, development practitioner, researcher, and academic leader with extensive experience in education management, development studies, governance, and public administration.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (2013–2019). His doctoral research, titled “Implementation of Universal Primary Education Programme in Uganda and its Influence on Education Performance: A Case of Kiruhura and Buhweju Districts,” examined the effectiveness of Uganda’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy implementation and its implications for educational outcomes, with particular emphasis on quality, stakeholder participation, resource allocation, and programme sustainability.

Dr. Mutabaruka earned a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University (2008–2010). He also holds a Bachelor of Education (English and Social Studies) from Uganda Christian University (2002–2005), a Diploma in Education Primary (English and Social Studies) from Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (1996–1999), and a Grade III Teachers Certificate from the same institution (1990–1992).

In addition to his formal academic qualifications, Dr. Mutabaruka has undertaken specialized professional training in research methodology, social science methodologies, administrative law, governance and SACCO management, and public administration. These include certificates from Mountains of the Moon University, Law Development Centre, and Makerere University.

His multidisciplinary academic background and research expertise have enabled him to contribute significantly to educational policy analysis, institutional leadership, social development initiatives, and evidence-based research aimed at improving service delivery and educational outcomes in Uganda.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Development Studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology, obtained between 2013 and 2019. His doctoral thesis, titled “Implementation of Universal Primary Education Programme in Uganda and its Influence on Education Performance: A Case of Kiruhura and Buhweju Districts,” examined the effectiveness of the Universal Primary Education programme and its impact on educational outcomes in Uganda.

Dr. Mutabaruka also earned a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University (2008–2010). He holds a Bachelor of Education in English and Social Studies from Uganda Christian University (2002–2005), a Diploma in Education Primary (English and Social Studies) from Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (1996–1999), and a Grade III Teachers Certificate from the same institution (1990–1992).

In addition to his formal academic qualifications, Dr. Mutabaruka has undertaken several professional development programmes to strengthen his expertise in research, governance, administration, and management. These include a Certificate in BIOGRAFRICA Methodological Training in Social Sciences from Mountains of the Moon University (2016), a Certificate in Research Methodology Training from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (2014), a Certificate in Good Governance and Management of SACCOs from Professional Enterprise Skills Service Ltd. (2013), a Certificate in Administrative Law from Law Development Centre (2011), and a Certificate in Public Administration and Management from Makerere University (2007).

His educational journey began with the completion of the Uganda Certificate of Education at Kazo Secondary School (1986–1989) and the Primary Leaving Examination at Rwenkobwa Primary School (1979–1985).

Dr. Mutabaruka’s diverse academic and professional qualifications reflect a strong interdisciplinary foundation in education, development studies, research methodology, governance, and public administration, positioning him as a capable scholar, educator, and institutional leader.

  1. Domestic Violence a Threat to Marriage Institution in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Reflection on Some Cases in Rwenzori Region Western Uganda. Advances in Applied Sociology, 15, 1143-1156. DOI: 10.4236/aasoci.2025.1511065 Nov. 25, 2025
  2. The Significance of Rural Women Groups to the Household Incomes of Members: A Transformational Model to Rural Development, a Case of Selected Villages in Uganda. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Review Volume: 07, Issue: 04 July – August 2024 ISSN 2582-0176
  3. Closure of Schools during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Assessment of Learning Interventions by Governments on Limiting Disruptions of Education Programme. A Case of Uganda. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Review Volume: 05, Issue: 05 September – October 2022 ISSN 2582-0176
  4. Is There a Solution to Domestic Violence? Digging Deeper Into the Problem of Domestic Violence in Uganda a Case of Ibanda District. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 8, No. 12 Publication Date: December 25, 2021 DOI:10.14738/assrj.812.10041
  5. The Influence of School Inspection to Quality Teaching/Learning of Children in Primary Schools. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.5, No.6 Publication Date: June. 25, 2018 DoI:10.14738/assrj.56.4391
  6. Factors Influencing the Implementation and Performance of Universal Primary Education Programme: The Case of Uganda. Researchjournali’s Journal of Management Vol. 6 | No. 5 June | 2018 ISSN 2347-8217
  7. Universal Primary Education Performance in Uganda: A Critical Analysis. Researchjournali’s Journal of Education. Vol. 5 | No. 12 December | 2017 ISSN 2347-8225
  8. Implementation of Universal Primary Education Programme in Uganda and its Influence on Education Performance. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) (2017) Volume 36, No 8, pp 252-26
  1. Strengthening Equitable Partnerships in International Research Collaboration in Uganda EPWFF\100005titled Strengthening Equitable Partnerships in International Research Collaboration in Uganda (“Prime Award”) funded by the British Academy, 10 – 11 Carlton House Terrace London, UK(“Sponsor”). This was a £ 50,000 project implemented by (Makerere University, Uganda Martyrs University, Mountains of the Moon University, and National Agricultural Research Organisation) which enhanced principles and practice of equitable partnerships in research collaboration with global south and global north partners.
  2. Erasmus+ Program for Students and Staff Mobility in Higher Education with Hogent University. The Memorandum of Understanding is established between HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Belgium) and Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Uganda. This partnership operates under the Erasmus+ Programme and focuses on the mobility of higher education students and staff. The collaboration is valid for the 2021–2027 Erasmus+ call years and aims to enhance academic exchange, intercultural learning, and institutional capacity development between Europe and Africa. Three Students already in Belgium for the Mobility.

Graduate supervision and Examination.

 Externally Examined Dissertations

  1. Universal Primary Education Quality Assurance Mechanisms and the Academic Performance of Learners in Primary Schools in Ibanda District by Katsigazi levunari IU/22/MEPA/016/R
  2. Non-Financial Incentives and Teachers’ Performance: A Case Study of Public Secondary Schools in Sheema Municipality by Namanya Flavia IU/22/MEPA/008/R.
  3. Piercy Assessment Methods and Learners Academic Performance in Primary Schools in Uganda: A Case of Public Primary Schools in Kicheche Sub-County, Kitagwenda District. By Tusiime IU/22/MEPA/009/R

Internally supervised Graduate Students to Graduation

  1. An Assessment of Corruption Practices in Health Service Delivery in Kabalore District by Kahunde Stella 2023/U/MMU/MPAN/01778
  2. An Assessment of Community Members Partcipation in Health Service Delivery in Local Governments: A case of Kasese District by Masika Misulesi 2023/U/MMU/MPAM/01428
  3. Political Leadership Practices and Local Government Perfomance in Bunyangabu District Local Government by Manume John 2023/U/MMU/MPAM/01031
  4. Analyzing Digital Communication Dynamics on Improving Natural Resources Conservation in Fortportal City  by Murungi Dorcus Reg No: 2022/U/Mmu/Mpam 007
  5. Analysis of Employee Behavior towards Organizational Performance in Higher Institutions of Learning, a Case of Study of Mountains of Moon University Fort Portal by Agonzebwa Robinah Reg. No. 2022/U/Mmu/Mpam/014
  6. Corporate Governance Practices and Financial Sustainability in Selected Civil Societies in Fort portal Tourism City by Nuwagaba Jonathan 2022/U/Mmu/Mpam/016
  7. Village Savings And Loan Associations and Their Relationship to Poverty Reduction among Rural Households in Kichwamba Sub County Kabarole District, Uganda. A Case of Caritas Fort Portal by Julián Yagala 2020/U/MMU/MPA/013 Examining the Strategies of Staff Retention in Prívate Secondary Schools in Fort Portal City by Katerega Reagan 2018/U/MMU/MELPS/003
  8. Automatic Promotion and Pupils Academic Performance in UPE Schools Case study of Rwimi Town Council, Kabarole District by Kemigisa Rhoda
  9. Remuneration of Civil Servants and Service Delivery in Uganda: A Case of Public Primary Education Sector in Kyenjojo District Local Government by Kalimbi Edmond 2020/U/MMU/MPAM/009
  10. 2016/U/MMU/MELPS/ 002
  11. The Effect of Presidential initiative on Aids Strategy for Communication to the Youth (PIASCY) on Learners Academic Performance in Primary Schools in Kyenjonjo District. by Karamagi Amos 2015/U/MMU/MELPS/003
  12. The Effect of Automatic Promotion on Learner’s Academic Performance in Rwimi Town Council, Kabalore District. By Rhoda 2014/U/MMU/MELPS/002
  13. The Role of School Inspectors towards Quality Teaching/Learning in Kabalore District Uganda, by Agwena Harriet 2013/U/MMU/MELPS/ 007.
  14. An Assessment of the Quality of Primary Education in Kyarushozi Sub-County Kabarrole District Uganda by Lukati Willy Frank.

Professional Profile of Dr. Fredrick Mutabaruka

Dr. Fredrick Mutabaruka is a distinguished academic, education administrator, researcher, and development practitioner with over three decades of progressive experience in teaching, educational leadership, university management, community development, and public service.

He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Mountains of the Moon University, a position he assumed in 2025. Since 2022, he has also been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Previously, Dr. Mutabaruka served as Dean of Students at Mountains of the Moon University from 2012 to 2022, where he was a member of the University’s top management team and provided strategic leadership in student affairs and institutional development. He also served as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education between 2017 and 2018.

His academic expertise extends beyond his home institution. Since 2007, he has served as a consultant and facilitator in Social Studies under the Distance Education Programme at Kyambogo University.

Before joining higher education, Dr. Mutabaruka held several leadership positions in primary education. From 2003 to 2012, he worked as a substantive head teacher in various Grade One primary schools in Mbarara and Ibanda District Local Governments. Earlier, he served as a caretaker head teacher from 1995 to 2002 and began his teaching career as a classroom teacher at Magondo Primary School in Mbarara District between 1992 and 1994.

University Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities

Within Mountains of the Moon University, Dr. Mutabaruka has held several strategic leadership roles, including:

  • General Secretary, Mountains of the Moon University Academic Staff Association (2023 to date);
  • Member of the University’s Top Management Team (2012–2022);
  • Chairperson, Procurement Committee (2014–2017); and
  • Chairperson, Construction Committee for Blocks A and B (2016–2018).

In addition, he currently serves as Chairperson of the Research Ethics Committee at Ibanda University, a position he has held since 2024.

Community Leadership and Public Service

Dr. Mutabaruka has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and local governance through various leadership roles, including:

  • Chairperson, Board of Governors, Nyamarebe Seed Secondary School, Ibanda District (2019 to date);
  • Chairperson, Supervisory and Audit Committee, Bisheshe–Ishongororo–Nyamarebe Development Association SACCO (2023 to date);
  • Chairperson, Uganda Deans of Students Forum and the East Africa Deans of Students Forum (2020–2023);
  • President, Corporate Club of Fort Portal, overseeing corporate league sports activities (2021 to date);
  • Executive Director, FRENU Consult Co. Ltd. (2010 to date);
  • District Councillor representing workers in Ibanda District Local Government Council (2016–2021);
  • Member, Standing Committee on Finance, Ibanda District Local Government Council (2016–2021);
  • Chairperson, Supervisory and Audit Committee, ISSIA SACCO, Ibanda District (2009–2012);
  • Member, Building Committee of Bugarama Parish Church, Ibanda District (2022 to date); and
  • Chairperson, Kitwe Kyaruhanga United Families, a community-based social organisation (2019 to date).

Research, Conferences, and Professional Development

Dr. Mutabaruka actively participates in scholarly engagements, conferences, and professional development initiatives. Notable events attended include:

  • The National Family Symposium commemorating the International Day of Families, held at the ICT Innovation Hub, Nakawa, Kampala, in May 2024;
  • The Second MMU-VLIR International Research Conference and Exhibition held in Fort Portal in April 2024; and
  • The African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence on Nations and Identities in Africa workshop held in Kampala in March 2024.

His extensive experience in education, governance, research, and community service, combined with his academic qualifications in development studies and education, positions him as a respected scholar and transformative leader committed to advancing higher education, social development, and evidence-based policy in Uganda.