Dr. Tushabe Sylivia Byarugaba

Dr. Sylivia Byarugaba Tushabe is a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and practitioner in the field of hospitality and tourism management. Currently serving as the Head of the Hospitality Operations Department at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Kabale University (Uganda), she possesses over 18 years of cumulative experience in higher education, curriculum architecture, and industry-focused research. Her career trajectory demonstrates a strategic progression from foundational teaching at the YMCA Comprehensive Institute (2007-2019) to advanced academic leadership at the university level. Her recent promotion to Head of Department in August 2025 is a direct recognition of her exceptional capabilities in program innovation, team mentorship, and strategic partnership development. Dr. Tushabe’s professional mission is consistently oriented towards bridging the critical gap between academic theory and industry practice, thereby enhancing graduate employability and directly contributing to the sustainable development of Uganda’s vital tourism and hospitality sector.

Scholarly Contributions & Research Impact

Dr. Tushabe has established a robust research portfolio with publications in peer-reviewed journals, primarily focusing on human capital development within the hospitality industry. Her scholarly work is characterized by its applied nature and direct relevance to national and regional economic priorities. A central theme in her research is the analysis of skills ecosystems, as exemplified in her 2024 study, “Bridging the Skill Gaps”: Analyzing the Mismatch between Hospitality Education and Industry Needs in Uganda (African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management). This work critically examines curricular deficiencies and proposes actionable frameworks for alignment. She further investigates the psychological and behavioral dimensions of employability, evidenced by her 2024 publications on the mediating role of socio-emotional disposition between technical skills and job acquisition (African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management) and the direct correlation between socio-emotional skills and employability in Southwestern Uganda (Journal of Research Innovation and Implications in Education). Her research also addresses sectoral resilience and technological adaptation, highlighted in her 2023 study on the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by hotels in the Kigezi sub-region during the COVID-19 pandemic. This body of work positions her as a leading voice on workforce development and strategic adaptation in East African tourism.

Academic Credentials & Intellectual Foundation

Dr. Tushabe’s expertise is underpinned by a formidable and recently completed academic pedigree. She earned her terminal degree, a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management), from Kabale University in 2025. This doctoral research, built upon her extensive field experience, undoubtedly deepens her analytical contributions to the discipline. Her foundational postgraduate training includes a Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management from Makerere University (2019) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Uganda Management Institute (2010). Her core professional knowledge originates from a Bachelor of Catering and Hotel Management, also from Makerere University (2005). This layered educational background—combining specialized hospitality training with advanced business administration and research methodologies—provides her with a unique and comprehensive toolkit for both academic leadership and applied problem-solving.

Strategic Leadership & Program Innovation

In her capacity as Head of Department, Dr. Tushabe exercises full academic and administrative leadership. Her role encompasses strategic planning, budgetary management, quality assurance, and the mentorship of faculty. A flagship achievement under her guidance is the spearheading of two new industry-aligned short courses in professional cookery and in pastry and baking, scheduled for launch in January 2026. This initiative directly responds to market demands for specialized technical skills. She also maintains a critical role in curriculum development and accreditation, having previously overseen the successful accreditation of three key programs that significantly boosted student enrollment. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes creating a culture of academic rigor, pedagogical innovation, and continuous professional development for staff, ensuring institutional sustainability and excellence.

Industry Integration & Professional Advocacy

Beyond academia, Dr. Tushabe is a committed connector between the educational sphere and the hospitality industry. Her professional credibility is demonstrated through active membership and leadership in key sector bodies. She holds the elected office of Treasurer for the Association of Uganda Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Training Institutions (AUHTTTI), a role that places her at the heart of national policy dialogue on training standards. She is also a longstanding member of the Hotel General Managers Association of Uganda (HOGMU), ensuring her curriculum development is informed by real-time insights from industry executives. These engagements facilitate vital partnerships for student internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects, ensuring that her department’s outputs are directly relevant to employer needs.

Core Competencies & Professional Value Proposition

Dr. Tushabe’s unique value proposition lies in her synthesis of multiple competencies

Curriculum Design & Accreditation: Proven ability to design, implement, and accredit market-responsive academic programs from short courses to bachelor’s degrees.
Academic Research & Thought Leadership: A track record of publishing applied research that addresses critical gaps in skills development and industry practice.
Strategic Partnership Development: Expertise in building and leveraging networks with industry associations, private sector leaders, and public institutions.
Departmental Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated success in leading academic teams, managing resources, and fostering a high-performance culture.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation: Skilled at representing institutional interests at university, national, and industry forums.

Dr. Sylivia Byarugaba Tushabe represents a dynamic and impactful force in African hospitality education. Her profile combines deep academic scholarship with pragmatic leadership and robust industry engagement. She is strategically positioned as an ideal consultant for curriculum development projects, a sought-after speaker on human capital in tourism, and a valuable partner for institutions seeking to enhance the relevance and employability outcomes of their hospitality programs. Her work is not merely academic but is fundamentally geared towards shaping a more competitive and sustainable future for the tourism and hospitality industry in Uganda and the broader region.