Professor Dumba’s days are numbered as Makerere University Begins Search for A New Vice chancellor

The days of Prof. John Ddumba Ssentamu’s as Makerere University Vice Chancellor are numbered, after the University Council launched a hunt for a new person to fill in his shoes.

The Makerere University Council, the supreme governing body of the institution, has kicked off the search process for a new vice chancellor, with the tenure of Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu coming to an end. According to a statement by the university spokesperson, Ritah Namisango, the search process was kicked into gear following a University Council meeting on Thursday March 9, 2017.

In a day-long meeting on Thursday March 9^th 2017 at Makerere University Council room, the council chaired by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana Etyem nominated Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida, the Vice Chairperson of council together with Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, the appointments committee chairperson as council representatives to search committee.

Section 31 (3) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act stipulates that a search committee composed of two members from the University Council and three members from the University Senate shall identify suitable candidates for the post of Vice Chancellor and forward them to the Senate to nominate three candidates for recommendation to the University Council.

Section 31 (4) of the Act stipulates that the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the University Council for five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.

The incumbent is entitled to run for a second time to retain his office. Indeed, officials close to him have indicated he may throw his name in the hat for selection, despite a troubled time at the helm of the oldest university in the country.

During the recent graduation ceremony, Prof Ddumba-Ssentamu was cautious not to indicate if he would take the office or not, in his speech.

“Since I assumed office on September 1, 2012, my current term will expire on August 31, 2017. I would like to thank you Mr. Chancellor, Sir, for having given me this opportunity to serve Makerere University,” he said.

Word at Makerere indicates that apart from Prof Ddumba-Ssentamu, the deputy vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe and Prof Edward Kirumira may be planning another run for the vice chancellor’s office. All three declined to comment on the search process.

We understand that a section of lecturers are also hoping that former vice chancellor, Prof Venansius Baryamureeba will change his mind and consider running for the post again.

According to Kabaasa, this is a routine process required by the law and that council had just started the process.

The University Council agreed that Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida will Chair the Search Committee for the next Vice Chancellor.