With Prof Johhn Ddumba Ssentamu’s term of office as Makerere vice chancellor nearing the end, a five-member committee has been instituted to search for a person to take up the office.
Section 31 (3) of the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act stipulates that a search committee composed of two members from the University Council and three members from 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.
It’s on that note that Irene Ovonji Odida (Deputy Vice Chairperson of the University Council) and Bruce Balaba Kabaasa (the appointments board chairman) were selected by University Council to be part of the search committee while Dr Betty Ezati, Dr Frank Mwine and Prof Joseph Y. Mugisha to represent Senate.
Prof Ddumba’s term of office is ending on August 31, 2017 and according to the spokesperson of the university, Ritah Namisango, the search committee will by then have got another suitable person for the post.
While electing the senate members, a process that took place on Wednesday March 22, Dr Ernest Okello Ogwang who is also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) said he is confident the search committee will do its work.
“I congratulate everyone who has participated in this exercise. This is for the good of the university. I appeal to the members of Senate to continue supporting the members we have elected to represent us on the search committee for the Vice Chancellor,” Ogwang said.
According to section of 31 (4) of the University and Other tertiary Institutions act, it’s stipulated that the vice chancellor 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.
But during a phone interview with Tower Post, Prof Ddumba was hesitant to say he will vie for the the seat again.
“My issue is the process of getting the vice chancellor: you can’t vote for a VC, It should be the president to appoint,” the economics professor said, adding he will soon give his clear stand about whether he is still interested in the office or not.
