Outgoing Makerere University vice chancellor John Ddumba-Ssentamu has congratulated his deputy Prof Barnabas Nawangwe on his win as the most probable candidate to replace him.

On Thursday, University Council forwarded to chancellor Ezra Suruma names of deputy vice chancellor for finance and administration Prof Nawangwe and that of ex-vice chancellor and former presidential candidate Prof Venansius Baryamureeba.

Chancellor Suruma is expected to endorse the best candidate.

Nawangwe, an architecture professor, ranked higher than Baryamureeba and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (Chuss) principal Prof Edward Kirumira.

It was upon Nawangwe’s good ranking that Ddumba-Ssentamu based to congratulate Nawangwe.

“I write to extend congratulations upon emerging winner of the search process for the next vice chancellor of Makerere University, as endorsed by the special meeting of the University Council today,” Ddumba-Ssentamu wrote to Nawangwe on Thursday.

He also promised to work with his immediate successor as he hands over office in a transition that is expected to end at the close of August when Ddumba’s term expires.

But even before Dr Suruma endorses and declares Prof Ddumba-Ssentamu’s replacement, Baryamureeba is already up in arms.

Baryamureeba claims that the search process was tinkered by people including Ruhinda North MP Thomas Tayebwa, who is also a member of Council.

“As One Of The Candidates Who Participated In The Search Process For The Vice Chancellor Of Makerere University, I Have Overwhelming Evidence To Show That Search Committee Report That Was Used As A Basis For The Senate And Council Decisions To Have Prof. Barnabas Nawnagwe As Vice Chancellor Elect Is A Total SHAM,” Baryamureeba claims.

“The Main Architect Of This Scam Outside The Search Committee Has Been Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, A Member Of Council With Vested Personal Interests In Makerere University Who Has Been Misusing The Name Of The First Lady And Minister Of Education And Sports To Misinform Members Of The Search Committee, Council And Other Stakeholders Of Makerere University. Details And Evidence To Follow.”

He has also vowed never to respect Nawangwe as the next vice chancellor.

“ I Therefore Shall Never Recognise Prof. Nawangwe As Vice Chancellor Elect And Later As Vice Chancellor Of Makerere University.”

He now wants the search process probed by government.

“The Visitation Committee To Makerere University Should Interest Itself In This Matter And So Should Government For The Good Of Makerere University.”