Mukiibi's daughter officially takes over of St. Lawrence University

Maria Justine Tulina, the rector of St. Lawrence Schools and Colleges has taken over the overall supervision of St. Lawrence University, a position previously held by her late father, Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi.

Prof. Mukiibi who passed on in May this year, was the proprietor of the University and chairperson of the board of trustees.

Tulina, who has been in charge managing her father's estates  since his demise, was Monday unveiled to the press by Mike Kennedy Ssebalu, the chairperson of the University Council.

Dr. Andrew Ssemwanga, the new Vice Chancellor of St. Lawrence University

 
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sarah Nkonge, the deputy chairperson of the council, Peter Ssemakula, resident director and one of Prof. Mukiibi's sons, the guild President Marial Amuor and JB Baliruno, the President of the teachers' association.

Ssebalu also introduced Dr. Andrew Ssemwanga as the new university Vice Chancellor, replacing Prof. Frank Kakinda Mbaaga who has been in charge since the University was established.  

Ssebalu said that Tulina was the defacto second in command before the death of her father and was a member of the University Council who is well versed with the affairs and management of the institution.

He explained that even the new Vice Chancellor has been holding the portfolio of deputy in charge academics and was therefore capable of steering the University for the next six months until a search committee advertises the post for all capable candidates to compete.

"The new Vice chancellor will be in charge for a period of six months after which a committee that was recently instituted kicks off the process of getting a permanent Vice Chancellor," Ssebalu explained.

He explained that the process of replacing the Vice Chancellor started long before Prof. Mukiibi died after Prof. Mbaaga clocked 73, three years above the stipulated age limit.

Mike Kennedy Ssebalu (R) the chairperson of St. Lawrence University council and his deputy, Dr. Sarah Nkonge after a press conference. Left of Marial Muor, the guild president.

According to Ssebalu, the University management signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prof. Mbaaga which stipulated his retirement package in monetary terms, for which he acknowledged receipt.

"The handover of office was supposed to have taken place on July 10 but he requested for more time, which we agreed but we have no outstanding commitment, all terms have been agreed upon and there is no reason for him to harbor bad feelings because everything was done under mutual understanding, respect and benefit," Ssebalu explained.

Prof. Mbaaga however did not attend the meeting but Dr. Nkonge said that he was aware of the process to replace him because he had been told about the human resource manual which bars him to continue serving in that position beyond 70 years.