Hero's welcome for Prof Ogwal as Lira University turns page on leadership crisis
The Attorney General's recent legal opinion, sought by Ogwal himself, concluded that Okaka had already exhausted the two five-year terms permitted under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and was therefore ineligible to continue occupying the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs).
Staff of Lira University line up to welcome Prof Ogwal Okeng who was on sick leave
LIRA - Barely a week after the Attorney General advised that the tenure of Lira University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Opio Okaka Dokotum, had legally expired, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng returned from sick leave on Monday to an emotional welcome by jubilant staff, signalling what many see as a critical moment in the university's prolonged leadership crisis.
With a brass band leading the procession, dozens of staff lined the university grounds, singing, ululating and shedding tears of joy as Ogwal was driven through the campus before formally reassuming office from Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Andrew Ojulong.
The symbolic return comes at a time when Uganda's youngest public university is grappling with internal governance disputes, legal battles, allegations of nepotism and administrative impropriety.
The Attorney General's recent legal opinion, sought by Ogwal himself, concluded that Okaka had already exhausted the two five-year terms permitted under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act and was therefore ineligible to continue occupying the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs).
The opinion further advised the University Council to commence a fresh competitive recruitment process for the position.
The legal guidance adds another chapter to a dispute that has exposed deep divisions within the university's top leadership.
'I am back'
Speaking shortly after retaking his office, Ogwal thanked medical teams for restoring his health and praised staff for keeping the university running during his absence.
"I am back to my office, extremely happy that the university has been running very well under the stewardship of this young man, Dr Andrew Ojulong," he said.
"I have continued receiving positive reports from colleagues across the country. God still wants me to continue this journey with you so that together we can make Lira University one of the best universities in Uganda and beyond."
Ogwal said he was impressed by the progress registered during his four-month absence.
"We started with only 66 students. Today we are talking about over 3,000 admissions in one academic year. That tells you the university is growing despite what people outside may think."
'Conflicts are common'
Although Ogwal declined to discuss details of the leadership dispute, he acknowledged that disagreements were inevitable in public universities.
"Conflicts are common in public universities such as Makerere, Gulu, Kyambogo and Soroti. Our matter is already before court. Let us wait for the court's ruling."
His remarks come against the backdrop of months of public disagreements between sections of the university leadership over appointments, governance and interpretation of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
The disagreements have been accompanied by petitions, legal correspondence and counter-accusations, including allegations of nepotism and irregular recruitment processes, claims that have been strongly contested by the different parties.
The Attorney General's opinion has now added legal weight to the argument that the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) should be subjected to a fresh competitive recruitment process rather than be occupied beyond the statutory term.
Acting leadership
Ojulong had served as Acting Vice Chancellor since March while Ogwal underwent medical treatment.
"Teaching, research and innovation continued effectively. We attended more than 30 high-level national and international meetings and ensured that university programmes proceeded without interruption," said Ojulong.
He also highlighted progress on infrastructure projects, noting that the administration block is now about 99 per cent complete, while construction of the AFCON training facility continues.
"We have continued to run the university through coordination, consultation, mutual trust and respect while focusing on delivering our mandate."
Leaking information
In one of his strongest messages, Ogwal warned staff against leaking confidential university information to the media or members of the public without authorisation.
"All staff took an oath of secrecy. Official information cannot simply be circulated to the media or any other person. Doing so is illegal and attracts disciplinary action."
The warning comes after several confidential university documents relating to appointments, disciplinary matters and governance disputes found their way into the public domain during the recent leadership wrangles.
Ogwal also paid tribute to three senior officials whose contracts recently expired: former University Secretary Augustine Oyang Atubo, University Bursar CPA Hasahya Nathan Hagobi and Dean of Students Emma Aceng.
"They played a significant role in building this young university. Their contribution will remain part of Lira University's history."
The Vice Chancellor's return coincides with what observers describe as one of the most defining periods in Lira University's history.
The institution has experienced remarkable growth in student enrolment and infrastructure development, but those achievements have been overshadowed by prolonged governance disputes that have spilled into courtrooms and attracted intervention from the Attorney General.
Whether the legal opinion on the Deputy Vice Chancellor's tenure will finally bring closure to one of the university's most contentious leadership battles remains to be seen.
For now, Ogwal has returned to a university celebrating its progress while simultaneously navigating one of the most complex governance challenges since its establishment.
With key court proceedings still pending and fresh recruitment expected for one of the university's top academic offices, the coming months are likely to shape not only the institution's leadership but also public confidence in its governance as it seeks to consolidate its place among Uganda's emerging public universities.