Dr Muhammad Musoke Kiggundu has been appointed the head of the department of humanities and language at Makerere University school of education.   

He replaces Dr Rebecca Nambi, who served for about four months.

In his remarks, Dr Kiggundu said his uphill task is to change the teaching mode to match the new curriculum, which focuses on skills. 

Dr. Muhammad Musoke Kiggundu the newly appointed head of Department of Humanities and Language Education of Makerere University interacting with Mathias Bwanika Mulumba the Associate professor and the dean of School of Education. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

“We have to retool the teachers, and the reason is basically to make them suitable for the new curriculum, which is meant to have an all-round product because our focus has been majorly on theory. The new curriculum is targeting skills, and we have to retool our teachers, trainers and also train teachers already in schools,” Kiggundu said. 

Kiggundu also encouraged learners to embrace online teaching, saying it is the way to go. “We have encountered challenges regarding online learning, but there is no turn back. We need to strengthen our efforts in this format of learning,” he said. 

He vowed to ensure that students who missed out during the COVID-19 pandemic are also able to learn what they missed.    

Kiggundu, also the director of communication and research in the office of the Supreme Mufti, said his administration is going to be centred on teamwork and consultation to lift the welfare of students and the image of the university. 

“I want to thank my bosses for teaming up with us and enabling the environment of choosing leaders to take on responsibility,” Kiggundu noted. 

About his competence on the assignment, Kiggundu said having worked as the manager of Communication and International Relations for the University and the chairman of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), he was exposed to many administrative skills. 

Research is another key area that Kiggundu has promised to strengthen. “Research is going to be key, and we shall be targeting different projects. We shall also make sure we reach out to the community because they are key stakeholders in this area,” Kiggundu said. 

Mathias Bwanika Mulumba the Associate professor and the dean of School of Education, College of Education and External Studies of Makerere University. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

Dr Mathias Mulumba Bwanika, the dean school of education and external studies commended Dr Nambi for steering the department to higher horizons despite the COVID-19 interruptions. 

“I am glad that she has done a lot in the few months she has served in the position. I am also happy that it is you (Dr Kiggundu) who has replaced her, and we expect a lot out of you,” Mulumba said. 

Mulumba, however, cautioned Kiggundu against picking up fights with senior and junior staff and the students noting that it is costly. 

“If someone annoys you, talk to that person to resolve the dispute. Also, do not fight the vice-chancellor and other senior members of the university. We know you as a diplomat and continue to act as a diplomat,” he said. 

Mulumba also tasked Kiggundu with reading the university policy on examination and learning to ably appreciate the expectations out of him. 

“Remember that you have been handled authority as head of the department. I urge you to respect the authority. If you abuse your authority, it will backfire,” he said. 

Mulumba revealed that their goal is to lift the college to another level. “We need to be more visible as the college and the university at large,” he said. 

In his remarks, Prof Masagazi Masazi, the principal school of education emphasised the need to focus on the new curriculum to avoid producing half-baked products.