Prof. Ireeta succeeds Prof. Alinaitwe as deputy vice-chancellor at Makerere

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Prof. Henry Alinaitwe officially handed over the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (DVCFA) to Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta in a ceremony presided over by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The handover event on Thursday, February 20, 2025, was witnessed by several key figures from Makerere University, including University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda, Chief Human Resources Officer Deus Tayari Mujuni, Chief Internal Auditor Patrick Akonyet, University Bursar Evarist Bainomugisha and chief legal officer Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta.

Betty Kyakuwa, the deputy chief public relations officer at Makerere University, confirmed that the handover took place and that Prof. Ireeta has taken on her new role.

Additional attendees included the chief estates and works officer, Eng. Okuk Geoffrey, Dean of Students Dr Winifred Kabumbuli, Deputy University Secretary Simon Kizito, ICT support director Juma Katongole, gender mainstreaming director Susan Mbabazi, and Ag. Manager of Planning and Development Emmanuel Kitamirike, among others.

In his remarks, Prof. Mukadasi thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as DVCFA and expressed hope that Makerere University would continue benefiting from his expertise in the future. “As colleagues, we share a common agenda for Makerere. I deeply appreciate Prof. Alinaitwe for his humility, dedication, and trustworthiness,” he said.

He extended his congratulations to Prof. Ireeta, acknowledging his readiness to take on the responsibilities of the office. “It takes great responsibility to accept such a mandate, and I am confident that Prof. Ireeta will carry on the excellent work.”

Prof. Mujuni thanked Prof. Alinaitwe for his steadfast service while pledging full support to the new DVCFA. Similarly, University Secretary Kiranda expressed gratitude for Prof. Alinaitwe’s guidance and support in fulfilling the university’s goals.

“Though it’s difficult to bid farewell, we are comforted by the knowledge that Prof. Ireeta’s leadership will continue to guide us,” Kiranda remarked.

In a heartfelt tribute, Chief Internal Auditor Akonyet commended Prof. Alinaitwe for his leadership, noting how his guidance had shaped the internal audit function. He also expressed confidence in Prof. Ireeta’s passion and commitment to furthering the university’s mission.

During his handover speech, Prof. Alinaitwe outlined his key achievements, including the mobilization of resources for the Makerere@100 celebrations, the establishment of the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), and the alignment of Makerere's Ten-Year Strategic Plan with the National Development Plan (NDP).

He also highlighted milestones in staff development, such as the harmonization of staff salaries, recruitment, and training programs. Prof. Alinaitwe further cited accomplishments in improving campus security, overseeing the renovation of student halls, and advancing the university's ICT infrastructure, among other initiatives.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the University Council and Vice-Chancellor,” Prof. Alinaitwe said, concluding his remarks with a note of thanks to all those who had supported him during his tenure. “These accomplishments are a result of collective effort, and I thank you all for your contributions.”

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ireeta expressed appreciation for the trust bestowed upon him by the University Council and Vice-Chancellor. Acknowledging the big shoes he must fill; he assured the audience of his commitment to continue the work started by his predecessor.

“With God’s guidance, all things will work out,” he remarked. He also requested continued support from Prof. Alinaitwe in matters concerning the office and pledged to maintain a results-oriented approach.

As a symbol of gratitude for Prof. Alinaitwe’s dedicated service, Prof. Mukadasi presented him with a plaque on behalf of the University’s Management Team. Prof. Alinaitwe served as Acting DVCFA from November 16, 2021, to February 19, 2025.