MUK search for vice-chancellor halted

May 13, 2009

The Government has stopped the search for a vice-chancellor of Makerere University to replace Prof. Livingstone Luboobi whose term expires this month.

By Madinah Tebajjukira

The Government has stopped the search for a vice-chancellor of Makerere University to replace Prof. Livingstone Luboobi whose term expires this month.

Appearing before the parliamentary committee on social services yesterday, higher education state minister Mwesigwa Rukutana said: “We want to phase out the current system where people think others are being favoured. I wrote asking them to stop the search for a chancellor, but I am yet to get a reply.”

According to a November 2008 cabinet report, posts for top academic heads will be advertised. In the current system, individuals are chosen by the university search committee and considered for the posts.

Last month, the University Council appointed a committee to search for a vice-chancellor and two deputy vice-chancellors.

Rukutana said once the cabinet paper was debated, they would amend the University and Other Tertiary Institution’s Act.

Soroti Woman MP Alice Alaso (FDC) said the idea would stop the mismanagement of resources and sectarianism.

However, university publicist Gilbert Kadilo said he did not know of the letter and was hesitant to confirm whether the search was still on.

The MPs also gave the Government a week to comment on the proposed ban of meals at the university.

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