Mukiibi's daughter takes over St. Lawrence University

Maria Justine Tulina, the daughter of the late Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi, during  a press conference at the SLAU campus in Rubaga. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

EDUCATION | 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.

Mukiibi, who passed away in May this year, was the proprietor of the university and chairperson of the board of trustees.

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

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.

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

Ssebalu said 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 of 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," said Ssebalu.

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

Mike Kennedy Ssebalu (right) and his deputy Dr. Sarah Nkonge after the press conference. Back left is Marial Muor, the guild president

According to Ssebalu, the university management signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 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," said Ssebalu.

Prof. Mbaaga however did not attend the meeting but 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.