Baryamureeba is new Makerere head
Oct 22, 2009
PROF. Venansius Baryamureeba was yesterday elected as Makerere University’s new vice-chancellor after defeating his three rivals. he is the youngest ever VC and at 39, he holds a PhD in computer science and is widely acclaimed.
PROF. Venansius Baryamureeba was yesterday elected as Makerere University’s new vice-chancellor after defeating his three rivals, reports Francis Kagolo.
Baryamureeba, a professor of computer science, scored 84% and beat his closest opponent, Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, the dean faculty of economics and management, by 16 points.
In a heated election, Prof. Edward Kirumira, the dean of the faculty of social sciences, became third with 64% while Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the former vice-chancellor, trailed with 60%.
“The university council has resolved that Prof. Baryamureeba will become the acting vice-chancellor,†said council chairman Matthew Rukikaire, who described the process as transparent.
The Government wants to amend the law governing public universities.
Consequently Baryamureeba will serve as the vice-chancellor until the law is amended next year. The council, which is the institution’s topmost administrative organ, assessed the candidate’s integrity, personality, plans for transforming the university and management track record.
“Every contestant was given a chance to present his plan for transforming the university within six months. One of them said he needed three years and this was direct failure,†said one council member.
Baryamureeba has been dean of the faculty of computing and information technology for the last eight years.
At 39, he holds a PhD in computer science from Bergen University, Norway. He has published widely and won several awards in the area of ICT and research.
He attained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from Makerere.
He also holds diplomas in public relations, administration, business management and mathematical modelling.
The youthful professor is a member of the senate of Makerere University, Busitema University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
“Baryamureeba has emerged the successful candidate after a democratic exercise. I will present his name to the chancellor in the next few days,†Rukikaire said.
According to the law, the vice-chancellor must be appointed by the chancellor on the recommendation of the council.
Baryamureeba, or Barya as he is popularly known, will take over an institution that is struggling with inadequate funding and surging student numbers.
He will replace Prof. Luboobi, whose five-year term was marred by allegations of mismanagement that caused at least seven strikes by lecturers and students.
The lecturers’ association (MUASA) chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, welcomed Baryamureeba’s election.
“The university will be more peaceful. Our task is to unite and ensure that he makes Makerere an academic centre,†he said.
The council, which has 24 members, convenes again today to elect the two deputy vice-chancellors.
Baryamureeba, a professor of computer science, scored 84% and beat his closest opponent, Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, the dean faculty of economics and management, by 16 points.
In a heated election, Prof. Edward Kirumira, the dean of the faculty of social sciences, became third with 64% while Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, the former vice-chancellor, trailed with 60%.
“The university council has resolved that Prof. Baryamureeba will become the acting vice-chancellor,†said council chairman Matthew Rukikaire, who described the process as transparent.
The Government wants to amend the law governing public universities.
Consequently Baryamureeba will serve as the vice-chancellor until the law is amended next year. The council, which is the institution’s topmost administrative organ, assessed the candidate’s integrity, personality, plans for transforming the university and management track record.
“Every contestant was given a chance to present his plan for transforming the university within six months. One of them said he needed three years and this was direct failure,†said one council member.
Baryamureeba has been dean of the faculty of computing and information technology for the last eight years.
At 39, he holds a PhD in computer science from Bergen University, Norway. He has published widely and won several awards in the area of ICT and research.
He attained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from Makerere.
He also holds diplomas in public relations, administration, business management and mathematical modelling.
The youthful professor is a member of the senate of Makerere University, Busitema University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
“Baryamureeba has emerged the successful candidate after a democratic exercise. I will present his name to the chancellor in the next few days,†Rukikaire said.
According to the law, the vice-chancellor must be appointed by the chancellor on the recommendation of the council.
Baryamureeba, or Barya as he is popularly known, will take over an institution that is struggling with inadequate funding and surging student numbers.
He will replace Prof. Luboobi, whose five-year term was marred by allegations of mismanagement that caused at least seven strikes by lecturers and students.
The lecturers’ association (MUASA) chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, welcomed Baryamureeba’s election.
“The university will be more peaceful. Our task is to unite and ensure that he makes Makerere an academic centre,†he said.
The council, which has 24 members, convenes again today to elect the two deputy vice-chancellors.