INTENSE lobbying is on at Makerere University to have Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi nominated the first university chancellor who is not a head of State.
Sources said yesterday that several academics had submitted Nsibambi’s name to the chancellor search committee.
They said a group comprising mainly lecturers from the faculty of social sciences, was sweet-talking others to propose Nsibambi as the titular head of the university. Nsibambi was a lecturer in the department of political science before he was appointed public service minister in 1996.
“Nsibambi has all the qualities and qualifications for that position,†one of the lobbyists said. “He is not corrupt. He has a clean record both at Makerere and in the public service. He is disciplined. He believes in results and above all, he is an avid academician and he loves education,†added the source who preferred anonymity.
The University Secretary, Sam Byanagwa, said he had received a number of nominations but refused to reveal whether Nsibambi was among them.
Last week, the search committee headed by Dr. Colin Ssentongo, called on the public and interested individuals to forward nominations or applications for the position of Makerere University Chancellor. The deadline for nominations is June 23 and the selected candidate is expected to be named by July 15.
The position fell vacant following the enactment of the Universities and Other tertiary Institutions Act 2001 that dropped heads of State as chancellors of public universities. Nominees must be Ugandan.
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Premier Nsimbabi Tipped For Makerere Chancellor
