Kyambogo VC hands over office

By Innocent Anguyo

Kyambogo University Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Isaiah Omolo Ndiege has finally handed over office to acting V.C Prof. John Opuda-Asibo as directed by the University Council.

Prof. Ndiege was asked by the University Council to take a 50-working day leave starting Monday September 18 pending investigation into his alleged mismanagement of the University.

However, Ndiege snubbed the official handover ceremony which was scheduled to take place at 2:00pm in the Council room on Friday 21st September saying in his handover letter that the ceremony was irrelevant since his handover report contained everything Prof. Opuda-Asibo needed to use in the 50 days.

In his handover letter, Ndiege has also requested Council to allow him enjoy all the royalties attached to his office during his leave period.

“I will be in Kampala in Uganda, Nairobi, Siaya, Kisumu in Kenya or any other location as the situation may demand on various dates. While in Uganda during my leave, I will be entitled to the VC’s official car, driver, and close body guard,” reads Ndiege’s letter.

Even though on leave, Prof. Ndiege also insists that he must attend a number of meetings within Uganda and abroad in the capacity of VC of Kyambogo.

“The annual general meeting for International Association of Universities is scheduled in New Mexico in November, arrangements should be made for me to attend since Kyambogo is a new member,” reads Prof. Ndiege’s letter.

On students’ issues, the VC recommended that living out, special faculty, and research allowances be fully paid by 31st October 2012.

On staff issues, Prof. Ndiege said the promotion of staff and recruitment of staff should be completed by 31st December this year adding: “notice to temporary staff to be replaced by the support staff should be issued by 30th November 2012 since they will leave at the end of December.”

On examinations, the VC urged Prof. Opuda-Asibo to ensure that provisional results for last semester are released by 28th September 2012 as earlier scheduled.

“Senate must approve Graduation list by 30th November and the list must be published by 1st December 2012. The 8th graduation ceremony must go on from 19 to 21 December as earlier on scheduled,” reads Prof. Ndiege’s report.

Meanwhile, attempts by the Council to get the VC to handover office earlier on Monday (18th September) were futile as he declined the directive citing inadequate time given to him for writing his handover report prompting council to put his office under lock and key.

According to the Chairperson of Council, John Okedi, Prof. Ndiege was later given access to his office so that he could complete writing his handover report, though, through the University Secretary, Samuel Akorimo.

“When the VC was sent on leave and his period to officially hand over expired, we feared that the documents in his office regarding the investigations could get lost, so, we decided to lock it and allow him to only use it for writing the handover report under the watchful eyes of someone,” said Okedi.

Controversy surrounding the office was heightened last week when Ndiege, a day before he was sent on leave, asked his deputy, Opuda to take leave of 150 days.

“I am glad to inform you that I have approved your leave from 1st October 2012 to 8th May 2013. Please hand over your duties to Dr Cyprian Adupa, the dean of the faculty of arts and social sciences who will act as deputy vice chancellor, academic affairs. Wish you nice time during your leave,” Niege letter partly reads.

But Council revoked the move the next day and appointed Opuda the acting vice chancellor.

Prof. Ndiege is expected to resume his duties as VC on 27th November 2012.