Makerere kicks off search process for next VC

The outgoing Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University (MAK), Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu

The search process for the next Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University (MAK) has kicked off, Ritah Namisango the University spokesperson has said.

According to Namisango, the MAK council held a meeting on Thursday and part of what was discussed was to kick off the search process for a new Vice Chancellor for the institution.

"What has begun is to put in place a composition of the search committee as per the University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA) 2001 that states that the committee shall comprise five members, two of who are members of council and three from the University Senate," she said in a phone interview.

The MAK council is the institution's supreme governing body while the MAK Senate is the chief academic organ.

Whereas the MAK council nominated two of its representatives at yesterday's meeting, Namisango said the other three members shall be nominated by the University Senate within two weeks.

Chaired by Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the MAK council selected Irene Ovonji-Odida who is the current deputy council chairperson and Bruce Balaba Kabasa who heads the MAK appointments board. Ovonji, according to Namisango is set to head the search committee.

During this year's 67th graduation ceremony at MAK Prof. Ddumba Ssentamu, the institution's current VC announced that his term as VC ends this year in August.

Ddumba was appointed VC in August 2012. The University and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA) 2001 provides that: "The Vice Chancellor shall be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the University for five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term."