Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu handed over office to Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe as the next Vice Chancellor of Makerere University on Thursday, 31st August 2017.
The function was presided over by Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida, the Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council in the Vice Chancellor’s office.
Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe upon being appointed the next Vice Chancellor and wished him a successful tenure.
He commended the University Management team, Senate and Council, Government, staff and other stakeholders for the support accorded to him in the realization of the University’s core functions of teaching and learning; research and innovations; and knowledge transfer partnerships and networking.
He said he will share with the audience a detailed account of his experience during his five year tenure (1st September 2012 to 31st August 2017) at the official handover ceremony set for 14th September 2017..
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe who was delighted to take over the mantle of leadership of this great institution thanked Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu for his enormous contribution towards the cause of building for the future.
“Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu led the University during time of significant challenges, but despite those challenges, during his tenure the University continued to improve her research profile and productivity,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said.
Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida shared with Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu and Prof. Nawangwe her dream of attracting the Government to boost its support for higher education in general and public funded Universities in particular.
She emphasized the need for team work, good interpersonal relations, peace-making involving mediation and conflict resolution in our line of service.
“Council appreciates the work done under Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu’s leadership in the last five years. It is good that issues were discussed and resolved despite all differences in opinion. Going forward, I hope that this will still be the case” shared the Vice Chairperson.
The handover ceremony was attended by the University Secretary/Secretary to Council- Mr. Charles Barugahare, Acting Director of Human Resources-Mrs. Dorothy Sennoga Zake, Acting Director Internal Audit-Mr. Benson Barigye; and staff from Makerere University Public Relations Office.