Anthony Mugisha, a professor of agriculture economics, has been appointed as the new Makerere University second deputy vice-chancellor, in charge of finance and administration. This announcement was made by the University Council on Tuesday evening, following a closely contested election.
Prof Mugisha, the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, narrowly edged out Prof Henry Alinaitwe, a professor of civil and construction engineering, by a single vote. Mugisha received 31 votes from the Senate, compared to Alinaitwe’s 30 votes. Bruce Kirenga, an associate professor of pulmonary medicine, garnered 10 votes.
This appointment concludes a six-year vacancy in the position, which had been marked by controversy during Prof William Bazeyo's nearly four-year tenure as acting deputy vice-chancellor. In 2018, Mugisha and Bazeyo were both candidates for the substantive position, with each promising to lobby the government to cover the university's wage bill. Mugisha had then vowed to address the loss of university resources, stating, "There is a loss of university resources. I will look at where the money is disappearing to and act."
Bazeyo's tenure and subsequent candidacy were fraught with controversy. He was initially recommended by the Senate search committee chaired by Prof Joseph Mugisha, principal of the College of Natural Science. However, this recommendation faced significant opposition from staff and stakeholders, leading Mugisha to take the matter to court. In 2021, Bazeyo resigned and withdrew from the race following a petition by former students against his attempt to secure a substantive position. Subsequently, Prof Alinaitwe served in an acting capacity.
In a public presentation organized by the Senate Search Committee on May 13, Prof Mugisha highlighted his achievements and plans for the university. He shared that he had attracted over $4.5 million to Makerere through scholarly research and resource mobilization. He pledged to motivate staff, improve the working environment, restore mutual respect among staff, ensure timely promotions, and enhance staff welfare.
Prof Mugisha articulated his vision for Makerere, aiming to establish an efficient, effective, risk-averse, and sustainable administrative and financial framework. His goal is to align this framework with aggressive resource mobilization and prudent utilization to achieve the university's mission and vision.
As the second deputy vice-chancellor, Prof Mugisha will oversee the planning, budgeting, and development of the university’s finances and administration. His appointment is seen as a setback for Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe, as Mugisha has garnered support from academics challenging Nawangwe's authority.
The academic community at Makerere University now anticipates the impact of Prof Mugisha's leadership in steering the university towards greater financial stability and administrative excellence.
