“Although the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal is an important organ, I strongly advise the University Appointments Board to continue upholding the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the execution of duty, maintain the standard of appointing employees on merit and follow documented procedure. Yes, when the Appointments Board does its work professionally, the Tribunal which provides a system of checks and balances on the decisions of the Appointments Board will have no work!” remarked the Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera at the handover ceremony of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal.

The outgoing Makerere University Staff Tribunal chaired by Mr. Didas Nkurunziza handed over to the incoming Tribunal on Friday 17th April 2015. The University Management, Principals, Representatives of academic, administrative and support staff, and the Students’ Guild attended the colorful ceremony held in the Makerere University Main Hall.

Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe Tindyebwa from St. Francis Chapel Makerere University who led the opening prayer at the handover thanked God for the accomplishments of the outgoing Tribunal and in the same spirit, prayed to God to bless and guide the new Tribunal during their four year tenure (2015-2019).

Evoking the powers entrusted to him, and further guided by Section 56 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, the Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera read the Instrument of Appointment.

“I appoint you George Omunyokol, a Member and Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal for a period of four (4) years with effect from 20th March 2015.”
The Chancellor congratulated Mr. George Omunyokol-the Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal. (2015-2019) and amidst applause from the audience, officially handed over the Instrument of Appointment to him. The overjoyed Omunyokol also received the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act from the Outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal, Mr. Didas Nkurunziza.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu emphasized the role of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal-an organ that provides a forum for aggrieved members of staff to be heard by an independent team of persons, led by a qualified member of the Justice Department of Uganda.

“Through the Tribunal, aggrieved members of staff get a right to a fair hearing and appropriate re-dress, without hindrances from the University system. The Tribunal also serves as a system of checks and balances for the Appointments Board. While the employees get a readily available system of fair hearing, the University too benefits in terms of reduced court cases and legal costs,” highlighted Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu.

The new Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Appeals Tribunal, Mr. George Omunyokol accepted the appointment with gratitude and humility.
“I am ready and willing to serve this great institution, to the best of my ability, with all the fairness and impartiality it deserves, in accordance with the law. Together with the Tribunal members, we shall endeavour to ensure that the rights of every individual within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, are not trampled upon by anyone. I will uphold integrity and dignity of the office to which you have appointed me,” he said.

The other newly appointed members are: Mr. Kiguli Herbert-Representative of the Ministry of Public Service; Dr. Rose Nakayi-Representative of MUASA, Prof. George W. Lubega-Representative of MUASA; Mr. Tom Otim-Representative of MASA; Ms Ruth Iteu Eyoku-Representative of MASA;   Dr. Consolata Kabonesa-Representative of Senate; and a representative of the University Council to be nominated.

Mr. Omunyokol informed the audience that when he learnt that the outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal was Dr. Nkurunziza, a respected Ugandan who has served Uganda and beyond with an impeccable record of upholding fairness and integrity was handing over, he felt humbled and yet inspired to take on the mantle. In a special way, Mr. Omunyokol, an alumnus of Makerere University, applauded his teacher and mentor-Prof. Fredrick Jjuuko (from the School of Law) whom he respectfully referred to as “the grandfather of law” for not only nurturing and training upcoming lawyers, but also selflessly serving the legal profession. He equally thanked the Law Council, Uganda Law Society and the Judicial Service Commission for considering his name for appointment.

Mr. Didas Nkurunziza was the inaugural Chairperson of the Makerere University Staff Tribunal. Reflecting on his two year term, Mr. Nkurunziza said: “In December 2006, the Chancellor issued an Instrument appointing me as the Chairperson of the Tribunal. Being a body that was not previously in existence getting the Tribunal to actually start its work was no easy feat but thanks to the Office of the University Secretary and other Members of the Tribunal, we were eventually able to have it up and receiving appeals on the decisions of the Appointments Board.”

Mr. Nkurunziza observed that although the first cases were few and far between, after Rulings of the Tribunal; some in favour of the Appellants and some not, more appeals were filed with increasing regularity.

“To the incoming Chairperson and Members of the Tribunal, I wish you all the best and I hope that a reasonably good foundation has been laid for you,” remarked Mr. Nkurunziza.

Mr. Nkurunziza thanked the Chancellor for giving him the opportunity to serve for not only one, but two terms and giving something back to Makerere University; the institution that taught and nurtured him.

He equally thanked the distinguished members of the Makerere University Tribunal who served during his tenure for their dedication, time, and input that enabled the Tribunal dispense justice between employer and employees. He further appreciated the support received from the Registry of the Tribunal namely Mr. Daniel Ruhweza and Mr. Kabumba Busingye from the School of Law. Mr. Kabumba Busingye replaced Mr. Daniel Ruhweza who went for further studies.

Subsequently, the Chancellor presented plaques to the Outgoing Chairperson and Members of the Tribunal in recognition of their selfless service in the dispensation of justice. The Members were: Prof. F.J. Juuko, Prof. G.W. Lubega, Dr. Sarah N. Ssali, Dr. Jane Bosa, Ms Shifrah Lukwago, Mr. Didace Agaba, Mr. J.J. Nanseera, Dr. Abasi Kiyimba, Dr. Consolata Kabonesa, Ms Ruth Eyoku Iteu, Mr. J.C. Ninsiima and Mr. Tom Otim.

On behalf of the Makerere University Council, Vice Chairperson of Council, Hon. Irene Ovonji Odida commended the Outgoing Tribunal for taking a bold stand to uphold justice, fairness, accountability, transparency and integrity for the good of Makerere University and Uganda in general. She pledged Mak Council’s readiness to cooperate in processes that facilitate the work of the Tribunal.

In the same spirit, the Chairperson of Makerere University Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. M. Kiggundu-Musoke appreciated the outgoing Tribunal for winning the trust of Makerere University staff and further pledged MUASA’s readiness to work and cooperate with the incoming Tribunal (2015-2019).

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu thanked the University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha-Muhwezi and his team including the Makerere University Legal Office for the support rendered to the Makerere UniversityStaff Tribunal and for organizing the handover ceremony.

Article by:  Ritah Namisango, Public Relations Office
Photos by:  Elias Tuhereze, Public Relations Office