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Ambassador Arikana Chihombori tasks African Youth Leaders to re-unite Africa

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By Ritah Namisango

“We are at war-an economic war; we are also at war with our own mind. Wake up Africa, have a conversation with the image in the mirror and what you believe. We have to continuously and constantly remind ourselves that we have this ailment and we were programmed to feel inferior. That is the part of mind and a continuous battle. You and the image in the mirror are the only ones who can decide whether it is a battle that you are determined to win,” H.E Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori Quao tasked the youth and student leaders at a cross-generational Fireside Conversation (Ekyooto) organized by Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) at Makerere University on July 26th 2023.

The Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) is named after a great Pan-Africanist and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. The Centre, established as a Presidential Initiative, was launched on October 6th 2018 to honor his legacy as a true African leader and activist. The Centre was expected to spearhead intergenerational dialogues on African history and the study of Africa’s revolutionary movements. As a knowledge and research hub, the Centre was to provide a platform for distinguished African intellectuals, scholars and other accomplished Africans to share, nurture, mentor, challenge and account to the next generation of African leaders.

Delivering the keynote speech, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao reflected on the past ideas and current leaders’ ideals to build Africa’s self-sustenance. While sharing with the vibrant young minds at ‘Ekyooto’ about the gift of the African Continent, the Ambassador emphasised the need to go back to the genesis and root of why Africa is where it is today. In her view, we can never know where we are going if we don’t know where we come from.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao delivers the keynote speech at the Ekyooto. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao delivers the keynote speech at the Ekyooto.

H.E Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori Quao is a medical doctor, public speaker, educator, an entrepreneur and a staunch Pan African Activist who originates from Chivu, Zimbabwe, but based in the United States of America (USA). She served as the African Union representative to the United States of America (USA), 2017-2019.

“Brothers and sisters, let us try to understand that Africa is a tree of life. It reminds me about how this great African continent was and is the mother of humanity and life. Let us have a deep understanding of the issues of the root and not waste time to only understand the issues above the ground. Much as they matter too, the most fundamental issue is to understand the matters of the root on this African tree of life, because if we don’t, we will continue to fight about the issues above the ground of this African tree of life,” said the Ambassador.

Ambassador Arikana expressed the need for Africans to understand the root cause of Africa’s ailment, which would put the continent in a better position to strategise and push back against the Western and now the Eastern worlds which have systematically strategised to keep Africa in a position that leaves it prone to further exploitation.

“The question is, what happened to this beautiful, once vibrant African tree of life? We have to get back to the time when we were invaded by the West. They came and found an amazing continent and took away whatever they could. They wondered about how on earth they could conquer such a people. So, they decided to put in place certain fundamental root causes of African destruction. According to Dr. Arikana, they are the same people who set up the stage on how to destroy us systematically.”

Part of the audience at the Ekyooto follows proceedings. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Part of the audience at the Ekyooto follows proceedings.

Describing how the West strategised to destroy and conquer Africa, she mentioned six (6) strategies that included religion, colonization, slavery, foreign aid, trade policy and multinationals. She revealed that the six (6) strategies were used to brainwash Africans, capture their minds and to make them feel inferior, in addition to dissolving the African culture.  “When the missionaries come to Africa, they had a mission to brainwash Africans. They were instructed to teach the Africans how to read, but not to reason. They were trained to systematically abuse and mistreat Africans in a way that could easily lead them into submission. They used religion to brainwash us,” she explained.

Talking about the mindset, the Ambassador explained that Whites used slavery as a destructive tool and trained slave owners to use the slaves’ bodies to control their minds. She said that once you mistreat the body, the mind is affected and once you control the minds, you put them on an automatic pathway to self-destruction. She added that these days, Africans continue to suffer due to the legacy of colonialism. Most of them believe that they cannot perform as those who don’t look like them. This makes Africans to feel inferior, a belief and practice that has been going on for centuries. Ambassador Arikana disclosed that Whites and colonialists defeated us with our own minds, adding that Africans should remember that the battle for us to gain our economic liberation starts with the mind.

She pointed out that the battle for true liberation must go on and for that to happen, the Africans especially the youth must be empowered with knowledge, facts and the truth. She advocated for serious conversations with the image in the mirror and begin to understand that we feel the way we do because we were systematically put in that position. The Ambassador stressed that we all have the responsibility to recreate and rebuild Africa to where it once was when we ruled the world. This is a warfare that the entire African community should embrace.

Some members of the audience at the Ekyooto smile for the camera. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Some members of the audience at the Ekyooto smile for the camera.

She reiterated that no one should ever tell us that we are not good enough.  No one should let us feel inferior because we are the mothers and fathers of humanity. It is a fact that without the black man and woman, there would be no life and humanity. She stated that the Whites also realised that the gene for blackness is the only dominant gene, a finding that scared them the most.  

“So, their fear of a black man and woman is real which proves that we are indestructible. Once we know all these facts, we shall never feel inferior.  In fact, we should be standing tall and proclaim to the world who we are; the proud, beautiful, intelligent, sophisticated, highly adaptable and above all, totally indestructible,” the Ambassador firmly stated.

Ambassador Arikana spoke about the implications of the Berlin Conference that took place in Berlin, Germany, in 1884 on the African continent. She lectured about the outcome of the divisions on the continent of Africa that left many families, communities and kingdoms separated. She disclosed that these divisions explain the causes of some of Africa’s problems that are still in effect today. She then advocated for the reunification of Africa.

Sharing experiences and historical facts, Mr. Damian Courtland Cook, the Vice to the Ambassador, pointed out that the Whites used slavery to control Africans with a program they used to manipulate the mindset of young Africans. He disclosed to the student leaders and African youth at the Fireside Conversation (Ekyooto) that the Whites conducted a program within the plantations. “When new slaves would arrive at the plantation, they would take the strongest black man, tie him up and put him between two horses. They would take the females and line them up, preferably the pregnant ones or ones with young children. They would then rip this man apart to psychologically create a disturbing program in the mind of a child, they would then take all the men there and beat them half to death. These acts caused the mother to keep the child from becoming a dominant child and that was the intention of the program.”

Mr. Damian Courtland Cook, the Vice to the Ambassador at the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI). JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Mr. Damian Courtland Cook, the Vice to the Ambassador at the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI).

Having stayed in Africa especially in Zimbabwe, Mr. Damian Cook has known and seen the beauty of this great continent of Africa. He wondered why the West chose to portray a wrong image of Africa and whether they should still be called White. He said, “The image that Whites shed about Africa is not real, what is being given by the media is so different from the truth. The stories that were supposed to be told were not told to us about Africa, and the truth was never said. We only received images of young Africans found dirty and wandering around with flies, asking for donations. What was troubling was that the person asking for donations for these African children was a white person! If we say white, in our instincts we think of something pure, which is not the case here.”

Mr. Cook added that we have the brains and we should focus on bridging the technology gap for us to unite this continent. He said that the program is running in us, therefore, we must first recognize that there is a problem, and once we do so, then we must monitor it. He also advocated for the love and trust for each other.

“Why do we not trust one another? Why do we not trust our brothers and sisters, why do we not love each other, why are we so divided? We were programmed that way, it’s a program which is like a computer program.  When it runs, it won’t stop unless you are aware of it, it will run, move you and you will think that it is your own fault. Mr. Cook said that these are thoughts that were planted in Africans.”

Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga delivers her remarks. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga delivers her remarks.

In her remarks, Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga, the Executive Director, JNLC revealed that the Fireside conversations (Ekyooto) will be a great tool to bring together young and old people. Most importantly, the fireside conversations will awaken the minds of the youth to work on the image in the mirror. She advised the youth about the importance of self-discipline, the ability to hold themselves accountable and to always look out for their sister or brother to protect each other’s interests.

The Executive Director stated that “the mindset needs personal commitment. If you can commit yourself as a youth, a leader and an elder and always question and hold yourself accountable, there is no way you can go wrong, especially when you wrap it up with good discipline. All these happen to be in our good cultural norms of Africa,”

Professor Sarah Ssali, an Associate Professor at Makerere University and Dean-School of Women and Gender Studies and JNLC Board Member emphasised the need for Africans to play a part in the definition and re-definition of the narratives about Africa. She said that they have a role to play and the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC) provides a place and space they could sit and have these conversations, about what it means for us to be located on the continent at this particular time in history.

Professor Sarah Ssali contributes to the day's discussion. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Professor Sarah Ssali contributes to the day’s discussion.

Associate Professor Sarah Ssali said “this is a time when we cannot afford to be complaisant, it is a time when we cannot afford to ignore and leave the definition and narratives to others. We are very happy that the JNLC came up with leadership and presidential leadership series.” 

Associate Professor Sarah Ssali reiterated the fact that Africa is in an economic war and war of the mind that call for immediate action. She called upon the young and future leaders to stay focused.

She remarked that “much as there is a mind war that we experience individually, there is also a structural plan which shapes and determines what we experience as individuals. As we contemplate, the image in the mirror should not be forgotten.”

In addition, Mrs. Esteri Akandwanaho Muhoozi, a JNLC Board Member emphasised the need for Africans to understand their history and called upon the present generation to write the past roles and make better choices for a united and better sustaining African continent.

Mrs. Esteri Akandwanaho Muhoozi makes her remarks. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Mrs. Esteri Akandwanaho Muhoozi makes her remarks.

“Let us draw on the lessons learned here and those from our past leaders namely Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and we remain resolute in our commitment to make better choices for our continent and families,” she said.  Mrs. Esteri Muhoozi noted that this generation has an opportunity and obligation to write these roles and forge a new path towards unity, prosperity and self-sustenance. The wounds of the past are healed; the choices we make now serve as beacons for hope tomorrow.

She added that strategic security plays a paramount role in this pursuit. She believes that if we invest our time and physical resources into Africa, we will be able to safeguard the continent. She articulated the need to be more organized as well as the need for more effort and purpose on our part to use our freedoms to make sense. “Strategic security is something that means that we should protect and ensure that we can secure what we have complete control over. We should then secure our communities which include our minds, children and resources against what we know are the internal and external threats.”

She thanked Dr. Arikana for her dedication to Africa’s progress and commitment to unity, her contribution towards the life journey to the Pan African cause and her inspiring words that ignited a call for action. She also thanked the young and everyday leaders for their devotion to Pan Africanism and raising issues that provided them with the campus to navigate the challenges that lied ahead of Africa. She commended the management and team of JNLC and the entire Makerere University leadership for the tireless work they do in promoting Pan Africanism.

Mr. Andrew Tumusiime, a founding board member of JNLC said he was really honoured to be part of the Fireside conversation (Ekyooto) with Ambassador Arikana. According to Mr. Tumusiime, the JNLC at Makerere University is the best “Pan African Centre currently active on the continent.”

Mr. Andrew Tumusiime, a founding board member of JNLC. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Mr. Andrew Tumusiime, a founding board member of JNLC.

Mr. Tumusiime stated that gathering to talk and reflect on our culture, identity and effective development is a great move and if we need to store and have a strong foundation to tag along and not behind, there is need to move side by side with the women in Africa. In his view, when it comes to Pan African affairs, women have proved that they can stand to be so loyal more than men when it comes to building homes and nations. “Many women especially in West Africa fought the colonialists, some of whom are in history books and never spoken about, but they set a foundation for many of those countries that were liberated.”

In Africa, Mr. Tumusiime noted that culture was the only fortress that had remained. According to Mr. Tumusiime if we start with identifying ourselves as Africans who are brothers and sisters and agree that identity with one another is what’s going to be our next fortress, then that will be the best.” He noted with concern that “some parents do not even wish to give their children African names, but foreign names with hardly a meaning, yet for a long time we have preserved our culture through our names and our stories; it’s now high time we returned to our roots.

Focusing on being young, African and Free, Mr. Jacob Eyeru, the Chair of Uganda National Youth Council said there is more freedom among many young Africans today than ever before. There has never been a connected generation in Africa as they are. They have a privilege of the Internet where they could ably communicate to fellow youth near and far, but the choices of what they speak about, the agenda and direction of the conversations they hold are what still need to be worked on. In that regard, he urged his fellow young Africans to use their freedom to interact on the questions of the generational consequences for Africa.

“As young African leaders, let us challenge ourselves to be a driving force to unite us to the Africa we want. When we talk about agenda 2030, 2063, it is not for our fathers, but for us and our children. We are the future leaders of Africa, not our fathers. So, shall we be speaking of the same challenges that our fore fathers spoke about? Mr. Eyeru remarked that “we need to carry on our own generation in our youthfulness to make Africa a better continent for us and our children.”

Mr. Jacob Eyeru, Chair of Uganda National Youth Council. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Mr. Jacob Eyeru, Chair of Uganda National Youth Council.

He added that young Africans can build a generational consensus to devote sometime away from their economic needs to the needs of the future of Africa in the global space. The globalisation agenda did not start today, it started way back, but is only to the effect that opportunities are brought to the countries that are already ahead of others. That is the globalisation journey and the kind of world of liberalisation that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere spoke about.

Contemplating on the struggles their fore fathers and mothers passed through and the contribution they made in a time when there was no technology like today, Mr. Eyeru felt his generation has not made good use of the freedom and opportunities they have to full capacity in creating a better Africa. He then wondered what the young people now use their freedom for and how they would take Africa to a position where it has to be. He said, that is where his interest has been in the entire term of his leadership.

“Our generation is not organising around the freedom that we have. Everything from around 1960 to about 1980 in Africa was a struggle and people were organising without telephones, internet and other technologies. When Uganda was getting its independence in 1962, the country had less than 100 graduates at University level, but these graduates were talking about what was happening in Apartheid South Africa and how Uganda must contribute. That’s Pan Africanism. Mr. Eyeru concluded that we should also emulate that in our generation, and the freedom to interact we have as young Africans must mean something for the future of our continent.”

H.E. Mariat Namiiro, the Vice Guild President of the 89th Students’ Guild at Makerere University and a vibrant Pan-Africanist revealed that the youth in Africa still lacked the sense of feeling the sense of Africanism in them. She disclosed the need to learn from those leaders who had gone through it and understood Pan Africanism as well as the need for African economic liberation. She said that Africans should start by accepting who they are.

H.E. Mariat Namiiro, the Vice Guild President of the 89th Students’ Guild. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
H.E. Mariat Namiiro, the Vice Guild President of the 89th Students’ Guild.

H.E. Namiiro said, “as a young leader, I can stand up for what I believe is right. As an African, I can stand up for Africa because I believe that Africans are the best. In this world of trying to grapple with economic and environment changes and resource challenges, I do believe that we as young leaders have a great role to play. We have a lot to do to ensure sustainable practices that can develop and spread within Africa.”

The Vice Guild President noted that the youth shouldn’t wait to be given authority and leadership positions to feel that they can change Africa to what we want it to be. She thus called upon fellow youth leaders to embrace the mantle of everyday leadership with determination and hope together. This was because she believed that they could create a world where self-sustenance and economic liberation are not just an aspiration to them, but a reality in Africa like how our fore fathers and mothers wanted it to be.

According to Hon. Moses Jok Aluong, an international student from South Sudan and the Minister for International Students in the 89th Students’ Guild at Makerere University, the African youth can leverage their identity with other Africans to better position the continent. Having come from a country with a diversity of identities, 64 tribes in total, he realised that the way they make use of that opportunity as Africans is not the best. They use that diversity of identity to foster vices such as corruption, nepotism and favoritism which he thinks should change.

Hon. Moses Jok Aluong, Minister of International Students Affairs in the 89th Students’ Guild. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Hon. Moses Jok Aluong, Minister of International Students Affairs in the 89th Students’ Guild.

Hon. Jok said that the African youth should understand that despite the diversity of identity, they have a common background. In his opinion, they can use their history and identify to contribute to self-sustenance in Africa and to rebrand and reshape the narrative of the African Youth, “If I belong to one ethnicity, it does not mean that we are different. It should be more of how we can make good use of this, having come from different backgrounds to better tell our common story as Africans. I believe we as the youth leaders can change that.”

He advised that the youth should embrace and leverage on the available opportunities namely the Internet and other technologies to constructively position themselves. He stressed the point that the youths from other spheres of the world such as China who are making research every day to come up with new inventions are not more intelligent than them. He implored his fellow youth to make use of what they have to better reposition Africa than going with the flow of how the West defines us.

“We have to better position ourselves to make good use of available opportunities to retell our story. We can also emulate countries that have made it yet they were once in the same position with us. These people decided to redefine themselves. We can redefine ourselves by making use of what we have because we have it all. What we need is to put it to good use,” said Hon. Jok.

Wrapping up the Fireside conversation (Ekyooto), the JNLC Executive Director, Dr. Nansozi Muwanga thanked H.E. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao for the wonderful submission to the youth and young leaders as well as her exemplary role as a Pan Africanist. She also commended Makerere University for providing the Centre with the physical space as well as the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) for their consistent support and partnership. Dr. Muwanga equally thanked the young leaders present for their active participation in the Ekyooto – the Fireside conversation.

Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga (Left) thanks H.E. Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao for her wonderful submission to the youth and young leaders. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga (Left) thanks H.E. Amb. Arikana Chihombori-Quao for her wonderful submission to the youth and young leaders.

Ambassador Arikana Chihombori expressed her sincere gratitude for the invitation to Makerere University to speak to the young bright minds and the future African leaders. She believed that the cross-generational conversation presented her with a platform to fulfill her responsibility as an elder by teaching the youth and young leaders the truth.

The Ambassador gifted JNLC with copies of one of her famous books titled “Africa 101: The Wake Up Call.” The book is about the “hunters” and the “hunted.” The hunters are Africa’s exploiters, slavers, colonizers, and neo-colonisers, and the hunted are the African people who have survived against severe odds. In this book, Ambassador Arikana confirms that the hunt is still ongoing and calls on Africans and people of African descent all over the world to rise up in defense of Africa-our beloved continent.

The audience follows proceedings of the Ekyooto. JNLC Gardens, Makerere University. Kampala Uganda East Africa.
The audience follows proceedings of the Ekyooto.

The front cover states, “Wake up from the slumber of 400 years, free yourself from the mental shackles of colonialisation and slavery, black lives matter, I can’t breathe, get off my neck.” This book contains the naked truth that our children must read. Every chapter is a subject matter. It will make you think deep about what is really going on in Africa. Ambassador Arikana said: “So, this is my gift to the Julius Nyerere Leadership Centre (JNLC).”

Mak Editor

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Re-Advert: Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor

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Mak Main Building

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor holds a pivotal role in financial governance, institutional planning, and administrative leadership.

1.      POSITION:           SECOND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR
2.      SALARY SCALE: PU2
3:     DUTY STATION:  MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
4.      ROLE

The Second Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

a)     Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard shall oversee the finances and administration of the University;

b)     Be responsible for the Planning and Development of the University and,

c)      Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5.      PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide strategic leadership and ensure efficient and sound financial, human and fiscal resources management in the University.

6.      DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a)     Provide leadership in Strategic planning and governance, leadership and administrative experience, Human resource and performance Management, Stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

b)     Provide leadership in preparation and implementation of the University’s recurrent and capital budgets.

c)      Monitor the development and implementation of the University’s accounting procedures, manuals and other documents relating to financial control and Management as per approved financial regulations.

d)     Oversee income and expenditure of all income generating units of the University.

e)     Coordinate the production of the University-wide Financial Reports by Colleges and Units.

f)      Management of human resources in the University.

g)     Oversee the management of University Estates and Assets.

7. CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

a)     Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.

b)     Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.

c)      Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

a)     Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate should be acceptable by Senate.

b)     At least five years of financial or administrative leadership experience at the level of school dean/director or higher in a higher education institution, public service, or corporate institutions.

c)      Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.) to completion. At least three of the students must be at the PhD level.

7.2 Strategic Planning and Governance

a)     Experience in leading large administrative teams at the level of dean or higher, demonstrating efficiency and productivity.

b)     Proven record in developing and executing strategic plans, aligning financial and administrative objectives with institutional goals.

c)      Evidence of developing and implementing financial policies that have improved financial efficiency, transparency, and risk management.

d)     Evidence of implementing organisational restructuring or process improvements to ensure operational efficiency.

e)     Ability to develop and implement institutional policies, ensuring compliance with national higher education and financial regulations.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

a)     Minimum 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable with that of Makerere University, as accepted by Senate.

b)     Demonstrated    experience    in    managing    budgets    exceeding    UGX 500,000,000=, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

c)     Proven ability to mobilize resources, secure grants, and attract external funding to support institutional growth.

d)     Experience in conducting financial forecasting, cost control measures, and investment strategies to optimize institutional resources.

e)     Track record of leading financial audits and compliance assessments in alignment with national and international financial regulations.

f)      Experience in handling procurement, asset management, and infrastructure development, ensuring transparency and value for money.

7.4    Human Resource and Performance Management

a)    Track record of leading workforce planning, recruitment, and talent development strategies, ensuring a high-performance institutional culture.

b)     Experience in implementing performance-based appraisal systems, leading to improved staff efficiency and accountability.

c)      Proven ability to foster industrial harmony, resolving labour disputes and improving employer-employee relations.

7.5    Infrastructure Development and Resource Optimization

a)     Experience in overseeing capital development projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.

b)     Track record of overseeing the maintenance and expansion of university facilities, enhancing institutional infrastructure.

c) Proven ability to negotiate and manage contracts for outsourced services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality standards.

7.6 Digital Transformation and ICT Integration

a) Experience in integrating ICT solutions in financial and administrative operations, improving service delivery and efficiency.

b) Evidence steering the automation of financial, procurement, and HR systems, reducing paperwork and improving real-time decision making.

c) Proven ability to implement cybersecurity measures that safeguard institutional financial and administrative data.

7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

a) Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with government agencies, donors, private sector investors, and international organizations to enhance institutional funding.

b) Proven ability to engage faculty, students, and staff in financial decision-making, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

c) Experience in negotiating contracts, partnerships, and collaborations that have led to financial and administrative growth.

7.8 Personal Attributes

a) High level of integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership, with a record of financial prudence.

b) Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by evidence of successfully managing complex financial and administrative challenges.

c) Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.

d) A visionary leader with the ability to drive financial sustainability administrative efficiency, and institutional growth.

8. REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9. TENURE

The Second Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term.

10. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

a) A signed letter of application;

b) A vision statement;

c) Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;

d) Copies of required minimum number of publications;

e) Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates;

f) Three (3) letters of recommendation;

g) Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;

h) A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;

i) A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body;

j) Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of Second Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Monday 14th April, 2025;

k) The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

(a) Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked

“CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF SECOND DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR”

should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P. O. BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

(b) Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcfa[at]mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Monday 14th April, 2025.

Please note that:

(a) Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time

will not be considered.

(b) Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

For more Information and inquiries:
Email us on search.dvcfa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (PhD)
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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RE-Advert: Position of First Deputy Vice Chancellor

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Front View of the reconstructed Main Building, Makerere University. Date Taken 8th November 2024. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University is governed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, Cap 262. The University is seeking applications from suitably qualified applicants for the position of First Deputy Vice-Chancellor. The First Deputy Vice Chancellor must possess a strong background in academic leadership, teaching, research, and strategic institutional management.

1. POSITION: FIRST DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

2. SALARY SCALE: PU2

3: DUTY STATION: MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

4. ROLE

The First Deputy Vice-Chancellor will report to the Vice–Chancellor and shall:

  1. Assist the Vice Chancellor in performance of his or her functions and in that regard be responsible for the Academic affairs of the University
  2. In the absence of the Vice-Chancellor, perform the functions of the Vice-Chancellor and,
  3. Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him or her by the Vice Chancellor or assigned by the University Council.

5. PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To provide leadership and Coordination of academic and academic research matters to ensure effective and efficient implementation of policies, teaching and research programmes.

6. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Initiate, obtain approval of policies, plans and programmes that will enhance the academic and professional excellence of the University.
  2. Initiate, coordinate curriculum development and review for all courses offered at the University.
  3. Ensure that all examinations are set and marked in accordance with established Regulations.
  4. Coordinate the appointment of external examiners.
  5. Oversee the selection and admission of qualified students.
  6. Oversee the development of research programmes by liaising with Principals of Colleges/Deans of Schools and submit them to Senate and Council for approval.

7. CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

  1. Hold a PhD or any other academic doctorate.
  2. Be at the rank of associate or full professor level in an institution whose academic ranking is comparable with that of Makerere University as accepted by Senate.
  3. Be a Ugandan citizen within the age bracket of 40 to 65 years at the time of application.

7.1 Academic Qualifications

  1. Earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in a relevant discipline.
  2. Minimum 5 years of progressive academic experience, including teaching, research, and academic administration at the level of dean of a school or higher.
  3. At least 20 peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases.
  4. Supervised at least ten (10) postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) to completion and graduation; at least three of these students must have been at the level of PhD.

7.2 Strategic Planning & Governance

  1. Evidence of having served or participated in university-level strategic planning processes including, membership to strategic planning committees and contribution to policy development and institutional growth.
  2. At least five years of demonstrated experience in academic programme accreditation processes contributing to the securing approvals from the relevant national or international regulatory bodies.
  3. Demonstrated evidence in leading at least one (1) higher education ICT integration initiative, improving online learning, digital governance, or student information systems or the development of at least one online course curriculum.

7.3 Leadership & Administrative Experience

  1. A minimum of 5 years of senior academic leadership in a recognized institution comparable to that of Makerere University, as accepted by the Senate, at the level of Dean of a School or higher.
  2. Participated in the development and implementation of at least two (2) academic policies improving quality assurance, curriculum development, or institutional governance.
  3. Demonstrated ability to lead a school or college, ensuring optimal performance and professional development of members.
  4. Proven track record of mentoring at least 10 faculty members toward career progression and research output, including co-teaching, publication, and capacity development in areas of teaching and training, grants, research and innovations.
  5. Participated in at least three (3) university committees or initiatives on academic policy development, research and publications, or student affairs.
  6. Participation in mediation of at least five (5) student or faculty grievances, ensuring fair and transparent resolutions.

7.4 Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Development

  1. Led or contributed to the development of at least five (5) accredited academic programmes or curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
  2. Participated in the Designing and conducting at least 10 faculty development workshops focused on pedagogy, research methodologies, or curriculum advancement.

7.5 Research & Innovation

  1. Secured at least $200,000 in competitive research grants from national or international funding agencies.
  2. Established or managed at least one (1) research centre, or college wide research programme or industry-academic partnerships.
  3. Published a minimum of five (5) books, or 5 book chapters, or patents (separate from the papers in peer reviewed journals), contributing to knowledge production in the discipline.
  4. Organized at least three (3) international or national research conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

7.6 Financial & Resource Management

  1. Successfully managed academic budgets exceeding UGX 500,000,000= in a leadership role.
  2. Led at least two (2) faculty resource mobilisation initiatives, increasing funding for research, scholarships, or infrastructure.
  3. Secured at least one (1) international academic partnership to enhance funding, student exchange, or faculty development.
  4. Developed and executed at least three (3) cost-cutting strategies, optimising institutional resources without compromising academic quality.

7.7 Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

  1. Built at least five (5) partnerships with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, or international academic institutions.
  2. Successfully led at least two (2) community engagement or outreach programmes, strengthening university-industry relations.
  3. Served on or contributed to at least three (3) University, national, or international education policy boards, shaping higher education discourse.

7.8 Personal Attributes

  1. Proven record of upholding institutional integrity, with no record of financial mismanagement or ethical violations.
  2. Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills, having led at least five (5) crisis resolution initiatives.
  3. Recognized for academic leadership excellence, receiving at least one (1 ) award or recognition for contributions to higher education.

8. REMUNERATION

An attractive remuneration package that is in accordance with Makerere University terms and conditions of service.

9. TENURE

The First Deputy Vice Chancellor shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for re- appointment for one more term.

10. METHOD OF APPLICATION

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application letters. The following documents shall comprise a complete application:

  1. A signed letter of application;
  2. A vision statement;
  3. Curriculum Vitae with contact details signed and dated by the applicant;
  4. Copies of required minimum number of publications;
  5. Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
  6. Three (3) letters of recommendation;
  7. Copies of letters of appointment to leadership positions at the level of Dean of a School in a national accredited university or other academic institution;
  8. A copy of the applicant’s National Identity Card or passport;
  9. A copy of the last clearance from the Inspector General of Government or other equivalent national body.
  10. Referees should be advised to send confidential reference letters, addressed to the Chairperson Search Committee for the Position of First Deputy Vice Chancellor and delivered directly to the address below by 5:00 pm on Monday 14th April, 2025.
  11. The references should cover the following areas: the applicant’s academic credential, experience, leadership, managerial and administrative skills and personal integrity.

Both Hardcopy and Electronic (Email) applications shall be accepted.

a) Hardcopy applications: Both confidential letters and sealed applications marked “CONFIDENTIAL: POSITION OF FIRST DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR” should be addressed to:

SECRETARY SEARCH COMMITTEE
THE ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
6TH Floor, ROOM 602, SENATE BUILDING
P.O.BOX 7062, KAMPALA, UGANDA

b) Electronic media (e-mail) applications should have all the above documents scanned and emailed to search.dvcaa@mak.ac.ug by 5.00 pm East African Standard Time on Monday 14th April, 2025.

Please note that:

a) Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

b) Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

For more Information and inquiries: Visit our website https://mak.ac.ug/search-for-dvcs OR email us on search.dvcaa@mak.ac.ug OR Call Telephone number: +256-414-532634 during working hours (between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday).

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR

Mak Editor

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Office of the Academic Registrar Lauded for Groundbreaking Achievements In Digitalization

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Mr. Charles Ssentongo (5th Left), together with Office of the Academic Registrar staff members are joined by Dr. Dickson Kalungi (4th Right) and MUST Registrars for a group photo in front of the Senate Building on 25th March 2025.

By Gerald Ochwo

On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.

The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.

As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.

Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.
Registrars from MAK and MUST pose for a group photo after the meeting. Left is article author Gerald Ochwo.

In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.

“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”

Conclusion

The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.

Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar

Mak Editor

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