Last week, we learned that Makerere University had formally started its search for a new vice chancellor.
This was after the conclusion of the selection of the search committee. According to the search committee chair, Irene Ovonji-Odida, they will select from the list of applicants for the position of vice chancellor, and forward their recommendations to the senate.
The committee chair explained that the regulations had been amended to allow candidates aged up to 65, and holding a PhD, to apply for the position.
However, she was silent about the previous problems with the search process. Many have complained and raised the issue of heavy politicking in the process. The last search process, which brought Prof John Ddumba-Ssentamu to the helm, left the university divided in various camps.
The problems have been replicated at Gulu and Kyambogo universities, where respective search processes have been held. This has led to calls for a change in the search process, from a selection process, where applicants are vetted and a vote taken on their abilities, to one where a candidate is unilaterally appointed to office.
These calls have led to moves to amend the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), especially relating to how vice chancellors and other university leaders are appointed.
That these changes are not yet in play, means that unless some precautions are laid out, we could go through the same scenario, as last time. By the nature of their positions, vice chancellors are academics carrying out administrative functions and, as such, should ideally be focused on the work at hand rather than having to be politicking to stay in office.
Thus, there is need to avoid politics in the way the vice chancellor is appointed. When politics is avoided, there is a better chance of smooth administration in the university.
Additionally, the education sector, now awaiting the findings of the Dr Abel Rwendeire visitation committee, needs to work expeditiously to amend the law so that other public universities, where the vice chancellors’ terms are due to expire, do not have to endure tension in the replacement of office bearers.
school@observer.ug