On August 12th 2022, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe was reappointed as the vice chancellor of Makerere University.
Since his reappointment, many felicitations have been flying in to congratulate him upon his hard-earned win.
However, I have delayed my congratulation to Professor Nawangwe – leave alone whether he needs it or not.
Much as his reappointment could be well deserving, it was as well worth reserving, and this has nothing to do with its ‘populist rejection’.
According to the ‘populist rejection’, Professor Nawangwe, aged 66, is beyond the age limit for one to qualify to be a vice chancellor.
Section 31(2) of the universities and other tertiary institutions act says ‘the Vice Chancellor shall be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendation of the University council from among three candidates recommended by the Senate’ while 31(4) says ‘the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the University Council for five years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for one more term’.
The universities and other tertiary institutions act has no inclusion for the age limit of a vice chancellor.
The guidelines inclusive of which is the age caption are set by a search committee which is established by the council as per section 32(3) of the pre-mentioned act.
During the 2017 search for a vice chancellor, a precedent that was to later be emulated by the ruling government was set.
The committee that was led by Dr Irene Ovunji Odida changed the age limitation, increasing the limit to 65 as opposed to 60.
This meant that for one to be eligible for the position of vice chancellor at Makerere University, they had to be between 40-65 years.
The new age limitation was rumored to have been set to favour the two top administrators then.
These were Professor Barnabas Nawangwe and Professor Ddumba Ssentamu, who later quit the race.
Professor Barnabas Nawangwe who was then 61 years of age was appointed as Makerere University’s vice chancellor.
Professor Nawangwe whose first term ends on August 31st, 2022 has already started a second term following his reappointment.
His (Nawangwe) re-appointment has been castigated, with majority saying he is too old for the job.
However, some apologists have come out to defend Professor Nawangwe saying there is no more age limitation for the position.
I for one can’t tell when and/or who changed the guidelines in favour of Professor Nawangwe.
Since rules are meant to be broken, mine is on the lack of a competitive process to get a head for a highly competitive institution.
For that reason, whether Professor Nawangwe is fit for the job or not, I haven’t congratulated him upon the ‘walk-over’ re-appointment.
And I don’t suggest that a competitive process would kick him out; but this would give his critics chance to take part in a predetermined process.
Whether I congratulate him or not, Professor Nawangwe will serve as the vice chancellor of Makerere University for more 5 years.
