The Kyambogo University top leadership was holed up in a meeting trying to resolve the impending impasse between the Vice Chancellor and the University Secretary over extension of a contract.
Prof Katinguka Rwakishaya, the Vice Chancellor is caught in a fight with Mr Charles Okello, the university secretary over the renewal of his contract indicating that there is nepotism and tribalism in the game.
This publication understands that Mr Charles Okello the University Secretary has made various attempts to have his contract renewed following its expiry last year but has faced difficulties from Prof Katunguka Rwakishaya, the university vice chancellor.
“The VC called for this meeting but he stormed out of the meeting prematurely because there was no clear explanation for the delay in extending the contract,” said a source that preferred anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
Section 33 (1 and 2) of the University and other Tertiaries Act 2001 provides for the position of University Secretary who is supposed to report to the Vice Chancellor who is supposed to recommend for the appointment of the position as seen in Section 52 of the same law.
Mr Ruben Twinomujuni, the Kyambogo University spokesperson yesterday said that the processes are being followed to look into the matter.
“It is not automatic for such a renewal to happen; it takes time. The relevant authorities are looking into the matter and the processes are being followed so we can’t predict whether it will be renewed or not,” Mr Twinomujuni said last evening.
Mr Okello has served one term in the office and he is now seeking his second term which the law mandates him to get unless there are cases of indiscipline or criminal grounds preferred against him.
In November last year the contracts of both Prof Katunguka and Mr Okello expired at the same time which meant that the duo had to apply for re-appointment through the university council.
After producing a report, Prof Katunguka’s contract was promptly renewed leaving Mr Okello’s pending to date despite providing
“I wrote the report of the VC before he was re-appointed but after all that he is taking a snail’s speed to recommend me for reappointment. I don’t know what the problem is at this material time,” Mr Okello said in a telephone interview.
On January 16, 2023, Mr Okello through his lawyers Guma & Co Advocates petitioned the acting University Secretary raising 12 grounds to support the reappointment of their client. The lawyers also sought redress on why their client was being ignored and sidelined.
In their response, a copy that this newspaper has seen as signed off by the acting University Secretary Mr Arthur Katongole, indicating that Mr Okello was appraised on June 30, 2022 for the first appointment and his assessment of the performance forwarded to the chairman of the appointments board the same day.
“In light of the above, you are hereby requested to inform your client of the appointments board’s consideration for another opportunity. Let us have your response at your earliest convenience to enable the appointments board to schedule a meeting as soon as possible,” in part read the response from the university.
