Makerere University has thrown Busoga into weekend celebrations following impressive slots to the sons and daughters of the soil in the latest appointments and promotions by the University.
At its 690th sitting held on Thursday, June 30,2022, the University Appointments Board promoted a total of forty (40) persons to the positions of full Professor and Associate Professor with immediate effect.
At least, 6 out of the 40, have been made full Professors. These include Dr. Elizeus Rutebemberwa from Healthy Policy Planning and Management, Dr. Pauline Byakika – Kibwika of Medicine, Dr. Andrew Elias State of Sociology and Anthropology, Dr. Fredrick Jones Muyodi of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences.
Dr. Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Dr. Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga of Perfoming Arts and Film.
Of the six, at least two Professors Fredrick Jones Muyodi is from Kaliro while Dr. Pauline Byakika – Kibwika is from Namutumba Districts of Busoga Region.
In a release signed by Ssanyu Lawrence the Acting Director for Human Resources; 34 other dons were promoted to Associate Professors in their disciplines.
Writing in one of the platforms’ that brings together leaders and other influential personalities from Busoga, former Energy Minister Daudi Migereko was all smiles for Dr. Ibrahim Mike Okumu who was appointed Associate Professor of Policy and Development Economics.
Okumu, a son of one of the most renowned sugarcane farmers, Mr. Jomo, has been instrumental in streamlining the Busoga Education Initiative and a pillar in the study that has provided solutions to the sugarcane growing menace in the region.
In his congratulatory remarks, Migereko noted, “Congratulations Prof Ibra Okumu. You have always been a valuable resource to us and the country. You and Prof Allan Mulengani provided the country with clear solutions to the challenges the sugarcane farmer and the sugar industry were faced with. We are optimistic you will continue volunteering/advancing solutions to some of the challenges the economy is currently faced with. We wish you all the best.”
Replying to Migereko, Siraje Nkendembi a Director at the Igeme Nabetta owned NBS GROUP wrote “That’s a very positive development indeed. Congratulations”. On his part, Mr. Samuel Niiwo endorsed and celebrated the appointees,
Migereko, was quickly reminded that beyond Ibrahim Okumu, the list had others from the region; Dr. Ronald Naluwairo of Human Rights and Peace Centre, Fredrick Jones Muyodi, Dr. Pauline Byakika – Kibwika, Gordon Kakuba of Mathematics and Hellen Nankabirwa Nkabala of Religion and Peace Studies.
Busoga which is taunted as one of Uganda’s poverty– stricken regions is home to the country’s top academia and has been post award winning and celebrated professionals over the years.