Below is the statement from Prof. Baryamureeba
Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba of Uganda Technology And Management University (UTAMU) will in March 2016, step down as Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university paving way for a new Vice Chancellor at the fast growing institution. This announcement was made by Ass. Prof. Joseph Kasumba Ssewanyana, the Chairperson of the University Council at UTAMU during a press briefing at the university campus in Bugolobi Kampala.
According to Ssewanyana, the search of the new Vice Chancellor is already ongoing and the university organs are determined to recruit a highly qualified experienced and internationally recognized scholar to head UTAMU.
“UTAMU has come of age and the peaceful transition at the top is a sign of a university destined for greatness as it aspires to become the MIT (Massachussets Institute of Technology) of Africa,” Ssewanyana said.
He further confirmed that the new Vice Chancellor would be installed on 26th September 2015 during the maiden graduation ceremony of the university. The UTAMU council chairperson confirmed that UTAMU’s maiden graduation will be presided over by the University Chancellor His. Excellency Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka.
Prof. Baryamureeba, who was at the press conference, confirmed this and clarified that he, would still serve UTAMU in a different capacity as faculty but not as Vice Chancellor. “I have already been teaching in different courses and supervising students; Education is my passion and I don’t have to only enjoy it as Vice Chancellor. I am only stepping down as Vice Chancellor but proudly taking on roles as faculty at UTAMU,” Baryamureeba clarified.
He further stressed that he would ensure smooth transition and will stay in UTAMU to serve as a wing for the new Vice Chancellor as he/she leads UTAMU to the promised land.
Prof. Baryamureeba has been the founding Vice Chancellor for UTAMU since September 2012. He previously served at Makerere University as Vice Chancellor. He joined Makerere as a teaching assistant after his bachelor’s degree and grew through the ranks of lecturer, director, professor, dean before finally being appointed Vice Chancellor. During his tenure Barya as he is fondly remembered for transforming Makerere into a first world university.
Prof. Baryamureeba left Makerere University in September 2012 to start Uganda Technology and Management University. In less than three years of operation, he is credited for pushing UTAMU to levels of competing favorably with older universities. With unique and innovative teaching and learning models, highly qualified faculty and strategic partnerships with key institutions at national and international levels, UTAMU is undoubtedly growing to be one of the best universities in the region.
“I have not achieved this alone. I have a great team comprised of highly qualified and experienced faculty. I am proud to have groomed many of them. I have no doubt UTAMU will still be the best with or without me at the top,” Baryamureeba said with his signature smile.
