The outgoing Acting Principal of the College of Education and External Studies Prof. J.C.S. Musaazi on Friday 10 May handed over office to the incoming Substantive Principal Assoc. Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi. Similarly the outgoing Acting Deputy Principal, Assoc. Prof. Jessica N Aguti handed over office to the incoming substantive Deputy Principal, Dr Anthony Mugagga Muwagga. During the ceremony, the handover report was presented before an audience comprising the Internal Audit representative Mr Benson Barigye and the CEES Management team at the College boardroom.
In his speech, Prof J.C.S. Musaazi congratulated the new Principal and Deputy Principal and assured them of his continuing support in building the College. He noted that pioneering in the establishment of the College of Education and External Studies was an exciting opportunity and learning experience.
“As managers and academicians, we have certainly gained a lot by being in leadership these past 27 months; and for this we must most sincerely thank the University Management that entrusted us with this pioneering responsibility.
We also know that we have come this far as a College because every single one of you was willing to work and accommodate others. Thank you. There are areas where we may not have performed to your expectations but we did our best and apologize for any shortcomings. These were not intentional,” he said.
Dr Jessica Aguti said that it was a great honour to serve as Acting Deputy Principal for the College as it was no mean achievement for her as a lady and at a university. She appealed to staff to maintain a collegial spirit, to do their very best at whatever rank or position they are in; and to support each other so as to gain from the potential benefits of the College system.
Prof. J.C.S Musaazi and Dr Jessica N Aguti served office since January 2011 and under their guidance and leadership, the College has grown and achieved greater heights. Their tenure saw the establishment of the College of Education and External Studies as a constituent College of Makerere University; staff growth and development with seven staff rising to the rank of Associate Professor and ten staff to the rank of Senior Lecturer; the development of the College strategic plan 2011/12 – 2018/19, harmonisation of staff allowances and improved support to student leaders through the formation of a College student association (MUCEESA)
In his acceptance speech, Dr Fred Masagazi expressed appreciation for the work done by the outgoing Principal and Deputy Principal and noted that the handover report would guide them on the way forward.
He pledged to work with the management team and staff to propel the College to the next level. “Our doors will always be open and we are ready to consult and work with the team to improve the college. As a Rotarian and former seminarian, I pledge one hundred percent to CEES. I am here to serve you and will always be available,” he said.
He further promised to present a detailed and comprehensive manifesto to the management team. In his campaign manifesto, Dr Masagazi proposed to; support and improve the uniqueness of each school, strengthen research productivity and innovation, improve resource mobilisation, infrastructure renovations and development, revitalise academic programs and improve staff welfare and academic growth with the aim of improving the economic and professional status as well as accelerating the visibility of the CEES locally and globally.
Dr Anthony Mugagga promised to listen to and pursue the interests of all and asked the Almighty God to grant him humility and service to run the College. He noted that there are many challenges but if everyone played their part in teaching, research and community outreach, the College’s vision would be achieved.
The ceremony was completed with the handing over of the instruments of office containing the Proposal for the formation of the College, College Strategic plan and College Statute to the new Principal and Deputy Principal.
By Sheila Mwebaze Tindi
