Sept. 08, 2026: Prof. Ronald Bisaso, the outgoing Deputy Principal-College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University, has officially handed over the office of the Deputy Principal to Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga.
Prof. Bisaso served as the Deputy Principal of College of Education and External Studies (CEES) from April 2022 to March 2026, providing four years of leadership focused on strengthening academic programmes, digital pedagogy, competency-based approaches, and postgraduate education. At the end of his tenure, he was appointed Acting Deputy Principal effective 1st April 2026, a position that he has held until August 2026.
The handover ceremony, held at the School of Education Smart Room was witnessed by the University officials from the Directorate of Internal Audit, the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, as well as, academic and administrative staff within the College.
The ceremony also presented an opportunity to members of staff to celebrate the contribution of their leaders namely the Principal-Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Outgoing Deputy Principal-Prof. Ronald Bisaso, and the Incoming Deputy Principal-Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga to the advancement of the College.
The ceremony entailed speeches full of wisdom, the signing and exchange of the handover report, the presentation of befitting accolades to the leaders, the cutting of the cake, and photo sessions, followed by dining and enjoying juice, fruits, and snacks from across the Pearl of Africa.
The staff present witnessed the presentation of a plaque from the College Principal-Prof. Mugagga, to Prof. Ronald Bisaso inscribed with words that perfectly defined his tenure.
In the same spirit, the staff in the Office of the Principal presented a plaque to the Principal, Prof. Mugagga, inscribed with congratulatory messages upon his reappointment, thanking him for being a leader, mentor, and friend whose attributes inspire the staff.
Impressed by the good times at CEES, the heavens opened up, allowing the Nimbus clouds to do what they are renowned for. It was indeed a blessing to observe that the rains chose CEES as the rest of the Main Campus felt the scorching sun.
Timely Service Delivery and adherence to timelines
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal-College of Education and External Studies (CEES), congratulated the outgoing Deputy Principal-Prof. Ronald Bisaso upon the successful completion of his tenure. He acknowledged Prof. Bisaso for his contribution to the advancement of the College. He wished him God’s blessings as he continues to serve the College and Makerere University at the rank of Professor.
The Principal challenged the academic staff to prioritize adherence to institutional timelines. He stressed the need for closer supervision of teaching and learning to ensure that lecturers fully deliver course content in accordance with approved course outlines and academic schedules.
He emphasized the importance of monitoring teaching activities to safeguard academic quality, highlighting the implementation of the major-minor curriculum structure, student teaching, staff coordination and the transition to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBE) among the emerging academic priorities requiring strategic attention.
Congratulating the incoming Deputy Principal, Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga, the Principal urged him to embrace the role with humility, integrity, patience and commitment. “Leadership is a responsibility of service rather than personal ambition,” he stated.
Prioritize Digital Pedagogy and Graduate Education
The outgoing Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso lauded the University leadership for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve the College. He appreciated the Principal, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, College management, academic and administrative staff for the support and cooperation accorded to him throughout his tenure.
Underscoring the importance of humility, integrity and teamwork in leadership, Prof. Bisaso congratulated Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga, the incoming Deputy Principal, upon taking on the new responsibility.
Reflecting on the College’s academic priorities, Prof. Bisaso underscored the importance of integrating digital pedagogy and competency-based approaches into teaching and learning to enhance the quality of education and prepare graduates for contemporary challenges.
Prof. Bisaso also highlighted the need for greater investment in graduate education, noting that postgraduate students require well-funded academic activities that support research, innovation and an improved student experience.
He observed that strengthening postgraduate training would enhance the College’s competitiveness while reinforcing its mandate of preparing highly qualified educators.
Teamwork, Consultation and Open-Door Leadership
Accepting the office, Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga appreciated the Search Committee, University Senate, University Council, and the University Appointments Board for entrusting him with the responsibility, describing his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the College.
Reflecting on his work experience at Makerere University, Associate Professor Itaaga, said he brings more than 26 years of professional experience, having served the university in various capacities, including four (4) years in the Department of the Academic Registrar, and eight (8) years as the Head of Department Foundations and Curriculum Studies.
He informed the audience that his experience with education at Makerere University could be traced back to his life as a student at the Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD levels. He acknowledged the Principal, Prof. Mugagga for serving as his academic supervisor at the PhD level. Dr Nicholas Itaaga has risen through the academic ranks from Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Associate Professor.
“This experience has given me a broader understanding of the College from both the student and academic perspectives,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to serving the College, Associate Professor Itaaga assured the College community of his readiness to work closely with staff and other stakeholders to implement the University’s strategic plan.
“I pledge to foster teamwork, consultation, and an open door leadership approach to advance Makerere’s strategic plan and research-led agenda. I believe together we can and together we shall win,” Associate Professor Itaaga said, pledging to serve to the best of his ability and work collectively with colleagues for the good of the College.
Accountability, Proper Documentation and Continuity in Service.
Representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms. Patricia Nay emphasized that the handover process is an important accountability requirement guided by public financial management and public service regulations.
Commending Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga for his performance in the previous roles, Ms. Nay congratulated him upon his appointment as the incoming Deputy Principal of CEES and wished him success as he takes on his new responsibilities.
She appreciated Prof. Bisaso for an excellent handover report, which highlighted the areas of focus for the incoming Deputy Principal.
Congratulates New Leadership
Representing the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer at Makerere University, Ms. Sandra Namawanda congratulated Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga upon his reappointment as Principal of CEES and Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga upon his appointment as the Deputy Principal.
“I wish the new College leadership success as it begins a new phase of administration and service to the University,” she said.
Ms. Namawanda appreciated Prof. Ronald Bisaso for the service extended to CEES and its stakeholders during his tenure as Deputy Principal.
The handover ceremony marked the transition of responsibility and commitment to continuity, accountability, teamwork and academic excellence.
