Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee on Thursday, February 29, 2024, swore in its members at a ceremony held at Makerere University, Frank Kalimuzo building, E-learning Room.
The members of the Committee sworn-in included; Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, Prof. Godfrey Akileng, Prof. Sylvia Antonia Nakimera Nannyonga-Tamusuza, and Rev. Dr. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa.
The oaths, administered by Counsel Balondemu Kenneth, were witnessed by the Vice Chancellor represented by Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Chairperson of the Students Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Isaac Newton Kyagaba, University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli, Ms. Phiona Natukunda, and other officials.
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the Chairperson of the Council represented by Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba, the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee of Council, was moderated by the Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Ritah Namisango.
The Chairperson of the Students Affairs Committee of Council, Mr. Timothy Ssejjoba, on behalf of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Members of Council expressed confidence in the members’ ability to carry out their mandate.
“I am excited to see gallant and very committed members of our community who have decided to take part of their precious time to uphold the values and principles of this esteemed institution.”
Recognizing the paramount role of the Disciplinary Committee in fostering an environment conducive to the conduct of academic affairs, and where respect, integrity and discipline thrive, Mr. Ssejjoba urged newly sworn-in members to strive to ensure that Makerere remains a centre of excellence not only in academics but also character formation and social conduct.
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Students Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Isaac Newton Kyagaba who was officially sworn in on 18th March 2022 is yet to complete his term and as such, was not required to take oath.
Addressing the gathering, he thanked the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee, the Vice Chancellor and Members of Management for sparing time to witness the event.
In the same breath, Mr. Kyagaba thanked the University Management and Directorate of Legal Affairs represented by Ms. Phiona Natukunda for supporting the Committee in the execution of its duties.
He nevertheless urged the University Officials to ensure that all the cases brought before the Committee have sufficient supporting evidence to enable them to be disposed of quickly and permit the accused to proceed with their academic programmes.
Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, in his remarks, thanked the Chairperson and Members of the Disciplinary Committee for accepting to serve Makerere, noting that discipline; be it of staff, students or stakeholders, is very important, especially for an academic institution.
“Unlike past decades where the student population was smaller, today’s population is bigger and demands more attention,” he stated.
He decried past disturbances on the campus that led to the destruction of property and loss of life and reiterated Management’s zero-tolerance to acts that go against the University’s policies and regulations.
“We really ask the Disciplinary Committee to help us in arresting such cases so that they serve as a deterrent.”
Prof. Alinaitwe added his voice to that of the University Secretary who had in the opening remarks appreciated that the precious time Members of the Disciplinary Committee spend rendering pro bono services to the Makerere Community cannot be compensated enough.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, in his opening remarks, stated that the duties performed by Members of the Disciplinary Committee are a true reflection of the spirit of community service, “so we sincerely thank you very much for this sacrifice.”
He noted that academic staff who serve on the Committee do not get their workload reduced, and Committee Members who hold jobs elsewhere spend a significant amount of their time handling University business.
Source: Mak News