Prof Sarah Ssali Assumes Office as Makerere Academic DVC, Second Woman in Role

Makerere University has officially installed Prof. Sarah Ssali as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA), making her only the second woman to hold the post in the institution’s history.

The ceremony, held on Monday, September 29, at the university’s Main Building, was attended by top management and close family members of Prof. Ssali. It marked a significant milestone in the institution’s academic leadership.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated Prof. Ssali on her appointment, praising her as a dedicated scholar and administrator. He highlighted the critical nature of her portfolio, which covers teaching, learning, research, and innovation.

“Your docket is handling two vital components of what we do—teaching and learning, and more importantly, research and innovation. I have no doubt that you will carry on the great work and move Makerere forward,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

He urged her to focus on impactful research and quality education that would help Uganda reduce poverty and realise value from taxpayer investment in higher education.

Prof. Ssali’s Vision
In her maiden speech, Prof. Ssali expressed gratitude to God, her family, and colleagues for supporting her academic journey. She introduced her family, including her husband, Dr Francis Ssali, and stressed the importance of teamwork in her new role.

“I see this role as a joint mandate rather than a personal one. The office of the DVC AA is an enabler—supporting management, faculty, and students to thrive. Collaboration, networking, and evidence-based decision making will be central to my approach,” she said.

She pledged to strengthen quality assurance, enhance academic–industry linkages, expand data-driven systems, and ensure that Makerere’s research outputs are translated into policies and innovations that benefit communities.

Transition of Office
Outgoing Acting DVC (AA), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, handed over the office to Prof. Ssali after serving in the role since July 2024. He cited reforms in accreditation, quality assurance, and digital academic management as key achievements of his tenure.

“I request that you accord the same support you have given me to my sister, Prof. Ssali. We share a character of bonding easily with people, and I am confident she will thrive in this office,” he said.

Prof. Ssali’s installation is a landmark in Makerere’s history, as she becomes the second woman to serve as DVC Academic Affairs. With her background in gender studies, governance, and mentorship, she is expected to inject a fresh perspective into academic leadership at the 102-year-old institution.

Credit: Makerere University