Lira University rocked by leadership crisis over acting VC appointment

Lira University is currently facing a significant leadership crisis, dividing senior management and creating a stir within the institution. The crux of the matter lies in Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng’s decision to appoint Dr. Andrew Ojulong, the Senior University Librarian, as the acting vice chancellor. This move has bypassed the rightful Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Associate Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum.

Historically, whenever the Vice Chancellor was away, authority was delegated to the Deputy VC for Academic Affairs. However, Prof. Ogwal Okeng’s decision to appoint Dr. Ojulong “until further notice” led to immediate backlash. The University Council intervened on May 29, revoking Dr. Ojulong’s appointment. In response, Prof. Ogwal Okeng publicly challenged the council’s action via WhatsApp, urging staff to disregard the council’s decision and support Dr. Ojulong.

This internal conflict raises questions about institutional governance. According to the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, the University Council holds supreme authority. The Act also stipulates that in the absence of the vice chancellor, the deputy for academic affairs shall assume the role. The ongoing dispute also involves Associate Prof. Dokotum’s bid for reappointment as Deputy VC, with his current term concluding on June 30.

The university’s legal department’s opinion that the Deputy VC position should undergo a competitive search process has been contested by Associate Prof. Dokotum, who argues his role is protected by statute subject to performance appraisal. The council has since granted him a three-month extension to facilitate a performance appraisal. Meanwhile, the dean of Management Sciences, Dr. Judith Abal, was introduced as a potential successor, indicating a transition is being prepared.

Despite reports of internal disquiet and even staff being allegedly forced out of a council meeting, some officials, like the university’s senior security officer, assert that the university is functioning normally and that there is no chaos. He emphasized using established university structures to resolve any grievances. Dr. Ojulong and the senior communications officer have declined to comment on the matter.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/leadership-wrangles-shake-lira-varsity-5492150