Summary:
- Prof. Kwesiga previously served as the Deputy Chairperson of the NCHE, assisting Prof. Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, whose term as Chairperson has expired.
KAMPALA: The Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Prof. Kwesiga previously served as the Deputy Chairperson of the NCHE, assisting Prof. Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, whose term as Chairperson has expired.
Her appointment as the Chairperson by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni came after being nominated by the council. She was elected as the representative of Vice Chancellors of Public Universities, following a summons from the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The meeting, held at State House on Tuesday, was called to elect new representatives to the NCHE.
The need for this election arose after the Executive Director of NCHE informed the Minister that the term for the representatives of Vice Chancellors and Senate members of public universities had ended.
In accordance with Section 6A of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA), the Minister has the authority to issue policy directions to all higher education institutions, both public and private, and these institutions are required to comply with such directives.
Acting on these powers, the Minister convened the meeting with Vice Chancellors and Senate members on Tuesday, September 17, at State House.
The election of the new representatives is considered crucial and timely, as the NCHE has been functioning without both a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
