MBARARA UNIVERSITY COUNCIL DECIDES TODAY, FUTURE OF VC OBUA

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In Mbarara
Mbarara University Council has called a crisis meeting to make a final decision over appointment of a new vice chancellor.
The meeting follows the impasse between a section of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) staff and the current Vice Chancellor Prof. Celestine Obua over the process of appointing a new Vice chancellor.
In a phone interview with Dr. Ben Mbonye, the University Council chairman, he said that they have decided to convene council meeting today Friday, February 22, to take a final decision on the matter.
His comment comes at a time when the university is embroiled in a serious conflict between a section of staff and some members of the top management who are against the idea to have the current VC Prof. Obua reappointed for another term.
Dr. Mbonye adds: We know all that is going on but it would be premature when I reveal what is going to be discussed in the Council that is sitting on today. We want to discuss all these issues and Council will take a final decision on the matter. We shall communicate our position.
The staff under Mbarara University of Science and Technology Academic Staffs Association (MUSTASA) are agitating for the process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor which has been tactfully been delayed.
Early last month a search committee was instituted by the senate to vet and select a new person to the position but the current VC has allegedly frustrated the efforts by the committee to start its work saying before anything is done, he should be assessed and appraised, if his performance is found wanting, then they can go ahead and advertise the position.
It should be noted that Prof. Obua assumed office in October 2014 to serve a term of five years which is ending this year in October.
Obua had told www.mknewslink.com he is eligible for reappointment since at the end of his tenure. In October this year he will be 65 years of age.
He farther said that the major challenge is that those people who think it is incumbent upon them to cause change, have failed to interpret the Act properly.
Obua had threatened that if Council goes ahead and advertise his position without subjecting him to performance assessment and appraisal, he will not hesitate to seek legal redress in Courts of Law.
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