KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a significant move aimed at strengthening academic affairs at Makerere University, the university council has appointed Professor Buyinza Mukadasi as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) for a period of six months, effective July 11, 2024.
Prof. Mukadasi, who currently serves as the Academic Registrar, will hold the position until January 10, 2025, or until a substantive First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) is appointed. This appointment is a testament to Prof. Mukadasi’s exceptional leadership skills, academic excellence, and dedication to the university.
With over 20 years of experience in university research and teaching, Prof. Mukadasi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. He is a Professor of Forestry Resource Economics and has previously served as the Director of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) at Makerere University from 2014 to 2022. During his tenure as Director, DRGT, Prof. Mukadasi oversaw the management of institutional research grants and graduate training, demonstrating his capacity for research administration.
Throughout his career, Prof. Mukadasi has held various leadership positions, including Deputy Director in Charge of Administration and Graduate Training, Head of the Department of Community Forestry and Extension, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Forestry Authority. These roles have equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of academic administration.
Prof. Mukadasi has an impressive academic record, having supervised over 50 MSc and 10 PhD students in the fields of forestry, environment, and natural resources. He has also published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals, with over 150 papers to his name. His research interests include forest resource economics, environmental incomes, economics of biodiversity conservation, and environmental incomes for rural income and livelihoods.
In addition to his academic achievements, Prof. Mukadasi has built a strong international network of collaborations in research administration and has demonstrated tremendous capacity for resource mobilization. He has been the Principal Investigator (PI) of 15 research projects and has served as Co-Principal Investigator in many other institutional research grants.
As Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mukadasi will be responsible for overseeing academic affairs at Makerere University, including research grants, graduate training, and academic programs. His appointment is expected to bring stability and continuity to the university’s academic programs, and his leadership will further enhance the academic reputation of Makerere University, both nationally and internationally.
The university community has welcomed Prof. Mukadasi’s appointment, citing his vast experience and expertise as a significant asset to the institution. His commitment to academic excellence and research is expected to inspire students, faculty, and staff, and his leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the university’s continued growth and success.
