Prof. Sarah Ssali commits to strengthen Makerere’s teaching–research nexus in bid for DVC Academic Affairs

Makerere University recently witnessed a pivotal moment as Prof. Sarah Ssali, Director of the Institute of Women and Gender Studies, presented her compelling vision for the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) for Academic Affairs.

Delivering her address under the theme “Strengthening the Teaching–Research Nexus to Deliver High-Quality Graduates for Africa’s Transformation,” Prof. Ssali outlined ambitious plans to elevate the university’s academic standing and impact.

The public presentation, held in the Main Hall of the Main Building, was a crucial step in the selection process for the prestigious role. Prof. Ssali highlighted her extensive academic profile, stellar service record, and significant achievements, while also detailing innovative strategies aimed at enhancing academic efficiency, research output, knowledge transfer, strategic partnerships, and student academic affairs.

The DVC for Academic Affairs office holds a critical mandate, overseeing all academic programmes and policies designed to foster excellence within the university.

Its responsibilities encompass quality assurance, meticulous planning and coordination of both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, dynamic curriculum development, and the optimal utilization of teaching, research, and library resources.

The office also supervises a wide array of academic units, including Colleges, Faculties, Institutes, Schools, Graduate Training, the University Library, and the Office of the Academic Registrar.

Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the Academic Registrar, led Prof. Ssali into the venue, setting the stage for an engaging presentation. In his remarks, Prof. Mukadasi lauded Prof. Ssali as a distinguished scholar with a rich academic and professional background, consistently demonstrating excellence throughout her career.

He further underscored the paramount importance of the DVC Academic Affairs role in safeguarding academic programmes, standards, and the holistic student experience.

Prof. Masagazi Masaazi, Chair of the Search Committee, confirmed that Prof. Ssali was the only shortlisted candidate for the position. He explained that the search committee, appointed by the Senate in February, had meticulously analyzed legal documents and widely advertised the position. Out of two initial applicants, Prof. Ssali’s presentation marked the fifth activity in the rigorous selection roadmap.

Prof. Ssali’s impressive academic journey began at Makerere University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts in Gender Studies. She later obtained a PhD in International Health Studies from Queen Margaret University.

Her commitment to pedagogical excellence is further evidenced by certificates in Teaching and Assessment of Postgraduate Students, Problem-Based Learning, and Research Uptake and Data Visualization.

Her career at Makerere has seen a steady ascent from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and eventually, Professor of Gender Studies.

Beyond Makerere, she has served as a Research Fellow at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and held international roles as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Limerick and a part-time lecturer, showcasing her broad academic experience.

Since 2004, Prof. Ssali has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Makerere, serving as Graduate Programmes Coordinator, Exchange Programme Coordinator, Dean, and Director of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Centre of Excellence in Notions of Identities. She currently leads the Institute of Women and Gender Studies, reflecting her extensive capacity for the DVC position.

Her leadership extends to numerous strategic university committees, including the Council, Senate, and the MasterCard Foundation Steering Committee.

Within the Council, she has chaired pivotal committees on Quality Assurance (QA), Gender-Based Training and ICT; Staff Development, Welfare and Retirement Benefits; and Student Affairs. Her service on the Appointments Board, Audit Committee, Finance, Planning and Administration Committee, and QA Committee has further honed her policymaking and implementation skills.

During the interactive session following her presentation, Prof. Ssali addressed the matter of global rankings, acknowledging Makerere’s undisputed competitiveness but stressing the critical need for continuous innovation, as other universities are rapidly adopting similar excellence strategies.

On accountability, she clarified that the DVC Academic Affairs Office operates within a robust framework of institutional policies and structures. She emphasized that accountability is deeply embedded in the University’s “Mother Law”—the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act—as well as the Strategic Plan and various operational manuals across Human Resource, Finance, Audit, and Academic Programs. She asserted that accountability is a continuous process from day one, not merely a review at the end of a five-year term.

If appointed, Prof. Ssali would make history as the second woman to serve as First Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, following in the footsteps of Prof. Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza.

The presentation was well-attended by key university figures, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, members of the Search Committee, University Council, and University Management, alongside academic staff, signaling the profound importance of this leadership selection for Makerere University’s future.