Prof. David Okello Owiny, who is the current Deputy Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, has been elected as the representative of all public universities in Uganda to the National Council for Higher Education. This election was held at State House on 17th September 2024, hosted by the Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni Kataaha.
He won the hotly contested race of eight candidates, when he polled 80 out of 223 votes from delegates from 10 public universities. Assoc. Prof. Joyce M. Ayikoru from Muni University garnered 35 votes while Assoc. Prof. Sarah Sally from Makerere University polled 33 votes.
At a surprise belated birthday celebration organized by university staff on September 18, a beaming Prof. Owiny expressed gratitude and outlined his commitment to addressing pressing issues facing higher education in Uganda, ensuring that issues of delays in course accreditation by NCHE and the establishment of regional offices for better accessibility are observed.
“When I decide to do something, I want to do it to the fullest, that is the reason I decided to stand for this office, so I can serve effectively,” he said.
The celebration was characterized by congratulatory messages led by the University Secretary, David Obol Otori, and staff who applauded Prof. Owiny’s landslide win, wished him a successful term in office, and promised to work with him.
The election results indicated others in the range of supporters who had Prof. Wilson Babu Musinguzi from Mountains of the Moon University with 18 votes, Rev. Canon Dr. John Musisi Ssenyonyi from Soroti University with 16 votes, and a number of others trailing behind.
The election of Prof. Owiny into the position marks a milestone in the history of representation at the national level by public universities, and his plans for the future are expected to create impact in transforming the higher education terrain in Uganda.
