Gulu University has began the search for a new Vice Chancellor to replace Prof Jack Nyeko Pen-Mogi whose term expires in January 15 next year.
Prof Pen-Mogi has been Gulu University’s Vice Chancellor since the institution was set up in 2002.
Ms Amelia Kigundu, the University Public Relation Officer confirmed to Acholi Times in an interview on Tuesday that the University council made the resolution in a meeting in March this year.
Ms Kigundu said the search committee comprising of two members from the University Council and two members from the University’s senate has been established.
“The search committee will identify the three suitable candidates who will then be recommended to the University council,” Ms Kigundu said.
She said the search process is informed by the University and tertiary act of 2001 which stipulates that a Vice Chancellor shall be appointed on terms and conditions determined by the University council on five year term.
The University’s Academic Registrar Mr Geoffrey Lamtoo who is also the Secretary Senate noted that the search for a new Vice Chancellor was a normal procedure basing on the fact Prof Pen-Mogi’s contract expired.
The University has since advertised for the Vice Chancellor position with interested applicants expected to apply not later than May 20 this year.
Last year, the president appointed the former Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Sciences and Technology, Prof Frederick Kayanja, as Chancellor of Gulu University replacing Prof Martin Aliker.
Gulu University has branches in Lira, Kitgum and Hoima districts.
About Prof Pen-Mogi
Prof Pen-Mogi, a veterinarian by profession was born on May 12 1948.
He attended Makerere University and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.
He started his career in 1987, as a Principal Research Entomologist, in the Uganda Tsetse Control Department, working there until 1991.
From 1993 until 1996, he worked as a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, at Makerere University.
In 1994, he was elected Constituent Assembly delegate, which wrote the 1995 Uganda Constitution.
From 1996 until 2001, Prof Pen-Mogi was Member of Parliament for Kilak County then Gulu District but now in Amuru.
In 2001 a Technical Task Force was appointed to set up Gulu University. Professor Nyeko was appointed Chairman of that four-person task force.
He became the founding vice chancellor of the institution when it opened its doors in 2002.