Prof. Tonny Oyana hands over to Acting CoCIS Principal Dr. Peter Nabende.

Dr. Peter Nabende has assumed the role of Acting Principal of Makerere University’s College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), following the handover of office by Prof. Tonny Oyana on Friday, August 7, 2026.

The handover, held at the college conference room, marked the end of Oyana’s more than eight-year tenure as principal and came as the university continues the process of appointing a substantive principal.

Nabende said he accepted the responsibility after receiving a formal appointment letter from the university’s Chief Human Resource Officer, Mr. Tayari Mujuni, and pledged to build on the achievements registered under Oyana’s leadership.

“I am honoured and humbled to stand before you today as I step into the role of acting principal of this college,” Nabende said.

Dr. Peter Nabende giving his acceptance remarks to act during the handover 

He acknowledged that CoCIS faces challenges but said the college also has significant opportunities that should be exploited to sustain its development.

Nabende said Oyana had left a strong foundation, particularly in academic efficiency, research, partnerships, infrastructure development and collaboration.

He cited the college’s seed-grant initiatives as an important foundation for research growth, while noting the need to strengthen them to generate greater impact.

He also pledged to maintain the college’s emphasis on academic excellence, noting that Oyana had promoted the admission of high-performing students and strengthened academic processes.

“I am fortunate that at least when I step in there is a reference to look at and continue with,” Nabende said, adding that he would not seek to make unnecessary changes to systems that were already working.

The Acting Principal also committed himself to consulting university offices, including Internal Audit and Human Resources, to ensure that the college complies with institutional procedures and regulations.

He described leadership as a shared responsibility and called on staff to support him in areas requiring collective action.

The university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance, Administration and Finance, Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the Vice Chancellor at the ceremony, commended Oyana for what he described as an objective and principled approach to university management.

The university Deputy Vice Chancellor F&A, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe speaking during the hand over ceremong.

Alinaitwe said Oyana’s role as principal involved overseeing academic affairs, administration, research and knowledge-transfer partnerships, making the position critical to the overall performance of the college.

He urged Nabende to maintain the standards established by his predecessor.

“The bar is high, so don’t lower it down,” Alinaitwe said, challenging the Acting Principal to build on Oyana’s record and leave a stronger legacy.

Some of the College staff who attended the event

He also called for a smooth transition without internal divisions, saying the university expected the college to continue operating without leadership-related disputes as the process of appointing a substantive principal proceeds.

The Chief Human Resource Officer, Mujuni, said Oyana had left a visible footprint in the college, particularly in research, staffing and academic development.

Mr. Dues Tayara Mujuni speaking during the handover.

He noted that the college had increased the number of staff holding PhDs and professors during Oyana’s tenure, describing this as part of the principal’s contribution to strengthening human resources.

Mujuni also credited Oyana with mentoring and counselling staff, including encouraging employees to pursue further studies and helping staff navigate disciplinary and professional matters.

He urged the college to preserve Oyana’s institutional knowledge and consult him where necessary as the new leadership takes shape.

Mujuni clarified that Nabende’s appointment is temporary, saying the process for selecting a substantive principal is still ongoing.

The Internal Audit representative, meanwhile, urged the new administration to strengthen internal controls in procurement, finance and asset management.

The Makerere Internal Auditor receiving documentary submissions from the outgoing Principal

The audit office also called on the college to align its operations with the university’s 2025–2030 strategic plan and address outstanding audit issues within the required timelines.

“Internal audit shall continue to provide assurance and advisory support,” the representative said, while urging the new administration to ensure accountability in delivering the college’s mandate.

During the ceremony, Oyana thanked university management, deans, heads of department and staff for supporting his leadership.

Prof. Oyana speaking during the handover

He said the college had achieved significant progress through collective effort, noting that leadership could not succeed without the cooperation of those being led.

“I also appreciate that we have achieved a lot together,” Oyana said.

The Dean of the East African School of Library and Information Science, Dr. Sarah Kaddu, praised Oyana for supporting staff development and leadership, saying his mentorship had helped several members of staff discover and develop their leadership abilities.

Dr. Sarah Kaddu delivering a vote of thanks to the outgoing Principal, on behalf of the college

She also credited him with consistently following up on institutional responsibilities and encouraging staff to complete assignments and pursue professional growth.

The handover comes as Oyana concludes his service as principal after more than eight years at the helm of CoCIS, with university officials urging the incoming leadership to consolidate the gains made during his tenure while addressing outstanding institutional challenges.

A group photo of University Administrators and College Staff who took part in the handover ceremony.

Compiled by Jane and Anyango and Joseph Buwule