Dr. Freddie Bwanga, the incoming Chair of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, expressed gratitude to everyone present. He specifically thanked the respected colleagues and students, and extended special thanks to the Chief Guest of the day, the college HR officer, for honoring the occasion with their presence. Dr. Bwanga acknowledged those who encouraged, nominated, and seconded him to this position, as well as those who sent congratulations. He also appreciated everyone who sacrificed their time to witness the handover ceremony and extended gratitude to his predecessor for milestones achieved due to his tenure and peaceful transition.
Dr. Bwanga outlined the department’s commitment to excellence in three main areas: Teaching, Research, and Service to the community. In terms of teaching and student issues, he emphasized the importance of strong coordination of the Masters and PhD training programs. He committed to supporting students in developing their proposals in a timely manner, pre-scheduling regular proposal defenses and doctoral committee meetings, and actively seeking more local and international opportunities for specialized lab technical training. Dr. Bwanga also pledged to continually review and update the curriculum to ensure its relevance and comprehensiveness.
On the topic of research, Dr. Bwanga highlighted the collaborative nature of research efforts between staff and students. He stressed the need for grants to advance research and promised to support staff and students in formulating research questions and securing research grants. Dr. Bwanga also emphasized his commitment to fostering an environment that encourages innovative and impactful research.
In terms of community service, Dr. Bwanga reiterated the department’s commitment to various initiatives, such as COVID-19 diagnostics support. He expressed support for the business arm of the department and welcomed ideas on how to support the community or generate income. Dr. Bwanga acknowledged that while money is not everything, many things are not possible without it.
Dr. Bwanga addressed the management of the department, noting that his role would primarily involve leadership and management. He outlined plans to practice shared execution of tasks through participatory leadership and management styles, and to make activities as predictable as possible, including teaching programs, staff meetings, proposal presentations, and postdoctoral meetings. Dr. Bwanga also spoke of organizing the department into specific work tasks with designated focal persons and ensuring strong coordination of activities and tasks. He committed to maintaining strong communication and consultation with critical stakeholders and continuously reviewing progress and improving systems.
Regarding staff issues, Dr. Bwanga promised to facilitate staff promotions, ensure timely appraisals, and support staff with grant writing efforts. He emphasized a commitment to fairness.
In fostering unity and harmony, Dr. Bwanga highlighted the importance of positive thinking and mutual respect among staff, between departments and schools/colleges, and between staff and students. He appealed to everyone to support students in achieving their objectives and to address mistakes diplomatically, minimizing blame and anger. Dr. Bwanga referenced James 1:19-20 from the Bible, which teaches the virtues of patience, calmness, and goodness over anger and bitterness. He called for the department to set an example of unity and respect, showing that division has no place in their midst.
