Professor Anthony Muwagga Mugagga has been reappointed as the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) at Makerere University for a new administrative term of another four years .
Makerere University officially announced and congratulated Prof. Mugagga upon the renewal of his contract and retention of his leadership role at CEES in September 2026.
Prof. Mugagga is a seasoned professor of Philosophy of Education and Education Foundations and Management, who initially took office as CEES Principal in February 2022 after succeeding Prof. Fred Masagazi Masaazi.
Prof Mugagga Muwagga
At the same time , Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga was appointed as the new Deputy Principal of the college, taking over the role from Professor Ronald Bisaso.
Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, the Principal-College of Education and External Studies (CEES), congratulated the outgoing Deputy Principal-Prof. Ronald Bisaso upon the successful completion of his tenure. He acknowledged Prof. Bisaso for his contribution to the advancement of the College. He wished him God’s blessings as he continues to serve the College and Makerere University at the rank of Professor.
The Principal challenged the academic staff to prioritize adherence to institutional timelines. He stressed the need for closer supervision of teaching and learning to ensure that lecturers fully deliver course content in accordance with approved course outlines and academic schedules.
He emphasized the importance of monitoring teaching activities to safeguard academic quality, highlighting the implementation of the major-minor curriculum structure, student teaching, staff coordination and the transition to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBE) among the emerging academic priorities requiring strategic attention.
Congratulating the incoming Deputy Principal, Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga, the Principal urged him to embrace the role with humility, integrity, patience and commitment. “Leadership is a responsibility of service rather than personal ambition,” he stated.
Prioritize Digital Pedagogy and Graduate Education
The outgoing Deputy Principal MakCEES , Prof. Ronald Bisaso
The outgoing Deputy Principal, Prof. Ronald Bisaso lauded the University leadership for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve the College. He appreciated the Principal, Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, College management, academic and administrative staff for the support and cooperation accorded to him throughout his tenure.
Underscoring the importance of humility, integrity and teamwork in leadership, Prof. Bisaso congratulated Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga, the incoming Deputy Principal, upon taking on the new responsibility.
Reflecting on the College’s academic priorities, Prof. Bisaso underscored the importance of integrating digital pedagogy and competency-based approaches into teaching and learning to enhance the quality of education and prepare graduates for contemporary challenges.
Prof. Bisaso also highlighted the need for greater investment in graduate education, noting that postgraduate students require well-funded academic activities that support research, innovation and an improved student experience.
He observed that strengthening postgraduate training would enhance the College’s competitiveness while reinforcing its mandate of preparing highly qualified educators.
Teamwork, Consultation and Open-Door Leadership
Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga delivering his appreciation speech
Accepting the office, Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga appreciated the Search Committee, University Senate, University Council, and the University Appointments Board for entrusting him with the responsibility, describing his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the College.
Reflecting on his work experience at Makerere University, Associate Professor Itaaga, said he brings more than 26 years of professional experience, having served the university in various capacities, including four (4) years in the Department of the Academic Registrar, and eight (8) years as the Head of Department Foundations and Curriculum Studies.
He informed the audience that his experience with education at Makerere University could be traced back to his life as a student at the Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD levels. He acknowledged the Principal, Prof. Mugagga for serving as his academic supervisor at the PhD level. Dr Nicholas Itaaga has risen through the academic ranks from Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Associate Professor.
“This experience has given me a broader understanding of the College from both the student and academic perspectives,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to serving the College, Associate Professor Itaaga assured the College community of his readiness to work closely with staff and other stakeholders to implement the University’s strategic plan.
“I pledge to foster teamwork, consultation, and an open door leadership approach to advance Makerere’s strategic plan and research-led agenda. I believe together we can and together we shall win,” Associate Professor Itaaga said, pledging to serve to the best of his ability and work collectively with colleagues for the good of the College.
Accountability, Proper Documentation and Continuity in Service.
Ms. Patricia Nay , from the Directorate of Internal Audit Makerere University
Representing the Directorate of Internal Audit, Ms. Patricia Nay emphasized that the handover process is an important accountability requirement guided by public financial management and public service regulations.
Commending Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga for his performance in the previous roles, Ms. Nay congratulated him upon his appointment as the incoming Deputy Principal of CEES and wished him success as he takes on his new responsibilities.
She appreciated Prof. Bisaso for an excellent handover report, which highlighted the areas of focus for the incoming Deputy Principal.
Congratulates New Leadership
Representing the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer at Makerere University, Ms. Sandra Namawanda congratulated Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga upon his reappointment as Principal of CEES and Associate Professor Nicholas Itaaga upon his appointment as the Deputy Principal.
“I wish the new College leadership success as it begins a new phase of administration and service to the University,” she said.
Ms. Namawanda appreciated Prof. Ronald Bisaso for the service extended to CEES and its stakeholders during his tenure as Deputy Principal.
The handover ceremony marked the transition of responsibility and commitment to continuity, accountability, teamwork and academic excellence.
