Gulu University has shortlisted four senior academics to compete for the institution’s first-ever Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (DVC-FA) position. According to a notice dated June 22, 2026, signed by Dr. Jerry Bagaya, the Secretary of the University Search Committee, the candidates were shortlisted during the committee’s fourth meeting held on June 4 and 5th.
The shortlisted candidates are Associate Professor Collins Okello, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University, and Associate Professor Daniel Komakech, Chief of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training at Gulu University.
Other candidates are Associate Professor Eric Awich Ochen, Deputy Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Makerere University; and Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business under Makerere University’s College of Business and Management Sciences. The recruitment process marks the first time since the university’s establishment in 2002 that the institution is seeking to fill the office of Deputy Vice Chancellor In Charge of Finance and Administration.
Since its inception, Gulu University has only had a Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Academic Affairs, currently held by Prof. David Okello Owiny. The Finance and Administration docket remained vacant for years, with reports indicating that the position had not been advertised due to financial constraints associated with maintaining the office.
Felista Auma, the Deputy Communication Officer at Gulu University, told Uganda Radio Network on Tuesday that the shortlisted candidates emerged from a rigorous process following the advertisement of the position in May. “They actually underwent a thorough process. This is a vital position, and the university has never had a Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration because finances were not really easy for us, and the university did not have money to sustain such a key office,” Auma said.
Auma said the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the university’s finances and administration, as well as planning, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating the institution’s strategic plan. “This role is very key because the person will coordinate the production of financial reports from the different cost centers of the university. We really need someone highly qualified, and that is why we require applicants to possess a PhD from a recognized university,” she added.
The select committee has scheduled Thursday for public presentations by the candidates at Gulu University’s main Library in Gulu City. Auma noted that the public presentations form a critical part of the selection process, allowing stakeholders to assess the candidates’ academic and professional backgrounds, their vision for the university, and their plans for improving areas such as research, teaching, financial management, and infrastructure development.
“The general public will also have an opportunity to engage the candidates and ask questions. This is a very important part of the recruitment process, and we call upon all stakeholders, staff, students, and members of the community to attend and understand what each candidate intends to bring on board to strengthen the university,” she said. Founded in 2002, Gulu University is currently under the leadership of Prof George Ladaah Openjuru, who has been the University’s Vice Chancellor since 2018 after replacing founding Vice Chancellor Prof Jack Nyeko Penmogi-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
