Makerere University has appointed Dr. Aisha Nakiwala Sembatya as the new head of the Department of Journalism and Communication (DJC).
Dr. Aisha Nakiwala takes over from Dr. William Tayeebwa who has been the head since 2014. The handover ceremony took place on Thursday 1 October at Makerere Guest House.
Prof. Josephine Ahikire, the Principal College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Prof. Edith Natukunda the Dean School of Languages, Literature and Communication graced the occasion.
Dr. Tayeebwa joined the Department as a Teaching Assistant in 2000 became the 6th person to head the unit established in 1998. While handing over the office, he said that it “was an honour to head DJC. It is a family, where members look out for each other in every respect.”
During his tenure, nine members of staff attained their PhDs, majority of whom with funding from the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research (NORHED) project, where Dr. Tayeebwa William was the Principal Investigator. He appealed to his successor to complete the curriculum review, continue pursuing the long-term objectives of becoming a school and building the Africa Media Dome, the proposed home for the Department.
While accepting the responsibility to head the unit, Dr. Nakiwala was grateful to staff for entrusting her with leadership. She pointed out that her ascendance to management is “a sign of maturity for me as an individual and the Department of Journalism and Communication”. Describing herself as a “stickler but a good listener”, she pledged to work with all members of staff to maintain the vibrancy of DJC in the university, Uganda and beyond. Dr. Nakiwala joined the Department in 2002 as an Assistant Coordinator before rising through the ranks to become a Lecturer.
The Principal, Prof. Josephine Ahikire observed that DJC is “the star of the College”. She thanked Dr. Tayeebwa for leading
DJC with positive energy and promised to support Dr. Nakiwala in her new role. 
The Dean School Languages Literature and Communication, Prof. Edith Natukunda thanked Dr. Tayeebwa for leading the Department “gracefully and honourably” and encouraged him to remain in the Universityleadership. Dr. Natukunda encouraged the new head to pursue the idea of establishing a digital television, and start income generating activities for the Department.
On behalf of staff, Prof. Goretti Nassanga, who was the first Head of the Department thanked
Dr. Tayeebwa for steering DJC for six years, and congratulated Dr. Nakiwala upon being elevated to the position of head.
Staff wished Dr. Tayeebwa well in his one-year sabbatical as a fellow of the Africa Humanities Programme.
These are some good momeries of the handover ceremony.
Story by Dr. ivan Lukanda
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