The air in the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI) on October 13, 2025, was charged with a mixture of reverence and excitement. It was the day Dr. Evarist Nabaasa formally handed over the reins of power to Dr. Fred Kaggwa, marking the end of eight years of dedicated service as Dean. The ceremony, witnessed by the University Internal Auditor, Mr. Geoffrey Mutebi, was a celebration of transition and continuity.
The proceedings began with Dr. Simon Kawuma, representing all Heads of Departments (HoDs), offering a heartfelt vote of thanks to the outgoing Dean. Dr. Kawuma praised Dr. Nabaasa as a great teacher, mentor, and a committed timekeeper So indelible was Dr. Nabaasa’s contribution that Dr. Kawuma suggested permanent commemorations, perhaps a lecture hall named after him or a bust in front of the Faculty block, to keep his memory alive within the FCI.
Ms. Kate Imanirampa the Principal Assistant Academic Registrar (PAAR) for FCI, followed with a general vote of thanks for the now Dean Emeritus, Dr. Nabaasa. She thanked the Almighty God for granting him the spiritual strength and wealthy mind that enabled him to lead the Faculty so well for the past eight years. Ms. Imanirampa lauded his tangible leadership contributions, noting that he never exercised discrimination in his administrative interactions. “You played your part and delegated where it was necessary,” she stated, adding that he “never sat on any file,” always seeking clarification and advice from relevant staff.
Turning to the incoming leader, Ms. Imanirampa Kate challenged Dr. Fred Kaggwa to maintain his zeal for service, stating that it was the only way he would fit into Dr. Nabaasa’s shoes. She acknowledged Dr. Kaggwa’s own strengths, recognizing him as a multi-tasker who was good at beating deadlines.
Passing the torch
The centerpiece of the ceremony was the handover itself. Dr. Evarist Nabaasa shared his handover report along with profound words of encouragement to Dr. Fred. His guidance was clear: Be responsible and available; uphold stakeholders’ interests; champion your Faculty; consult and collaborate; lead with integrity; and anchor your mandate
Following this, the moment of transition arrived. Dr. Kaggwa received the instruments of power and the report, and was enrobed in the academic gown.
Newly vested with his authority, Dr. Kaggwa delivered his acceptance speech. He began by expressing his humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him, declaring his election a “collective one” that mirrored a shared aspiration for FCI to become a “vibrant hub of innovation, technology, and data science excellence” . He specifically thanked Dr. Nabaasa for his “exemplary leadership and mentorship”, vowing to carry his legacy forward.
Dr. Kaggwa firmly committed to a leadership style summarized as: “Leadership with vision. Engagement with purpose. Results with integrity”. He emphasized that the role was fundamentally about “impact”, and he called on all stakeholders staff, students, alumni, and partners to “co-create, co-lead, and co-transform” the Faculty. His ultimate goal was to make FCI a place where they don’t just teach computing, but “build solutions, shape policies, and drive change”. He concluded by accepting the great responsibility with determination, rallying everyone to rise together “to make FCI a Faculty of Possibilities”
“Every beginning is the consequence of an ending… and the beginning of change is often marked by the end of one era and the determined promise of the next.”
