Former Bank of Uganda boss appointed Lira University council chairperson

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Former deputy governor Bank of Uganda, Geoffrey David Opio Okello has been appointed the chairperson Lira University Council, the top most decision making organ of the public varsity.

Opio Okello was appointed alongside Nellie Florence Okullo, former assistant commissioner in the department of admission and scholarship and student affairs in the Ministry of Education and Sports as the vice.

The university vice chancellor, Prof Jasper Ogwal Okeng chaired the governing council meeting held at the campus at Ayere village, Lira City West Division on Tuesday.

Prof Ogwal chairing the meeting on Tuesday

Two new faces were brought in to represent the public.

They were Dr Robert Omara, a veterinary officer at State House and Bosco Onyik Ogwal, a former employee of Uganda Broadcasting Services and National Council of Sports.

The appointment of Opio Okello and Okullo followed the expiry of the term of office of Dr Joel Okullo Odom and Dr Florence Ebila last month. Both Odom and Ebila served two terms (eight years) respectively.

Okullo taking oath of office after he was appointed as Vice-chairperson, Lira University Council

Other members were former Dokolo LC5 chairperson, Fredrick Odongo representing the disabled persons, Lira city mayor Sam Atul, Dr Rosie Agoi, the secretary general of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization among others.

Journey to add value

Opio described the appointment as starting a very long journey and there is need to do their best as they can to add some value to the university founded eight years ago.

He says founding something is not very easy, particularly for an entity like a university, there are so many requirements, processes and stakeholders which you need to deal with.

Dr Agoi, Okullo and Ass Prof Opio Okako chatting at Lira University

Opio, who is also the managing director of Dara Christian High and Truth Fountain Primary in Lira city, advised the council members not only to sit in meetings but also try to learn many things from other places and bring them to the university.

Okullo implored members to take the responsibility heaped on them seriously so that they leave a historical mark at the university.

Prof Ogwal says the university is still lacking infrastructure and he was happy that the administration block where works had stalled has resumed and will be completed after nine months.