Prof. Ssentamu on his time as VC Makerere University

Prof Ddumba’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

I am proud of integrity; everywhere I have a trace, the team can acknowledge it. I am an open person who would not mind breaking it face to face when things go wrong. I am also a straight forward person.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Seeing things going right.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Not being aggressive enough because people talked too much during my tenure as VC of Makerere University but I kept a deaf ear. My predecessor was very aggressive and I only got to understand why he acted that way during my term of office. I wish I was also more aggressive.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Dishonesty.

Which living person do you most admire?

Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala is a straight forward person, listens and I believe that he is spiritually right. I recall one day when he invited me to his office requesting me to take on the position of board chairman of Centenary Bank; I still admire his humility.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I hate being shabby; therefore, I spend some good money on good dressing.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

In 1998, I was on a council for Ndejje University and about the same time, the then vice chancellor Prof Walusimbi (RIP) had his contract ending. My name was forwarded to take over from him in acting capacity to which I agreed and my first task was to organise the first graduation. I did it successfully regardless of working in a very hostile environment characterised by opposition from some sects of the Anglican leadership since I was a catholic. However, I was very much appreciated at the end of the tenure and up to today, I am remembered for turning around the university. The people of Ndejje University still appreciate me.

What is your current state of mind?

Many times, I am a happy man.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

We waste too much time and money on luxurious functions. We are wasting this country and yet we could devote the resources elsewhere.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Being morally upright, honest and having integrity. Unfortunately such people are few in Uganda.

On what occasion do you lie?

I hardly tell lies.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am not bothered about my appearance.

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who changes goal-posts every time and those are quite many individuals.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

It has to be my children.

When and where were you happiest?

The day I got married in 1983. I was also happy graduating with a PhD that I pursued in very trying times when my wife had just passed on and being torn into raising our very young children that she left behind. I was also very happy being part of the team that took a decision to construct Mapeera house and witnessing its construction as well as official opening.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am too soft and some people take me for granted. So I wish I could be more aggressive.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a part of the growth at Centenary Bank and turning around Ndejje University.

Where would you most like to live?

Uganda is my country so I have to live here although I would love a better Uganda, very well organized.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

As an economist, living below the poverty line is too much suffering. It hurts that as an individual, I can’t do so much to get such people out of such abject poverty.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being an economist although the challenge is that our work is sometimes not taken seriously because of politicking in everything.

What do you most value in your friends?

Sharing with them ideas and issues let alone money.

Who are your favorite writers?

Chinua Achebe wrote things that touch our lives as well as those that we appreciate.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga was a straight forward man, very hardworking and made genuine statements without fear or favour.

What is your greatest regret?

My regrets come in at Advanced level; may be if I hadn’t wasted so much time in social activities I would have become a medical doctor.

What is your motto?

It’s about time.