The head Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF) Professor Nakimera Sylivia Antonia Nanyonga Tamusuza on 22nd February 2023 handed over office to Dr. Benon Kigozi in Acting capacity.
Professor Nakimera who is also the first Professor of Music became head PAF in 2015 and has served for 8 years. Her handover follows her recent new appointment by the Vice Chancellor to head the Grants and Management Support Unit (GAMSU).
The handover ceremony was held at Departments Dance studio witnessed by the Principal represented by her Deputy Assoc. Prof. Eric Awich, the Dean School of Liberal and Performing Arts Prof. Associate Patrick Mangeni, guests from the Uganda National Theatre, Heads of Departments, Administrative and support staff from CHUSS and PAF.
Prof. Nakimera said it was a hard talk and also a good day because she was handing over something that has been dear to her for the last eight years to somebody that she was extremely confident that he will take the department to the next level.
“I want to thank you Dr. Kigozi. I know it was a big decision for you to make but I am grateful that when you were nominated, you accepted. You were nominated by two sets of staff which means the department has trust in you”, She said
PAF according to outgoing head started as a drama course in the then Literature department in 1965, transformed into a department of MDD in 1971 and moved on to change from MDD to PAF in 2010.
When she came in as head, Prof. Nakimera reported that she created a strategic direction for the Department of MDD because people thought that whoever came from the department was only good as a singer, dancer and fun maker with no good.
In implementing the strategic plan Prof. Nakimera said, she worked with teams and identified key areas which included the need to improve the image of MDD to become the lead icon and signature of the university.
“The strategy and image of our department has changed…. We are no longer Musiru Dala Dala as MDD was perceived. We are now occupying big spaces for example I am a Senator, member on staff tribunal and also on the students disciplinary committee but also on Graduate Training Research in Senate which shows that we can be those people”, she stated.
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Prof. Nakimera Sylivia Antonia Nanyonga Tamususa hands over PAF Headship to Dr. Benon Kigozi