He is hardly five months-old at the university, but in accepting appointment as Head of Department Languages and Literature, Dr Richard Watuulo set his goal clear; leading a team to excellence.

“My vision is to make this department a shining example within the university. I want to strengthen the spirit of teamwork because managing a department should ideally be a joint venture of all stakeholders,” Watuulo said.
“I would love members of my department to develop analytical thinking and problem solving skills. I will adopt a five-year development planning system for the department instead of doing it each semester; working closely with the Faculty Dean and higher university authorities as well as cooperating with other faculties and departments,” he added.
However, as one can muse, managing a department and more so, that of Languages and Literature can’t be easy. True, the department boasts a number of qualified and senior staff, but trails in terms of students’ enrolment.
Watuulo is aware of the threat, but says his leadership will strive to avert the challenge. He says,
“One of my key priorities will be to attract more students. Our university already has good reputation, but we shall take nothing for granted. We shall make all possible attempts; organise outreaches to sensitize students in secondary schools as well as use students pursuing MA Educational Management as our contact persons to help persuade students to the programme.”
Who is Watuulo?
He joined Uganda Christian University as Senior Lecturer in May 2010, but had served for two years as lecturer at UCU-Mbale Campus’s Department of Education.
Watuulo holds a PhD by research and MA. Applied Linguistics and Teaching English as a Foreign Language, both from the University of Portsmouth, UK. He obtained a BA Education, (ITEK), and Dip. Educ. from Nagongera National Teachers College.
As a committed Christian, Watuulo says he owes his life and achievements to the personality of Jesus Christ.
“I am committed to Christ and consider myself his ambassador. It is my responsibility to reflect the character and virtues of Christ. This, I must do in my actions both within and outside my position of responsibility. In fact, I believe this appointment is not because of my personality or qualifications, but by God’s grace. I look at the appointment as an opportunity to serve God,” Watuulo said.
Watuulo is married to Lydia Watuulo with whom he has four children.