He will preside at all ceremonial assemblies of the university and in the name, confer degrees and other academic titles and distinctions, writes YUDAYA NANGONZI.
A physician, politician, and diplomat, Kiyonga becomes the eighth chancellor and fourth non-head-of-state chancellor, succeeding Prof Ezra Suruma who served the university for eight years.
President Museveni appointed him the titular head on recommendation of the University Council in August 2024. In this new role, Kiyonga will be facilitated by the university whenever he attends official duties but shall not receive regular emoluments.
Speaking at the installation ceremony held at the university Freedom Square last week, President Museveni described Kiyonga as “an outstanding cadre and leader of NRM, member of the Central Executive Committee, and has been active in our efforts of UPM since 1980. I heartily congratulate him.”
Born in Kasese in 1952, Kiyonga is an alumnus of Makerere, having graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1978. He holds a Master of Health Science specializing in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004. He studied at Bwera PS (1959- 1966), Nyakasura School (1967-1970), and King’s College Budo (1971-1972).
He has risen through various government ranks and held several ministerial positions including former minister of Defense (2006-2016), minister without portfolio (2001-2006), Health (1996-2001), Internal Affairs (1994-1996), Finance (1986-1992), Cooperatives and Marketing (1986), and served as Uganda’s ambassador to China.
“In the coming days, I will link with the vice chancellor to understand the pertinent issues at Makerere and see how to relate with the university managers in the context of the central task of transforming Africa. I will deepen the linkage of the wider community of students and staff with the central government,” Kiyonga, who appeared for the installation with his wife Alice, said.
He challenged the university’s research agendas to speak more clearly and directly to the government development agenda. At least three heads of state have acted as chancellors of Makerere University. The late Dr Apollo Milton Obote (1970-1985), the late Idi Amin Dada (1971-1979), and President Museveni (1986-2002).
The non-heads-of-state chancellors are; the late Apolo Robinson Nsibambi (2003-2007), Prof Mondo Kagonyera (2007-2015), Prof Ezra Suruma (2016-2023), and Dr Chrispus Walter Kiyonga.
MAIN BUILDING RESTORED
Before the installation, Museveni also reopened the university’s iconic administration building “Ivory Tower” which was gutted by fire on September 20, 2020. The Education minister, Janet Museveni, said: “The restoration of the main building symbolizes a rising again of Makerere and we hope it will continue to play a pivotal role in future generations. The building has been restored to its original exterior glory while making necessary interior adjustments to meet current needs.”
Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said September 20 remains the saddest day in the university’s history.
“When I arrived at the scene with my wife Susan a few minutes after midnight, it seemed like the end of the world. The president was the first person that called me that early morning at 3 am,” Nawangwe said.
“He asked me: “Is it true that the main building has caught fire?” When I answered in the affirmative, he asked whether the student records were safe. Again, I answered in the affirmative. Then he said: “Then it is alright because the student records are the most important.”
Nawangwe said the cabinet approved the release of Shs 21bn which was required to reconstruct the building by Ugandan architects and engineers trained by Makerere University.
The basement of the building has been revamped to accommodate the university museum, to which Nawangwe requested the president: “We will be honoured to host the Luweero War Memorial Museum if we are allowed to do so.”
Nawangwe, also an architect, affirmed that the new building will stand and proclaim to the world: “We Build for the Future” for centuries to come. Infrastructural projects that have been undertaken with government funds recently are; the construction of the new building for the School of Law, perimeter fence, renovation of Lumumba hall, and the ongoing renovation of Mary Stuart hall.
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