What was probably one of the most prominent leadership transformations ever, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has installed a new Chancellor at Makerere University in the person of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga. This appointment ushers in a new era for one of Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, as Dr. Kiyonga assumes an office previously held by Dr. Ezra Seruma, who has been the Chancellor of Makerere University for more than ten years.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, announced on X that he was congratulatory and giving a warm welcome to Dr. Kiyonga. “His Excellency the President of Uganda has made the prestigious appointment of Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the new Chancellor of Makerere University. On behalf of the Makerere University Council, I extend our warm congratulations to Dr. Kiyonga upon this prestigious appointment and warmly welcome him to the service of Makerere University,” Nawangwe said in a statement.
Dr. Kiyonga will preside over the graduation ceremonies at the university, with his maiden official duty set to take place at the 75th graduation scheduled for January 2024. The momentous occasion will mark not only the introduction of the new Chancellor but also Makerere’s continued commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Kiyonga is no stranger to leadership, having served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, representing the nation in Beijing, and as Minister of Defence from 2006 to 2016. His close association with Makerere University, where he attained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, coupled with a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, makes him befitting to head the institution.
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga will bring vast experience and a steady hand to the helm of affairs at Makerere University as it navigates the unceasing duty of shaping the future of Uganda’s higher education. His appointment therefore ushers in a moment of pride and anticipation within the entire Makerere community, foreshadowing a future where tradition meets with progressive leadership.
