Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has outlined his vision for the institution during the university’s 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed as Chancellor by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on October 2, 2024, this milestone event marked Dr. Kiyonga’s first graduation ceremony as the titular head of the prestigious institution.
A total of 13,658 students will receive degrees and diplomas during the five-day event, running from January 13 to 17, 2025.
The Guest of Honour, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, was represented by Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education.
Congratulating the graduates, she acknowledged the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I thank the University Council, Senate, management, and staff for their dedication to preparing these students for success.”
She also praised Makerere’s administration for ensuring that transcripts were ready for collection, urging graduates to embrace hard work and innovation.
“You must face the future with courage, creativity, and conviction. There are countless opportunities—seize them to create jobs.”
She further commended the Students Guild for maintaining a constructive relationship with the university’s leadership, ensuring that student welfare issues are resolved amicably.
Kiyonga’s vision for Makerere
In his address, Dr. Kiyonga, a Makerere alumnus, emphasised that the university must extend its role beyond education to research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
He outlined several key priorities for his tenure:
Boosting research capacity
Dr. Kiyonga lauded the Shs30 billion allocated to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), describing research as vital to Uganda’s socio-economic growth.
“Makerere University has built a strong stock of high-quality human resources over the years. However, we must mobilise more funding to further support research work.”
He stressed the importance of translating research into practical solutions for Uganda’s pressing challenges.
Industry collaboration and innovation
Dr. Kiyonga advocated for stronger ties with national and international industries, stating that Makerere must commercialise its innovations.
“We are generating innovations that should be scaled up for commercialisation.”
He proposed the establishment of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, providing hands-on training for students while contributing to Uganda’s food security and economic development.
“We need more resources and infrastructure to support our innovations.”
Tackling unemployment through entrepreneurship
Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to use their education to create opportunities rather than solely seeking employment.
“Sustaining a mindset of innovation is critical. Identify areas of demand and apply your knowledge to create work.”
He encouraged graduates to form partnerships and launch businesses, noting that entrepreneurship is key to addressing societal challenges.
“Work with your peers, develop ideas, and transform them into business enterprises.”
Expanding community outreach
Dr. Kiyonga proposed that Makerere should formalise partnerships with medium to large-scale farmers across Uganda.
“Students in agriculture can gain hands-on experience, while smallholder farmers benefit from their expertise in extension services.”
He also highlighted gaps in training for Ugandans abroad, suggesting that Makerere partner with foreign universities to provide practical training in fields such as human medicine.
Integrating political economy in curricula
Following President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga stressed the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses.
“Understanding socio-economic forces is critical in determining progress or stagnation. Our graduates must be equipped to lead in an evolving world.”
With these priorities, Dr. Kiyonga aims to transform Makerere into a centre of academic excellence, research, and innovation, ensuring that graduates are equipped to tackle Uganda’s most pressing challenges.
