President Museveni Appoints Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as Chancellor of Makerere University

Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of Makerere University by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museven, the President of Uganda. Makerere University is the oldest public university in Uganda. Dr. Kiyonga, a veteran politician and diplomat, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various high-profile positions within the Ugandan government.

The announcement of Dr. Kiyonga's appointment has been met with optimism by the Makerere University Council, which extended its congratulations.

His Excellency the President of Uganda has appointed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as the new Chancellor of Makerere University. On behalf of Makerere University Council, I extend our warm congratulations to Dr. Kiyonga on this prestigious appointment and warmly welcome him to the service…— Barnabas Nawangwe (@ProfNawangwe) August 31, 2024

Dr. Kiyonga succeeds Prof. Ezra Suruma, who served in the role for several years.

Dr. Kiyonga has a long and distinguished career, beginning with his role as Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing in 1986. He went on to hold various ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance, where he is credited with establishing the Uganda Revenue Authority, and Minister of Health, where he effectively managed the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000. He also served as Uganda’s Minister of Defense from 2006 to 2016 and was appointed as Uganda's Ambassador to China in 2016.

His extensive experience in both domestic and international affairs positions him well to contribute to the continued development of Makerere University. As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga will oversee key ceremonial duties and represent the university at various forums, while also helping to steer its strategic direction.

Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Makerere University, as it continues to focus on enhancing its academic programs and research output. The university community is hopeful that his leadership will further bolster the institution's reputation as a center of excellence.