Dr. Kiyonga (pictured) shortly before the interview. He says his focus will be on strenthening Makerere University further
The newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, will focus on ensuring that the institution continues to play a key role in the transformation and development of Uganda.
Last week, President Yoweri Museveni appointed former Defense Minister Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga as the new Chancellor of Makerere University, succeeding Prof. Ezra Suruma, who completed an eight-year tenure.
Kiyonga, who has great respect for Uganda’s oldest university, notes that he will work with all stakeholders to ensure the holistic growth of the university.
In an interview with our reporter, Kiyonga noted that as a revolutionary, he was long prepared to serve in any capacity and believes his experience from other sectors will be instrumental in leading Makerere.
Kiyonga is aware of current global trends and aims to promote the university’s growth by educating more Information Technology (IT) specialists, attracting additional researchers, and encouraging more women to pursue IT education.
He is optimistic that the university will overcome its current challenges due to its strong, resilient nature and clear vision, mission, and sense of identity.
When asked whether this new role means he will abandon his longstanding political ambitions, Kiyonga said it is too early to determine if he will remain politically active after his appointment. The Chancellor is the titular head of the university, presiding over all ceremonial assemblies and conferring degrees and other academic titles and distinctions.
Dr. Kiyonga is gallant alumnus of Makerere University, having graduated with the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1978. He also holds a Master of Health Science (MHS) with specialisation in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (2004).
Dr. Kiyonga, a strong ally of President Museveni, becomes the fourth non-head-of-state chancellor to lead Makerere University.
-URN
