Outgoing Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma
Makerere University has started the search for a new Chancellor. The new chancellor will replace Professor Ezra Suruma whose term expires this month.
In a letter dated December 11th and signed by Simon Kizito, on behalf of University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda, the university called for nominations for the position.
“The position does not attract a salary. However, the successful candidate will be facilitated whenever he/she attends to official duties and is entitled to a retainer allowance at a rate approved by the University Council.” reads part of the circular .
Professor Suruma has been in the role for the past eight years, having been initially appointed in 2016. He was later reappointed in December 2019.
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University. He presides at all ceremonial assemblies of the University and in this name, confers degrees and other academic titles and distinctions. The Chancellor is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the University Council.
Suruma, a former Finance and Economics Development Minister took over from Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, the Second non-head of State Chancellor who served for two (2) terms from 23rd October 2007 to 23rd October 2015.
Before Kagonyera, Professor Apollo Nsibambi was the only non-head to serve as Makerere University Chancellor between 2003-2007.
Previously, several heads of state had served as Makerere University Chancellors including Yoweri Museveni who served from 1986 to 2002, Apollo Milton Obote who served from 1970-1971, 1981-1985, and Idi Amin Dada who served from 1971 to 1979.
According to the eligibility criteria listed in the circular, the applicant must a be citizen of Uganda, have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher institution of learning, and be an eminent person of high integrity and with good public relations.
The circular further noted that any applicant must be between the minimum age of 55 and the maximum age of 75 at the time of nomination, must not be a serving chancellor, vice chancellor, or staff of any academic institution, and must not be a registered student of Uganda.
–URN
