By Amos Ssemuwemba
Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning, is set to welcome a new chancellor. President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga to the position, succeeding Dr. Ezra Suruma, who has served in the role for over a decade.
The appointment was announced by Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, who took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the news.
“His Excellency the President of Uganda has appointed 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 on this prestigious appointment and warmly welcome him to the service of Makerere University,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
Dr. Kiyonga is no stranger to Makerere University, having earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the institution in 1975. He further advanced his education with a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in the United States.
Born in 1949 in Bushenyi District, Dr. Kiyonga’s career has been marked by significant contributions to Uganda’s medical and political landscapes. He began his career as a medical officer, working in various hospitals across Uganda before joining the Uganda People’s Army as a medical officer. His entry into politics came in 1986 when he joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government as the Minister of Health, a position he held for a decade.
Dr. Kiyonga’s diplomatic journey saw him serve as Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States from 1996 to 2001, before returning to Uganda to take up roles as the Minister of State for Internal Affairs and later as the Minister of Defence. In 2016, he was appointed Uganda’s Ambassador to China, a role he held until 2023.
As Chancellor of Makerere University, Dr. Kiyonga will play a ceremonial role, presiding over the university’s graduation ceremonies. His first official duty will be overseeing the institution’s 75th graduation ceremony, scheduled for January 2024.
Dr. Kiyonga’s extensive experience in both public health and diplomacy is expected to bring a unique perspective to his new role at Makerere University. The university community eagerly anticipates his leadership during this pivotal time in the institution’s history.