Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga has been installed as the new Chancellor of Makerere University.
The installation took place on Wednesday during a ceremony that also marked the reopening of the university’s iconic main building, the Ivory Tower, which was destroyed by a fire in 2020.
President Museveni, accompanied by Janet Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports, presided over the event.
Dr. Kiyonga was appointed last month following nearly a year of uncertainty after the conclusion of Professor Ezra Suruma’s eight-year tenure in December 2023.
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 President appoints the Chancellor on the recommendation of the University Council.
President Museveni praised Kiyonga for his longstanding dedication and service to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) which was pivotal in Uganda’s liberation efforts.
He said that he has no doubts that Kiyonga is best suited for the position.
Dr Kiyonga said that he would soon meet the University management to get a glimpse of issues at the university.
He said that he will work closely with the Vice Chancellor and other university stakeholders to ensure that our research speaks directly to the development agenda of Uganda.
The President also officially reopened the University’s main building, the iconic Ivory Tower.
The building, which to many is the face of Makerere and a symbol of pride for the university, was severely damaged in the 2020 blaze.
Fire gutted the historic building in September 2020. The mystery fire, according to a report compiled by the Criminal Investigations Department and the Ministry of Works resulted from a short circuit arising from a faulty electrical system.
Since then, the government allocated Shillings 21 billion for the restoration works of the historic building, whose original construction began in 1938 with funding from several sources including regional governments, the Uganda protectorate government, and several individuals.
According to the reconstruction plans, the exterior of the building has been restored to its original grandeur. However, interior changes have been made to reflect modern designs and safety standards.
Notably, the traditional wooden floors have been replaced with tiles and terrazzo, as wood was considered a contributing factor to the spread of the fire.
The restoration also includes significant upgrades for accessibility, such as pathways for Persons with Disabilities and the restoration of the elevator.
Additionally, the new design features more durable concrete walls, replacing the plywood dividers that previously separated offices. Also, the signature bell that rings at every top of the hour has already been restored and is working.
President Museveni said he was worried that the student records might have been destroyed in the fire, but when Professor Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor informed him that the records were safe, he said it was okay, they would construct a new building.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, thanked the President for approving the release of funds for the restoration of the building after he had presented the case to the Cabinet.
He also pledged that the basement of the restored building will be reserved for a museum, and the university hopes to host the Luweero War Memorial Museum in this space.
The Vice-Chancellor also requested that the government provide Makerere University with a road maintenance unit under the National District Road Maintenance Program.
He explained that such a unit would allow engineering students to gain practical experience by maintaining university roads and those in nearby communities. This initiative, he added, would contribute to producing well-trained engineers who could strengthen the construction industry in Uganda.
President Museveni welcomed the idea and offered his support, agreeing that it would provide valuable practical learning for Makerere’s students.
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