Makerere University, Uganda’s prestigious institution of higher learning, has a new chancellor. President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga to succeed Dr. Ezra Seruma, who has held the position for over a decade.
The announcement was made by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. In a statement posted on X, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated Dr. Kiyonga and welcomed him to his new role.
“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 of Makerere University,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Dr. Kiyonga, a distinguished alum of Makerere University, will take on his role as chancellor starting January 2024, presiding over the university’s 75th graduation ceremony.
Biography
Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, born in 1949 in Bushenyi District, Uganda, is a prominent Ugandan politician and diplomat. He is a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Dr. Kiyonga’s educational journey began at Nyakasura School and continued at Makerere University, where he earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees in 1975. He further pursued his studies at Johns Hopkins University, obtaining a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics.
Dr. Kiyonga’s career began as a medical officer, working in various hospitals across Uganda. He later joined the Ugandan army and served as a medical officer in the Uganda People’s Army (UPA).
In 1986, Dr. Kiyonga entered the political arena with the NRM government, serving as Minister of Health until 1996. He was then appointed as Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, a position he held until 2001.
Returning to Uganda in 2001, Dr. Kiyonga was appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs, a role he held until 2006 when he became Minister of Defense. He continued in this capacity until 2016 and subsequently served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China until 2023.
Dr. Kiyonga is married with children and is fluent in English and French. His appointment as Chancellor of Makerere University marks a significant milestone in his distinguished career.