General
Mak University Secretary scoops Visionaries Award
The Makerere University Secretary, Mr. David Kahundha Muhwezi, was recognized as one of the Visionaries in an awards ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi on 6th Dec. 2013 at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The awards ceremony, the first of its kind, set out to recognize companies and individuals who have made/are making a contribution towards realization of Uganda’s Vision 2040. This vision, as stated by Government, sets out to achieve ‘A transformed society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years.’
Mr. Muhwezi was recognised for championing good governance at Makerere University. As the first Board Secretary of the Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS), he enforced compliance of contribution remittances to the Custodian and monitored the investment of funds by the Fund Managers. These efforts are highlighted in the Visionaries book; THE VISIONARIES OF UGANDA HAND BOOK, which was launched on the same day by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi. His award certificate reads ‘In recognition of your outstanding contribution to the Nation’s Development. Your commitment towards the socio-economic transformation of Uganda has earned you this esteemed honour.’
“As the first Board Secretary, I did a lot to see that the scheme works. I also initiated the Governance Website <http://governance.mak.ac.ug> in Makerere University and I have used numerous channels to preach the ideals of good governance to both internal and external stakeholders of Makerere University,” he said in an interview about the recognition. Mr. Muhwezi worked in the Finance Department in various capacities since 1994, before rising to the position of University Secretary.
He however believes that the award is for the entire University. “It is not a Muhwezi achievement but the Institution’s. The efforts that individuals put in at all levels have led to this recognition. It is a vote of confidence in us all and I take this opportunity to thank the entire team. As an Accounting Officer, I have provided oversight to the initiatives in this institution including the Presidential Initiative but a bigger team is appreciated for the successful implementation which has helped further boost donor and public confidence in Makerere University,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister challenged the organizers to profile community and social leaders who go unnoticed yet they too make contributions. “Establish a link with the national honours in the Office of the President to ensure that these are also captured. The national honors are not a preserve of politicians,” he emphasized.
Among the other people recognised included Hon. Betty Bigombe, Hon. Justice Benjamin Odoki, Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prof. Badru Kateregga, Prof. Elijah Mushemezi, Dr. Kihumuro Apuuli, and Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi. The companies recognized included Britania Industries, Roko Construction, Case Medical Centre, Butabika Hospital, Farm Support Ltd and Swift Safari Buses.
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
The appointment was announced on May 26, 2026, as part of the cabinet reshuffle for the 2026–2031 government term. Dr. Kiyonga now assumes one of the senior leadership positions in government while continuing to serve as Chancellor of Makerere University.
Dr. Kiyonga is both Chancellor and alumnus of Makerere University. He studied at Makerere University School of Medicine from 1973 to 1978, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). He later obtained a Master of Health Science in Population Dynamics from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in 2004.
Born on September 19, 1952, in Kasese District, Dr. Kiyonga attended Bwera Primary School, Nyakasura School, and Kings College Budo before joining Makerere University.
He was appointed Chancellor of Makerere University in August 2024 and formally installed in October 2024, succeeding Professor Ezra Suruma.
Political and Public Service Career
Dr. Kiyonga entered national politics during Uganda’s 1980 elections, where he won a parliamentary seat on the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) ticket. He later joined the National Resistance Movement during the liberation struggle and subsequently served in several senior government positions after 1986.
He represented Bukonjo County West in Parliament from 1980 to 2016 and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution.
Over the years, Dr. Kiyonga has held several ministerial portfolios, including:
- Minister for Cooperatives and Marketing
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Health
- Minister without Portfolio
- Minister of Defence
During his tenure as Minister of Health, he played a key role in Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak in Gulu in 2000.
From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Ambassador to China, where he represented Uganda during a significant period of Uganda-China relations.
Dr. Kiyonga’s appointment marks a return to frontline government leadership after several years in diplomatic service and university leadership.
Significance for Makerere
As Chancellor, Dr. Kiyonga serves as the titular head of Makerere University and presides over major ceremonial functions, including graduation ceremonies.
His appointment reflects the longstanding contribution of Makerere University alumni to public service and national leadership in Uganda and across the region.
Speaking during his installation as Chancellor in 2024, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet K. Museveni, noted that Dr. Kiyonga’s experience and networks would support the advancement of the university.
Makerere University congratulates Chancellor Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga upon his appointment and wishes him success in his new role.
The Writer is a Volunteer in the Public Relations Office, Makerere University and the Mak Sharks PRO | Est. 2014
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