General
President David Bala promises to consult all
The Makerere University Guild President, David Bwiruka Bala and his cabinet were sworn in on Monday 30th March 2015 in a fully parked Main Hall. In his acceptance speech, H.E Bala pledged to leave no stone unturned in contributing to the challenges affecting Makerere University and to consult all stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.
“My leadership shall be based on consultation. I will come to you as the student community to consult with you. I also pledge to work with the University Management very when they pledge to work with us. As the Bala Government we must sit down and draw a road map towards our academic excellence. We must be passionate about the welfare of our lecturers because a teacher on an empty stomach can hardly do anything. So we must make sure that we strive for their rights. We will then demand for service delivery,” he told the excited crowd.
“For about three years, I have looked forward to this day and I have worked towards it. It has been a long journey but I do not forget the trust that I put in the lord. It is very important for us to stand as a team and be proud of Makerere University . As the 81st Guild President, I am ready to serve Makerere. I believe the University has many challenges but we cannot overcome them as individuals but as a team,” he added.
Bala’s remarks were punctuated with ululations from the ecstatic student community. He further promised to work towards eliminating unethical practices in all its forms, to ensure academic excellence of students, pay attention to security concerns within the university and advocate for renovation of facilities; in liaison with the relevant offices.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, cautioned H.E Bala to look back at the promises made during campaigns and isolate real issues from none issues. “In tackling the real issues which affect the students and the community of Makerere University , you ought to endeavour to pursue the approach of dialogue. It is common knowledge that no single person, in a community like Makerere, can afford to achieve everything they want just on their own. Therefore, much of what you will accomplish will, to a very large extent, depend on your ability and willingness to cooperate and work with the relevant organs of the University,” he emphasized.
“Your leadership should be based on the knowledge that there are rules and regulations which guide the operations of Public Universities such as Makerere. Your government should travel along a clear path of discipline, hard work and accountable leadership, he added.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Roy Ssemboga had earlier reported that the Guild race had 10 aspirants. Bala David Bwiruka won the highly contested election with 5,562 votes followed by Mwine Musa with 2,696 votes. The other contestants are Namulindawa Stella (2,379 votes), Opoya Michael (1,297 votes), Mukula George William (635votes), Ssentongo Ivan (109 votes), Lubega Henry (69 votes), Kayondo Latima (35 votes), Tusiime Festus Bamyoya (33 votes) and Baguma Andrew (23votes). A total of 323 votes were invalid.
The Dean of Students, Cyriaco Kabagambe, thanked the Electoral Commission for working tirelessly to deliver a clean electoral process. He encouraged the new student leadership to prioritize hard work and academic excellence. Ssemboga presented a report on the electoral process, proposing amendments to the Guild constitution.
At the same event, the Guild Representatives to Council were also sworn in.
By Marion Aina
Related Story
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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