It was a cheerful moment as students from the Makerere University School of Performing Arts led the procession to welcome Prof. Ezra Suruma to his installation ceremony as Chancellor of Makerere University on 18^th January 2016. Prof. Suruma, a renowned scholar of economics and management, succeeded Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera who has been the Chancellor of the University since 2007.

Amidst joy and happiness, Prof. Suruma was installed Chancellor by Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu in the Makerere University Main Hall. Well adorned with the Chancellor’s robe, Prof. Suruma was given a copy of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001, a copy of the Instrument appointing the Chancellor read by the Makerere University Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang.

He was also given a Mace which symbolizes his authority at Makerere University and what Makerere University stands for, a key, a flag and Makerere University neck tie signifying his attachment to the great institution.

Prof. Suruma is the third non-Head of State Chancellor, taking on the mantle after Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera and the Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi. He was appointed as Makerere University Chancellor by the President of the Republic of Uganda subsequent to the recommendation of the Makerere University Council. Upon being installed as the University Chancellor, Prof. Suruma promised to work with his peers to uplift the standards of Makerere University.

“In accepting to be Chancellor of Makerere University, I accept responsibility to contribute in every way that I can to take Makerere to a higher level.  I will strive to leave every aspect of its existence better than I found it,” he happily said.

Prof. Suruma called for joint efforts in improving Makerere University when he said, “we need to focus on the essentials that are most visible products to the graduates.  We have to make sure that students stand out as exceptionally great citizens, morally upright, academically excellent and globally competitive. Let us ensure we all transform our students that whoever eventually meets them will confirm that Makerere University is indeed contributing to and substantially building a better world for all.”

He extended sincere gratitude to his predecessor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera for accomplishing the eight years of remarkable service as Chancellor of Makerere University.  He further appreciated the Makerere University community for the cordial relationship with Prof. Kagonyera that propelled the University to its present glory as one of the greatest institutions of higher learning in Africa.

“May the lord continue to bless you, award you and your family for contributing so many years of selfless service to this institution. I promise to do everything in my power with the help of God to add on what you have done so far to advance further the knowledge, innovation, integrity and excellence at Makerere University,” he said.

Starting 19^th January 2016, Prof. Suruma will officially assume his duties as Chancellor of Makerere University by presiding over the 66^th graduation ceremony scheduled to last four days. This is one of the roles of a Chancellor as spelt out in section 30 (3) and (4) of the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 which states that;

30  (3) The Chancellor shall be the titular head of the University and as such shall preside at all ceremonial assemblies of the University and, in the name of that University, confer degrees and other academic titles and distinctions of that University.

     (4) The Chancellor shall, at any time, on the direction of the Visitor, cause a visitation of the University.

In addition to the well spelt out roles in the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001, the Chairperson-Makerere University Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem said that Makerere University is expecting Prof. Suruma to drive Makerere University’s cause and do things that promote the institution.

“We will be pleased to enjoy the benefits out of your national and international networks. Your deep understanding of the working of the Government should also help to alleviate Makerere University’s challenges at the right time in the right forum. We also expect you to look through the academic matters of the University without fear or favor because often they come to your attention,” he said.

Citing inadequate resources as one of the greatest challenges and threats Makerere is facing, Dr. Wana-Etyem told Prof. Suruma that the inability to raise the desirable funds for Makerere University has limited the institution’s ability to fully deliver on its mandate. “I kindly request you to engage in resource mobilization and support the University to address this challenge. Makerere University will expect you again to lay a hand in establishing partnerships to give the institution a stand nationally and internationally,” he emphasized.

Performing the ceremonial roles, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated Prof. Ezra Suruma upon his appointment as the third Non Head of State Chancellor of Makerere University.

“As Makerere University, we are excited to welcome yet another distinguished personality to this great institution. Prof. Suruma comes from the world of academia and has a wealth of experience as a leader at various levels of society, both nationally and internationally. He therefore brings with him unique insights and perspectives, from which Makerere University is eager to learn as we continue on our journey in search of excellence towards achieving our vision “To be the leading institution for academic excellence and innovations in Africa,” he said.

“Given Prof. Suruma’s background and experience in the processes of stabilization, reconstruction, restructuring and management of the Ugandan economy since 1986, we are confident that he will assist Makerere University to improve its financial situation, which remains a major challenge. University Management pledges to work with Prof. Suruma to achieve our core functions of Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovations and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and Networking,” he added.

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu also thanked Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera for his services at Makerere University saying, “Both members of staff and students have benefitted from your sincerity as an individual and your wisdom as Chancellor. We are hopeful to continue working with you as opportunities may present.”

In a speech read by the Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the Visitor to Makerere University, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized Government’s commitment to support Prof. Ezra Suruma during his tenure as Chancellor. President Museveni said that government is willing to work hand in hand with the Chancellor to realize the dream of not only producing graduates that are competitive in the world of work but also the kind of experts Uganda needs.

“To ensure that Makerere University continues to produce quality graduates and transform communities, Government committed special funds through the Presidential Initiative on Science and Technology at Makerere University. This Initiative has led to breakthroughs in research and innovations such as Uganda’s first electric car; and the affordable multi-purpose tractor that can thresh maize, support irrigation, and plough gardens. These efforts produce quality graduates with entrepreneurial abilities suited for the highly competitive labour market,” the President mentioned.

“I must salute Prof. Mondo Kagonyera for a highly successful tenure as Chancellor of Makerere University. You have successful overseen the implementation of institutional reform and physical developments at Makerere University. You are no doubt leaving a firm foundation on which Prof. Suruma can now build upon in taking Makerere University to the next level. I thank you,” he added.

The Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Sports Hon. Jessica Alupo represented by Director for Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training Mrs. Elizabeth Gabona said Prof. Suruma, a former Makerere academic, was a perfect choice because of his wealth of experience.

In a farewell message, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera said that he had gained a lot of experience through his association with the Makerere University community.

“My life at Makerere University as a teacher, as the Chairman Appointments Board and as Chancellor has been an enriching experience. I have learned much from Members of Academic Staff, Administration and extremely a lot from the students. Students have enriched my experience and they have even broadened my views on life. I thank you very much,” he stated.

He however, advised Government to pay attention to the students’ welfare such as the infrastructure developments and innovations. He said that the government should take over the long term development projects bill to enhance the University’s efficiency it its operations.

“I don’t think it is correct that students’ fees should be spent on long term development projects. The fees should largely support University operations, and not long term developments projects at the University. As you all know that the environment in which you live, dictates your actions. I therefore plead to the Government to find resources and renovate the Halls of Residence to the standard they should be,” he said.

He congratulated his Successor Prof. Ezra Suruma for the deserved achievement when he said, “I don’t think that Makerere University would have found a better person to recommend to the President than Prof. Ezra Suruma. Therefore I whole heartedly congratulate you on your choice and recommendation.”  On behalf of the University Council and Senate, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda presented to Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera an accolade artistically designed with the Makerere University logo, the Main Building and a smiling Kagonyera clad in the Chancellor’s gown holding the Mace. He received a picture board providing highlights of his eight-year tenure as Chancellor of Makerere University as well as an assortment of Makerere University Souvenirs. The Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA) also presented a plaque to Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera.

Article by: Makerere University Public Relations Office