General
68th Graduation Ceremony Day2: ACCA recognises Best Student in BCOM Accounting Option
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Uganda has recognized the best performing student in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Option) at Makerere University. The Chancellor together with the representative from ACCA presented the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA) Award to Mr. Mwetware Crescent who scored a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.60 (First Class Honours) degree.
On the second day of the graduation ceremony held on Wednesday 17th January 2018, a total of 4,288 graduands from the Colleges of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), Health Sciences (CHS) and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio security (CoVAB) were presented to the Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas.
Dedicating the ceremony to the Almighty God, the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel Rev. Canon Onesmus Asiimwe glorified God for the gift of life, the gift of graduands, as well as the continuous growth and development of Makerere University. He appealed to the Almighty God to bless the graduands with employment, wisdom and a fruitful life.
The Chancellor congratulated the overjoyed graduands upon their academic achievement. He commended the graduands for the spirit of hard work, endurance and self-control and urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to contribute to the betterment of society.
Prof. Ezra Suruma commended the entrepreneurship spirit being championed by the staff and students in CoBAMS and called upon them to take lead in the creation of new enterprises, new financial institutions and services.
“Uganda needs more and better entrepreneurs and financial services. We need more private enterprises, more and better services, more capital and more credit. These are challenges as well as a great opportunities,” he said.
He applauded CoCIS for coming up with research projects in the areas of Epidemiology, Credit Risk Analysis, and GIS Modelling for Prevalence of Infectious Diseases. “I commend the college’s community outreach initiative in organizing the Get Connected Training that imparts ICT skills to P.7, S.4 and S.6 vacationers in the Makerere Community” added Prof. Suruma.
In the same spirit the Chancellor applauded CoVAB for its tremendous efforts in advancing science and technology. The college has worked tirelessly to transform the existing challenges in the animal resources world into economic and livelihood opportunities. Prof. Ezra Suruma congratulated the College upon developing anti-tick and east coast fever vaccines, and a diagnostic Kit for sleeping sickness as well as brucellosis. He also commended the college for establishing ultra-modern fish and animal feed factory that are all crucial for our animal industry.
“Currently, the Country is faced with the epidemic of ticks. There are also important concerns about biosafety and so I am glad that Makerere is graduating specialists in that field as well. The growth in non-communicable diseases such as cancer is a major concern and so we expect our scientists in the health sciences and veterinary medicine to confront these threats and provide solutions,” remarked the Chancellor.
In a special way he acknowledge the tremendous work done by CHS in producing medical professionals for the African Continent. To him, the continued leadership of CHS in the region has helped to keep Makerere University in the highest ranks.
“I can only encourage the College to continue doing what they do best to keep our citizens and humanity in better health.We need to increase public trust in our capacity to deliver health services. We need more trust which can only be achieved from better service experiences. We shall continue to pray for a revolution in the health sector,” the Chancellor remarked.
Amidst all the jubilation, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, encouraged graduands to think critically on how they can enter the world of self-employment. “You are going out to the world, which expects a lot from you. "We have trained you to be critical thinkers and not mere job seekers. Go out and create the jobs the Country is yearning for. With a degree from one of the best universities in the world, there is no reason for not succeeding,” he said.
“Your success is our pride. Avoid vain ambitions and keep away from corruption. Love and respect your parents and God will open doors for you. As you go through the gates of Makerere, hold your head high and always hold your alma mater in high esteem. And please, do not forget the gates of Makerere. God Bless You All!” concluded Prof. Nawangwe.
Please see Downloads for Speeches
Article by Mak-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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