General
3rd FISU WUNC Unwrapped in a Spectacular Way
The 3rd FISU (International University Sports Federation) World University Netball Championship (WUNC) slated to run from Monday, 17th to Friday, 21st September 2018 kicked off with a mega opening ceremony in the Makerere University Freedom Square. Officially opened on17th September 2018, by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the colorful ceremony was graced by both international and national delegates, invited guests, staff and students, as well as teams from the participating countries.
By 6:00pm (EAT), the Freedom Square was teeming guests all eager to witness the long awaited games officially being unveiled in Uganda. The opening ceremony started in earnest with the participating teams making a match pass amidst deafening cheers from the audience and resounding drums of Ndere Troupe. The FISU flag was then presented to the guests as a symbol of acceptance to kick-off the competitions and thereafter hoisted by the Uganda Police Force alongside the Uganda flag. Ms. Atieno Suzan and Ms. Thulie Retshabile took the oaths on behalf of participants and technical team of the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships respectively.
In a speech read by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi, the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni applauded the FISU Committee for attributing the 3rd World University Netball Championship to Uganda. He commended Makerere University, the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) and the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) for ensuring that Uganda hosts the Championship successfully.
“Hosting the World University Netball Championship is a sign of development in sports as a country. On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to local, regional and international sports organizations and institutions that have journeyed with us while nurturing the Uganda’s Sports field,” he said.
The President welcomed the international guests to Uganda; the Pearl of Africa, and encouraged them to visit the some of the numerous tourism sites before they return to their home countries. “Uganda is renowned worldwide for its remarkable flora and fauna, beautiful environment, hospitable people with cultural diversity. I therefore encourage you to visit some our tourism sites before you leave,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe welcomed the international delegates to Uganda and Makerere University in particular. He congratulated AUUS for winning the bid to host the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championship 2018.
“Hosting the game, has not only elevated Makerere University’s brand and image around the world but also presented us with an opportunity to own a world-class sports facility that can host over 2000 participants. I acknowledge the funders, Sponsors and the Organizing committee for enabling this dream to become a reality. I applaud the UPDF Engineering Brigade for constructing the Makerere University Arena in the shortest time possible,” he said.
“In the same spirit, I appreciate the team that entrusted me with the position of being the President of the Local Organizing Committee, a position that has opened my eyes to the world of netball,” he added.
Mr. Liberty Maidza, the FISU Representative thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the 3rd World University Netball Championships. “This is the second time the championships are organized in Africa, the first one was in 2014, where South Africa organized the inauguration ceremonies of the games,” he mentioned.
He commended participants for their passion for netball and encouraged them to use the opportunity of the games to network and front their abilities.
Guests were then treated to a glamorous performance by the Ndere Troupe with a spice of art and Ugandan cultural dances and instruments. They were also astonished by the creativity of the Youth Development Network which added color to the cultural atmosphere with a Hindu performance. Geusts were also rocked by Vinka, one of the leading artists in Uganda. The event climaxed with a brilliant display of fireworks that officially ushered the guest and participants into the 3rd FISU World University Netball Championships 2018.
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
-
General4 days agoApplications for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes 2026/27
-
General1 week agoAdmission List to Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2026/27 -Government Sponsorship
-
General1 week agoMakerere University Kicks Off Semester Two Examinations Amid High Student Expectations
-
Agriculture & Environment2 weeks agoCAES Engagement with Mak Senior Management: VC Calls for Expansion of PhD Training to Accelerate Development in Africa
-
Agriculture & Environment1 week agoMakerere University, Uganda Red Cross Society Sign MoU to Advance Research, Training & Humanitarian Action