General
Mrs. Lorna Magara elected Chairperson of Makerere University Council
Mrs. Lorna Magara has been elected Chairperson of Makerere University Council for a four-year term (December 2018 – December 2022). She takes over office from Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem whose term ended on 19th December 2018. The Council elected Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega, the former Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly as Vice Chairperson.
Mrs. Magara is an alumnus of Makerere University (1986-1988); where she graduated with Bachelor of Arts with Education. She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management from Uganda Christian University, Mukono. Mrs. Lorna Magara is the first woman to be elected Chairperson of the University Council since establishment. She will be at the helm of the University governance as the institution marks 100 years in 2020.
The election occurred at the inaugural meeting of the new University Council held on 20th December 2018 at Makerere University. At the same meeting, the Council elected three representatives of the Public to the University in accordance with section 38(1)(n) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (UOTIA) (2001 as amended). Those elected to represent the public for the four-year term are: Mr. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa and Rt. Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega.
The University Council is the supreme organ of the University. The Council is established under Section 38 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act (2001 as amended) (UOTIA). Under section 40 of UOTIA, Council is responsible for the overall administration and implementation of the objects and functions of the University. Specifically, section 40 provides the functions as to:
a) Be responsible for the direction of the administrative, financial, and academic affairs of the University;
b) Formulate the general policy of the Public University;
c) Give general guidelines to the administration and academic staff of the University on matters relating to the operations of the University; and,
d) Do any other thing and take all necessary decision conducive to the fulfilment of the objects and functions of the University.
The University Management congratulate the new members and leadership of the University Council and looks forward to their policy and administrative guidance over the next four years.
Article written by: Secretary to Council/ Office of the University Secretary
Attached is the brief is extracted from Mrs Lorna Magara’s detailed CV
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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