General
Katikkiro of Buganda Lauds Mak on Muteesa II Museum
The Katikkiro of Buganda Ow’ekitiibwa Charles Peter Mayiga on Thursday 16th July, 2020 visited Makerere University to hand over a cheque worth UGX 70 million to support the ongoing renovation and beautification works aimed at developing the former Muteesa II House into the Sir Edward Muteesa II Museum.
The Muteesa II Museum presents to Makerere University a golden opportunity to honour and immortalize Sir Edward Muteesa II in perpetuity. Sir Edward Muteesa II, the 35th Kabaka of Buganda and first President of the post-Independence Republic of Uganda was a student of Literature at Makerere University from 1943 to 1945. Quarry House No. 95 was constructed in 1944 as a befitting on-campus private residence of Ssekabaka Muteesa II, his official palace being only a few kilometres away in Mengo. To preserve this unique and historic site, the Makerere University Management in December 2019 kick started the renovation works with specific adherence to maintaining its original architecture.
Following a guided tour of the Museum, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba welcomed the Katikkiro, an alumnus and former resident of University Hall back to his alma mater. The Katikkiro was accompanied by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Buganda Minister of Finance and Economic Planning-Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa and the Chairman of Buganda Twezimbe Committee-Omukungu John Fredrick Kiyimba.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor thanked the Katikkiro for readily responding to the call to support the establishment of Muteesa II Museum as part of the Greater Makerere University Museum. "In this museum, Makerere University will celebrate the life and times of Ssekabaka Muteesa II, an alumnus, Ugandan Nationalist, Pan-Africanist and one of the founding fathers of modern Uganda."
"We are proud that we have been able to preserve this house in its original state. I thank the University Council for approving this renovation and colleagues in Management and the Estates and Works Directorate in particular for working hard to restore the building" added the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Nawangwe further commended the Makerere University Museum Committee for collecting valuable materials about Ssekabaka Muteesa II. "As Makerere University, we will do all that is necessary to ensure that this Museum satisfactorily completed and that it becomes a landmark for our University and Country through which we shall remember the life and works of Ssekabaka Muteesa II."
Speaking on behalf of the Makerere University Museum Committee, the Assistant Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule noted that the establishment of the Muteesa II Museum marks the beginning of rigorous process of researching into the legacy of Ssekabaka Muteesa II especially as Kabaka and President.
"For example, he is remembered as the first President in post-Independence Africa to donate his salary to the development of Karamoja region, which by the time of our independence had been neglected by the colonial establishment" remarked Assoc. Prof. Kasule.
He added that museums today are required to be living institutions which are relevant to not only the present but also future generations. "Muteesa II Museum will not only honour the memories and life of Ssekabaka Muteesa II but will also turn those memories into living realities from which the present generation will be inspired to find solutions to emerging national and global challenges." 
The Katikkiro of Buganda applauded the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for being an instrumental figure in the renovation of the Muteesa II House. He was equally glad that the restoration maintained its original beauty and respected its original architecture; a demonstration of Prof. Nawangwe's good sense of history. "It is perfect that the renovation is in line with maintaining the tradition of Sir Edward Muteesa II, the student and Kabaka of the times. All great academic institutions should jealously guard their historic landmarks."
"The hearts of academic institutions are the academic exploits and achievements they make. However, the character and soul of these institutions are its historic landmarks and the kind of personalities that have walked through their gates. As Makerereans you should be very proud that the alumni of this University have made great contributions to humanity through the ages" expounded the Katikkiro.
Owek. Mayiga further said that a good sense history is an essential precursor for a good understanding of the present and solid preparation for the future. "So to renovate Muteesa's residence is to acknowledge and preserve history for Makerere, the Kingdom of Buganda and for Uganda."
The Katikkiro reminisced that the Kingdom of Buganda made a significant contribution to Makerere's founding. Owek. Martin Luther Nsibirwa the Katikkiro then played a key role in the allocation of land on which the University stands today and it was a privilege to have his grandson, Owek. Waggwa Nsibirwa present at the unveiling ceremony. "So we should together preserve the heritage between the Kingdom of Buganda and Makerere," emphasised Owek. Mayiga.
He paid tribute to the Museum Committee and all eminent persons that had made significant contributions to the restoration of Muteesa II House and thereafter presented a cheque of UGX 70 Million on behalf of Buganda Kingdom. In addition to the Assistant Chairperson, other Members of the Makerere University Museum Committee present and recognised were; Assoc. Prof. George William Kyeyune-Chairperson, Prof. Phillip Kwesiga, Mr. Joseph Ssematimba, Dr. Rita Nabuyungo and Ms. Ritah Namisango.
The Vice Chancellor presented a plaque and an art piece to the Katikkiro in appreciation of the contribution by Buganda Kingdom towards the Muteesa II Museum project. In addition to the gallery, artifacts such as three statues capturing the life of Ssekabaka Muteesa II as Kabaka, President and a Makererean will be set up in the Museum gardens.
Article by 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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