The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma (R) and DVCFA, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (L) join the congregation in song during the Makerere@100 National Thanksgiving Prayer, 2nd September 2022, Freedom Square, Makerere University.
As Makerere University celebrates 100 years of academic excellence, the Chairman of the Council of Presidents of Inter Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) and Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has commended the leadership of the University for the thought of thanksgiving and charged them to look to the future with faith.
Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
“Today we are celebrating 100 years of God’s faithfulness and acknowledging that in all success, there has been God. Thanksgiving is a sign of people’s gratitude towards God. I am glad that the University leadership thought it wise to thank the Lord and to commit the future to God.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop made make the remarks while preaching in a thanksgiving Service for the 100 years of Makerere University at the University’s Freedom Square today, Friday 2nd September, 2022.
Archbishop of Church of Uganda (C) flanked by other religious leaders bows his head in prayer.
“We thank God for the small beginnings with big surprises, small beginnings with big impact, mindful that whatever we begin is not ours but for the next generation. We are called to look to the future with faith.” Archbishop Kaziimba advised.
He called for dialogue amongst the students, staff and other stakeholders.
Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu addresses the congregation.
“There must be a deliberate effort to consider using dialogue to solve the problems affecting the University. It’s very bad for the University of intellectuals to use strikes and riots as a solution. It paints a bad image and does not portray the glory of God in Uganda’s premier public University.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “My prayer is that the University continues to remain relevant with the world’s changing dynamics, continues to stand the challenges of this world and continue to magnify the glory of the Lord.”
Mrs. Lorna Magara, the Chairperson, Makerere University Council.
Mrs. Lorna Magara, Makerere University Council Chairperson said that the thanksgiving service was to acknowledge God’s goodness towards the University since it’s establishment in 1922.
“We have gathered to say thank you Lord for all we have gone through. To thank God for the last 100 years and to remember those who were here before us beginning with the Late Nsibirwa who was killed because of giving land to this University.” Mrs. Magara said.
The Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Ezra Suruma.
Prof. Ezra Suruma, the University Chancellor lauded the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda for his message of gratitude to God.
“I have always called upon students and other stakeholders here to have an attitude of gratitude. The existence of God has enabled us to reach this far. All we have to express is love, unity and gratitude.” Prof. Suruma said.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration at Makerere University, Professor Henry Alinaitwe.
He added, “The example of Makerere University as an Institution which gives, empowers, supports and gives an opportunity for people to serve and be better should be copied in our hospitals, schools and other Institutions.”
He called for teaching of love in Schools and society for the nation to be stable.
Some of the Members of Management: The University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda (R) and Dean of Students, Mrs. Winifred Kabumbuli (L) listen to proceedings.
“We need to teach love in our schools and society so that we bring back our Country. This country does not belong to the government but to us. We need to make it a God-centered country.” Prof. Suruma advised.
The thanksgiving Service to mark 100 years of Makerere University was held under the theme, “Ebenezer, Thus far the Lord has brought us” (1 Samuel 7:12) and was jointly led by the Presidents of IRCU.
Professor Sr. Dominica Dipio (L) with religious leaders at the thanksgiving service.
Sadiiki Adams is the Communications Officer, Church of Uganda | Tel: +256778854739, +256701550775 | Email: asadiiki@churchofuganda.org
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.
University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga confers a Doctorate Degree upon one of the graduands during the 76th Graduation Ceremony.
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
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2026/2027 Academic Year for ‘A’ Level Leavers Only.
Each applicant should:
Have the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least five (5) passes, or its equivalent and at least two (2) principal passes at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) obtained at the same sitting. For day programmes only candidates who sat A’ Level in 2025, 2024 and 2023 are eligible to apply. For evening, afternoon, and external programmes, a candidate is not restricted on the year of sitting A’ Level. Detailed information on the weighting system can be accessed by following this link.
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug. Effective Monday 20th April 2026.
A non-refundable application fee of shs.50,000/= for Ugandans, East African and S. Sudan applicants or $75 or equivalent for internationals plus bank charges should be paid in any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority.
Candidates who hold grades X, Y, Z, 7 and 9 of ‘O’Levelresults should not apply because they are not eligible for admission. Below are the availble courses including respective fees structure.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
A password will be sent to you on your mobile phone and email.
The system will prompt you to change the password to the one you can easily remember.
To fill an application form, click on the APPLY NOW button displayed on the appropriate running scheme.
Obtain a payment reference number by clicking on “Pay for Form” Button
Make a payment at any of the banks used by Uganda Revenue Authority
MOBILE MONEY PAYMENT STEPS:
Dial *272*6# on either MTN or Airtel
Select option 3-Admission
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The closing date for receiving applications shall be28th May 2026.
WARNING:
Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
Do not buy any other documents not originating from the Academic Registrar’s Office. Those who buy them do so at their own risk.
The Academic Registrar has not appointed any agent to act on his behalf to solicit for additional funds other than the application fee stated above.
Applicants are advised to use the right programme names and codes. the university will not be responsible for any wrong information entered in the system by applicants.