Makerere University Starts Searching for New Chancellor

Makerere University has called for nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University.

The Chancellor is the titular head of the University who presides over all ceremonial assemblies of the University and confers degrees and other academic titles and distinctions of the University.

Professor Ezra Suruma, a distinguished scholar and statesman with a wealth of experience in the field of finance and banking, spanning more than 25 years, has been in the role for the past eight years.

He was initially appointed in 2016. He was later reappointed in December 2019. His term of service will expire this month.

According to a December 11, 2023 circular signed by Simon Kizito, on behalf of University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda, the deadline for submission of nominations is 11th January 2024 at 5:00 p.m. East African Time.

“The position does not attract a salary. However, the successful candidate will be facilitated whenever he/she attends to official duties and is entitled to a retainer allowance at a rate approved by the University Council,” the circular states.

According to the circular, the applicant must a be citizen of Uganda with at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher institution of learning, and be an eminent person of high integrity and with good public relations.

The applicant must be between the minimum age of 55 and the maximum age of 75 at the time of nomination.

The applicant must not be a serving chancellor, vice chancellor, or staff of any academic institution, and must not be a registered student of Uganda.

In the past, the position of Makerere University Chancellor has been held by Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, the Second non-head of State Chancellor who served for two (2) terms from 23rd October 2007 to 23rd October 2015, Professor Apollo Nsibambi, the only non-head to serve as Makerere University Chancellor between 2003-2007, President Yoweri Museveni who served from 1986 to 2002, Apollo Milton Obote who served from 1970-1971, 1981-1985, and Idi Amin Dada who served from 1971 to 1979.