Makerere University has officially commenced the quest for a new chancellor to succeed Professor Ezra Suruma, who has diligently served in the role for the past eight years. Prof. Suruma assumed office as the chancellor in January 2016, following his appointment by President Museveni on December 2, 2015.
In a public notice issued on Monday by University Secretary Yusuf Kiranda, prospective candidates for the position must meet specific criteria to be eligible for consideration. The notice stipulates that candidates must be Ugandan citizens, not currently serving members of any academic institution, and must fall within the age range of 55 to 75 at the time of nomination. Additionally, candidates should not be serving as a chancellor, vice chancellor, or staff of any academic institution and must not be a registered student in Uganda.
Furthermore, the notice specifies that candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree from a recognized higher institution of learning, demonstrating high integrity and good public relations skills.
The chancellor is appointed for a term of four years, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. Prof. Suruma assumed the role after Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, who served for two terms from October 23, 2007, to October 23, 2015. Notably, Prof. Suruma is the third non-Head of State Chancellor of Makerere University.
The appointment of the chancellor is a prerogative of the President, who exercises this authority based on the recommendation of the University Council, as outlined in Section 30 (1) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001. The chancellor holds a symbolic position as the titular head of the university, presiding over assemblies and conferring degrees, academic titles, and institutional distinctions.
Makerere University has a storied history of chancellors, with the first being Apollo Milton Obote, who served two terms from 1970-1975 and 1981-1985. Idi Amin also held the position from 1971 to 1979, followed by President Museveni from 1986-2002. The first non-Head of State chancellor was Apolo Nsibambi, serving between 2003 and 2007 before being succeeded by Prof Kagonyera. As the university enters this transitional phase, the selection of a new chancellor will play a crucial role in shaping the institution's future direction and leadership.
