dent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to supporting institutions of higher learning to expand access to quality education, promote research, and strengthen links with the private sector.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to supporting institutions of higher learning to expand access to quality education, promote research, and strengthen links with the private sector.

The Former Minister of Privatisation, Canon Mathew Rukikaire, has been officially installed as the Chancellor of Kabale University. The installation ceremony was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the Vice President of Uganda, Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo, during a colorful function held at the university premises on Kikungiri Hill, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality

Prior to the installation, Kabale University Secretary Canon Johnson Munono Baryantuma noted that at its 42nd meeting held on 28th March 2025, under Minute 5.5.2/4/2/C/2025, the Kabale University Council had recommended Canon Mathew Rukikaire to the President of Uganda for appointment as Chancellor of the university.

Following the reading of several citations, Vice President Alupo enrobed Canon Rukikaire with the ceremonial Chancellor’s gown and handed him the instruments of office, formally declaring him the duly installed Chancellor. Canon Rukikaire succeeds Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, who has since retired.

Canon Rukikaire then took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, pledging to serve Kabale University with honesty and dedication. He vowed not to disclose any matter that comes to his attention in the course of his duties, except as required for the proper execution of his responsibilities.

Kabale University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga highlighted some of the institution’s pressing challenges during the installation ceremony. She revealed that the university is operating with only 25 percent of its staffing needs, with most teaching staff being part-time. Despite steady growth in student enrollment, the staffing gap remains a key concern.

She further noted that the implementation of the university’s six-year master plan has stalled due to limited funding, with the annual capital development budget remaining inadequate. A Presidential pledge of Shs 47 billion made in 2016 has yet to be fulfilled. Prof. Kwesiga called for increased support from government and stakeholders to address staffing and infrastructure gaps while reaffirming the university’s commitment to delivering quality higher education

In his maiden speech, Canon Rukikaire outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform Kabale University into a key driver of regional integration and socio-economic development. He emphasized the urgent need to address Uganda’s challenges, including unemployment and political instability, by strengthening higher education and strategic planning

Rukikaire shared that he had previously proposed establishing a department for regional and African integration at Makerere University. While the idea was accepted, it was recommended to operate under an existing Centre of Excellence. He called for broader efforts to transform regional integration into a people-driven movement, advocating for the eventual establishment of a federal East African state.

He underscored Kabale University’s strategic location in the Great Lakes region, noting its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. He identified the region’s natural resources, including iron ore and tourism potential, as opportunities for the university to harness through programs in science, technology, tourism, and management.

The Chancellor challenged university leadership and stakeholders to leverage these advantages to promote sustainable development, value addition, and deeper regional integration across Uganda and East Africa.

Cue in Canon Rukikaire…..on the Matter….Eng//

In a message read during the ceremony, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to supporting institutions of higher learning to expand access to quality education, promote research, and strengthen links with the private sector.

The President highlighted Kabale University’s role in developing human resources, particularly through professional training in science education, agriculture, engineering, tourism, and information technology. He urged the university to ensure that curricula remain relevant to the job market and that research addresses local and national challenges in agriculture, health, environment.

The Former Minister of Privatisation, Canon Mathew Rukikaire, has been officially installed as the Chancellor of Kabale University. The installation ceremony was presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, represented by the Vice President of Uganda, Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo, during a colorful function held at the university premises on Kikungiri Hill, Southern Division, Kabale Municipality.

Prior to the installation, Kabale University Secretary Canon Johnson Munono Baryantuma noted that at its 42nd meeting held on 28th March 2025, under Minute 5.5.2/4/2/C/2025, the Kabale University Council had recommended Canon Mathew Rukikaire to the President of Uganda for appointment as Chancellor of the university.

Following the reading of several citations, Vice President Alupo enrobed Canon Rukikaire with the ceremonial Chancellor’s gown and handed him the instruments of office, formally declaring him the duly installed Chancellor. Canon Rukikaire succeeds Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, who has since retired.

Canon Rukikaire then took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, pledging to serve Kabale University with honesty and dedication. He vowed not to disclose any matter that comes to his attention in the course of his duties, except as required for the proper execution of his responsibilities.

Prof. Kwesiga also cited infrastructure constraints as a major hurdle. She noted that the university operates from premises inherited from the former Kabale District Local Government, spread across small and inadequate structures unsuitable for academic work.

She further noted that the implementation of the university’s six-year master plan has stalled due to limited funding, with the annual capital development budget remaining inadequate. A Presidential pledge of Shs 47 billion made in 2016 has yet to be fulfilled. Prof. Kwesiga called for increased support from government and stakeholders to address staffing and infrastructure gaps while reaffirming the university’s commitment to delivering quality higher education.

Cue in Prof Kwesiga…. on the Matter…. Eng//

In his maiden speech, Canon Rukikaire outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform Kabale University into a key driver of regional integration and socio-economic development. He emphasized the urgent need to address Uganda’s challenges, including unemployment and political instability, by strengthening higher education and strategic planning.

The Chancellor highlighted Uganda’s future as closely tied to a cohesive and prosperous East African region. He tasked Kabale University with positioning itself as a leading academic think tank to advance regional collaboration through research, innovation, and policy development.

Rukikaire shared that he had previously proposed establishing a department for regional and African integration at Makerere University. While the idea was accepted, it was recommended to operate under an existing Centre of Excellence. He called for broader efforts to transform regional integration into a people-driven movement, advocating for the eventual establishment of a federal East African state.

He underscored Kabale University’s strategic location in the Great Lakes region, noting its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. He identified the region’s natural resources, including iron ore and tourism potential, as opportunities for the university to harness through programs in science, technology, tourism, and management.

The Chancellor challenged university leadership and stakeholders to leverage these advantages to promote sustainable development, value addition, and deeper regional integration across Uganda and East Africa.

Cue in Canon Rukikaire…..on the Matter….Eng//

In a message read during the ceremony, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed the NRM government’s commitment to supporting institutions of higher learning to expand access to quality education, promote research, and strengthen links with the private sector.

The President highlighted Kabale University’s role in developing human resources, particularly through professional training in science education, agriculture, engineering, tourism, and information technology. He urged the university to ensure that curricula remain relevant to the job market and that research addresses local and national challenges in agriculture, health, environment, and technology.

Cue in Museveni…..on the Matter…..Eng//

Vice President Alupo called on leaders and stakeholders in Kigezi to support the university in acquiring land for expansion, noting that while Kabale University is academically well-established, its growth has been hindered by unresolved land issues.

Alupo urged Canon Rukikaire to work closely with government authorities and local leaders to resolve the issue amicably. She emphasized that acquiring the land is crucial for establishing the College of Medicine and Surgery and called on Kigezi leaders to actively support the university’s expansion to accommodate more students.

The Vice President also pledged to follow up with university leadership to ensure prompt and effective action on these matters.

Cue in Alupo…. on the Matter…Eng//