Inside Museveni’s Reign as Chancellor of Makerere University (1986-2002)

Founded in 1922 as a modest technical school with just 14 day students learning Carpentry, Building, and Mechanics, Makerere University has evolved into one of Africa’s most venerable and esteemed universities. President Museveni held the position of Chancellor from 1986 to 2002, making him the longest-serving in the university’s history until Professor Apolo Nsibambi was appointed as the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor in October 2003.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the longest-serving Chancellor of Makerere University, held the position from 1986 to 2002, before appointing Prof. Apolo Nsibambi as the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor in October 2003. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the university’s growth and development.

Under Museveni’s leadership, Makerere University implemented affirmative action to increase female student admissions. This policy awarded 1.5 points to female applicants, boosting female admissions from 25% in 1990/91 to over 40% in most programs today.

Department of Women and Gender Studies: Museveni was instrumental in setting up this department, which hosted the World Congress of Women in 2004.

Food Science and Technology Department: Established in 1989, this department attracted donor support and UNESCO’s backing, leading to the creation of a UNESCO Chair in Food Science and Technology, attracting renowned scholars like Prof. Paul Hansen.

Support for Agro-Based Industrialization: Museveni secured UGX 4.485 billion for the Food Technology Business Incubation Centre and an additional UGX 2.5 billion in venture capital for food business ideas, promoting agricultural research and development.

HIV/AIDS Campaigns: Facing a 30% HIV infection rate in the 1980s, Museveni and his wife led the ABC campaign (“Abstain, Be Faithful, Condom Use”), contributing to a decline in HIV prevalence from 30% in 1992 to 5.9% in 2009, positioning Uganda as a global success story in HIV/AIDS prevention.

Support for Veterinary and Technological Innovations:

• Regional Centre for Veterinary Training: Allocated Nakyesasa Farm to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for the Institute for Strategic Animal Resources.
• Presidential Initiative Fund: A Ushs 25 billion fund to promote technological innovations, leading to projects like Uganda’s first electric car, the Kiira EV.

Honors and Recognitions

Museveni was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Makerere University on December 12, 2010, and received honorary degrees from the University of Minnesota and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. He has also been recognized globally for his efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.

Other Notable Chancellors of Makerere University

1. H.E. Apollo Milton Obote (1970-1971, 1981-1985):
   • Apollo Milton Obote served two non-consecutive terms as Chancellor. He was a prominent political figure in Uganda and played a crucial role in the country’s early post-independence era.
2. H.E. Idi Amin Dada (1971-1979):
   • Idi Amin Dada, known for his controversial leadership as President of Uganda, also held the position of Chancellor during his presidency. His tenure was marked by political turmoil and human rights abuses.
3. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera (2007-2015):
   • Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera served as Chancellor during a period focused on educational reforms and international collaborations at Makerere University.
4. Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi (2003-2007):
   • Rt. Hon. Apolo Robin Nsibambi became the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor appointed by President Museveni, contributing to governance reforms at Makerere University.