Museveni hails new Kabale University chancellor Rukikaire
Museveni used the occasion on Tuesday to thank Kagonyera for his excellent service, saying he played a pivotal role in the transition period and that he has left a print on the growth and stability of the university.
In a message read by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who presided over the ceremony, Museveni congratulated Rukikaire upon his installation and prayed for success during his tenure as he provides general oversight over the academic, financial and administrative operations of the university.
KABALE - President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the new Kabale University chancellor, Canon Matthew Rukikaire, for his integrity and hard work.
This was during Rukikaire’s installation as the second chancellor of the university at its main campus in Kabale Municipality on Tuesday (March 31).
In a message read by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who presided over the ceremony, Museveni congratulated Rukikaire upon his installation and prayed for success during his tenure as he provides general oversight over the academic, financial and administrative operations of the university.
“I trust that you will utilise your vast experience in leadership and management to steer the university to greater heights of excellence. The university is receiving a competent and patriotic leader with a proven track record of excellence, integrity and hard work,” the President said.
The President also said that as the government continues to foster socioeconomic transformation through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, improved service delivery and ICT, it is essential to emphasise skills development.
Rukikaire, a former cabinet minister and National Resistance Army/Movement ideologue, replaces Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, whose term expired in April last year.
The news of Rukikaire's appointment as chancellor by President Museveni, who is also a visitor to the university, was announced on October 25, 2025, by the university council chairperson, Adison Kakuru.
Museveni used the occasion on Tuesday to thank Kagonyera for his excellent service, saying he played a pivotal role in the transition period and that he has left a print on the growth and stability of the university.
He also thanked him for his service to the country in different capacities, including academic and politics.
“Kabale University continues to make a significant contribution to the development of human resources in Uganda. The university has distinguished itself in providing professional training in priority areas such as science education, agriculture, engineering, ICT, tourism, etc."
The President also said that as the government continues to foster socioeconomic transformation through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, improved service delivery and ICT, it is essential to emphasise skills development.
“It is vital that the university engages in research that addresses local and national challenges in areas of agriculture, health, environment and technology."
Rukikaire, a former cabinet minister and National Resistance Army/Movement ideologue, replaces Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, whose term expired in April last year.
Museveni also commended the Kigezi Development Association and the entire Kigezi community for their vision of founding the university. “You have exemplified patriotism and the kind of leadership that is necessary for nation building,” he said.
The university was established as a not-for-profit community institution, owned by the people of Kigezi.
It opened its gates in 2002 to 42 students and presently has an enrolment of about 6000, coming from all parts of Uganda, and the neighbouring countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo and South Sudan.