KABALE: Canon Mathew Rukikaire, the former Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has been installed as the second Chancellor of Kabale University.
The event was presided over by the Vice President of Uganda Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni in Kikungiri Campus Kabale district, in Kigezi Sub-Region, South Western Uganda.
He takes over from Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera who has served an eight year term since Kabale University was officially transformed from a private institution to a public university in 2015.
Owned by the Ugandan government, it became the first private chartered university in the country to transition to public status. It was originally established in 2002 as a community-owned institution.
Rukikaire’s appointment as 2nd Chancellor was contained in an Instrument of Appointment by President Yoweri Museveni dated October 17, 2025, under Section 30(1) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, following a recommendation from the Kabale University Council.
Rukikaire is to serve a four-year term, effective today March 31st ,2026 as he assumes office. As Chancellor, Rukikaire is expected to provide strategic leadership toward enhancing the university’s academic excellence, research output and community impact.
He’s to serve as the ceremonial head of the institution and officiate at major academic functions, including graduation ceremonies.
While addressing the congregation during the enrobing ceremony, the vice President extended warm congratulations to Rukikaire, upon his installation as the 2nd Chancellor of Kabale University.
“I pray for success during your tenure, as you provide general oversight over the academic, financial and administrative operations of the University,” Alupo said.
He urged the new Chancellor to utilize his 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,” Alupo said.
She used the same occasion to thank Prof. Kagonyera, for his excellent service saying he played a pivotal role in the transition period. “He has left a print in the growth and stability of the University. I have noted, from his Report, that many achievements have been reached during his tenure,” the vice president said.
She further thanked the outgoing chancellor for his service to the Country, not only at Kabale University, but also in the different capacities including the academia, politics.
The vice president highlighted the university’s significant contribution to the development of the human resources in Uganda Kabale university has distinguished itself by providing professional training, in priority areas such as: science education, agriculture, engineering, tourism, information technology.
“This growth is propelled by the necessity of producing graduates with the requisite skills and competencies to address societal needs,” Alupo said.
She urged the university to emphasis skill development. “As the government, continues to foster socio-economic transformation, through commercial agriculture, industrialization, improved service delivery and ICT, it is essential to place emphasis on skills development,” she urged.
She lauded the Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga, management, academic staff and non-teaching staff, for taking steps to ensure that the curricula remain relevant to the demands of the job market, especially the private sector, which is the biggest employer in the Country.
She urged the University to engage in research which addresses local and national challenges, in the areas of agriculture, health, the environment and technology.
Alupo commended the Kigezi Development Association and the entire Kigezi community, for their great vision of founding this University.
“You have exemplified patriotism and demonstrated the kind of leadership that is necessary for nation building,” she said.
Alupo added that the NRM government recognises the role of institutions of higher learning in the implementation of the NRM manifesto; and will continue to support these institutions, in order to expand access to quality education, promote relevant research and foster links with the private sector.
Prof. Kagonyera wished his successor well and urged him to carry Kabale University forward with the same love that built it. “When I took on the role of Chancellor of Kabale University, I made a private promise to serve this institution with everything I had. I hope, in the years that followed, I kept that promise,” Kagonyera said.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Kwesiga noted that today’s occasion is an important milestone in the history of Kabale university. “It is not simply the change of office from one person to another, but a celebration of leadership, public service, and renewed commitment to academic excellence and community development,” Kwesiga said.
Chairperson university Council Adison Kakuru applauded President Museveni, the then minister of Education H.E Alupo, and every leader who lent their voice and resources to this cause.
“Your support turned a vision into a living institution. The road from idea to impact is long and often uncertain, your faith shortened it,” Kakuru said. The university right now boasts of over 7600 students.
Canon Rukikaire’s Profile
Born in 1938 in the serene highland town of Kabale, on the South-western frontier of the British Protectorate of Uganda, Mathew Rukikaire was raised by two formative figures-an itinerant missionary father and an uncle who served as an Anglophile African chief.
Education Background
His academic journey was one of consistent distinction. He was among the founding students of Ntare School in 1956. In 1959, he joined King’s College Budo. In 1962, while at Makerere University he served as Guild President announcing himself as a young leader of uncommon seriousness.
He later returned to Makerere as Chairperson of the university council, completing a full circle as both beneficiary and guardian of higher education.
Beyond the classroom, Rukikaire’s life unfolded against Uganda’s most consequential chapters. When Yoweri Museveni took up arms against tyranny, Rukikaire stood at the centre of the storm. The resistance war was launched from his Kampala home.
Rukikaire served in cabinet as minister of finance, planning and economic development, and when integrity demanded it, resigned rather than compromise his values for political convenience.
