Enock Ndyamuhakyi | Tayari News
KABALE – A new chapter has begun at Kabale University following the official installation of Canon Matthew Rukikaire as its second Chancellor in a colourful ceremony held at the University’s Main Campus, Kikungiri in Kabale Municipality.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, university staff, students, and guests, marked a significant milestone in the institution’s leadership journey. It was presided over by the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, who formally installed Canon Rukikaire into office, representing President Museveni.
During the ceremony, Alupo enrobed the new Chancellor in the official ceremonial gown and handed him the instruments of power, symbolising his authority and responsibilities as the titular head of the University. Rukikaire took over from George Mondo Kagonyera, a celebrated retired veterinarian, politician, and academic.
Vast experience
Rukikaire brings with him a wealth of experience spanning public service, private sector leadership, and faith-based work. A former Minister of Privatisation and Member of Parliament, he is widely regarded as a seasoned policymaker and advocate for economic transformation.
Over the years, Rukikaire has played a key role in shaping national policies, promoting private sector development, and strengthening governance systems. Beyond government, he is also an accomplished entrepreneur and a respected figure in community and church leadership, known for his emphasis on integrity, accountability, and service.
As Chancellor, he assumes the role of ceremonial head of the university, presiding over major functions such as graduation ceremonies, conferring academic awards, and offering strategic guidance on governance in collaboration with the University Council and Management.
Setting the vision
Following his installation, Canon Rukikaire took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, pledging to serve the institution with diligence, integrity, and confidentiality.
In his maiden speech, he outlined an ambitious vision to transform Kabale University into a center of excellence and a key driver of regional integration and socio-economic development.
“Higher education must play a central role in addressing the challenges facing our country, including unemployment and political instability,” he said. “Kabale University is uniquely positioned to become a hub for innovation and regional cooperation.”
He emphasized the importance of strengthening ties within the East African region, reiterating his long-standing advocacy for a people-centered federation.
Kabale University’s strategic location and impact
Rukikaire highlighted the University’s strategic location in the Great Lakes region, noting its proximity to neighboring countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
He urged the university to leverage this geographical advantage by expanding academic programs in science, technology, tourism, and management to tap into the region’s vast natural resources and economic opportunities.
“We must align our academic programs with the needs of our region and equip our students with skills that will transform society,” he noted.
Government reaffirms support
In a message delivered by Vice President Alupo, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education in Uganda.
“Universities must align their curricula with the demands of the job market and focus research on solving national challenges in agriculture, health, environment, and technology,” the message read.
The President also expressed confidence in Canon Rukikaire’s leadership, noting that his experience and vision would steer the university toward greater excellence.
The Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, described the new Chancellor as a transformative leader with a deep understanding of education and development.
“Canon Rukikaire is an educationist and a visionary leader. We believe his guidance will greatly contribute to the growth and transformation of this university,” she said.
New era for Kabale University
The installation of Canon Rukikaire signals a renewed sense of purpose for Kabale University as it seeks to overcome existing challenges and position itself as a leading institution in the region.
With a strong emphasis on governance, innovation, and regional collaboration, the university is poised to expand its impact not only within Uganda but across the wider Great Lakes region.
As celebrations concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism among stakeholders that under Canon Rukikaire’s leadership, Kabale University will continue to grow into a vibrant center of academic excellence and a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
About Kabale University
The Idea of Kabale University was born way back in 1995 under the umbrella of the Kigezi Development Association. In 1999, Kabale District Local Government signed and sealed a commitment deed confirming its donation of land in Kabale Municipality for the development of Kabale University.
This contribution was fifty-three (53) acres of land and the developments on it at Kikungiri Hill and Nyabikoni. In the same year, an application to operate Kabale University as a centre of higher learning was submitted to the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES).
Kabale University is located on Plot 364 Block 3 Kikungiri Hill, in Kabale Municipality, about a kilometre off Kabale-Katuna-Kigali Highway. The Main Campus sits on 50 acres of land. The University can be accessed via Mukombe Road, which connects the Kikungiri Campus to the Highway. An additional Campus is located on Plots 66-76 in Nyabikoni Parish in the Central Division of Kabale Municipality.
The University was established as a not-for-profit community institution, owned by the people of Kigezi. The University opened its gates in 2002 to forty-two (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, Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
In 2015, Kabale University was transformed from a private to a public University under Statutory Instrument No. 36 of 16th July 2015, under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001 (as amended). Prior to this change in legal status, the University had obtained a Charter in 2014 (Certificate No. UI.CH.008) – the last stage of accreditation by the Uganda National Council for Higher Education. Kabale University is therefore a unique institution in Uganda, enjoying the status of being the first institution of its kind to transform from private to public
Kabale University has great potential to be the leading university in the Great Lakes Region, given its location and the opportunity of offering quality education to the Anglophone and Francophone parts of the region, thereby enhancing social and economic integration.