Former Finance Minister Ezra Suruma has been installed as Chancellor for Makerere University.
Dr Suruma who was credited for good fiscal policies while serving at Finance Ministry replaces his long time friend Prof Mondo Kagonyera who also hails from Kigezi region like him and with whom they have shared a lot both academic and business.
Both men also had a rough time during the Temangalo land scandal and where both alleged to have had a hand. Suruma was the Finance Minister and supervisor to National Social Security Fund (NSSF) where Prof. Kagonyera served as Deputy Managing Director.
Dr Suruma replaces Prof. Kagonyera whose term expired last year when the University advertised for the post.
Suruma became the country’s oldest university’s Chancellor after beating three other contenders last year and was recommended for the position by the University Council.
He beat his competitors by scoring 83 percent and was followed by former Executive Director of National Council for Higher Education Prof. AB Kasozi who scored 70 percent and while former Uganda Martyrs University Vice Chancellor, Charles Olweny  came third and Former Chief Justice ,Benyamin Odoki respectively.
Who is Suruma
Dr Ezra Suruma is a senior Presidential Adviser on Finance and Economic Planning, since 2009 after being dropped as a Minister of Finance,Planning and Economic Development from 2005 to 2009.
He was born in Kigezi District in 1945, and went to the local schools at both primary and secondary levels holds the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Finance, from Fordham University, in New York City, obtained in 1969. He also holds degree of Master of Arts (MA) in Economics obtained in 1972, also from Fordham University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics obtained in 1976, from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Suruma serves as Advisor at Acorus Capital. He also served as Managing Director of the defunct Uganda Commercial Bank for five years.
Role of the University Chancellor
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University. He presides at all ceremonial assemblies of the University and in this name, confers degrees and other academic titles and distinctions. The Chancellor is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the University Council.
Former Chancellors
Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera (2007-2015)
Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi (2003-2007)
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (1986-2002)
Apollo Milton Obote (1970-1971, 1981-1985)
