Prof Nyeko installed as new Mbarara University chancellor

Prof Jack Pen-Mogi Nyeko has been installed as the new chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Nyeko succeeds Prof Charles Mark Olweny, who has held the position since 2017. He becomes the fifth chancellor. The installation ceremony, held at the university’s Kihumuro Main Campus on Saturday during the graduation of 1,382 students, was presided over by minister of Security, Rtd Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, representing President Yoweri Museveni.

Prof Nyeko received the traditional instruments of authority including the university gown symbolizing wisdom, the mortarboard denoting academic excellence, the mace for governance, the pen for executing the chancellor’s mandate, and the university’s flag, vision, mission, and briefcase, representing identity and legal foundation.

Appointed by President Museveni on October 17, 2025, upon the recommendation of the University Council, Prof Nyeko now assumes the ceremonial role of conferring degrees and presiding over all university assemblies.

Introducing him, Dr Warren Namara, chairperson of the University Council, described the new chancellor as a “distinguished academic and administrator.”

Born in 1948, Prof Nyeko is a veterinarian and educationist who previously served as founding vice chancellor of Gulu University. He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and a PhD from Makerere University, and a Master’s degree from the University of Nairobi.

In his acceptance speech, Nyeko pledged to strengthen MUST’s research capacity, particularly in biosciences, and to promote academic advancement among staff.

“The strength of this university lies in biosciences, medical sciences, and agricultural sciences,” he said. “We are going to develop a plan for research facilities that will enhance our training capacity and improve scientific publications in international journals.”

He urged academic staff to pursue higher qualifications, saying the university should aim to have 30 to 40 professors in the near future.

Vice chancellor Prof Pauline Byakika-Kibwika appealed for increased government funding, noting that the university needs Shs 180 billion to complete the Mbarara University College of Health Sciences, of which only Shs 31 billion has been secured so far.

Representing First Lady and Education minister Janet Museveni, ICT and National Guidance minister Frank Tumwebaze praised MUST’s transformation into a hub for innovation and scientific leadership.

He announced a Shs 25 billion government allocation in the 2025/26 financial year to kickstart the construction of a new College of Health Sciences, a flagship project expected to span five financial years.

Delivering the president’s message, Muhwezi urged graduates to embrace skills-based careers and uphold professionalism.

“Be excellent ambassadors of your university through innovation, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Avoid ideologically bankrupt groups that don’t mean well for this country,” Museveni cautioned.

Founded in 1990, Mbarara University of Science and Technology remains Uganda’s second-oldest public university and a key driver of science, innovation, and community transformation.