PROF. JACK PEN-MOGI NYEKO OFFICIALLY INSTALLED AS NEW MUST CHANCELLOR

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By Aggrey Twesigye
In Mbarara
www.mknewslink.com
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has officially installed Prof. Jack Pen-Mogi Nyeko as its new Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Charles Mark Olweny, who has served in the position since 2017.
The installation ceremony, held on Saturday October, 25 2025 at the university’s Kihumuro Main Campus during the graduation of 1,382 students, was presided over by Security Minister Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, who represented President Yoweri Museveni.
Prof. Nyeko 77 received the instruments of power symbolizing academic authority and leadership, including the university gown, mace, pen, flag, and mission documents.
His appointment, made by President Museveni on October 17, 2025, followed the recommendation of the University Council.
University Council Chairperson Dr. Warren Namara described Prof. Nyeko as a seasoned academic and administrator with a distinguished career. Born in 1948, he holds a PhD and a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University, and a Master’s degree from the University of Nairobi. He also served as the founding Vice Chancellor of Gulu University.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Nyeko pledged to strengthen the university’s research infrastructure, particularly in biosciences, and to promote academic advancement among staff, aiming for at least 30 to 40 professors in the near future.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika appealed to the government to increase funding for infrastructure development, noting that the university needs 180 billion Shillings to complete the Mbarara University College of Health Sciences, of which 31 billion has been secured.
Representing the Minister of Education and Sports, First Lady Janet Museveni, Minister Frank Tumwebaze commended MUST for its role in nurturing innovators, scientists, and leaders. He announced a government allocation of 25 billion Shillings in the 2025/2026 financial year to begin constructing a new College of Health Sciences, a project expected to span five years.
In his message delivered by Minister Muhwezi, President Museveni urged graduates to focus on skills development rather than white-collar employment.
Established in 1990, Mbarara University of Science and Technology remains Uganda’s second-oldest public university and a key driver of scientific and community transformation.