Yesterday, President Museveni exercised the powers given to him by the 1995 Constitution of the Republic f Uganda to reappoint Prof Ezra Suruma or a second term as Makerere University Chancellor. Suruma was first appointed in 2016 taking the position from Prof Mondo Kagonyera.
Who is Prof Ezra Suruma?
Born in Kabale on November 11, 1945, Suruma is a learned fellow and has a wealth of experience having served in different positions, mostly in the finance sector.
Suruma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Fordham University in New York City obtained in 1969. He followed that up with a Master of Arts degree in economics in 1972 from the same University.
He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in economics obtained in 1976 from the University of Connecticut as well as a Master’s degree in computer science and one in international banking.
Work history
Suruma’s vast knowledge of economics and finance has enabled him serve as first as the Director of Research in Bank of Uganda from 1987 to 1990, and Deputy Governor from 1990 to 1993, a position he left to serve as Chairman and Managing Director of Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB) until 1996.
It should be noted that Prof Ezra Suruma was one of the few government officials that were against the privatisation of UCB that was finalised in 2001.
President Museveni appointed Suruma Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in 2005, a position he held until February 16, 2009. During his time as Minister of Finance, Suruma was chosen by international Banking Magazine The Banker to receive the “Best Finance Minister of Africa Award” in 2008.
Suruma has also served a Senior Presidential Advisor on Finance and Economic Planning. Suruma is well versed with the workings of Makerere University, having been once a professor of economics and management at the university.