President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former Electoral Commission chairman, Eng. Dr Badru M. Kiggundu, as the 3rd Chancellor of Busitema University. He replaces Prof Vinand Mutakabala Nantulya, whose term ends this month.
The appointment was confirmed by Dr Charles Muweesi, Director of the Directorate of Institutional Advancement, who said Dr Kiggundu was selected from three nominees recommended by the University Council after its 71st Senate meeting.
Dr Kiggundu will officially be installed on 28 November 2025 at Busitema University’s Main Campus, where he will also preside over his first assignment — the 16th Graduation Ceremony.
According to Dr Muweesi, Dr Kiggundu steps into the role as the university enters a crucial phase of growth under Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Waako, who is driving expansion in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement.
As Chancellor, he will preside over major university ceremonies, provide strategic guidance, support the University Council, and champion Busitema’s mission to strengthen its footprint in science, engineering and innovation both regionally and nationally.
Who Is Eng. Badru Kiggundu?
Eng. Dr Badru Kiggundu is a seasoned civil engineer, academic, consultant and public servant with decades of experience in infrastructure development and institutional leadership. Born on 1 January 1945, he began his education at Kabasanda Primary School, later joining Kibuli Secondary School for his O-level studies. His academic excellence earned him a Buganda government scholarship to pursue A-levels at Nabumali High School in Mbale District.
He later moved to the United States on scholarship, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1969 and later a PhD in Civil Engineering in 1981 from the University of New Mexico. He also earned a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University under a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship.
His career spans several high-profile roles. Between 1971 and 1977, he served as Executive Engineer at the National Housing and Construction Corporation. From 1981 to 1987, he worked as a Senior Research Engineer at the New Mexico Engineering Research Institute. In 1987, he joined the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University as a Research Program Manager and Assistant Professor before returning to Uganda in 1988.
From 1989 to 2002, Dr Kiggundu served at Makerere University as Senior Lecturer, later becoming Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, and ultimately Dean of the Faculty of Technology. Between 2002 and 2016, he chaired the Electoral Commission, overseeing Uganda’s general elections in 2006, 2011 and 2016. Since 2009, he has served as the founding Chairman of the Islamic University in Uganda Governing Council.
From 2016 to the present, Dr Kiggundu has been the Senior Presidential Advisor on Infrastructure and Public Works, supervising key national projects such as the Isimba and Karuma hydropower plants. In 2023, President Museveni appointed him head of the steering committee for the International Specialized Hospital of Uganda in Lubowa, a project intended to advance specialised healthcare, research and training.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Kiggundu has remained deeply engaged in national development, education, research and public service. He credits much of his success to the guidance of his late parents, Hajji Yunus Luswa and Hajati Nia Kabugo Namatovu, as well as mentors and benefactors who supported his academic and professional journey.
Dr Kiggundu’s appointment as Chancellor marks another significant chapter in his long service to Uganda, bringing his engineering expertise and leadership experience to Busitema University as it continues to grow its academic and research footprint.
