In a historic shift for regional Catholic higher education, the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has appointed Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, as the 8th Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
This marks the first time in the institution’s four-decade history that a member of a religious order, specifically the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), has been chosen to lead the university, ushering in a new chapter of academic leadership and institutional vision.
Although in its formative years, the Jesuits played an understated role in the constitution of CUEA, which happened around the same time Hekima Jesuit School of Theology was formed in 1984, Hekima has thus remained a Constituent College of CUEA.
“As a Hekima University College (HUC) family, we celebrate this important appointment with gratitude and pride. Indeed, HUC seems to keep losing some of its best men to wider responsibilities! Yet we offer this sacrifice to God with gratitude, knowing that what may be a loss for Hekima is ultimately a gift to the wider mission and for the greater good,” said HUC Principal, Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, as he announced the appointment of Prof Elias to the Hekima family.
From Hekima to CUEA: A Legacy of Scholarship & Peacebuilding
Rev. Prof. Opongo comes to CUEA after more than 15 years of distinguished service at Hekima University College in Nairobi. His extensive background spans academic leadership, conflict resolution, research, and institutional development.
“Prof. Opongo has served our institution generously in many capacities, as a lecturer, published scholar, director, deputy principal finance and administration, and research head,” Dr. Uwineza explained, adding that HUC look forward to even greater collaboration with CUEA in their shared mission of forming women and men for service to the Church, Africa, and the world.
“May the Lord grant Prof. Opongo clarity of bold vision, wisdom, courage, and generosity of spirit, and may his tenure foster selfless leadership; a leadership that listens, serves, builds bridges, and always seeks first the good and flourishing of all.” Dr. Marcel Uwineza expressed joy at the appointment and assured Prof Elias of warm support and prayers as he prepares to assume this significant responsibility.
Key Leadership Roles Held by Prof. Opongo at Hekima include:
- Director & Dean: Spearheaded the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR).
- Deputy Principal: Managed Administration and Finance.
- Director: Led the Centre for Research, Training, and Publication (CRTP).
A Journey Rooted in AMECEA Vision
The story of CUEA dates back to the early 1980s, driven by the vision of the regional Catholic bishops. In April 1986 at the AMECEA Plenary Meeting in Moshi, Tanzania, the bishops formally endorsed a feasibility study to establish a regional Catholic university. In November 1992, the Kenyan government granted CUEA its civil charter, officially establishing it as a fully recognized university. His Eminence Maurice Cardinal Otunga served as CUEA’s founding Chancellor, laying a foundation focused on faith, integrity, and cross-border academic excellence.
Honouring the Legacy: CUEA’s Lineage of Vice-Chancellors
Rev. Prof. Opongo steps into a role shaped by seven distinguished predecessors who expanded CUEA’s footprint across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, and beyond:
- Monsignor Deogracius Mbiku (Tanzania): The founding Vice-Chancellor (Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam) guided the institution in its earliest formative years. After his tenure at CUEA, he served as parish priest at the University of Dar es Salaam for nearly 25 years before passing away in April 2021 at age 79.
- Professor Msgr. Augustine Ndeukoya (Tanzania): A prominent canon lawyer, former General Secretary of TEC, and founding president of the East Africa Canon Law Society, he served as Rector/Vice-Chancellor from 1982 to 1992. He later served in the Archdiocese of St. Petersburg and taught at the University of South Florida until his passing in 2003.
- Rev. Prof. Caesar Lukudu (South Sudan): Hailing from the Archdiocese of Juba, Prof. Lukudu led CUEA from 1996 to 2002. He oversaw a major expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate programs before returning to South Sudan as a major seminary formator. He passed away in September 2022.
- Rev. Prof. John Maviri (Uganda): Joining CUEA’s Faculty of Theology in 1995, Prof. Maviiri served as Vice-Chancellor from 2002 to 2011. His nine-year tenure drove massive infrastructure growth across the Langata and Eldoret campuses. He later headed Uganda Martyrs University before retiring to pastoral work in Lugazi Diocese in 2021.
- Rev. Dr. Pius Rutechura (Tanzania): Former Secretary-General of AMECEA, Dr. Rutechura served a five-year tenure focused on regional integration and administrative management.
- Prof. Justus Mbae (Kenya): Appointed in 2016, Prof. Mbae broke barriers as both the first lay (non-priest) Vice-Chancellor and the first Kenyan to head CUEA, stepping in during a pivotal transitional period.
- Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari (Kenya): A priest from the Diocese of Nakuru appointed in 2018, Prof. Mbugua steered CUEA through vital financial stabilization and administrative restructuring. Under his leadership, CUEA saw increased research output, expanded academic offerings, and strengthened international partnerships.
- Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ (Kenya): The newly appointed 8th Vice-Chancellor, entering as the university’s first Jesuit priest at the helm.
Looking Ahead
As Rev. Prof. Opongo, SJ, assumes office as the 8th Vice-Chancellor, CUEA stands at an exciting crossroads. Combining Jesuit educational traditions, celebrated globally for rigor, critical thinking, and social justice, with CUEA’s strong foundation in Catholic values, his leadership promises to further elevate the university’s status as a hub of cross-cutting scholarship, innovation, and ethical leadership in Eastern Africa.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications Coordinator
