Prof. George Barnabas Kirya was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University after Prof. Wandira’s second term ended on 1st April 1986. He holds a Diploma in Bacteriology from the University of Manchester, UK (1975), MSc. in Microbiology from the University of Birmingham, UK (1971) and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree of Makerere University (1966).
Prof. Kirya joined Makerere University as an intern in Mulago Hospital’s Surgery and Pediatrics Department. He was promoted from the rank of Visiting Lecturer, Department of Microbiology (1970-1973) to Senior Lecturer (1973-1975). Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, he lectured at the Department of Biochemistry, where he had served as Professor and Head of Department (1978-1986).
He served as Vice Chancellor from 1986 – 1990, and there after, was named Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1997-2003). He was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Birmingham in 2001 in recognition of his distinguished service as a Diplomat of the Republic of Uganda.