The Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga conferred PhDs upon 49 candidates during the First Session of the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University which commenced on Monday 13^th August 2025 in the Freedom Square. The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) presented 28 candidates (the highest for the 75^th Graduation), while the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and School of Law presented 12 (twelve), 6 (six) and 3 (three) candidates respectively.

The First Session of the Graduation was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku  Kaducu. The Minister in her remarks thanked the Vice Chancellor and University Leadership for the excellent organization and arrangement made for the success of this 75^th Graduation ceremony, and thanked the NRM Government and the Leadership of H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the peace and stability that has provided an environment conducive for learning and teaching to take place. She reiterated Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure at Makerere University and urged Graduands not to despise any jobs but start humble and trust the Lord to lift them higher.

Addressing the congregation, Dr. Kiyonga, thanked H.E. President Yoweri Museveni and Hon. Janet Museveni for availing him the opportunity to return and serve his Alma Mater as Chancellor. He equally reiterated the Directive by H.E. President Museveni to teach political economy across all courses and called for: Strengthening funding for research work at the University; Building stronger partnerships with the private sector to commercialise innovations at the University; Building structured relationships with the communities; Taking part in building a food security system for the country; and Building a model Agro-industrial park.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Dr. Kiyonga upon presiding over his first graduation ceremony as Makerere University Chancellor, as well as the staff, graduands, parents, guardians and sponsors upon celebrating the important milestone. He recognized the best researchers and teachers, who were selected using criteria approved by the Senate. They were presented by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and included:

Early Career Researchers

• Dr. Ndejjo Rawlence, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
• Dr. Omara Timothy, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
• Dr. Bwambale Erion, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

Mid Career Researchers

• Dr. Musoke David, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
• Dr. Mugabi Robert, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
• Dr. Manga Musa, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)

Senior Researchers

• Prof. Kamya Robert, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
• Prof. Kirabira John Baptist, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
• Prof. Mugisha Lawrence, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
• Prof. Matovu Enock, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)

Best Evaluated Teachers

• Dr. Wanyama Joshua, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
• Dr. Lwasa John, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
• Dr. Musinguzi Patrick, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
• Dr. Kamulegeya Rogers, College of Health Sciences (CHS)

The commencement lecture at the First Session was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), Prof. Puleng LenkaBula. It was based on the topic: ‘African Women, reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth!’

“Prof. LenkaBula is the first female Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) in that institution’s 148-year history and she has been at the helm of that institution since January 2021” shared Prof. Nawangwe as he introduced the Commencement Speaker.

Please see downloads for the detailed speeches.

Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75^th graduation ceremony.

Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2^nd October 2024, the 75^th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.

A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75^th graduation ceremony (13^th to 17^th January 2025).

On the first day of the 75^th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.

The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.

“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.

Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.

In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.

Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.

“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.

He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”

He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.

In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.

“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.

Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.

He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.

Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.

“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.

In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.

Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.

“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.

Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.

Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.

Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.

In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.

Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.

 “Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”

Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.

Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.

Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.

“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.

Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.

Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.

“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”

In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”

The 75^th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.

I warmly congratulate all the Graduands and our hardworking staff upon their perseverance that has culminated into the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. This success has been made possible by the sacrifices and diligence of your parents, guardians, sponsors, families and friends. We equally congratulate them upon their respective contributions.

In a special way, I wish to congratulate Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga upon his appointment as Chancellor of Makerere University. Dr. Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University, has had a distinguished career as a Physician, Statesman and Diplomat, and thus, is well positioned to serve as titular head of this great institution, especially as we continue to strategically align with Government programmes to drive high technology innovation, commercialisation of research outputs and wealth creation.

Makerere University by virtue of her status as a Government institution and a globally acclaimed University continues to enjoy generous funding from the Government of Uganda as well as our development partners. This funding has enabled us to boost our research capacity through training staff at Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral level, produce more research and innovations, improve our laboratory infrastructure, grow our international networks and contribute to the attainment of National Development Priorities as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I am happy to note that with the support of Government through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), we have not only been able to fund a number of innovations that are set for commercialization, but also supported PhD Research that addresses national development priorities.

I equally applaud our development partners whose generous support has contributed to training staff, conducting research and the establishment of Innovation Hubs aimed at creating job opportunities for our young people.

On 22nd October 2024, Makerere University in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation, and UNDP Uganda, launched the Skilling Programme in Electric Mobility and Associated Technologies, aimed at building the required pool of young people to drive Uganda’s electric mobility and related technologies for industrial application. Additionally, on 19th November 2024, we signed an MoU with The Innovation Village to establish the Research2Industry (R2I) platform. The platform will provide infrastructure that fosters innovation and resource sharing as well as streamline the path from research to commercialization through funding mechanisms that remove barriers and accelerate impact.

Therefore, as you leave the gates of Makerere today, I wish to reassure you that your alma mater remains committed to not only providing impactful education, but also nurturing innovations and partnerships that contribute to your employability and our national development priorities.

Once again, I congratulate the Graduands, our staff, parents, guardians and sponsors upon achieving this milestone and pray that God will grant you good health and keep you safe, as We Build for the Future.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe
VICE CHANCELLOR