Makerere University Convocation has honored Mubiru Enock Joel with an award in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. Mubiru, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, scored a CGPA of 4.91, making him the best student in the sciences at Makerere University this year. The award, which included a plaque and a cheque of UGX1 million, was presented to him by the Chair of the Convocation on January 14, 2025, the second day of the 75^th graduation ceremony.

Overall, the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) presented 310 students for the award of degrees of Makerere University at the 75th graduation ceremony.  Of these, 14 graduated with PhD (4 female 10 male), 36 MSc (10 female and 26 male) and 260 BSc (113 female and 147 male).

In the course of the 75th graduation ceremony that started on 13th January and will end on 17th January 2025, a total of 13,662 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University.

 Of these, 143 will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. 16% of the students will graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.

Chancellor’s Address

In his address, Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga congratulated the graduands on their success and expressed appreciation for the support provided by lecturers, administrators, parents, and guardians. He emphasized that the success of the university is a collective effort, appreciating the faculty and University Council for their critical roles in delivering quality education.

Dr. Kiyonga also extended his gratitude to the President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, and the NRM government for their invaluable financial support to Makerere University. The Government has so far allocated UGX30 billion to Makerere University through the Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

Looking to the future, Dr. Kiyonga encouraged the University to increase its outreach programmes, particularly in the agricultural sector. He proposed collaborations with medium- to large-scale farmers, where students could gain hands-on experience while also assisting farmers in local communities. He also advocated for stronger partnerships with the private sector to support the commercialization of innovations emerging from Makerere University.

Furthermore, the Chancellor highlighted the President’s directive to teach Political Economy to all university students. He stressed the importance of transforming Africa through the strategic utilization of its resources and emphasized the value of political economy knowledge in this process.

Vice Chancellor’s Address

In his remarks, Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the teaching staff, administrators, parents, and guardians. He also welcomed the Chancellor, Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, emphasizing that his vast experience would be an asset to the institution.

Prof. Nawangwe acknowledged the College of Natural Sciences for providing foundational training for all the other science-based disciplines at the University. He also commended the College for its ground-breaking research and contribution to the development of mathematics in the region. “The College of Natural Sciences is unique because it handles all the foundation disciplines for all the other science-based disciplines. But apart from the basic sciences, the College provides training and conducts research in critical applied science disciplines, including geology and petroleum studies, industrial chemistry, and others. The College is central in the development of mathematics in the East and Central Africa region and it has also taken the initiative to investigate the problem of poor performance in biology by secondary school students,” the Vice Chancellor noted.

He encouraged the graduands to seize every opportunity and to consider starting their own enterprises, using the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies. “Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and consider entrepreneurship as a path to success,” he urged.

Message from the Minister of State for Primary Education

On behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, congratulated the graduates and thanked the university for its commitment to excellence in education and research. She emphasized the transformative power of higher education and praised Makerere University for its contribution to the nation’s development.

She also expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians, acknowledging their critical role in the success of the students. “Your support has played an integral part in making this achievement possible,” she said.

Commencement lecture by Prof. Puleng LenkaBula

In her commencement lecture, Prof. Puleng LenkaBula, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa, expressed gratitude for the support that Makerere University and Uganda provided in the fight against apartheid. She encouraged the graduands to use the knowledge acquired to address the continent’s challenges, particularly in the transformation of Africa and the empowerment of women. Prof. LenkaBula called for greater collaboration among African intellectuals to create a better future for the continent, particularly through research that directly benefits communities.

Research Excellence and Teacher Recognition

At the ceremony, Makerere University recognized outstanding researchers and educators from CoNAS. The Senior Researcher Award was presented to Assoc. Prof. Juma Kasozi (Department of Mathematics), Assoc. Prof. Charles Masembe (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), and Dr. Jamilu Ssenku (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology). The Mid-Career Researcher Award went to Dr. Julius Mulindwa (Department of Biochemistry), Dr. Patience Tugume (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology), and Dr. Patrick Ssebugere (Department of Chemistry), while Dr. Omara Timothy (Department of Chemistry), Dr. Mukiibi Ssewannyaga Ivan (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies), and Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar (Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology) were recognized as the best Early Career Researchers. In addition, Prof. Ann Akol (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences), Dr. Sadik Mustafa Abubakar, and Dr. Kalega Peggy (Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies) were honoured as the best teachers of the year from CoNAS.

Transcripts and Certificates

Graduates who participated in today’s ceremony can collect their transcripts from their respective colleges.

View on CoNAS

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.

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