The 64th graduation ceremony came to a close atMakerere Universityon 31st January 2014, with a total of 12,615 students graduating. A higher percentage, 50.3% of these were female compared to their male counterparts at 49.7%. The closing day of the graduation saw Makerere University Business School present 3,794 graduands. Ms. Orobia Laura Aseru, stood out as the only PhD graduate of the day.
The best performing student in the Humanities Mr. Frank Kabuye, with a CGPA of 4.79, received a plaque, a cheque of 1million shillings and souvenir items from Makerere Convocation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
In his remarks, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu (Pictured below right) applauded MUBS for the progress made and called out for more collaboration with Makerere University. “There has been limited collaboration between Makerere University Business School and the School of Business in the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University. I believe our two institutions can benefit greatly from mutual collaboration in teaching, research and supervision. MUBS being the leading business school in the region, it can surely assist the School of Business at Makerere University in a number of ways. Similarly, the School of Business at Makerere University has certain expertise that can be useful to MUBS. Indeed, our two institutions can reinforce each another. I therefore urge all of us to initiate stronger and visible links,” he emphasized.
The Principal of MUBS, Prof. Waswa Balunywa, was represented by Dr. Arthur Sserwanga. “Use the knowledge gained at MUBS to help your families, communities and the world. Individually and collectively,” he said.
The Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, commended MUBS for extending the Makerere University reach. “I further commend you for extending Makerere’s reach to as far as Arua, over 400km from Kampala. In so doing, you have saved our students the burden of commuting to and from Kampala and also increased our proximity to Southern Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
The four-day ceremony kicked off on Tuesday, 28th Jan. 2014. As part of the celebration and efforts towards infrastructure development at Makerere University, an appeal to congregants to support the $30m proposed Students’ Centre was launched. Pledge cards were distributed to graduates (now alumni) and all well-wishers, to generously support this cause; which will benefit many generations to come. The Chancellor emphasized that support from the alumni and wellwishers is part of the success story of many of the top world universities. He urged members of Staff of Makerere University to equally support the cause.(To support the students Centre, contact Mr. Agaba Issa of the Public Relations Office of Makerere University, iagaba@admin.mak.ac.ug, for more).
In other highlights of the 64th graduation ceremony, the fresh-in-office Vice Chairperson of Makerere University Council Hon. Irene Ovonji-Odida (Pictured Above), the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVC AA), Dr. Ernest Okello Ogwang, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVC FA) were introduced to the parents and guests by the Chancellor. They were part of the powerful Chancellor’s procession, looking resplendent in their full official robes.
Ms. Sarah Kimala (Pictured 2nd Right), the best student in Sciences with a CGPA of 4.83 graduated with a Bachelor of Information Systems. She too received a plaque and a cheque of 1million shillings from Convocation. The Makerere University Public Relations Office also presented the overall best Students with copies of publications about Makerere University for their private libraries.
The highly colourful 64th graduation ceremony was organized by the Makerere University Ceremonies Committee, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Steven Nyanzi.
Visionary Blueprint to Drive Excellence, Innovation, and National Development.
Kampala, Uganda – July 2, 2026. — Makerere University today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2030, outlining a bold roadmap for academic excellence, research innovation, and transformative impact on Uganda and the region. The high-profile launch event, held at Makerere University Main Campus, brought together government leaders, university stakeholders, development partners, and academia.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presided over the official launch. In his presentation, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas highlighted the University’s past achievements and the new Plan’s strategic vision. “This Strategic Plan builds on our rich legacy while positioning Makerere University as a leader in addressing contemporary challenges through cutting-edge research, quality education, and innovation,” he stated.
The Plan was developed through an inclusive process led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, with input from across the University community. It aligns closely with national development priorities, as affirmed by Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority.
University Council Chairperson Dr Lorna Magara emphasised the Council’s oversight role and commitment: “The University Council is fully committed to providing the strategic leadership and oversight necessary for the successful implementation of this Plan. It will strengthen Makerere’s role as a driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensure we remain a beacon of excellence in higher education across Africa.”
Development partners, Vice Chancellors from other public universities, college principals, deans, professors, and student representatives attended the event, underscoring broad stakeholder support.
Key Pillars of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030 include enhancing excellence in teaching and learning, advancing research and innovation, strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and deepening engagement with industry and government. Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a networking breakfast and media engagement session.
Additional Quotes:
“Makerere University remains Uganda’s flagship institution. This Strategic Plan will further harness our intellectual capital to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan and Vision 2040.” — Hon. Henry Musasizi, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
“We are excited to embark on this new strategic journey. With the support of our dedicated staff, students, alumni, and partners, we will achieve even greater heights in the next five years.” — Prof. Nawangwe Barnabas, Vice Chancellor, Makerere University
Makerere University is Uganda’s oldest and largest public university, established in 1922. It is a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and cross-disciplinary innovation. With over 35,000 students and a strong alumni network, Makerere continues to shape leaders and solutions for Africa and beyond.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Eunice Rukundo, Deputy Chief, Public Relations
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere (R) leads the team on a guided tour of the site.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
L-R: Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli, Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe and Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe inspect the top floor of CCE Hall.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
R-L: Eng. Ezra Sekadde, Eng. Brian Buhanda, Prof. Anthony Mugagga, Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere and other stakeholders at the site handover.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
Stakeholders pose for a group photo after the event.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released admission lists of candidates admitted under the Talented Sports Men & Women, Disability and District Quota Schemes with Government sponsorship 2026/27 Academic Year including appeals and remarked cases.
Other admission lists released include A-Level Applicants with Ugandan and those with Foreign Qualifications, Diploma in Performing Arts, Mature-Age Entry and Bachelor of Education (EXTERNAL Batch 2) for the Academic Year 2026/2027 under self sponsorship.