General

Makerere 65th Graduation Ceremony Kicks Off

Published

11 years ago

January 22, 2015

The Chancellor, Prof George Mondo Kagonyera Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling.

Makerere University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera has advised students to always have a positive and all-encompassing approach towards work in order to make the desired difference to community. He made the remarks while presiding over the first day of the 65^th graduation ceremony at Makerere University, scheduled to last three days 21st-23^rdJanuary

He cautioned graduands to carefully utilize every opportunity and also avoid job discrimination between white and blue collar jobs. “You are graduating in various disciplines that you have chosen as the vehicles towards a better future. In the process, your families, your country and even the world, benefits from your knowledge. The world is expecting the best from you and with your skills and proficiency, the name of Makerere University shall be hailed,” he said.

Graduands from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Health Science (CHS), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) were awarded diplomas, degrees and PhDs at the first session of the graduation on Wednesday.

In his speech the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, briefed graduands on the desirable use of the acquired knowledge and skills. “Please be honest in what you do, for it is such honesty that will enable you to improve and fit in the society hereafter. Use the knowledge you have acquired not only to improve yourself but also for the positive transformation of your society.”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu expressed his gratitude to all Members of Staff of Makerere University who graduated at the 65^th graduation ceremony. A total of 13,776 students graduated, with over 200 of them attaining first class degrees. The 65th graduation will also see a total of 67 graduands awarded PhDs.

At the function the Chancellor evoked the powers entrusted to him and awarded a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling in recognition of her distinguished and selfless contribution to Makerere University, Uganda, East and central region of Africa and the world at large. “For the last 28 years since 1986, Ruth has dedicated her energies, finances and time to carry on the gorilla conservation legacy of the late Primatologist Dian Fossey; and has made major contribution to the recovery of the Mountain Gorilla population from 248 at the time to the current estimate of 880. Both the Makerere University Senate and Council found her unreservedly deserving of the award of an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree of Makerere University for her selfless contributions to Makerere University; to Uganda; to the Eastern and Central Africa region and to global communities,” said Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB) while presenting her citation.

The doctorate award to Ruth Keesling was highly colourful and unique with people wearing gorilla masks moving around as the citation was read. The ‘gorillas’ were being watched over by a team of highly alert officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The graduation ceremony proceeds to day two.

By Prossy Nabatte

General

Mak Hosts NCHE Competence-Based Education Standards Validation Meeting

Published

3 days ago

January 23, 2026

Mark Wamai

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Centre) with Prof. Sarah Ssali and other leaders of Higher Education Institutions after the CBE minimum standards validation meeting on 23rd January 2026. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University on 23^rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.

Prof. Sarah Ssali. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Sarah Ssali.***

Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.

Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.***

Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.

Prof. Mary Okwakol. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Prof. Mary Okwakol.***

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.

Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting. National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, 23rd January 2026, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa. — ***Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.***

The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).

General

Press Release: Semester II Set to Start 10th Feb, 76th Graduation Dates Confirmed

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2026

Mak Editor

An older photo of the Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda as seen from across the Freedom Square. Date taken: 22nd October 2012. Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Kampala, Uganda – 20^th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24^th January 2026 to 10^th February 2026.

This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10^th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10^th February 2026 until 6^th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.

Confirmed dates for the 76^th Graduation Ceremony

Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76^th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24^th February 2026 to Friday 27^th February 2026.

Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.

Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.

Makerere-Press-Release-Semester-2-Opening-Postponed-20thJan2026 Download

Ministry-of-Education-and-Sports-Directive-16thJan2026 Download

Makerere-Semester-2-Revised-Academic-Calendar Download

General

Call for applications: E-JUST TICAD8 African MSc. Scholarships

Published

2 weeks ago

January 13, 2026

Mak Editor

E-JUST Fall 2026 International Admissions (M.Sc. TICAD8 Scholarships). Courtesy Photo.

The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).

Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).

Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.

Important Links:

For information about admission requirements: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-pg

For information about the available scholarships: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-scholarships

For information about the required documents: https://www.ejust.edu.eg/international-documents

For any inquiries, please contact the Regional and International Affairs (RIA) Office: international.affairs@ejust.edu.eg