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 65th graduation ceremony at Makerere University, scheduled to last three days 21st-23rd January
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.
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 65th 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 Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.