General
Mak 67th Ceremony Kicks Off, Graced by Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
The Makerere University 67th Graduation Ceremony has kicked off today 21st February 2017 with a total of two hundred sixty one (261) students graduating with first class degrees in their respective courses. Set to be presided over by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, the four day ceremony will run from 21st to 24th February 2017.
A total of Six Hundred and Ninety Seven (697) students from College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technolog (CEDAT), Four Hundred and Fifteen (415) students from College of Natural Science (CoNAS), One Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty Four (1,384) from College of Education and External Studie (CEES), and Six Hundred Sixty Three (663) students from College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) who successfully met the requirements graduated with degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. The first day of Makerere University 67th graduation ceremony was graced by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.
Speaking to the overjoyed audience on the first day of 67th the graduation Ceremony, the Prime Minister congratulated all graduands upon reaching the important milestone in their respective lives. He equally congratulated the Parents, Guardians and Sponsors for a job well done in lighting the candle for their children to have a clear academic path in their career journey. “You have a bright future ahead of you and so choose to approach today and every day with great optimism,” he remarked.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda strongly advised students to take advantage of the Government Financed Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to develop and advance their careers. According to the Prime Minister, the Government of Uganda is committed to support the youth to build up income generating enterprises through various programmes, initiatives and innovations.
“The Government supports and appreciates initiatives by the youth. This is because we are much interested in developing, mentoring and enhancing the skills of the youth through innovation,” he said.
He thanked Makerere University for the invaluable role the Institution plays in training vital human resources for the region amidst several challenges and highly emphasized the need to embrace dialogue at all levels as a means of solving conflicts.
“I urge the University community to endeavor to be a prime example of peaceful dialogue and solutions as opposed to violence and industrial action. I appeal to you all to uphold personal and institutional integrity and to treat one another with respect, humility and dignity,” he said.
The Makerere University Chancellor Ezra Suruma congratulated the graduands upon reaching another milestone in their academic journey. He applauded students for the spirit of endurance, hard work, commitment, disciplines and self control that had enabled them to achieve their desired academic success.
“The degrees we are awarding you today testify to the hardships, the discipline, the commitment, the pain and the tears you have shed over the years and decades of academic struggle. Your graduation testifies to the world that in the face of all adversity, poverty, deprivation, doubt and danger, you possessed the determination to strive on, to rise after the fall and today you are counted among the survivors, the heroes of intellectual battles,” he said.
The Chancellor thanked Makerere University Management, staff and University community for the incredible guidance the institution has offered to students through the complexities of the academic life. He thanked the parents, relatives, religious leaders and friends for the social, emotional and financial support they have contentiously extended to their students during their struggle of success.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu congratulated the graduands upon joining the prestigious list of hardworking men and women who are proud Makerere University alumni. In a special way, he also congratulated all Members of Staff who took up the initiative and upgraded their academic experience.
Through the Prime Minister, the Vice Chancellor expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government for the support it extends to Makerere University, especially through the parent Ministry of Education and Sports. Furthermore, he thanked the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for her support and guidance to Makerere University which has fostered a strong working relationship with the University Leadership.
Speaking about Makerere University as a centre of excellence with a host research activities and innovations, the Vice Chancellor congratulated all staff and students whose brilliant innovations had excelled at local and international levels “thank you for keeping Makerere University visible. Because of your hard work, Makerere University, according to the Times Higher Education, is ranked number three (3) on the African Continent in terms of research output and publication.”
“Mr. Chancellor Sir, one cannot talk about a University without Professors. In academia, promotion to the rank of Professor is a testimony to knowledge generation and expertise in one’s chosen academic discipline. I am therefore pleased to report that since the last Graduation Ceremony, 8 Members of Staff have been promoted to the Rank of Professor while 19 have risen to the rank of Associate Professor. I congratulate you upon this great achievement, he said.
“I take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, for his commitment to the salary enhancement of Professors up to the tune of UGX 15 million. I am positive that the number of Professors is going to increase when the salary reaches UGX 15 million, he added
At the same function, the Makerere University Convocation together with the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) awarded the best female and male students in teachers’ education. The Chancellor and the Prime Minister handed over the awards to Ms. Nanyanzi Claire and Mr. Twinomugisha Bruce. The two students received a certificate and a cash prize of 500,000 Ugandan shillings each.
Guests of the 67th Graduation Ceremony were entertained by the Department of Performing Arts and Film led by their Head; Associate Professor Sylvia Antonia Nannyonga-Tamusuza.
Article by Public Relations Office
Makerere University, through the Makerere University Convocation (MUC), has hosted the first-ever CEOs/Investors’ Round Table Summit on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025. The historic event brought together alumni, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and stakeholders in a distinguished assembly aimed at re-imagining the university’s role in national and continental transformation.
The Convocation, which serves as a critical forum for foresight and life-transformational dialogue, unveiled five transformative points carefully crafted to transform Makerere from a symbolic “ivory tower” into an “impact tower” that influences the country and the world more than ever before.
Government Endorsement and Call to Action
The Chief Guest, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was represented at the event by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga. She conveyed warm greetings from H.E. the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
She commended the Convocation for convening under the summit under a significant and timely theme: “Exploring the Opportunities for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Value Creation for Accelerated Socio-Economic Integration and Development of Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She described the summit as not just a gathering but a journey and a call to action, urging academia, industry, and government to align efforts with Uganda’s and Africa’s transformation priorities.
Framing her remarks around the World Bank’s guiding principles—Trust, Humility, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Knowledge—she explained:
- “Trust must be built between government, academia, and business… the gathering reflects the trust in CEOs and investors to walk this journey together.”
- “Humility requires listening and learning, recognizing that no single institution has all the answers.”
- “Inclusion reminds us that no youth, woman, or marginalized group should be left behind in transformation.”
- “Collaboration is the currency of progress, necessary for solving complex challenges across sectors.”
- “Knowledge remains our greatest asset, with Makerere University demonstrating its importance in moving from ivory towers to communities to transform lives.”
She then unveiled a “massive transformation purpose”, commissioning five working teams led by CEOs and investors. The teams, nominated lead persons, and their respective objectives included:
- From Ivory Tower to Impact Tower – Dr. Patricia Ojangole (UDB) with Patrick Ayota (NSSF), translating research into market-ready innovations.
- Diaspora Dividend vs Brain Drain – Jennifer Bamuturaki (Uganda Airlines) with Michael Mugabi (Housing Finance Bank), harnessing diaspora capital, skills, and mentorship.
- Intergenerational Knowledge Bridges – Fabian Kasi (Centenary Bank) with Ajay Kumar (Quality Chemicals), institutionalizing mentorship and reverse mentorship.
- Climate and Infrastructure Leadership – Proscovia Nabbanja (UNOC) with Silver Mugisha (NWSC), anchoring research in energy security, green transition, and infrastructure.
- Pan-African Digital and AI Advantage – Sylvia Mulinge (MTN Uganda) with Mumba Kalifungwa (Stanbic Bank), positioning Makerere as Africa’s digital and AI hub.
She pledged full government support, noting that the teams would convene in the Office of the President. “This summit is not ceremonial but a covenant,” she stressed.
The Minister’s Reflection
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that the summit was not a party but a process of transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, he recalled joining Makerere in 2000 and completing his degree in seven years due to balancing work, hustling for fees, and studying. He praised the university’s role in shaping his success and highlighted recent developments such as the renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and revamping the Main and Western gates, as milestones that have enhanced Makerere’s image. He equally applauded the curbing of staff and student unrest.
He noted that the summit aimed to facilitate networking, mentorship, career opportunities, and university development, signalling collective commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
Council’s Vision: A Legacy Re-imagined
Representing Makerere University Council Chairperson Ms. Lorna Magara, Prof. Sarah Ssali described the summit as a “historic alumni CEO investor round table” and a reaffirmation of Makerere’s role in Africa’s development. She described the university as a “cradle of leadership, innovation and resilience”, noting that the gathering’s objectives included fostering partnerships, showcasing research, launching a fundraising drive, and strengthening alumni engagement. Prof. Ssali emphasized that alumni relations must go beyond occasional financial contributions during events, to continuous communication and genuine relationships. “This summit marks the start of a journey, not just an isolated event,” she reechoed.
Vice Chancellor on Unlocking Makerere’s Potential
Reflecting on the theme of his bid for the Office of Vice Chancellor, “Unlocking the Potential of Makerere University,” Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that while many only celebrate the absence of strikes, behind the calmness is a vibrant transformation.
He highlighted Makerere’s alumni strength, with over 20,000 CEOs globally, and underscored their contributions to Uganda’s economy, governance, health, sports, and research. “What would Uganda do without Makerere?” he pondered. Prof. Nawangwe quickly added that the moment was ripe for Makerere to collaborate more with diaspora alumni so as to tap into fast-evolving niches such as blockchain.
Convocation’s Strategic Role
MUC Chairperson CPA George Mugabi Turyamureeba outlined the Convocation’s mission to support the university’s growth and well-being. He highlighted innovations such as the Convocation House, the annual luncheon for first-class graduates and their parents, mentorship programs, and the MUC SACCO as initiatives that his team had established and promoted during the term so far. The Chairperson nevertheless urged the CEOs present to enable the Convocation have greater impact collaborating on existing as well as envisaged projects such as the Convocation Innovation Centre.
Adding her voice, Vice Chairperson Ms. Grace Cherotich Ruto urged participants—described as “movers and shakers” of Uganda’s economy—to ensure that their decisions today would be celebrated by future generations.
Keynote Address: The Journey’s Just Began
In his keynote, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, Founder and Board Chair of the CEO Summit and Makerere alumnus, congratulated his alma mater on the initiative and reaffirmed the Convocation’s strategic role.
He emphasized that the Round Table Summit should not be seen as a one-time event but as an ongoing journey, echoing American Football Player Jalen Hurts’ mantra: “There’s no arrival. Only the journey.” Dr. Kimbowa defined the Convocation as a community of leaders, alumni, and faculty united by heritage and vision. He described it as a bridge connecting:
- The past to the future,
- Business and industry to academia, and
- Learning to market needs.
He stressed that the Convocation’s ultimate goal was to transform Makerere into a self-sustaining engine of innovation, opportunity, and national transformation. Drawing on corporate insights, he challenged participants to always ask “what is the next opportunity?” and warned against complacency. He unpacked the massive transformation purpose structured around five working teams which MUC has developed, whereby corporate chief executives from Uganda are called upon to lead collaboration with the university. He highlighted the importance of mobilizing talent to connect with successful Ugandan alumni, underscoring the need for local CEOs to harness talent in the diaspora. He emphasized deliberate action, mobilization of global alumni talent, and collaboration between CEOs and the university to sustain transformation
Panel Discussions and Triple Helix Framework
The day’s panel discussion featured Mr. Samuel Mwogeza (Executive Director, Stanbic Bank), Mr. Peter Sibukule (Headmaster, Busoga College Mwiri), Mr. Clovice Bright Irumba (Petroleum Authority of Uganda), and Ms. Grace Cherotich.
Mr. Mwogeza stressed the need to commercialize university prototypes and ideas. He explained that banks like Stanbic use their networks to strengthen innovators’ business cases, preparing them for market entry. Mr. Sibukule on the other hand called for transformation of mindsets right from secondary school level so that students are well primed to communicate, collaborate, uphold integrity and good work attitudes over qualifications in the marketplace. Mr. Irumba highlighted efforts by the PAU to create more opportunities for Ugandan entities to get involved in the oil and gas sector thanks to gaps highlighted by a study undertaken by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC). Ms. Cherotich on the other hand invited CEOs to take interest in research outputs of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and reassured the audience of the Convocation’s readiness to provide a trusted platform for engagement with industry.
Contributing to the day’s discussion, Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo, Executive Director of the Uganda Vice Chancellors’ Forum (UVF), reminded the audience of the “Triple Helix” model and it’s underlying policy frameworks that in the recent past guided collaboration between universities, government, and the private sector. He observed Uganda’s lack of a robust framework, and called for policies that tie tax incentives to university support by corporations and other business entities.
Proceedings
The inaugural edition of the summit was moderated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Department of Journalism and Communication who doubles as Managing Editor Makerere University Press and Dr. Viola Karungi from the Department of Performing Arts and Film (PAF).
The PAF team took charge of the leading the anthems and day’s entertainment, which included a poetic presentation of the Makerere University Anthem.
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