General
Mak 68th Graduation Kicks Off: Best Overall Science Student Recognised
The Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma has urged the newly graduated Makerere University students to fight for and strongly defend the dignity of the African nations and the African people in particular from being openly attacked and abused in the name of searching for employment opportunities overseas.
Presiding over the first session of the 68th Makerere University Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday 16th January 2018, the Chancellor revealed that Africans who cannot find jobs at home have been facing inhumane conditions and death in their attempts to immigrate to other continents while looking for greener pastures.
“The time for complacency in Africa is over. Every African has the duty to fight slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism. No one should think that these are just words. They are real forces that threaten the present and future of the African people. Everyone, without exception, has the duty to protect the dignity and life of our country and our continent,” said Prof. Suruma.
This year 2018, a total of fourteen thousand, eighty five (14,085) students will be awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University in various disciplines. Of these, 71 will receive PhDs, 996 Masters Degrees, 96 Postgraduate Diplomas, 144 undergraduate diplomas and 12,778 Bachelor’s Degrees with a total of 403 students attaining First Class Degrees in the respective disciplines.
On the first day of the graduation; Tuesday 16th January 2018, a total of 2,425 graduands from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) were conferred upon degrees and awarded diplomas of Makerere University.
The Chancellor, congratulated all graduands upon reaching this tremendous milestone and encouraged them to ask God for a vision to which they can be committed to live a life that is focused to a noble cause.
“Please keep going. Do not stop. We live in a competitive and often ruthless world. There is very little room for complacency. The battle for survival is just beginning. May you be blessed with the courage to try new things, the grace to endure hardships of life and the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor,” he said.
He thanked the parents and guardians for the support rendered to the students through the many years of toil and sorrow that made them finally reach the victorious moment. In the same spirit, the Chancellor recognized the support and financial contributions of Government of Uganda, sponors, development partners and all stakeholders of Makerere University towards the institution.
“It is this support that has enabled Makerere University to maintain its role as a leading regional and global university in teaching, learning, research and innovation. The role of funding for research and innovation for institutional development should not be underestimated,” Prof Suruma noted.
Speaking to the congregation, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and members of staff that have taken the initiative and upgraded their academic experience. In a special way he congratulated the Members of staff that have been promoted to various positions.
He highlighted a number of achievements Makerere University has registered, in areas of Research and Innovation, Infrastructure Development during the year 2017.
“Makerere University won two World Bank Grants worth $12 million for two Centres of Excellence, one to be hosted in the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) and another at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). CEDAT will host the Africa Center of Excellence in Materials Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO) while CAES will host the Centre for Crop Improvement,” he remarked.
“Makerere University has benefited from the AfDB-HEST funded project through a loan to the Government of Uganda. Two central teaching facilities, with a total area of 12,000 square metres have been built and a number of laboratories in five colleges have been renovated and upgraded under this funding. Re-construction of all our major roads has been completed. These infrastructure developments have greatly transformed the University’s landscape. Street Lighting has also been installed on all major roads in the University and this has led to an improvement in security,” Prof. Nawangwe added.
This year, under the stewardship of the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, 144 female scholars of the Female Scholarship Foundation are graduating with four (4) students graduating with first class degrees and sixty three (63) students attaining second class upper degrees. These are part of the 1,020 bright but socio-economically disadvantaged females that have been supported to study in various Colleges at the University since 2001. Seventy four (74) out of the 1,020 females have been directly financed by Makerere University through a tuition waiver scheme.
“I pay special tribute to the organizations that have supported the Gender Mainstreaming Directorate in this regard. These include Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Swedish Government (Sida), Norwegian Government, Mastercard Foundation, African Development Bank, Uganda Association of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Uganda), MS JD Global Education Fund, DFCU Bank, Joshua Mugyenyi Foundation, among others. I call upon well-wishers to support the noble cause of assisting those disadvantaged socially and economically to access University Education,” said the Vice Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor also recognized Ms. Claire Muga Akinyi, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar upon graduating with First class Honors degree in Community Psychology. In the same vein, he congratulated the first cohort Scholars of Mastercard Foundation who will be graduating this year 2018.
The Vice Chancellor was happy to announce the first Graduates of Chinese language and urged more Ugandans to take interest in Chinese, the language spoken by the largest number of people in the whole world. This first cohort will be conferred upon their degrees on Friday 19th January 2018.
During this year’s first session, Makerere University Convocation recognized Mr. Odong Brian Boniface for the outstanding academic achievement of graduating as the Best Overall Science Student at Makerere University. Mr. Odong graduated with a first Class Honors Degree, scoring a CGPA of 4.94.
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation thanked the entire community for their generous contributions towards the perimeter wall project. At the 67th Graduation ceremony, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma launched the Perimeter wall project. The project was estimated to cost UGX7.5 billion and through the generous contribution the team has been able to construct 600 metres of the 6 kilometre wall.
“To date UGX250 million has been raised through generous contributions of members of convocation, parents, students and friends of Makerere University. I call upon all well-wishers to continue contributing to the project,” remarked Dr. Tanga-Odoi.
On Friday 19th January 2018, Mrs. Winnie Madikizela Mandela will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws of Makerere University in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the liberation struggle of South Africa and Africa at large. The decision to award Mrs. Mandela an Honorary Doctorate successfully went through all the vetting procedures following her successful nomination. Makerere University congratulates Winnie Madikizela Mandela upon this achievement and welcomes her to the Convocation.
Please see Downloads for Speeches
Article by Mak-Public Relations Office
Kampala – Braving the morning downpour, participants started gathering as early as 5:00 AM. University roads were awash with green and gold kits clad by thousands of runners who gathered at the Hill to participate in the 6th edition of the Makerere Marathon that took place on September 27 2026.
Attendance was representative, with students, alumni, corporate teams and distinguished guests present to run under the featured race categories including the 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, alongside a 3km wheelchair race. These options gave persons of different abilities and fitness levels the opportunity to take part.
All races were officially flagged off at the Makerere Main Building parking lot by various dignitaries from Makerere, and partnering institutions led by the Chief Runner, the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth. He was joined by the Chancellor of Makerere University and Second Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga.
The other dignitaries that accompanied the Speaker included; Dr Lorna Magara the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mr. Mark Anthony Muyobo CEO NCBA Bank Uganda, Mr. Phrase Lubega Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, and Dr Maggie Kigozi, the Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF). Representatives from partner institutions and sponsors for this year’s Marathon were also present to witness the lively flag-off ceremony.
Welcoming the dignitaries who convened in the Vice Chancellor (VC)’s Boardroom, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe echoed Makerere University‘s commitment and deep appreciation for the high-level government and private sector support received during the Marathon.
He reiterated that the institution feels privileged to host the Speaker of Parliament and the Chancellor, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, thanking them for their dedication to flagging off the runners despite the heavy downpour.
The same dedication was on full display throughout all race categories up to the finish line. Large crowds lined the university road sides, cheering wildly, blowing trumpets, and waving flags as the runners made their final sprint. Tired but smiling runners crossed the finish line one after the other, raising their hands in victory.
Impact of the Mak Marathon on Disability Support Centre
The Marathon serves as more than just a sports activity, it comes in as a conduit for institutional progress and student empowerment.
During the Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth’s guided tour of the Disability Support Centre, the Manager, Ms. Elizabeth Rwabu acknowledged that so far, proceeds from the Marathon have directly transformed their services.
She elaborated, “the Makerere Marathon has been the primary driver of our growth as a centre, allowing us to support approximately one hundred and fifty-five students who rely on our services.”
The highlight of the delegation of distinguished guests and runners visit was a guided tour of the Center’s facilities, where technologies so far secured were displayed and existing as well as future needs were put forth.
She pointed out an all-in-one printer, explaining, “this printer is special because it has regular print. We also use it for large print… and scanning.”
She highlighted the machine used for tactile learning, saying, “we have an embosser here. And when students have their soft copy and hard copy notes, they bring them to the center, and we transcribe them to braille format.”
She also described the emergency solution for mobility, stating, “we also procured electric wheelchairs, which students with disabilities can actually borrow and use.”
Among students who added their voice to Ms. Rwabu’s was Ms. Catherine Nakibuuka, Chairperson of the Makerere University Disability Students Association. She is a student with visual impairment pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) who volunteered to explain to the Speaker how important some of the machines current in use are;
1. Eye Magnifier – This is a complex machine used to magnify small prints. It assists students who have visual impairments and rely on large print to read.
2. Focus Blue 40 – This is a modern device used for taking notes. It replaces older, large, and noisy Braille machines. It is portable enough to fit in a bag, making it suitable for use in meetings or courtrooms. Additionally, it can connect to a computer to display the Braille information on a screen, allowing sighted individuals to see what the user is reading.
Ms. Nakibuuka expressed deep gratitude for the support received through the Endowment Fund, Makerere University, and the organizers of the Marathon.
She stated, “We love these things,” noting that the Makerere Marathon’s goal to support the center makes education more inclusive.
The sharing by staff and students at the centre moved Dr Maggie Kigozi, who in turn appreciated them noting that “I’m glad to hear we are being useful as the Makerere Endowment Fund” and pledged that the Fund “will continue to work with the centre until they achieve more.”
Institutional Vision
The Chairperson of the Makerere University Council Dr. Lorna Magara acknowledged that the current Student with Disability Support Centre space may not be enough for the entire university.
In the spirit of remedying this, she shared that, “one of our goals is to have these centers in every other department of the university.”
“If we can have four or five or even maybe in every Hall of Residence, a smaller unit like this, then students with disabilities don’t have to walk long distances, that’s our target,” Dr. Magara explained.
Rt. Hon. Oboth Commends Makerere for the Marathon and Inclusivity
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth thanked the leadership for the Marathon, stating, “we want to thank the leadership of this university for innovative leadership that has brought the sixth Makerere Marathon to fruition.” He added that it is “gaining traction and momentum” and is “going a long way in creating awareness for persons with disability and its other yearly themes.”
While touring the Disability Centre at the Frank Kalimuzo Central Teaching Facility, Rt. Hon. Oboth addressed the students with disabilities, and emphasised a distinction between sympathy and compassion, noting, “what the students with disability need is not our sympathy. you need our compassion. You need the support. Sympathy will not help because it varies, but compassion remains.”
Regarding Parliamentary support, the Speaker made an individual contribution and also pledged, “as Parliament of Uganda, we are here to support the cause.”
He specifically invited the University to partner with Parliament for future events, saying, “we want to further pledge that for the next Marathon, please work with us through the Clerk of Parliament, so that we can take center stage.”
On a lighter note, he encouraged the students with disability to persevere, remarking, “after all, Makerere University is built on a hill, so every day you climb the hill, you are breaking a barrier. So take those barriers as a hill you are breaking.”
Makerere Marathon from a Student with Disability’s Perspective
Nalumansi Sharon, a student with disability in her third-year pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Psychology secured first place in the 3-kilometer wheelchair race. Beyond her athletic success, Sharon is a passionate advocate for fellow students with disabilities.
In an interview with Makerere Public Relations team, Sharon confessed that her personal motivation to participate in this event was the appreciation of challenges faced by persons with disabilities and desire to contribute to causes that support her peers.
“It feels good to be part of this mobilisation because I also have a disability, and I feel good if I do something that will help my other colleagues,” Sharon confessed.
She added that Makerere University‘s hilly terrain makes mobility difficult but with resilience, students with disability can overcome. She urged donors to contribute toward electric wheelchairs, which would significantly improve students’ ability to study and navigate campus.
Sharon therefore appreciated the Makerere University Endowment Fund for bringing together sponsors and the general public to raise funds for the betterment lives of students with disability at Makerere.
As the conversation deepened, Sharon praised the Makerere Disability Support Center for providing an environment where students with disability can complete coursework, receive guidance, and access printing services, allowing them to focus on their studies without unnecessary distractions.
She concluded by praying that God blesses all who pool their resources for the good of Persons with Disability.
Sponsors’ Inspiration to partner and support Mak Students with Disability
Speaking at the launch on July 1, 2026, Mr. Mark Muyobo, the Chief Executive Officer of NCBA, the Platinum Sponsor of the Makerere Marathon, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of education to shape the future.
He said “our partnership with Makerere University is founded on a shared conviction that education remains one of the greatest investments any nation can make. For generations, Makerere has produced leaders, innovators and professionals who continue to shape Uganda and Africa. Supporting its future is an investment in our country’s future.”
In an interview, the Managing Director Mr. Phrase Ronald Lubega emphasized that MTN Mobile Money is driven by the belief that every Ugandan deserves the benefit of a modern quality of life.
He stated that MTN aims to positively impact communities within Uganda, ensuring they are healthy, supported, and progressing. By focusing on these areas, the company believes they help communities serve the country more effectively.
Beyond their core mobile money services, Lubega highlights the importance of connecting people through initiatives like sports, which help individuals integrate and network. He explained that these connections are essential for innovation and moving forward.
Organised through the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) together with partners, this 6th edition will equip Makerere University’s Disability Support Centre and provide students with disabilities with assistive equipment that enables them to read, type, and hear university assignments and participate more fully in academic life.
This initiative reflects Makerere’s commitment to ensuring that disability does not become a barrier to accessing quality university education.
Photography by Benite Uwase, Public Relations Office, Makerere University
View Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD68fW
During the afternoon of September 21, 2026, Makerere University played host to regional discussions as students, academics, and government officials gathered to commemorate the International Day of Peace under the theme “Investing in Regional Peace and Trade for Shared Prosperity”.
The event organised by the Makerere University 92nd Guild Security Ministry in partnership with the Global Peace Guild, served as the official launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition. The idea was conceived as an annual event where the youth across East Africa will gather to deliberate on the nexus between regional peace and trade in fostering regional integration.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Makerere University Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga graced the event, welcomed the distinguished guests and set a reflective tone for the day.
Reminiscing about his old days the VC noted, “lecturers were the ones who used to come and talk about politics, economics, and law but somehow, somewhere, things never went well”. He appreciated the Students’ Guild, and all who were involved in organising the celebration and launch for a good job done.
Prof. Mugagga further encouraged students to look beyond the classroom, urging them to engage in critical debates in different sectors while emphasising that peace is a prerequisite for all development.
People anchor Trade – Keynote address
Representing the guest of honor who was the Minister of State for East African Community Affairs Hon. James Magode Ikuya, Dr. Andrew Musiime – Commissioner for Political Affairs, delivered a keynote address.
His entry was that you cannot talk about trade and not talk about people. Trade is done by people, and therefore as a Ministry, they facilitate free movement of people.
Dr. Musiime provided a comprehensive breakdown of the East African Community (EAC) as an intergovernmental organisation.
“So it is an intergovernmental organisation. Therefore, the governments remain with their constitution, the governments remain with their sovereignty, the governments remain with their national boundaries, the governments remain with their national laws, Musiime explained.”
He mentioned that the East African Community is anchored on the four pillars for integration that is the Customs Union, the Common Market, the Political Federation and Monetary Union.
Dr. Musiime equally challenged the students to move beyond theory, urging them to research the EAC treaty and actively participate in regional integration.
In a gesture of togetherness, he told the distinguished guests that the Ministry operates an open door policy for students and those interested in engaging can apply for opportunities across the Ministry’s various departments.
From UPE to the Halls of Parliament
The event also featured inspiring remarks from the National Female Youth Member of Parliament, Hon. Mercy Kanyesigye. Reflecting on her own journey from Universal Primary Education (UPE) to the halls of Parliament, she delivered a powerful message on peace and security.
In agreement with Prof. Muggaga, she linked the day’s theme to the practical realities of trade, noting that sustainable trade can not exist without peace.
“This moot competition is therefore not just academic exercise. It’s a training ground for the next generation of East African traders, lawyers, negotiators, judges, policy makers who will defend the spirit of our East African common market and our custom union”, Kanyesigye told the attendees.
92nd Guild Calls for Embracing Dialogue
Hon. Denis Mabirizi, the Minister of Security for the Makerere University 92nd Guild, underscored the event’s purpose by highlighting that peace is the foundation for justice, opportunity, and cooperation. He then called upon the student community to reject violence and intolerance, urging them to use dialogue and established leadership structures to address their concerns.
Mabirizi also emphasized that universities are not just centers of academic excellence, but places where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped.
“Universities are not only centers of academic excellence, they are also places where future leaders are shaped. The conversations we have, the values we promote, and the decisions we make today will influence the kind of society we create tomorrow. Peace begins with each one of us, Mabirizi noted.”
The Global Peace Guild Initiative
Mr. Joseph Micheal Tenywa, the founder and President of the Global Peace Guild, shared the vision behind the organization. He explained that the Global Peace Guild was born out of a desire to involve young people in the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.
“Global Peace Guild is an initiative born out of a desire to have young people get involved into the promotion of peace, trade, and regional integration.”
He reminded the audience that regional integration would only become a reality when young people actively participate in the market and hold policy makers accountable.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, it’s an invitation for young people to get involved, not only in ensuring that there is no violence, but that we also put in place the conditions that take our strength, and these are our economic provisions, we call it trade.”
The launch of the East African Peace and Trade Law Moot Court Competition marks a significant milestone for the student community as it brings together academic rigor with a focus on regional policy.
International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21, 2026, under the unified United Nations theme: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. The day emphasizes that achieving lasting peace requires continuous local action, shared civic responsibility, and strategic conflict mitigation to ensure long-term regional development.
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