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Mak 69th Graduation Kicks Off: President Museveni Honoured

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Makerere University has awarded the President of the Republic of Uganda and Visitor, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with her Outstanding Scholarly Authorship Award. Handed over to him by the Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma during the first session of the 69th Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, 15th January 2019, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was recognized for his authorship of Katondoozi, the first ever Thesaurus in the sub-Saharan region.
 
Katondoozi is a Thesaurus of Runyankore-Rukiga written in an indigenous African language. It is a complete granary for the Runyankore-Rukiga, that shows the richness of a language, by displaying a rich and unique vocabulary. This great and original publication was product of a team of scholarly co-authors, namely, Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe, Prof. Manuel J.K.Muranga and Ms. Alice N. Muhoozi.

President Museveni is one of the few Africans that have championed the documentation of indigenous languages to ensure their survival, as cultures that face global pressure. His authorship of the book of a magnitude 20,000 words is an eye opener to the entire African community that African languages, cultures and values can be preserved and promoted.

Prof. Elly Sabiiti reads the Citation for the Outstanding Scholarly Authorship Award to H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

“We have to note that there is no way you can preserve a language if it is not written. This publication can stimulate other writers to publish books in the indigenous languages and these books would be used as references in the education system in order to benefit the future generations,” said Prof Elly N Sabiiti when reading the President’s Citation.

In his acceptance speech, the President thanked Makerere University for recognizing his work. He appreciated his co-authors for doing a great job to ensure that the book is up to standard.

This year 2019, a total of 13,350 students will be awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University in various disciplines. Of these, 56 will receive PhDs, 1,254 Masters Degrees and 101 Postgraduate Diplomas, while 11,939 will receive undergraduate diplomas and Bachelors Degrees. 49.7% of the graduands are men and 50.3% are female; and 364 students will be graduating with First Class Honours.

H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni receives his Award from Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma (Left) as the First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni (Right) applauds

During the first session, graduands from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), College  of Health Sciences (CHS) and the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) were conferred upon degrees and awarded diplomas of Makerere University.  Among these, was the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze who graduated with a Masters degree in Public Health and H.E. Kato Paul, the former Makerere University Guild President who graduated with the Bachelors of Arts in Education.

President of Museveni congratulated the graduands upon reaching the remarkable milestone. He commended staff and community for shepherding students throughout the course of studies.

He advised students to understand their field of study and focus on their area of priority if they are to succeed professionally. “Whether you are studying sciences, social sciences or humanities, you need to understand your field, prioritize your interests and focus on the achievable goals,” he said.

President Museveni shakes hands with the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) shortly after she presented the Convocation Award and an assortment of Mak souvenirs to him

 According to President Museveni, there is need for students to organize themselves both academically and professionally to have a successful career paths.

“If you don’t fall under sciences; the categories that can easily get you a job, do not be despondent. You can progress by joining a youth program and access a grant or an interest free loan or a loan with interest from the government and you start up a maize processing operation. This way, you would have created a job and employed people,” he said.

The President further cited the need to streamline the education system emphasizing the importance of teaching and learning of Africa’s history and wellbeing.  According to him, if teaching is done purposefully and correctly in the African way of understanding, then the continent shall have rapid growth and developments.  

President Yoweri Museveni (Centre) and First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni (2nd Right) pose for a group photo with Co-Authors L-R: Ms. Alice N. Muhoozi, Prof. Manuel J.K.Muranga and Dr. Gilbert Gumoshabe (Right)

“Our education system should have very clear aims. The disciplines of social sciences philosophy, history should dwell more on African history and developments. Even if you are a scientist you should understand the history of Africa before you understand, manipulate and tame the natural forces and laws for the benefit of man,” he explained.

He acknowledged Makerere University’s leadership in fighting the war of capacity building and reinforcing discipline among staff and students at the great institution.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni congratulated H.E the President upon his outstanding recognition. She thanked him for his tremendous support towards building the education system of the country; leading by example in scholarly writing and also developing the African culture through preserving its language.

The First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni receives the Convocation Award from Chairperson Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara (Left) in recognition of her contribution to girl child education, women emancipation and overall success of the Higher Education sector in Uganda

She commended Makerere University for being at the forefront of Uganda’s education and human resource development through academic excellence, research and innovation.

Makerere University is reclaiming its position in providing solutions to African challenges through the commendable innovations and research that have relevance and a positive impact on the wellbeing of the people of Uganda,” stated the First Lady.
 
The Chancellor, Prof. Ezra Suruma commended Makerere University staff and students for the cutting edge research they are conducting that has led to distinguished awards and maintained Makerere University’s global reputation as a leading research institution.

Some of the PhD Graduands who received their awards during the first session of the 69th Graduation of Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

He thanked His Excellency the President and the Government of Uganda, for being the single most important financier of Makerere University. In the same spirit, he recognized the contributions of the development partners and other stakeholders of Makerere University when he said, “In addition to the growing financial support from the Government, contributions from our development partners are also on an upward trend. This support has enabled Makerere to achieve additional improvements in infrastructure as well as in staff and student welfare.”

The Chancellor extended sincere gratitude to the parents, guardians, teachers, mentors and friends of the graduates. He urged graduands to cherish and honor the sacrifices their parents, teachers, sponsors and guardians have made to achieve the great milestone.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe emphasized the need to maintain discipline among students.

“No university can fully utilize her potential in an environment where indiscipline prevails. We will never realize our full potential if we do not focus on our mandates of teaching and learning, research and community engagement and instead spend time on activities that do not build our university and Country,” he said.

The Chancellor-Prof. Ezra Suruma (3rd Right) and Vice Chancellor-Prof. Barnbas Nawangwe (Right) pose for a photo with the Best Overall Sciences Student, Mr. Galiwango Kasozi Steven (4th Right), Convocation Leadership and his parents during the first session of the 69th Graduation Ceremony, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda

“Finally, a word to our beloved graduands. You entered the gates of Makerere University with a purpose. That purpose was to be a contribution to your nation through making yourselves and your families and communities better. You will succeed in life if you put a few ideals ahead of you. These are self-discipline, respect for self and others, love for your Country and love for God. The opportunities out there are immense, but only the disciplined will find them,” the Vice Chancellor added.

During this year’s first session, Makerere University Convocation recognized Mr. Galiwango Kasozi Steven for the outstanding academic achievement of graduating as the Best Overall Science Student at Makerere University.  Mr. Galiwango graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Techonology (First Class Honors), scoring a CGPA of 4.84.

At the 69th Graduation Ceremony, the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Pledged to sponsor the completion of the Makerere University Perimeter wall.  The Chairperson of the Makerere University Convocation Dr. Tang Odoi thanked the entire community for their generous contributions towards the perimeter wall project.

Article by Mak Public Relations Office

For live updates, please follow #Mak69thGrad on social media

Proscovia Nabatte

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Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

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SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

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Simon Mungudit: Mak’s Best Performing Male Science Student & Rising Star in Petroleum Geoscience

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Simon Mungudit emerged the best performing male science student this year. He is set to graduate from Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa on 24th February 2026 in the Freedom Square.

At just 24 years old, Simon Mungudit from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS) has etched his name in the academic history of Makerere University, having emerged as the overall best male student in the Sciences, an achievement earned through perseverance, discipline, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Mungudit is set to graduate during 76th graduation ceremony scheduled for 24th to 27th February 2026, having attained a CGPA of 4.76 in the Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production. His academic interests-Reservoir Engineering, Petrophysics, and Drilling-reflect a deep understanding of the subsurface sciences that power modern energy systems.

Early Life and Journey to Academic Excellence

Born to Mr. Owor Thomas, a Game Ranger with the Uganda Wildlife Authority at Murchison Falls National Park, and Ms. Lilly Obewun Grace of Akuru Bridge Village, Nyaravur Sub-County in Nebbi District, Mungudit’s journey to academic excellence began far from the lecture halls of Makerere. At Karuma Primary School, Mungudit scored 12 aggregates in the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), setting the pace for his future success. He proceeded to St. Daniel Comboni College, Nebbi, where he attained 14 aggregates in 8 subjects at O’ Level. He then joined Namilyango College, one of the best secondary schools in Uganda, where he studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) and scored 19 points, results that secured him government sponsorship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geoscience and Production at Makerere University.

Gratitude to his mentors and sponsors

Behind these milestones lies a story of humility, gratitude and opportunity. Mungudit credits his parents for supporting his primary and O’ Level education and expresses gratitude to TotalEnergies, which provided a full bursary for his A’ Level studies, covering tuition, upkeep, and medical care. He also acknowledges the Government of Uganda for sponsoring his university education, a factor he says motivated him to excel.

At Makerere, Mungudit thrived in an environment that blended rigorous academics with mentorship. He pays tribute to his lecturers, particularly Dr. Arthur Batte, Head, Department of Geology and Petroleum Studies, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing students and pushing them to excel.

“I always aimed to excel,” Mungudit says. “Together with a few colleagues, we formed a group and held discussions on a daily. This, coupled with a conducive study environment, prayer, and discipline, enabled us to attain excellent grades.”

Dr Arthur Batte describes Mungidit as a humble yet very intelligent student.

Achievements and Professional Experience

Beyond academics, Mungudit consistently demonstrated expertise in petroleum engineering. In 2024, he led a team that won the Reservoir Modelling Challenge, organized by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Makerere University Chapter, earning prize money and a sponsored field trip to the Tilenga Project courtesy of COSL. He was First Runner-Up in the Petro Bowl competitions of 2023 and 2025, a highly competitive petroleum knowledge quiz organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section. He served as a Student Officer for the SPE Makerere University Chapter in 2023, and in 2024, he chaired the Organizing Committee of the SPE Annual Students’ Technical Conference and Exhibition, helping bridge the gap between academia and industry.

His learning extended beyond the classroom. During his internship, he worked with TotalEnergies, where he applied petrophysics skills to analyze gas-while-drilling data for formation evaluation, hands-on exposure that sharpened his professional competence. At Makerere University, he mastered PetroMod 2018, a critical software tool in oil and gas exploration. After completing his studies in June 2025, Mungudit trained with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), participating in the 2D seismic acquisition in the Kasurubani Block in Buliisa and Hoima districts.

Mungudit currently works as the Special Projects Coordinator for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Uganda Section Student Liaison Committee.

Future Plans

Mungudit hopes to work in the oil and gas industry in the upstream sector as a geoscientist. He also plans to pursue further studies in petroleum engineering.

From a village in Nebbi to the forefront of petroleum geoscience, Mungudit’s story is one of an opportunity seized and potential realized. It is a testament to what is possible when talent meets support, and when determination is guided by faith, mentorship, and service. As Uganda’s oil and gas sector continues to evolve, Mungudit stands as a symbol of the skilled, principled professionals poised to shape its future.

The CoNAS fraternity congratulates Mungudit on this noble achievement.

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Hasifa Kabejja

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Press Statement: Makerere 76th Graduation Ceremony

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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Centre) presents one of the printed batches of transcripts the Registrar College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS)-Ms. Ruth Iteu Eyoku (2nd Right) as Right to Left: DVCAA-Prof. Sarah Ssali, AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and Ms. Prossy Nakayiki witness on 28th January 2026. Vice Chancellor's Press Briefing on the 76th Graduation due to be held 24th-27th February 2026 at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University’s 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th – 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting at 8.30am. During the 76th graduation ceremony, we shall confer degrees and award certificates to 185 PhDs, 2034 Masters, 6,043 bachelors, 137 postgraduate diplomas and 33 diplomas.

I am proud to announce that in comparison to the 75th graduation, we have registered a 30% growth in graduate student output. This is a result of our strategic decision to prioritize graduate education per our research-led agenda.

I also wish to announce that the transcripts have been finalized and are ready for pick up. Today, I am handing over the ready transcripts to the College principals and can be picked up from respective Colleges even before the graduation ceremony.

Important to Note:

In preparation for the graduation ceremony, the University wishes to note the following:

  1. Pre-graduation clearances
    Graduands are reminded to clear all necessary payments such as tuition and all graduation
    fees. It is also important to check with your College to ensure your name is on the graduation
    list and all mandatory clearances with university officials have been finalized. Note and
    internalize the graduation schedule (attached) to know which day you are graduating.
  2. Securing the graduation gowns
    Graduation gowns will be issued starting from 2nd February 2026 from the University Hall (Dinning Hall), Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. To collect your gown, check and ensure your name appears on the Senate Graduation list, present your student number or National ID, and proof of payment for the gown.
  3. Security requirements
    • Attendance: For each day of graduation, entrance to the graduation ground will be by invitation only. Graduands will be issued with invitation cards which permits two guests per graduand. Do not come with more than two people or they will not be allowed access to the graduation venue. Graduands are encouraged to arrive to settle at the Freedom Square by 7am on graduation day to for a seamless flow of planned activities including the necessary security checks.
    • Prohibited items: Prohibited items include firearms, sharp instruments like mirrors and knives, alcohol, cell or batteries and chemicals, canned food and drinks, laptops, flashes and hard disks, radios including pocket radios, bottled drinks, cameras, large bags or any other heavy items.
    • Media: All media and journalists who wish to cover the ceremony must be pre-accredited by the Makerere University Public Relations office or they will not be allowed to access the ceremony venue. The access point for accredited media personnel will be the Senate Building.
    • Parking: There will be two designated parking areas; Rugby Grounds for those coming through the Eastern and Main Gate; and the second one is the Makerere University Main Grounds at Makerere College School. For VVIPs, VIPs and procession parking will be at CTF1, Directorate of Legal parking, St Francis and St Augustine parking, JICA and Senate Building.
    • Access Control: To ease traffic flow and management, the University has planned three access points to the graduation venue: the School of Social Sciences, Senate Building and the University Swimming Pool.
  4. For help and inquiries
    • Starting February 2, 2026, the Academic Registrar ’s Office and Graduation Committee will set up an information tent outside the Senate Building to provide guidance and handle all inquiries pertaining to graduation.


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