Computing & IS
CoCIS Presents Overall Best Science Student at the Mak 73rd Graduation
The 3rd Session of the Makerere University 73rd Graduation ceremony was held on 15th February 2023 at the university Freedom Square presided over by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma.
Prof. Suruma conferred degrees on graduands from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
Sanga Anold Lukoda from CoCIS who has been pursuing a Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology emerged the overall best science student for the Makerere University 73rd Graduation ceremony with a CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0.
Sanga received the recognition convocation award during the 3rd session of the graduation comprising the convocation plaque and one million Uganda shillings.
Sanga was grateful to God for this academic excellence and implored students remember God in all their endeavors and to be obedient.
“Always trust God and follow instructions”, Sanga advised.
The Principal CoCIS Prof. Tonny Oyana, said the college celebrates the victory and congratulated Sanga upon this exemplary performance. Prof. Oyana explained the three important prerequisites to produce such an excellent student.
“Number one, they come with superior foundation from High school. Two, they are dedicated to their programme – the type of students that ask lecturers questions, stay in the lab and they want to learn more. Number three they are inspired by their career goal but also they want to be better,” Prof. Oyana said.
In his message to CoCIS students and staff, the Principal demanded for more.
“We want more. I know we can only have one number one but, we can have many in between so that they get opportunities because students with very good grades can be supported to do masters and admitted to any other university because they give a lot of hope. So, I encourage our staff that we should produce more high quality students who can become faculty”, Prof. Oyana stated.
He said such exemplary students will be invited to talk to final third year students and during orientation of first years to inspire them that it is possible and to build good grades from the beginning of their university life.
During this 3rd session of the Makerere 73rd graduation ceremony CoCIS presented 8 PhDs (5 Males and 3 Females), 23 Masters (18 Male and 5 Females) and 571 (322 Male and 249 Female) undergraduate and 2 Post Graduate (Male) Diploma candidates.
The eight PhD candidates presented from CoCIS were Bbosa Francis Fuller, Mugejjera Emmanuel, Ndagire Lillian, Ongaya Kizito, Nagwovuma Margaret, Odongto Godfrey, Mubangizi Martin Gordon and Nakirrija Justine. They conducted relevant and significant research contributing to Uganda’s needs.
The Chancellor Prof. Suruma made a cursory examination of the doctoral research carried out by the doctoral candidates in the three colleges and commended the subject matter and their findings.
With regard to computing and information Sciences, Prof. Suruma took note of the study on disease surveillance with specific regard to the nodding syndrome. Nodding Syndrome has been a serious disease especially in Northern Uganda.
“The study indicated that there is need for surveillance and control of the black fly. I also found the study on water resource management using Lake Victoria basin as a case study extremely vital and relevant as it provides strategies for different stakeholders such as communities, managers and policy makers on how to improve water management”, The Chancellor commended.
The Chancellor appreciated graduands for the spirit of hard work, endurance, self-control and discipline that have brought them this far.
“The degrees we are awarding you today testify to the hardships, the discipline, the commitment, the brain and tears you have shed over decades of academic struggle. Your graduation today is a testimony that in the face of adversity, poverty deprivation, doubt and danger, you found the determination to hold on and to rise after fall. Today you are counted among the heroes and survivorship many intellectual battles”, Prof. Suruma appreciated.
Prof. Suruma recognized that Makerere University has been an integral part of the graduands success. He thanked the academic, administrative and support staff for the efforts and guidance that enabled students go through the complexities of the academic life.
The Vice Chancellors’ remarks
The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the graduands upon staying focused and fulfilling the requirements for the award of the various qualifications.
Prof. Nawangwe appreciated Government of Uganda for the Research and Innovation Fund given to the university as it strives to transform into a research led university.
“ The Research and Innovation Fund, that was made possible through a Government grant of UGX 30bn annually, has transformed Makerere tremendously with very many innovations in agriculture, and food security, health, engineering, education, veterinary medicine, artificial intelligence, economics and business management”, The Voce Chancellor reported.
He pointed out that the research on use of Artificial Intelligence in everyday life by CoCIS and many others from other colleges were of great importance to ensuring the stability and prosperity of Uganda.
In his message to the graduands, Prof. Nawangwe reminded them that they occupy a special place in Uganda’s development agenda.
“It is you that must ensure that our business are run on sound business principles, that our country embraces the digital era and use Artificial Intelligence in solving our development challenges.
We have done our best to impart on you knowledge that should enable you to face the world out there with confidence, to become part of the solution and not part of the problem. We have empowered you to be critical thinkers and to be entrepreneurs and good managers of our economy”, Nawangwe advised.
The Vice Chancellor reminded graduands that success does not only come through technical skills acquired but more through soft skills of knowing that they are part of a small privileged elite tasked to move people out of poverty and hence, the need to be humane and humble with determination to succeed.
“As you leave the Gates Makerere, I urge you to always be proud of your Alma Mater and be her good ambassadors. Put your trust in God and honor your parents and opportunities will be opened for you. And please, do not forget the Gates of Makerere. Remember that learning never ends and Makerere gates will always be open for you”, The Professor advised.
The week long 73rd Graduation Ceremony started on 13th -17th February 2023. A total of 13,221 students will be awarded degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 102 will graduate with PhDs, 1,378 with Masters Degrees, 11,598 with Bachelor’s degrees, and 143 with undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. 52% of the graduands are female and 48% male. 41 of the 102 PhD graduands and 563 of the 1,378 Masters graduands are female.
Carol Kasujja Adii and Ritah Namisango
The excitement was palpable as hundreds of graduands and parents flocked Makerere University Freedom Square for the first session of the colourful graduation ceremony on Monday 13th January 2025.
The Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga will confer degrees and present diplomas to a total of 13,658 graduands during the 75th graduation ceremony of Makerere University that runs until Friday 17th January 2025.
On each day, after the Chancellor has dissolved the congregation, the best researchers, best teachers and excelling students in the company of their parents or guardians proceed to Makerere University Convocation gardens for a luncheon.
The Makerere University Convocation Graduation luncheon brings on board invited staff and alumni as well as keynote speakers from the government, private and business sector to witness the presentation of the Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards to the best University researchers and students.
Some of the dignitaries present for the first luncheon included: The Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the Chairperson of Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara, the commencement Speaker-Vice of the University of South Africa, Prof. LenkaBula Puleng, Secretary of the Education Service Commission-Dr. Asuman Lukwago, among others.
Welcoming the dignitaries, the Chairperson of the Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba congratulated the best students accompanied by their parents upon this academic milestone, and encouraged them to join the Convocation (the Alumni and Staff association) in order to tap into mentorship opportunities as well as professional networks.
The day one of the 75th Graduation Ceremony featured graduates from the College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, and the School of Law. The best 30 students per College are invited to the University Convocation with their parents to celebrate their academic success, and to listen to inspirational speeches from personalities who are acknowledged for utilizing their knowledge, skills, professions or talent to cause a positive difference in the lives of other people.
In his earlier address to the congregation in the Freedom Square, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, stated that the meritorious award presented to researchers was in recognition of their prolific publication record and outstanding contribution to Makerere University’s scholarly excellence.
This being his maiden graduation ceremony as Chancellor of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University upon his appointment and installation by H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated the readiness of the University Council and Management to implement the good ideas and strategies aimed at scaling Makerere University to greater heights.
Making reference to the commencement speech delivered by Prof. LenkBula Puleng, Prof. Nawangwe emphasized the need for graduates to always remember the speaker’s focus on what should be done to emancipate Africa from poverty.
Prof. Nawangwe thus called upon all the researchers who were recognized to use the awards as an inspiration to carry out more research that addresses the needs of the African continent.
During the event, the Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, noted that Africa is still trapped in poverty and lags behind because the continent is not integrated.
According to Dr. Kiyonga, although Africa lags behind, African Universities have to collaborate to address continent-wide challenges, enhance research capacity, foster knowledge sharing, and ultimately contribute more effectively to the development of Africa by tackling issues such as poverty.
Chancellor Kiyonga rallied universities in Africa to intensify collaborations in order to spur research and development.
“Makerere University researchers need to know what is happening in the University of South Africa, check out how they teach and exchange staff and students. If we get together as Universities, we will move fast,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor equally called upon the graduates to be innovative and find solutions to address societal challenges. He reminded the graduates that people would judge them by asking what they did during their time.
“Our children are going abroad for work; this is a curse. If most of them leave, who will develop the Nation? Let us come together because the future of Africa is embedded in integration,” Hon. Dr. Kiyonga said.
To ensure that the message on integration of Africa remains on the agenda, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga informed the University leadership, staff, alumni and invited guests, that when provided with platforms to speak, he will always advocate for the integration of Africa.
“As the Makerere University Convocation brings us together, we must uphold the slogan, ‘We build for the future’ not just for Makerere’s future, or Uganda’s future, but for Africa’s future,” Dr. Kiyonga said.
Inspired by the good initiatives of the Makerere University Convocation headed by Mr. George Turyamureeba, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga-a 1978 graduate of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Makerere University pledged to pay all his convocation dues.
Presenting the keynote speech, Dr. Asuman Lukwago-Secretary of the Education Service Commission congratulated all the graduates on their academic achievements. Dr. Lukwago called upon all fresh graduates to live responsibly so as to achieve their full potential.
Sharing his personal experience on taking on unpaid employment after completing his studies at the Medical school, Dr. Lukwago urged the graduates who have accumulated knowledge, not to remain idle as they wait for employment.
“Many of you are focusing on looking for payment and it is true you need to be paid, but suppose you get a non-paid employment? My first assignment was on a volunteer basis, but my Professor encouraged me to take it on. He said: ‘Among the people whom you will be teaching will be sons and daughters of Ministers. If you teach them well, they will recommend you’ and that is how my name went into boardrooms,” Dr Lukwago narrated.
He encouraged the graduates to focus on their future noting that life feels long and hard when someone is suffering but is short and enjoyable when one achieves his or her target.
“You have been good students at the University level, but you have to be good citizens who can contribute to the growth of our Country’s economy. Analyze and unpack the four-acre model, a modern type of farming,” Dr Lukwago guided.
The Four-Acre Model advocates for diversified farming, where farmers allocate one acre to coffee, another to fruits, the third to pasture for dairy, and the fourth to food crops.
Why the convocation is important:
The Chairperson of Makerere University Convocation, Mr. George Turyamureeba explained that the association brings on board alumni and staff of Makerere University.
The mission of the convocation is to mobilise members and well-wishers to support the welfare and progress of Makerere University and to participate in the enhancement and improvement of intellectual and material wellbeing of the university community.
Mr. Turyamureeba pointed out that for one to qualify as a Member of Makerere University convocation, he or she pays an annual subscription of UGX 50,000/=. A member of the Makerere University Convocation benefits in form of: Career Development and Job opportunities, Alumni networking and social capital, Career guidance and mentorship programs, Financial support and scholarships.
Makerere University has been directed to integrate the teaching of political economy across all courses to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s socioeconomic conditions. The directive, welcomed by the university’s top management, will be incorporated into the curriculum to align education with the needs of the people and the nation.
The government has also pledged to bolster Makerere’s research funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution.
The call was made by Makerere University’s new Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during the first session of the 75th graduation ceremony held on January 13, 2025, at the university’s Freedom Square. Dr. Kiyonga also urged the government and the university to establish an agro-industrial park on its land.
“This park would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” Dr. Kiyonga noted.
The Chancellor emphasized the urgency of addressing Uganda’s food insecurity, highlighting that 40% of children in the Rwenzori region are stunted, with malnutrition affecting all regions of the country.
“Uganda must develop a robust food security system to ensure we do not starve amidst abundance,” he said.
Dr. Kiyonga also pointed out Africa’s underperformance despite its vast resources, describing it as a contradiction. “It is our responsibility to change the conditions of our people and ensure Africa rises to its potential,” he urged.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics.
Education Minister Praises Makerere for Excellence
Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
“Today reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,” she said.
The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institution’s integrity.
She also reflected on Makerere’s recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
“Your achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,” she noted.
Addressing the graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to apply their skills to solve societal challenges.
“Makerere has equipped you with critical thinking and creativity. Use this to seize opportunities, make a difference, and shine wherever you go,” she concluded.
Vice Chancellor Highlights Makerere’s Impact
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the 13,658 graduates, including 143 PhD recipients and 53% female graduates. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys.
The College of Computing and Information Sciences presented a total of 681 Graduands. Of theses12 were Doctoral candidates (7 Females and 5 males), 73 Masters candidates( 26 Female and 47 Male) and 596 Bachelors (251 Females and 345 Males)
Prof. Nawangwe praised the achievements of Makerere’s colleges, including the College of the College of Computing and Information Sciences. The College celebrated notable achievements, including three students who received the Africa 2024 Marketplace Simulation Award during the AFRICA2024 Conference in Egypt.
The college also secured a $1.5 million grant from Google for the Ocular project, which leverages artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis of malaria, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer. The AI Health Lab, led by Dr. Rose Nakasi, continues to produce innovative diagnostic tools, including a phone-to-microscope adaptor, supported by partners like Google and the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, the AirQo Project launched the CLEAN-Air Africa Network, focusing on air quality management using low-cost sensors.
Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere’s transformation into a research-led institution supported by the government’s Research and Innovation Fund. “We are addressing national priorities, such as improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance,” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga on his appointment as Chancellor and urged graduates to leverage their education to create solutions for societal challenges.
“Let your Makerere education be a beacon of hope for the world,” he concluded.
Prof. LenkaBula’s Call for Resilience and Redefining African Women’s Mission
In a keynote address by Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) titled “The Power of Resilience – African Woman, Find Your Generational Mission and Redefine Your Worth”, Prof. LenkaBula highlighted the critical role of African women in shaping the continent’s destiny.
Prof. LenkaBula expressed gratitude for being invited to such a significant occasion and extended greetings from South Africa, including from UNISA’s Chancellor, former South African President Dr. Thabo Mbeki. She praised Makerere University for its legacy of academic excellence and contributions to the African continent, emphasizing its role in anti-colonial struggles, post-colonial development, and its steadfast commitment to African unity.
“Makerere University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, a vital part of Africa’s intellectual and developmental heritage,” she remarked, reflecting on the institution’s shared history with UNISA and other centers of higher learning in Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the many prominent figures associated with Makerere, including freedom fighters and leading intellectuals. She also paid tribute to African women who have played pivotal roles throughout history, including Queen Amina of Zazzau, Njinga of Angola, Empress Tayetu Betul of Ethiopia, and modern figures such as Wangari Maathai and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“These women embodied resilience and vision, redefining leadership in ways that transformed societies,” Prof. LenkaBula said. “It is now up to you, graduates, especially women, to take up the mantle, redefine your worth, and reclaim your generational mission.”
Drawing on the wisdom of influential thinkers like Frantz Fanon and Chinua Achebe, she urged graduates to embrace their responsibility as leaders and problem-solvers in Africa’s quest for prosperity. Prof. LenkaBula warned against complacency, emphasizing that each generation must confront its unique challenges and opportunities to secure a brighter future for the continent.
She also called for a renewed focus on gender equity in academia and leadership, noting the disproportionate burdens faced by women in society. Citing the achievements of Makerere University in gender mainstreaming, she expressed optimism about the role of young leaders in dismantling patriarchal systems and fostering inclusive development.
“As you step into the world, remain grounded in your communities while adopting a global outlook. Africa’s intellectual and social resilience has always been its greatest asset,” Prof. LenkaBula urged.
Prof. LenkaBula concluded her address to Graduands with a powerful call to action: “Your graduation is not merely a personal achievement but a contribution to Africa’s collective progress. History has thrust upon you the task of creating a future defined by resilience, innovation, and equality.”
Graduation Statistics of the 75th graduation ceremony
During the course of the 75th graduation ceremony, a total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, a total of 143 graduands will graduate with PhDs, 1,813 with Masters degrees, 11,454 with Bachelor’s degrees and 243 with postgraduate diplomas. 53 % of the graduands are female and 47% are male. 44% of the PhD graduands are female. A total of 491 graduands will receive first class degrees. The best graduand from the sciences, graduating with a CGPA of 4.91 and a Bachelor of Science is Mr. Mubiru Enock Joel. The best graduand from the humanities, graduating with a Bachelor of Leisure and Hospitality Management, with a CGPA of 4.07 is Mr. Bagoole Abdul Latif Umar. 16% of the graduands are graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
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