At the 75^th Graduation Makerere University School of Law (SoL) presented a total of 285 graduands including (3) Doctor of Laws (LLD), (48) Master of Laws (LLM) and (234) Bachelor of Laws (LLB). 

The Bachelor of Laws awardees were 98 female and 136 male. Mr. Alado Lawrence emerged the best student among the LLB class attaining a 1^st Class degree with a CGPA of 4.56; Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris who attained a Second Upper Class was the best performing female student with a CGPA of 4.26.

Best LLB Graduand: Alado Lawrence

Alado Lawrence, a humble soft-spoken gentleman who hails from Lira District in the northern region of Uganda emerged the best student attaining a 1^st Class for the LLB with a CGPA of 4.56 out of 5.00. First class degrees are very rare at SoL; Lawrence is the 15^th graduand to have attained this class of degree since 1971 when Makerere University produced the first LLBs.

Lawrence is number four in a family of 6 children born to Mr. Okio Patrick (businessman) and Mrs. Angom Juspine Okio (a farmer).

In his words, he hopes to specialize in International Law; his inspiration is the environment he witnessed in his community following the Kony insurgence and war which lasted over a decade. The situation was dire with families separated, displaced communities, abduction of children, deaths and widespread poverty in the region.

When asked if he thought he would perform highly when he joined SoL, he said, ‘initially no, because everyone said the LLB was hard. However, he worked hard and got the results’. I am grateful to the support from my father and mother, lecturers and collegiality of fellow classmates, he added.

His message to other students, “Each of us, by taking actions in our lives, can achieve impossible results. Our dreams are not beyond reach and by diligence and determination, we can not only accomplish them but even exceed them. Therefore, I encourage every dreamer to take relentless action and never give up. Everything is possible to whoever believes it so”.

Best Female Graduand: Nakalema Stella Maris

Nakalema Stella Maris is a cheerful lady with a twinkle in her eye, she emerged the best performing female student for the LLB attaining a Second Class Upper with a CGPA of 4.26 out of 5.00.

Stella Maris hails from Buvuma District, the 3rd child among 4 children born to Mr. Nsubuga William (an Economist) and Ms. Nagujja Judith (a teacher).

Her message to other students, “Success in law school is not just about talent but about consistency, discipline, and resilience. My journey has taught me the importance of hard work, collaboration, and learning from others. To my fellow students, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is a lesson in disguise. Don’t fear the challenges; embrace them. Don’t aim for perfection; aim for progress. Stay curious, remain humble, and never lose sight of the values that make you passionate about the law. Together, we can inspire change and build a better society. The best is yet to come!”

Congratulations to all the SoL high performers, a further 13 LLB graduands also attained Second Class Upper.   

The 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University commenced on Monday 13^th January 2025.  The School of Law (SoL), College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, and College of Education and External Studies presented graduands for conferment of degrees.

SoL presented a total of 285 graduands including (3) Doctor of Laws (LLD), (48) Master of Laws (LLM) and (234) Bachelor of Laws (LLB).  

The Doctor of Laws were awarded to Woliya Gwokyalya (Ms.), James Nkuubi (Mr.) and Oscar Kamusiime Mwebesa (Mr.).  Master of Laws were awarded to 21 female and   27 male while the Bachelor of Laws awardees were 98 female and 136 male. Mr. Alado Lawrence emerged the best student among the LLB class attaining a 1^st Class degree with a CGPA of 4.56; Ms. Nakalema Stella Maris was the best performing female student with a CGPA of 4.26. 14 LLB graduands attained Second Class Upper.    

Speaking to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe – Vice Chancellor, Makerere University welcomed everyone to Makerere University’s 75^th Graduation. He congratulated the 13,658 graduates, including 143 PhD recipients, 53% female graduates and 47% male graduands who will be awarded degrees through the graduation week. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys. Professor Nawangwe praised the milestones of Makerere’s Colleges and Schools, including the new building for the School of Law officially opened on 18^th December, 2024 by Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni – First Lady and Minister for Education & Sports. The modern facilities in the building will enhance the working and learning environment for staff and students respectively.

Prof. Nawangwe reiterated Makerere’s transformation to a research-led institution supported by the government funded Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). “We are addressing national priorities, such as improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance,” he stated. The Vice Chancellor also congratulated Dr. Crispus Kiyonga on his appointment as Chancellor and urged graduates to leverage their education to create solutions for societal challenges.

Professor Nawangwe advised the graduands thus, ‘We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or to create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair if you cannot find employment, instead reflect on the immense opportunities around you and raise them as an entrepreneur.’

Professor Puleng LenkaBula, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) delivered the commencement speech where she called on the graduands to remain resilient and emancipate Africa’s people. Her address titled “The Power of Resilience – African Woman, Find Your Generational Mission and Redefine Your Worth”, Professor LenkaBula highlighted the critical role of African women in shaping the continent’s destiny.

Professor 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. She 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.

Professor LenkaBula concluded her address to graduands with a 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.”

In his remarks, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga – Chancellor, Makerere University congratulated graduands upon making it to the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. Dr. Suruma expressed his appreciation of His Excellency the President and First Lady/Minister of Education and Sports for giving him the opportunity to serve Uganda and for the continuous support extended to Makerere University, requesting the congregation to join him and give them a warm applause.  Dr. Kiyonga reiterated President Museveni’s directive to Makerere University 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.

He expressed appreciation that the government has pledged to bolster Makerere’s research funding and he encouraged the University to strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution.

The new Chancellor pledged support to the University management in saving its land and urged that an agro-industrial park be established. “This park would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” Dr. Kiyonga noted. He also emphasized the urgency of addressing Uganda’s food insecurity, highlighting that 40% of children in the Rwenzori region are stunted, with malnutrition affecting most regions of the country.

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.

The Minister 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.

During the 75^th graduation ceremony held from the 13^th -17^th January, 2025, a total of 13,658 graduands will be awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. Of these, 143 will receive PhDs, 1,813 Masters Degrees, 243 postgraduate Diplomas, and 11,454 Bachelor’s Degrees. 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 new Makerere University School of Law Building was officially opened on 18^th December, 2024 by the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. She laid the foundation stone for this building on 17^th May 2022.

The building, fully funded by the Government of Uganda to a tune UGX7.3bn, is a three-storied structure with several state-of-the-art facilities including lecture theatres, tutorial and seminar rooms, a library, state-of-the-art Moot Court room, a cafeteria, lactation room and staff offices. This modern infrastructure is going to greatly enhance and provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for both staff and students. The construction works were undertaken by M/S CK Associates as Contractors and Symbion as the Consultants.

On arrival, the Minister was welcomed by the Chairperson Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara accompanied by the University management team including the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe; the Deputy Vice Chancellor/F&A, Professor Henry Alinaitwe; the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda; the Academic Registrar, Professor Mukadasi Buyinza; Ag. Principal, School of Law, Assoc. Professor Ronald Naluwairo among others.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lorna Magara extended a warm welcome to Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports. Mrs. Magara said, ‘your presence here today Maama, is a testament of your unwavering and steadfast support for Makerere University and highlights the tangible impact of your leadership in advancing Uganda’s education sector, particularly at Makerere University’. She noted that the building will provide critical support for practical legal education.

Professor Barnabas Nawangwe also welcomed the Minister to Makerere University noting that, ‘this is a joyful day when we are witnessing a bumper harvest in infrastructure development at this great institution’.

Thanking the Minister for her unwavering support to Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor said, ‘from the time you took over the Office of Minister of Education and Sports, the Higher Education Sector and Makerere University in particular has transformed tremendously. Most notable is the infrastructure revolution at Makerere. On several occasions, you have come to Makerere to lay the foundations for new buildings and to open completed buildings, including our iconic Main Administration Building.

He noted that before the new School of Law building, it was appalling that a place that had trained the entire judiciary of Uganda was in such a dilapidated state.

Prof. Nawangwe pledged the total commitment of the University to work with the Government of Uganda in the struggle to emancipate the people from poverty through research and production of highly skilled and patriotic graduates, innovators and entrepreneurs.

In her remarks, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni expressed her joy in coming to Makerere University, more especially on a day to mark another effort to provide quality education through provision of infrastructure at Uganda’s oldest University.

She said, ‘It is one thing to break ground for new infrastructure and another thing to complete. I vividly remember the ground breaking ceremony at the School of Law. I am therefore very pleased to be here today to commission the same’.

Quoting the bible, Hon. Kataaha Museveni reminded the congregation about the great rebuilder, Nehemiah, who had mobilised his countrymen to rebuild Jerusalem. She noted that with rebuilding, there is restoration of dignity that comes to an institution both physically and spiritually.

The minister saluted the Council and Management for the dedication to the rebuilding of the University expressing confidence that as they rebuild physically, the character of our young people shouldn’t be forgotten.

After commissioning the School of Law Building, Hon. Kataaha Museveni also opened the newly renovated student residence, Lumumba Hall and laid a foundation stone for the School of Graduate Studies Building, gifted to Makerere by Tororo Cement.