General
Chancellor Shares Vision for Makerere University during His First Graduation Ceremony
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor of Makerere University, has laid out his vision for the institution during the 75th graduation ceremony.
Installed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chancellor of Makerere University on 2nd October 2024, the 75th occasion marks his maiden graduation ceremony as the titular head of this great institution.
A total of 13,658 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas during the 75th graduation ceremony (13th to 17th January 2025).
On the first day of the 75th Graduation ceremony, the following colleges presented students for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas: College of Education and External Studies, College of Computing and Information Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security and the School of Law.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet. K. Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports represented by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education congratulated the congregation upon attaining this major milestone.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I am grateful to the University Council, Senate, Management and all staff for their unwavering commitment towards preparing our students who have duly completed the requirements leading to the award of the academic qualifications they are receiving today” she said.
The Minister equally congratulated the University Management for ensuring that transcripts for all students graduating are ready for collection from their respective colleges, and urged the graduands to embrace the spirit of hard work and the desire to make the world a better place.
“I have no doubt that you will face the future with courage, creativity and conviction. There are plenty of opportunities out there, take advantage of the many opportunities to create jobs,” encouraged the First Lady and Honourable Minister of Education and Sports.
Furthermore, she commended the Students Guild for cultivating a cordial working relationship with the University Management and ensuring that matters affecting to students welfare in the University are handled amicably.
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kiyonga outlined several key areas that he aims to focus on as he steers the university forward. A proud alumnus of Makerere, Dr. Kiyonga reflected on the transformative power of education, emphasizing that Makerere’s role in national progress must extend beyond teaching to include research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
Dr. Kiyonga revealed that enhancing the university’s research capacity is one of his primary goals. He praised the government’s allocation of UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), recognizing the importance of research in driving Uganda’s socio-economic growth.
“Makerere University is the oldest university in the country. Over the years the institution has built a strong stock of high quality human resources. The University is doing significant amount of research,” he said.
He noted that there is need for further support, saying, “More work is required to mobilize for an increment of funds in order to further support research work.”
He also emphasized that Makerere should play a leading role in generating knowledge to address pressing national challenges. “Research plays a very vital role in the development of any community,” he said, underscoring the importance of transforming research into actionable solutions.
In addition to research, Dr. Kiyonga highlighted the need forMakerere University to build stronger connections with both national and international industries. “We are generating innovations that should eventually be taken to the commercialization level,” he remarked. He proposed the creation of agro-industrial parks on land allocated by President Museveni, which would provide both practical training for students and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
“At this stage, more resources and infrastructure are needed to support our innovations,” he added, calling for formal partnerships with the investment community to scale up these efforts.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, Dr. Kiyonga urged graduates to leverage their education to create opportunities for themselves and others. “What is critical is sustaining the thinking that you can indeed apply your knowledge to create work in areas with demand within the population,” he said.
He also encouraged graduates to work together to innovate and start businesses, stating, “Partner with some of your friends to form teams, come up with an idea, and you could turn that idea into an innovation, business enterprise or product.” He emphasized that graduates should not limit themselves to seeking employment, but should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of solving societal problems.
Dr. Kiyonga proposed expanding Makerere’s community outreach efforts, particularly in the agricultural sector. “I propose formalized relationships with some medium to large scale farmers across the country,” he said, suggesting that students in the agriculture department could benefit from hands-on internships with these farmers. In return, students would assist with extension services, boosting productivity in smaller farms and contributing to food security.
“There are also gaps in some of the training of Ugandans abroad,” Dr. Kiyonga added, noting that Makerere University could collaborate with foreign universities to provide practical training for Ugandan students, especially in fields such as human medicine.
In line with President Museveni’s directive, Dr. Kiyonga also highlighted the importance of incorporating political economy into all university courses. “It is critical that we deeply appreciate socio-economic forces that determine forward movement or lack of it,” he said, explaining that understanding these forces is essential for preparing graduates to lead effectively in a rapidly changing world.
Prof. Nawangwe Highlights Achievements and Growth
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe celebrated Makerere’s progress, particularly in its transformation into a research-led institution. He detailed various innovative projects across the university’s colleges, including the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as the AI Health Lab’s malaria diagnostic tools, and initiatives such as the Makerere University Innovation Pod (UniPod), which has incubated dozens of innovations.
“We are making steady progress on our strategic journey of a research-led university,” Prof. Nawangwe stated, revealing that Makerere has supported the commercialization of 15 projects, with a total of 157 projects now ready for integration into Uganda’s national economy.
Prof. Nawangwe also reflected on the institution’s ongoing infrastructure development, including the restoration of the iconic Main Administration Building and the opening of a new state-of-the-art Law School building. These developments, alongside initiatives such as the establishment of a Disability Support Centre, further underline Makerere’s commitment to improving both student and staff welfare.
Among the key statistics of the graduation ceremony, Prof. Nawangwe highlighted that 53% of the 13,658 graduands were female, and 491 graduated with first-class honors. He also spotlighted the achievements of specific colleges, including the College of Education’s initiatives to tackle youth unemployment through entrepreneurial training and the College of Veterinary Medicine’s efforts to develop vaccines and diagnostics for key diseases.
Further illustrating the university’s global reach, Prof. Nawangwe noted Makerere‘s collaboration with international partners such as Google and the European Commission, which has provided substantial funding for health and climate change-related projects. “The Government of Uganda provides Makerere University with a Research and Innovation Fund to support cutting-edge solutions,” he added.
In a powerful and inspiring commencement address, Professor LenkaBula Puleng, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), urged the graduates—especially women—to tap into their resilience, embrace their generational mission, and redefine their worth in shaping Africa’s future.
Reflecting on Makerere’s distinguished legacy, Professor LenkaBula praised the university as a beacon of academic excellence, whose contributions have been instrumental in Africa’s intellectual and social development. She highlighted its pivotal role as a cornerstone for both anti-colonial and post-colonial scholarship, underscoring the profound impact it has had on shaping the continent’s intellectual landscape.
“Makerere University, along with its sister institution-the University of South Africa, has been pivotal in the African struggle for freedom and unity,” said Professor LenkaBula. “It stands as a symbol of Africa’s intellectual resilience, a place where the seeds of transformation were planted during the colonial era and continue to grow today.”
Addressing the congregation gathered at Makerere’s historic Freedom Square, the Vice-Chancellor recognized the remarkable scholars who have shaped the African academic landscape through their work at Makerere, referencing figures such as Professor Dani Wadida Nabudere, Issa Shivji, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Mahmood Mamdani, and many others. These scholars, she said, were instrumental in cultivating a new generation of thought leaders who continue to challenge the status quo and lead Africa toward progress.
Highlighting the role of African women in these transformative processes, Professor LenkaBula reminded graduates of resilient women who have played key roles in Africa’s history, such as Queen Amina of Nigeria, Yaa Asantewaa of Ghana, and Wangari Maathai of Kenya. These women, she noted, not only fought against colonial forces, but have continued to shape the post-colonial era through their activism, leadership, and vision.
Professor LenkaBula’s address focused on the significance of women in reclaiming their generational mission. She emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and transformation, especially for young women.
“Education is not an elite indulgence; it is a public good,” she said, citing the words of feminist scholar Amina Mama. She urged the graduates, particularly the women, to remember their history and their mission in the ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and peace.
Her call to action was clear: graduates must not be prisoners of the past, but leaders who redefine the future. She challenged the new generation to take their place in fields such as medicine, agriculture, science, and technology, which are essential to Africa’s development. She encouraged them to forge a future of peace, sustainability, and inclusivity, underscoring the importance of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Professor LenkaBula spoke to the youth about their responsibility to overcome the legacies of patriarchy and oppression, both within African societies and globally. She acknowledged that women, despite their significant contributions, continue to face disproportionate challenges, but she expressed confidence that this new generation of graduates—especially women—has the strength and determination to break these barriers.
“As graduates, you carry the mettle and the light to create more opportunities—for yourselves and others—to reclaim your mission and redefine your worth,” she said. “Africa is waiting for you, and you must rise to the occasion with the strength, courage, and vision to lead us into the future.”
In conclusion, Professor LenkaBula reminded the graduates that they are part of a legacy of change-makers and intellectual trailblazers, encouraging them to embrace their roles as the next generation of leaders who will drive the African Renaissance. She left them with an empowering message: “Reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth as the new generation that Africa is waiting for!”
The 75th Graduation Ceremony at Makerere University marked not only the academic achievements of the graduates, but also a celebration of the university’s long-standing contribution to the African intellectual tradition and its continued role in shaping a better future for the continent. As the graduates left the Freedom Square, the call to action was clear: the future of Africa rests in their hands.
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs urged the Makerere University community to actively engage in local philanthropy as a vital way to support vulnerable members of our society. Prof. Ssali shared this message during the Community Open Day for Mastercard Foundation Initiatives at Makerere University, where Prof. Claire Mack Mugasa, Dean of the School of Biosecurity, Biotechnology, and Laboratory, represented her and served as the guest of honour.
At the event attended by Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), mentors, partners, and the broader university community, Prof. Ssali emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. She expressed her appreciation for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Makerere University, highlighting their commitment to generosity. Prof. Ssali encouraged the entire university community to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of social responsibility that shall positively influence and uplift surrounding communities.
“We gather here today not simply for an event, but for a statement of intent. The Community Open Day is a platform built on the conviction that education, paired with a spirit of national service, can transform not only individual lives but entire communities,” Prof. Ssali remarked. “I therefore call upon the Makerere University community to embrace the spirit of giving back to our communities. It is one of the ways through which the university will positively impact the less advantaged amongst us,” Prof. Ssali added.
Ms. Maria Mugerwa, the Head of Finance at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, who represented the Foundation at the event, emphasised that giving back to the community is at the core of everything the Foundation does.
“I thank you, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars community at Makerere University, for bringing us together for this Community Open Day, one of the activities that sits at the heart of Mastercard Foundation: using opportunities to create opportunities for others.” Ms. Mugerwa remarked.
“Today is about community, connection and giving back. Giving back doesn’t require big projects or significant resources; it simply requires identifying a problem in your community and asking yourself what I can do about it.” Ms. Mugerwa pointed out.
Rotarian Francis Wangi, the day’s keynote speaker, reminded the scholars and guests present of the importance of giving back to the community. He noted that individuals’ success is tied to others’ well-being.
“Let us always think about others: ‘I am because we are.’ Our individual success is tied to the well-being of our neighbours, our villages, and our nation.” Wangi noted.
Mr. Wangi reminded the gathering that giving back to the community was not an act of Charity; rather, it was a fundamental responsibility of leadership.
“Giving back to the less advantaged in our communities is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental responsibility of leadership. True influence is measured by how much we lift others as we rise.” Wangi emphasized.
Prof. Justine Namaalwa, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, represented by Ms. Jolly Okumu, stated that the Foundation considers education as equipping and empowering transformative leaders, a means to prepare young people to use their skills and networks for meaningful contributions to their communities.
“The Mastercard Foundation believes that education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and qualifications; it is also about developing young people who are prepared to apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute meaningfully to their communities.” Prof. Namaalwa remarked.
Prof. Namaalwa applauded the Mastercard Foundation Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni) for embracing the spirit of giving back through tangible community projects. Highlighting that the community open day was an opportunity to celebrate the community impact to date and launch a journey of change for yet another disadvantaged community.
“As we gather today, we celebrate the long-term community impact through the many transformative projects delivered since 2015, and we, the Scholars Program Community at Makerere University, are here to continue on the same journey with yet another community; we are here to demonstrate that every individual has something to offer in the transformation of our communities,” Prof. Namaalwa noted.
Mr Paul Wandera Makhulo, the Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Association at Makerere University, used the occasion to remind his fellow young people of the importance of giveback as one of the ethos of Mastercard Foundation.
“To my fellow Scholars, I make a special appeal: Let us own Giveback. Let us not see it as an initiative belonging only to your nominated Executive Committee or the Giveback Committee; let us see it as our responsibility as Scholars.” Wandera pointed out.
Mr. Elphas Khamala, the representative of the Scholars Council and Chairperson of the Giveback Committee, used the event to raise awareness of the 2026 Scholars Giveback Project. He said the project aims to raise UGX 86 million to build a two-classroom block with 60 bench desks, improve sanitation by constructing a ventilated pit latrine, and install a water-harvesting system at Eastern Gate Nursery and Primary School in Amuru District.
The school is in Pacilo parish, Atiak subcounty, Amuru district, about 8-10 km from the South Sudan border. It was established in 2023 as a community initiative and has not received external funding. It currently has about 164 learners, from nursery to Primary Seven, and 10 teachers, including children from the refugee communities.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its partner initiative, the Africa Climate Collaborative, organised the Scholars Community Open Day in collaboration with DFCU Bank and other partners, including FINCA Bank, Tamani Solutions, and Katumba Estates.
Held under the theme “Together for Impact: Celebrating Innovations and Giveback,” the event brought together Scholars (Mak Students and Alumni), the university community, partners, and members of the public to celebrate community initiatives and gather support for the 2026 Scholars’ Annual Day of Service.
Of the targeted UGX 86 million, undergraduate and graduate Scholars and Program Team members will raise at least UGX 30 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised from partners; university leadership and alumni are expected to mobilise the remainder. The funds will finance a two-classroom block estimated at UGX 63.5 million, 60 bench desks at UGX 6 million, a staff latrine at UGX 8 million, and a 10,000-litre water tank with a water-harvesting system estimated at UGX 8.5 million.
Background
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program began its first phase in 2013 at Makerere University, marking the start of an impactful partnership. In 2023, this collaboration was renewed with the launch of Phase Two of the Scholars Program. Central to this initiative are activities focused on community engagement and giving back, which play a vital role in fostering leadership development among scholars.
Bernard Buteera is the Principal Communication and Public Relations Officer for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.
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