The Guest of Honour-Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (4th L) and Chancellor-Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga (5th L) with Chairperson Council-Mrs. Lorna Magara (6th L), VC-Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (6th R), Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th R), AR-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (5th R), Chief DRIP-Dr. Robert Wamala (3rd L) and Research and Teaching Excellence Award Recipients.
The Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga conferred PhDs upon 49 candidates during the First Session of the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University which commenced on Monday 13th August 2025 in the Freedom Square. The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) presented 28 candidates (the highest for the 75th Graduation), while the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) and School of Law presented 12 (twelve), 6 (six) and 3 (three) candidates respectively.
The First Session of the Graduation was presided over by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu. The Minister in her remarks thanked the Vice Chancellor and University Leadership for the excellent organization and arrangement made for the success of this 75th Graduation ceremony, and thanked the NRM Government and the Leadership of H.E Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the peace and stability that has provided an environment conducive for learning and teaching to take place. She reiterated Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure at Makerere University and urged Graduands not to despise any jobs but start humble and trust the Lord to lift them higher.
Addressing the congregation, Dr. Kiyonga, thanked H.E. President Yoweri Museveni and Hon. Janet Museveni for availing him the opportunity to return and serve his Alma Mater as Chancellor. He equally reiterated the Directive by H.E. President Museveni to teach political economy across all courses and called for: Strengthening funding for research work at the University; Building stronger partnerships with the private sector to commercialise innovations at the University; Building structured relationships with the communities; Taking part in building a food security system for the country; and Building a model Agro-industrial park.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor congratulated Dr. Kiyonga upon presiding over his first graduation ceremony as Makerere University Chancellor, as well as the staff, graduands, parents, guardians and sponsors upon celebrating the important milestone. He recognized the best researchers and teachers, who were selected using criteria approved by the Senate. They were presented by the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi and included:
Early Career Researchers
Dr. Ndejjo Rawlence, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
Dr. Omara Timothy, College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)
Dr. Bwambale Erion, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Mid Career Researchers
Dr. Musoke David, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
Dr. Mugabi Robert, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Manga Musa, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
Senior Researchers
Prof. Kamya Robert, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
Prof. Kirabira John Baptist, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)
Prof. Mugisha Lawrence, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Prof. Matovu Enock, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB)
Best Evaluated Teachers
Dr. Wanyama Joshua, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Lwasa John, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Musinguzi Patrick, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)
Dr. Kamulegeya Rogers, College of Health Sciences (CHS)
The commencement lecture at the First Session was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA), Prof. Puleng LenkaBula. It was based on the topic: ‘African Women, reclaim your Generational Mission and Redefine your Worth!’
“Prof. LenkaBula is the first female Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Africa (UNISA) in that institution’s 148-year history and she has been at the helm of that institution since January 2021” shared Prof. Nawangwe as he introduced the Commencement Speaker.
Makerere University on 23rd January 2026 hosted the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) validation meeting of the draft minimum standards for implementing Competence-Based Education (CBE) in Higher Education Institutions. The meeting held in the Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium brought together Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Principals and Academic Registrars from Higher Education Institutions in Uganda.
Prof. Sarah Ssali.
Hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Sarah Ssali, the meeting followed institutional input into the draft minimum standards and was aimed at validating them prior to their formal adoption by the NCHE Council at their next meeting in February 2026. The minimum standards cover nine areas namely; 1) Curriculum Design, 2) Teaching and Learning Approaches, 3) Assessment, 4) Faculty Training and Support, 5) Student Support Services, 6) Quality Assurance Systems, 7) Industry and Community Linkages, 8) Monitoring and Evaluation, and 9) Gender and Equity Mainstreaming.
Prof. Mary Okwakol (Left) and Dr. Vincent Ssembatya listen to feedback from leaders.
Following feedback into presentations by the various leaders present, a motion to adopt the draft minimum standards, with institutional input incorporated, was moved by Bugema University, seconded by UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and unanimously supported by institutions present.
Prof. Mary Okwakol.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Sarah Ssali appreciated NCHE for choosing Makerere to host the landmark event, reiterating that the University greatly respects each and every Higher Education Institution and regards them as partners and collaborators in the quest to improve Uganda’s Higher Education sector.
Part of the audience that attended the validation meeting.
The Executive Director NCHE, Prof. Mary Okwakol reassured leaders present that all the pertinent issues raised for input into the draft minimum standards would be incorporated, and urged those with pressing issues to submit them before month’s end. She reiterated NCHE’s readiness to continue lobbying Government for the resources required by Higher Education Institutions, particularly Public Universities, to implement Competence-Based Education (CBE).
Kampala, Uganda – 20th January 2026 – Makerere University has postponed its opening date for Semester Two of Academic Year 2025/2026 from the earlier communicated 24th January 2026 to 10th February 2026.
This adjustment is in response to the Ministry of Education and Sports directive to all Schools and Education Institutions to postpone re-opening until 10th February 2026. Consequently, Semester Two at Makerere University will now run from 10th February 2026 until 6th June 2026. Attached is the detailed Calendar for Semester Two 2025/2026.
Confirmed dates for the 76th Graduation Ceremony
Makerere University also wishes to inform the general public that Makerere’s 76th Graduation Ceremony will be held from Tuesday 24th February 2026 to Friday 27th February 2026.
Specifics including the graduation schedules and standard operating procedures for participants will be communicated officially in due course.
Please see downloads for the statement, Ministry directive and revised calendar.
The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) TICAD8 African Scholarship for STI is available for all African (Non-Egyptian) students who wish to obtain their M.Sc. degree in the programs of Faculty of Engineering (FoE), Basic and Applied Science (BAS), Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT), Faculty of International Business and Humanities (FIBH) and Heritage Science (HS).
Please note that interested applicants have to apply through E-JUST’ website (online application system). Applications will only be accepted via E-JUST’s website (online application system).
Interested applicants must complete and submit their application forms before February 15, 2026. The applicant will receive an automatic confirmation e-mail as proof of successful submission of the application.