The Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga conferred PhDs upon 49 candidates during the First Session of the 75^th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University which commenced on Monday 13^th August 2025 in the Freedom Square. The College of Education and External Studies (CEES) presented 28 candidates (the highest for the 75^th 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 75^th 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.

Please see downloads for the detailed speeches.