I warmly congratulate all the Graduands and our hardworking staff upon their perseverance that has culminated into the 75th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. This success has been made possible by the sacrifices and diligence of your parents, guardians, sponsors, families and friends. We equally congratulate them upon their respective contributions.
In a special way, I wish to congratulate Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga upon his appointment as Chancellor of Makerere University. Dr. Kiyonga, an alumnus of Makerere University, has had a distinguished career as a Physician, Statesman and Diplomat, and thus, is well positioned to serve as titular head of this great institution, especially as we continue to strategically align with Government programmes to drive high technology innovation, commercialisation of research outputs and wealth creation.
Makerere University by virtue of her status as a Government institution and a globally acclaimed University continues to enjoy generous funding from the Government of Uganda as well as our development partners. This funding has enabled us to boost our research capacity through training staff at Masters, PhD and Post-doctoral level, produce more research and innovations, improve our laboratory infrastructure, grow our international networks and contribute to the attainment of National Development Priorities as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
I am happy to note that with the support of Government through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), we have not only been able to fund a number of innovations that are set for commercialization, but also supported PhD Research that addresses national development priorities.
I equally applaud our development partners whose generous support has contributed to training staff, conducting research and the establishment of Innovation Hubs aimed at creating job opportunities for our young people.
On 22nd October 2024, Makerere University in partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation, and UNDP Uganda, launched the Skilling Programme in Electric Mobility and Associated Technologies, aimed at building the required pool of young people to drive Uganda’s electric mobility and related technologies for industrial application. Additionally, on 19th November 2024, we signed an MoU with The Innovation Village to establish the Research2Industry (R2I) platform. The platform will provide infrastructure that fosters innovation and resource sharing as well as streamline the path from research to commercialization through funding mechanisms that remove barriers and accelerate impact.
Therefore, as you leave the gates of Makerere today, I wish to reassure you that your alma mater remains committed to not only providing impactful education, but also nurturing innovations and partnerships that contribute to your employability and our national development priorities.
Once again, I congratulate the Graduands, our staff, parents, guardians and sponsors upon achieving this milestone and pray that God will grant you good health and keep you safe, as We Build for the Future.
The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Successful appeals and supplementary lists. Below is a list arising from appeals of Government Sponsored candidates who have been admitted:
Makerere University and DFCU Bank have today signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster innovation, student leadership, research and community impact initiatives.
The collaboration which will see the equipping of the Disability Support center for students living with disabilities through the MAK run and more leadership trainings for students will begin this July.
“The MoU will strengthen research collaborations across sectors like agriculture and health and it will also support the Mutebile Centre to assist private sector growth, which is crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty,” said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (R) flanked by Mr. Charles Mudiwa (L) makes his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Charles M. Mudiwa, the DFCU Bank Chief Executive Officer, welcomed the move, noting its alignment with the bank’s mission to transform lives and support national development through four pillars: funding, financial inclusion, enterprise development, and vocational education.
“This MoU crowns years of effort and shared intent between our institutions,” he stated. Mr. Mudiwa highlighted the bank’s commitment to skilling youth through internships, curriculum development, and support for innovation hubs and centres of excellence at the university. “We consume the graduates of Makerere. In our most recent graduate intake of 87, 60% were Makerere alumni. The bank allocates around 30 internship positions annually to equip young people with the skills necessary for future roles within the institution,” Mr. Mudiwa, noted.
Representing the student body, Guild President His Excellency, Sentamu Churchill James, commended the partnership as a timely intervention that will empower youth, support SMEs, and expand internship and leadership development opportunities.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (2nd L) presents a framed portrait of the Main Building to Mr. Charles Mudiwa (C) as L-R: University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, 91st Guild President-H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta witness.
“Students are the heartbeat of the university. This collaboration will empower youth and strengthen their role in national development,” His Excellency Ssentamu, said.
About MAK RUN 2025
The Makerere Run 2025 (#MakRun2025), hosted by the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MAKEF) on 17th August 2025, returns for its fifth edition as Kampala’s premier charity marathon, uniting 8,000+ runners—students, alumni, corporate teams, and elite athletes—to tackle the city’s iconic hills under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.” This landmark event combines competitive racing with transformative impact, channeling proceeds to strengthen Makerere University’s community programs while offering unmatched branding opportunities for partners through Kampala’s largest university-led sporting spectacle.
The Mak Run, scheduled this year for August 17th, is a flagship initiative that mobilizes students, staff, alumni, and partners to raise funds for projects such as the Disability Support Unit and the Student Centre.