The second day of the Makerere University 76th Graduation Ceremony, held on Wednesday 25th February, marked another proud moment as the institution continues its tradition of academic excellence and national service. Graduands were presented for conferment of degrees and award of diplomas from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity and School of Public Health.
The College of Health Sciences presented a total of 746 graduands for conferment of degrees including 26 PhD, 293 Masters, 425 Bachelors and 2 Diplomas. This is a testament to CHS and Makerere University’s contribution in training skilled health professionals and strengthening Uganda’s health systems through education, innovation and research.
Speaking to the congregation, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe – Vice Chancellor, Makerere University welcomed everyone to Day 2 of Makerere University’s 76th Graduation. He congratulated the 9,295 graduands comprising 4,262 (46%) female graduates and 5,033 (54%) male graduands who will be awarded degrees and diplomas through the graduation week; 213 graduands are PhD recipients. He commended the efforts of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ journeys.
He reminded the congregation that outstanding researchers were honored on Day 1 of the graduation for excellence in scholarly work and impactful publications, reaffirming the University’ commitment to research productivity and academic distinction. In addition, the Innovation Commercialization Award was also presented, highlighting Makerere’s focus on turning research into practical solutions that address real-world challenges and drive national development.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the history of the College established in 1924 cognizant of its impact on Uganda’s Health sector and beyond. He said, ‘As the College enters its second century, it is strengthening specialist training to address increasingly complex health challenges’. CHS has introduced fellowship programmes to equip physicians with advanced expertise which are useful in transforming health systems across Uganda and the region. In 2025 alone, 16 fellows graduated in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, with additional fellowships underway in Newborn Health, Interventional Radiology, Emergency Care Medicine, and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
Professor Nawangwe also noted the progression of one of the centres of excellence at CHS, the Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) established a decade ago to address the growing burden of lung disease in Uganda. He said, ‘today, the MLI serves 6,000 patients annually, shapes national policy and has embarked on construction of a new building, signalling a renewed commitment to advancing respiratory health in Uganda and beyond’.
He also reminded the congregation that CHS continues its centennial celebrations, including the upcoming Alumni Dinner Gala on March 6th 2026 to raise funds for refurbishing the iconic Davis Lecture Theatre, culminating in the unveiling of a Centennial Monument later this year.
Professor Nawangwe applauded the steady advancement of Makerere University into a research-led institution, generating knowledge that drives communities, strengthens industries, and advances national transformation.
Professor Maggie Kigozi was the commencement speaker for Day 2. Professor Kigozi, a distinguished alumna reflected on how her time at Makerere University shaped her life, career, and values, recalling her graduation in 1976 during a period of national uncertainty. Forced to leave Uganda soon after with little more than her education and determination, she noted that her Makerere training opened doors across the region, enabling her to serve in leading health institutions in Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda. Addressing the graduands, she emphasized that their Makerere education remains a powerful passport to opportunity and carries with it the responsibility to uphold excellence and integrity wherever they serve.
She urged graduates in the health and life sciences to handle the power of their profession with humility, compassion, and responsibility, reminding them that behind every patient, case, or experiment lies a life deserving dignity. Beyond clinical expertise, she encouraged them to develop business and financial skills to build sustainable health services and create opportunities for others. She also reassured them that failure is part of growth, noting that resilience, continuous learning, and balance in life are essential to meaningful success as they step forward as ambassadors of the Makerere legacy.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, the State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, said the Government had deliberately deepened investment in higher education to position universities as drivers of national development.
Hon. Kaducu described the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) as a major milestone, noting that it supports high-impact research aligned to national priorities and has enabled thousands of researchers to deliver practical solutions benefiting communities across Uganda. She also highlighted Parliament’s approval of a 162 million US dollar concessional loan from the Korea EXIM Bank to upgrade science, technology and innovation infrastructure at Makerere University, including modern laboratories, smart classrooms and advanced facilities for engineering and health sciences, to better prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Minister announced plans to construct a national stadium at Makerere and other higher education institutions to promote sports development and talent identification. She reiterated the directive for all universities to fully implement Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027, urging Makerere to lead curriculum reform, staff training and infrastructure development while ensuring satellite campuses meet full accreditation and uphold academic standards, transparency and accountability.
Addressing graduates, Hon. Kaducu encouraged them to become job creators in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education, and to leverage opportunities like the Parish Development Model for entrepreneurship. She commended Makerere’s leadership and partners and congratulated the Class of 2026 on their achievement.
In his address to the congregation, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga – Chancellor, Makerere University congratulated graduands upon making it to the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University. He described their achievement as a milestone in both personal growth and national development, urging them to apply their knowledge creatively to benefit society. He acknowledged the contribution of academic staff, administrators, the University Council, and expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continued support.
Dr. Kiyonga called on the university community to strengthen research, expand private sector partnerships, and leverage technology to address Uganda’s development challenges. Emphasising research as central to national progress, Dr. Kiyonga noted the Government’s UGX 30 billion investment annually in the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) and praised the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President for supporting initiatives at the University advancing homegrown solutions to national challenges. He also highlighted a strengthened partnership with the Korean government, securing a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank to boost infrastructure and staff capacity.
While acknowledging limited formal employment opportunities, he encouraged graduates to innovate and create jobs. He further commended the university’s digitalization efforts and outlined four priorities: increased research funding, private sector collaboration, community engagement, and effective use of technology.
During the 76th graduation ceremony running from the 24th -27th February, 2026, a total of 9,295 graduands will be awarded degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. Of these, 213 will receive PhDs, 2,503 Masters Degrees, 206 postgraduate Diplomas, 6343 Bachelor’s Degrees and 30 Diplomas. 46% of the graduands are female and 54% are male.
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