Kampala, Uganda – Makerere University, a premier institution in sub-Saharan Africa, has inaugurated a week-long celebration of academic achievement, with a record-breaking total of 12,914 students set to receive degrees and diplomas, including three honorary doctorates.
In a significant development, female graduands have surpassed their male counterparts, constituting 53% of the graduating class. In comparison, males make up 47%, reflecting a noteworthy trend of increased female representation in higher education.
This year’s graduation boasts 131 Ph.D. recipients, up from last year’s 102. Among them, 84 are male, and 47 are female, showcasing a commendable diversity in academic achievements.
The Master’s degree category includes 104 graduands, with 49 females and 55 males. In the undergraduate category, 5,990 females and 5,026 males will receive degrees, totaling 11,016.
Post Graduate Diplomas will be awarded to 24 graduates, with 14 females and 9 males.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed warm congratulations in the Graduation Booklet, acknowledging the sacrifices of parents, guardians, sponsors, families, and friends.
He stated, “May God bless and reward you all abundantly.”
The Vice-Chancellor announced that three distinguished personalities would receive Honorary Doctorates: Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, Hon. Betty Oyella Bigombe, and Justice Frederick Martin Stephen Egonda-Ntende. Prof. Abrahamsson will receive the Honorary Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, while Hon. Bigombe and Justice Egonda-Ntende will receive the Honorary Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa. Prof. Nawangwe congratulated them for their outstanding contributions to society.
“I congratulate you upon your distinguished service, outstanding contributions to the betterment of society, and respective meritorious awards,” he writes in the Graduation Booklet.
The university will bid farewell to Prof. Ezra Suruma, who has completed two terms as Chancellor. Prof. Suruma, who joined Makerere University as a lecturer in 1973 and later served as Minister of Finance, has been praised for his exemplary service.
“His service has been exemplary and he has challenged every one of us to lead by conviction,” Prof. Nawangwe says.
As for the new Chancellor, sources suggest an unveiling during the first five-day series of graduation ceremonies.
Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the Ugandan Government’s commitment to funding research and innovations at Makerere University aligned with national development priorities.
“The five-year Strategic Plan 2020/21-2024/25 envisions the transformation of Makerere into a “research-led” institution with a multi-faceted research agenda and enhanced engagement with industry players,” he said.
Through the Government-backed Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF), substantial funding has been allocated to PhD research ideas addressing national development priorities. These efforts have resulted in remarkable innovations and expanded multidisciplinary collaborations globally.
Prof. Nawangwe expressed pride in the successful Youth and Innovation Expo held in October 2023, in partnership with the UNDP, MTN Uganda, and StartHub Africa, attracting over 300 innovators and thousands of guests.
“I am proud to add that on the 6th and 7th of October last year, Makerere University in partnership with the UNDP and MTN Uganda and StartHub Africa as sponsors held the first-ever Youth and Innovation Expo that attracted over 300 innovators and thousands of guests,” he reveals.
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