Makerere University has issued a public clarification regarding its international ranking following a report in the Daily Monitor on July 8, 2025, which the university claims misrepresented its position.

In response, the university sought clarification from Times Higher Education (THE), a leading global ranking agency, which confirmed discrepancies in the article.

In a statement released on the university’s official X account on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Makerere’s Office of the Vice Chancellor emphasized that the university remains internationally recognized for academic excellence.

“We wish to inform our stakeholders that, in addition to rankings by Times Higher Education, Makerere University is also ranked by other global institutions,” the statement read.

The university cited the latest report from the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), which places Makerere 13th in Africa and 912th globally. It also pointed to EduRank’s placement of Makerere as 7th in Africa and among the top 5% of universities worldwide, with notable recognition in Health Sciences research.

Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere’s Vice Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its academic reputation.

“We wish to reassure our stakeholders, partners, alumni, students, and the general public that Makerere has regained its international reputation as a leader in collaborative research,” he stated.

The university’s clarification followed an explanation from Times Higher Education on July 9, 2025, which addressed the misinterpretation.

According to Victor Okuegbo, Business Development Manager at THE, the Daily Monitor article likely referenced the 2025 World University Rankings (WUR) released in October 2024 but misinterpreted the details.

“The performance of Makerere University in the World University Rankings is in the 1201–1500 band, not at the 41st position stated in the article,” Okuegbo clarified. “Institutions in each ranking band are listed alphabetically, not based on score.”

Okuegbo further noted that the confusion stemmed from mixing up the World University Rankings with the Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, leading to the discrepancies in the report.

The university has reiterated its commitment to advancing academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Makerere also remains steadfast in its position among the top global universities.