Makerere University has celebrated the graduation of 9,295 students, including a record 213 PhDs, during its vibrant 76th graduation ceremony held at Freedom Square.
The event, held today, 26th February 2026, under the inspiring theme ‘Knowledge with Purpose,’ highlighted the university’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible leadership among Uganda’s next generation of leaders.
Prof. Maggie Kigozi, a key speaker at the ceremony, urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, discipline, critical thinking, responsibility, and humble leadership as they step into Uganda’s evolving social and economic landscape.
“Power does not define you; it makes you responsible. Your education teaches you to ask sharper questions, and your humility shapes the answers,” Prof. Kigozi said.
She encouraged graduates to leverage their knowledge to craft creative solutions and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s social and economic development.
The graduation celebrated significant achievements for both Makerere University and Uganda’s higher education sector.
9,295 graduates received degrees, including 213 PhDs, reflecting the growing strength of the nation’s tertiary institutions.
For the first time in 15 years, male graduands outnumbered female graduates, with 5,033 men and 4,262 women, reflecting a steady balance in access to quality education.
Standout performers included Sarah Aloyo, who topped procurement with a stellar 4.93 CGPA, and Esther Ziribaggwa, who excelled in the sciences, showcasing excellence across disciplines.
Their achievements were recognized during the ceremony, fueling national pride in Uganda’s higher education sector.
Prof. Kigozi emphasized that graduates must leverage their education to ask sharper questions, craft creative solutions, and lead with humility.
She reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to producing graduates who embody disciplined leadership, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurship; key pillars for driving Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
The emphasis aligns with national higher education reforms, focusing on employability, innovation, and regional impact across East Africa.
Echoing this vision, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe encouraged graduates to launch businesses, pioneer innovations, and transform Africa.
“Start enterprises, create jobs, and drive meaningful change, in line with government efforts to promote self-reliance and economic prosperity,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
This notable accomplishment aligns with Uganda’s forward-looking higher education reforms, which prioritize employability, entrepreneurship, and social impact, positioning Makerere graduates as vital drivers of regional development, ready to innovate and thrive in evolving job markets across East Africa.
As graduates step forward equipped with skills, knowledge, and a sense of purpose, Makerere University continues to serve as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership in Uganda.
The 76th graduation ceremony not only celebrated personal achievement but also highlighted the role of education in building a brighter, more innovative future for the nation and the region.
