Over 500 Graduate from CoCIS During the Mak 76th Graduation Ceremony

KAMPALA, Feb. 24, 2026

The four day Makerere University 76^th graduation (24^th-27^th February 2026) ceremony kicked off with Vice Chancellor presenting graduands from the College of Education and External Studies; the College of Computing and Information Sciences; the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; and the School of Law.

The College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS) celebrated the graduation of 514 (187 females and 327 males) students on Tuesday 24 Feb, marking a key milestone in the university’s 76th graduation ceremony, which runs through February 27. Among the CoCIS graduands, 13 (4 female and 9 males) earned PhDs, 106 (38 females and 68 males) received master’s degrees, 392 (143 females and 249 males) graduated with bachelor’s degrees, and 03 (2 female and 1 male) were awarded diplomas.

CoCIS PhD graduands pause for a group photo

Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the students and highlighted the contributions of staff, ministers, parliamentarians, and families. “The achievements of our graduands would not have been possible without the dedicated support of their families, professors, lecturers, and administrators,” he said. He also acknowledged children and spouses of staff completing their studies, as well as members of parliament and ministers graduating alongside regular students.

The ceremony held at Makerere’s Freedom Square was presided over by Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by State Minister for Primary Education Joyce Kaducu, in attendance. Also present were government officials, members of the judiciary, diplomats, university council members, staff, and the Guild President, emphasizing the event’s national significance.

Chancellor, Dr. Chripus Kiyonga making his remarks

The Vice Chancelor recognized CoCIS for standing out as a hub of innovation, research excellence, and student empowerment. Nawangwe emphasized that the college is “advancing artificial intelligence for health and indigenous knowledge,” demonstrating the university’s role in addressing national and continental challenges through technology.

One of the highlights was a student-developed AI-driven digital health solution called FloralIntel. The platform, designed by a CoCIS Computer Science finalist, uses computer vision and machine learning to identify medicinal plants and connects users to certified herbalists. FloralIntel won the Best Pitch Award at the Africa Innovation Fellowship bootcamp in Johannesburg, showcasing the college’s ability to bridge indigenous knowledge and modern healthcare. Plans are underway to scale the platform into a mobile application across Africa, with collaborations with institutions such as the National Drug Authority and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau to ensure credibility and trust.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe making his remarks

Nawangwe credited CoCIS for strengthening its financial foundation with the launch of a permanent Endowment Fund in August 2025. The fund aims to provide sustainable support for student scholarships, boost research capacity, and maintain cutting-edge technological infrastructure. “This initiative responds to the growing number of academically gifted students who face financial constraints, while nurturing early-career researchers whose work drives innovation,” Nawangwe said. He described the fund as a self-sustaining model that links scholarly productivity to institutional growth, ensuring long-term investment in education and research.

The CoCIS graduands were part of a broader Makerere cohort of 9,295 students receiving degrees and diplomas during the four-day graduation ceremony. Of the total, 4,262 are female and 5,033 are male, with 213 earning PhDs, 2,503 receiving master’s degrees, 6,343 awarded bachelor’s degrees, 206 completing postgraduate diplomas, and 30 graduating with diplomas.

A Historic Graduation with Record 213 PhDs, Research, Infrastructure and Digital Gains

The University celebrated a land mark 76th graduation ceremony, awarding 9,295 degrees and diplomas, including a record 213 PhDs, Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe highlighted major achievements in research, innovation, digitalization, and infrastructure development.

PhD Students

“This is the highest number of PhD graduands in the history of Makerere and this is in line with our strategic direction of becoming a research-intensive university,” Nawangwe told graduands, staff, government officials, and diplomatic guests. He noted that postgraduate students accounted for 31.4% of the cohort, reflecting the university’s deliberate shift toward research-led education. Unlike previous years, Nawangwe reported that this graduation recorded more males than females.

In governance news, Nawangwe announced the appointment of Prof. Sarah Ssali as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, making her the second woman to hold the post. He praised her as “an accomplished scholar and administrator with over two decades of service” and highlighted the university’s introduction of awards for the best PhD and master’s theses, as well as the Makerere PhD Resilience Award for staff who complete doctorates while maintaining full teaching and administrative responsibilities.

Dr. Peter Nabende represented the principal, CoCIS

Research and innovation took center stage, with Nawangwe commending the Government of Uganda for supporting more than 1,400 projects through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). The fund has also financed over 200 PhD students, many of whom were among the graduates. “Through Mak-RIF, we have generated policy recommendations in land management, energy, minerals, peace, security, and education,” he said. He noted that the Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre has incubated over 100 projects in the past year and facilitated the establishment of 11 spin-off companies, aiming for 50 spin-offs annually in the short term.

Individual colleges also showcased notable achievements. The College of Computing and Information Sciences produced a student-led artificial intelligence platform focused on medicinal plants that won the Best Pitch Award at the Africa Innovation Fellowship bootcamp in Johannesburg. The College of Education and External Studies secured a €1 million ERASMUS+ grant to champion competence-based education reforms across East and West Africa and is constructing a four-storey eLearning Centre to expand distance education. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences launched the Healthy Soy initiative to combat child malnutrition and scaled up innovative cocoa fermentation technology adopted by over 70% of farmers in major cocoa-producing districts. The School of Law achieved a 94% pass rate in pre-entry exams for the Law Development Centre and saw its moot court teams win top national and international accolades.

Prof. Engineer Bainomugihsa, Head of Department Computer Science reading out names

Digitalization was another major highlight. Nawangwe said almost all administrative processes, including admissions, housing allocation, lecture attendance tracking, transcript certification, procurement, grants, and health management, are now automated. “The automation of these processes has greatly improved efficiency and accountability,” he said, noting ongoing integration into a comprehensive management information system.

Dr. Agnes Nakakawa, HOD Information Systems reading out names

The university also strengthened its infrastructure. Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall and construction of the Makerere Arena were completed, while a $162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank is funding new buildings for the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, and Computing. Construction is underway on a 20,000-seater sports complex and an eLearning building supported by the Government of South Korea. Kiira Motors Corporation donated a specialized electric bus for students and staff with disabilities and installed a fast-charging station on campus.

Speaking directly to graduates, Nawangwe urged them to embrace entrepreneurship and integrity. “You are graduating with disciplines that are needed by society. Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Rise to the occasion and create opportunities,” he said, also announcing that transcripts were ready for collection.

Dr. Swaib Kyanda, HOD Networks

He concluded by reaffirming Makerere’s commitment to research excellence, innovation commercialization, and national development, emphasizing that the university’s transformation agenda remains firmly on course.

“You are graduating with disciplines that are needed by society. Do not despair if you cannot find employment. Rise to the occasion and create opportunities,” he said.

He also announced that transcripts for all graduates were ready for collection, fulfilling what he described as a commitment to timely academic documentation.

Dr. Sarah Kaddu, Dean EASLIS reading the names of graduands

Graduates Urged to Use Knowledge With Purpose – Commencement Speaker

Delivering the commencement speech, Nigerian academic Prof. Nicholas Ozor challenged graduates to embrace responsibility, integrity, and innovation.

Prof. Ozor described Makerere as a “beacon of scholarship in Africa,” noting its legacy of producing presidents, jurists, scientists, educators, and innovators who have shaped Uganda, the continent, and the world. “Today you join this list as the story of legends who have passed through this citadel of learning. Today is your day,” he said.

Prof. Ozor emphasized that graduation is not an endpoint but the beginning of accountability. “A degree is not a finish line. Graduation is not the end of learning. It is the beginning of responsibility,” he said, urging graduates to apply their education to serve society.

Prof. Nicholas Ozor, the commencement speaker

Addressing specific colleges, he reminded law graduates of their moral duty. “The law is not merely a profession. It is a moral calling…Use your knowledge to defend justice, not to delay it. Let integrity be your reputation, not just your resume,” he said. Education graduates were encouraged to inspire minds and shape values, with Prof. Ozor noting, “Never underestimate the power of a classroom. Never forget that one inspired learner can change an entire community or country.”

He also spoke to computing and information sciences graduates, highlighting the social impact of technology. “Technology is powerful, but it is not neutral. Every system you design affects real lives. Use technology to solve African problems, not only to imitate foreign solutions,” he said, urging graduates to prioritize ethics, inclusivity, and accessibility. Prof. Ozor highlighted opportunities through the African Technology Policy Studies Network, including AI-focused PhD scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships.

Masters graduands listening carefully to the commencement speech.

Agricultural and environmental sciences graduates were reminded of their role in sustainability and food security. “The soil feeds nations. The environment sustains civilization. Respect indigenous knowledge and embrace scientific innovation,” he said.

Throughout his speech, Prof. Ozor underscored the importance of character, humility, resilience, and service, urging graduates to pursue purpose over comfort. “Start something larger than yourself. Give back to your communities, your profession, your university, your country,” he said.

Concluding, he urged graduates to actively contribute to national and continental development, saying, “Graduates of Makerere University, you have been taught. You have been tested. You have been trusted with knowledge. Now go and build…Build sustainable futures. May your legacy honor this great institution.”

Undergraduate students

Government Reaffirms $162 Million Investment in Makerere, Orders Shift to Competence-Based Education by 2027

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening higher education through increased investment in research, infrastructure and skills-based training.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, the State Minister for Primary Education, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, said the Government had deliberately deepened investment in higher education to position universities as drivers of national development.

Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, representing the Minister of Education and Sports

Kaducu highlighted the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) as a major milestone. She said the fund supports high-impact research aligned to national priorities and has enabled thousands of researchers to develop practical and scalable solutions benefiting communities across Uganda.

She also cited Parliament’s approval of a concessional loan of 162 million U.S. dollars to upgrade science, technology and innovation infrastructure at Makerere. The financing will support construction of modern laboratories, smart classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities for engineering and health sciences.

“This investment will greatly enhance the quality of education and equip students with the skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” she said.

Kaducu further revealed that government has embarked on constructing a national stadium at Makerere and other institutions of higher learning to promote sports development and talent identification.

Undergraduate students celebrate

The minister reiterated a directive requiring all higher education institutions to fully implement Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027. She described the reform as a fundamental shift toward practical skills, innovation and problem-solving, urging Makerere’s leadership to spearhead curriculum reform, staff training and infrastructure development.

She also called on university management to ensure that satellite campuses are fully accredited and maintain the same academic standards as the main campus, emphasizing transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption and examination malpractice.

Addressing graduates, Kaducu said they had been equipped not only to seek employment but to create jobs. She urged them to embrace innovation in key sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare and education, noting that artificial intelligence, climate change and global market shifts are reshaping the world of work.

Dr. Joyce Moriku

The minister encouraged graduates interested in entrepreneurship to take advantage of the government’s Parish Development Model, which provides community-based financing and production support.

She commended Makerere’s leadership, council and partners, including the Mastercard Foundation, for supporting access to education and institutional growth, and congratulated the class of 2026 on their achievement.

Chancellor Calls for Greater Research Funding, Innovation Commercialization

Makerere University Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga urged the university community to strengthen research funding, foster private sector partnerships, and harness technological resources to address Uganda’s development challenges during.

Kiyonga congratulated the 9,295 students receiving diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, and PhD degrees, describing their achievements as milestones in personal and national development.

Chancellor configuring a Phd to one of the students

“To the graduands, this is a milestone in your lives. At whatever level of attainment, the knowledge you have acquired should empower you to think creatively and apply your skills for the benefit of your families and society,” Kiyonga said.

He acknowledged the role of professors, lecturers, administrators, and the University Council in supporting graduands, highlighting their collective contribution to academic excellence. He also extended appreciation to the Government of Uganda and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continued financial and logistical support of the university.

Kiyonga emphasized the strategic importance of research in national development, noting that the Government of Uganda has committed UGX 30 billion to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF) and lauded the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat for promoting homegrown solutions to national challenges.

He highlighted the university’s strengthened partnership with the Korean government, which secured a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank. “I am happy that this loan will be used to boost our teaching, learning and research infrastructure and send staff to Korea for re-tooling,” Kiyonga said, while calling for additional efforts to mobilize funding to further support research.

Dr. Peter Nabende, who represented the Principal, CoCIS pause for a photo with some of the college’s staff

Addressing employment prospects for graduates, Kiyonga acknowledged that the job market cannot absorb all graduates but encouraged them to use their knowledge to create opportunities. “Every problem or development challenge faced by Ugandans presents a job opportunity. Partner with friends, innovate, and you could turn ideas into businesses or products,” he said.

The Chancellor also stressed the role of digitalization in professionalizing the university. He commended the Directorate for ICT Support for automating nearly all administrative functions, noting that most graduands had been able to collect their transcripts prior to the ceremony. “I congratulate the University Council for encouraging in-house development of Management Information Systems and the University Management for executing such plans,” he said.

Academic Procession

Kiyonga concluded his address with a call to action for the university community, highlighting four priority areas: strengthening funding for research, building private sector partnerships to commercialize innovations, deepening engagement with local communities, and leveraging abundant technological resources.