Makerere University Confers Honorary Doctorate on Japheth Katto

Makerere University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Mr Japheth Buleetwa Katto in recognition of his trailblazing leadership in corporate governance and pioneering role in Uganda’s capital markets.

The honorary degree — Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) — was awarded during the third session of the university’s 76th Graduation Ceremony held at Freedom Square.

Reading the citation, Dr Godfrey Akileng, Dean of the School of Business at the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), described Mr Katto as a distinguished professional accountant and governance expert whose leadership has shaped Uganda’s financial architecture and strengthened regulatory institutions across the region.

“Today, Makerere honours one of its own alumni for his outstanding contribution to corporate governance and capital markets development,” Dr Akileng said.

Mr Katto, Chief Executive Officer of JKC Consulting and a Certified Public Accountant, formally accepted the award, stating: “I accept the award of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) of Makerere.”

Reflecting on his life’s work, he added, “My mission in life was simply to make a difference. This award proves that in whatever you do, people are watching.”

In his remarks to graduands, Mr Katto emphasised integrity and professional excellence as guiding principles for success. “Whether you are balancing a ledger or chairing a board, your work is your signature,” he said. “We must never forget the eternal law of the harvest. We shall reap what we sow. The harvest, though it might take 50 years, will always find you.”

He urged the Class of 2026 to guard their values as they enter the professional world. “Integrity is your superpower. Embrace the power of networking,” he advised.

Record-Breaking Graduation

During the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe announced that a total of 9,295 candidates had received degrees and diplomas at the 76th graduation, the highest number of PhD graduates in the university’s history.

“A total of 9,295 candidates have received degrees and diplomas from Makerere. Of these, 4,262 (46%) are female, and 5,033 (54%) are male,” Prof. Nawangwe said. “Among them are 213 PhD graduates, the highest number in the history of the University.”

He added that 2,503 students graduated with Master’s degrees, 6,343 with Bachelor’s degrees, and 30 with diplomas. “Overall, 31.4% of the graduates are graduating with postgraduate qualifications, indicating steady progress toward our vision of building a graduate-focused and research-led university,” he noted.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

The ceremony also recognised other notable achievements, including Dr Olivia Kituuka Kisubi, a general surgeon specialising in upper gastrointestinal and hepatopancreaticobiliary diseases, who earned a PhD in Bioethics.

As the celebrations continue, university officials described Mr Katto’s recognition as a powerful statement of Makerere’s values. His legacy, they said, reflects integrity, excellence and national service — principles that define the institution at its best.

Addressing the graduands, Mr Katto left them with a lasting reminder: “The harvest will always find you.”