Dr Kiyonga Urges Innovation, Creativity as Makerere Confers Over 9,000 Degrees

KAMPALA, Feb 24, 2026 — Makerere University today officially commenced its 76th Graduation Ceremony at Freedom Square, marking a four-day celebration that will see 9,295 graduands receive degrees and diplomas.

The ceremony, running from Tuesday, February 24 to Friday, February 27, brings together students from nine colleges and two schools, representing 67 nationalities — a testament to Makerere’s standing as a leading international centre of academic excellence.

During the congregation, the University will confer 213 PhDs, 2,503 Master’s degrees, 206 Postgraduate Diplomas, 6,343 Bachelor’s degrees, and 30 Diplomas.

“Create Work for Yourselves”

In his address, Chancellor Dr Crispus Kiyonga urged graduates to embrace creativity and self-reliance in a challenging job market.

“It is true that the job market is not enough to absorb all of you. However, the knowledge you have acquired at the University is quite empowering and should enable you to think creatively. You can, for instance, create work for yourself on your own, singularly or in groups. Use the knowledge and skills that you have acquired for the benefit of your family and society in general,” Dr Kiyonga said.

He also reminded students that university education goes beyond academic credentials. “When you are at the University, you should broaden your knowledge of the world, your country and the community where you stay. Widen your analytical skills, your capacity to analyse features and things which you see around yourself.”

“We Must Produce Job Creators”

Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe emphasised Makerere’s transformation into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We should be not just the churning out of graduates who go out looking for jobs, but actually producing graduates who are job creators,” Prof. Nawangwe said.

He urged the Class of 2026 to utilise their knowledge and skills to start businesses, create employment opportunities, and drive socio-economic transformation in Uganda and across Africa.

Call for Solution Providers

Representing the Minister of Education and Sports, Joyce Moriku Kaducu delivered remarks on behalf of Janet Museveni, calling on universities to go beyond awarding degrees.

“Universities must not only produce graduates. They must produce solution providers and innovators,” Dr Kaducu said.

She encouraged Makerere to lead curriculum reforms, staff development, and infrastructure investments necessary to advance competence-based education in Uganda.

Spotlight on Academic Excellence

The graduation ceremony has also highlighted outstanding academic performance across colleges.

At the Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Ms. Aloyo Sarah and Ms Nakato Dorothy emerged as the best overall students with an exceptional CGPA of 4.93 in the Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management.

The School of Law, through Dean Assoc. Prof. Ronald Naluwairo, congratulated graduands receiving Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Master of Laws (LLM), and Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees, reminding them that “law is more than a career; it is a calling.”

Meanwhile, the College of Education and External Studies (CEES) presented 27 PhD graduates on Day One and will see a total of 123 PhDs conferred during the entire ceremony.

The University also welcomed Prof. Chijioke Nicholas Ozor, Executive Director of the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), as Commencement Speaker. A distinguished scholar in science, technology, and innovation policy, Prof. Ozor has led major research initiatives across Africa and authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications.

A Global Community

Makerere said the Class of 2026 reflects a vibrant global academic community, with students drawn from 67 countries.

“Your achievement marks both the completion of academic journeys and the beginning of new responsibilities in shaping communities, professions, and the future,” the University said in a statement.

As celebrations continue through Friday, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to building for the future through research excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership.