Makerere Convocation Awards Top Science Graduate Shs1m, Unveils Innovation Awards

KAMPALA — Makerere University Convocation has awarded Esther Zirabaggwa a cheque of Shs1 million after she emerged the overall best student in Science from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Zirabaggwa graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Innovation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.77, earning recognition at a colourful Convocation Luncheon held at the Convocation Gardens during the university’s 76th graduation celebrations.

In addition to the cash award, the Convocation hosted a free luncheon for all First Class graduates from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), and the School of Medicine under the College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), in celebration of their academic excellence, innovation and hard work.

“Excellence rewarded. Merit recognised. We are proud of you,” the Convocation posted in congratulating Zirabaggwa.

‘More Than a Celebration’

Speaking at the luncheon, Convocation Chairperson Mr George Turyamureeba Mugabi described the gathering as a transition point for graduates. “The Convocation is here for you—to walk with you in the next chapter of your lives,” Mugabi said. “This luncheon is more than a celebration; it is a transition into leadership, impact and lifelong alumni engagement.”

He congratulated the top-performing students and urged them to uphold integrity as they enter the world of work. “There are many opportunities—but also many challenges, especially in this digital age,” Mugabi cautioned. “Be patient. Verify opportunities. Do not be hoodwinked by promises of quick wealth.”

Mugabi also highlighted ongoing alumni initiatives, including progress on the Convocation building, now at 92 per cent completion, and the Alumni Investors and CEO Roundtable launched last year.

On the Convocation Cooperative Society (SACCO), he rallied graduates to join and invest. “Makerere has approximately 400,000 living alumni. If each contributed UGX 100,000, imagine the financial capacity we would build together,” he said. “Together, we can build a strong financial institution within our community.”

Innovation Awards Launched

The luncheon also witnessed the launch of Innovation Awards presided over by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero, a development described as historic.

Dr Ruth Aisha Kasolo, GROW Project Coordinator at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), praised the initiative and called for greater inclusion of women in science and commercialisation.

“When I first reviewed the shortlist, I did not see any women represented. I rejected the initial report,” Kasolo revealed. “I am pleased that we moved from zero representation to four women on the shortlist. That is progress—but we must push further.”

She emphasised the need to move beyond academic publications to commercialising research. “Publications are important, but we must move beyond publishing research to operationalising it,” she said. “The economies that are turning around the globe have universities that translate research into practical, commercial solutions. Makerere is on the right path.”

Kasolo further urged that innovation funding be made accessible to graduates immediately after completion of their studies. “If a student graduates with a viable idea, they should access capital immediately and become job creators,” she said. “Uganda needs innovators who can solve unemployment and reduce unnecessary imports.”

Reassuring Message from First Lady

The event also carried a reassuring message from the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, reinforcing the government’s commitment to education, research and innovation as pillars of national transformation.

As the 76th graduation celebrations continue, the Convocation reiterated its commitment to nurturing alumni engagement and supporting graduates beyond the lecture halls. “The journey continues beyond graduation,” the alumni body stated. “Congratulations to the 76th Graduation Class.”