Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has awarded PhDs to 49 scholars at its 33rd graduation ceremony, the highest number of doctoral graduates in a single ceremony in the university’s history.
A total of 1,670 graduands received degrees at the ceremony held at the university’s Kihumuro Main Campus Grounds, with 376 postgraduate students among those graduating.
The university also graduated students in Civil Engineering for the first time and awarded degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, marking an expansion of its science and technology programmes.
MUST Chancellor Prof. Jack H. Pen-Mogi Nyeko said the number of doctoral graduates reflected the university’s growing contribution to research and the development of specialised skills needed to address national challenges.
He said 376 postgraduate students were graduating, including 49 PhD recipients, describing the achievement as a milestone for the institution.
Prof. Nyeko said a university’s greatest strength lay in its academic staff and students, reaffirming MUST’s commitment to science, technology and practical problem-solving.
He also appealed to the government to increase funding for higher education to enable universities to recruit more academic staff, equip laboratories and strengthen research facilities.
The chancellor commended university management for resolving issues surrounding the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme and urged graduates to exercise financial discipline as they celebrated their achievement.
He challenged them to consider using money intended for elaborate graduation parties as capital for starting small businesses.
“Your reputation is your most valuable asset. Knowledge opens doors, but integrity keeps you in the room,” said Dr Warren Naamara, Chairman of the MUST University Council, while addressing the graduates.
Dr Naamara urged the Class of 2026 to protect their integrity and maintain professional standards, saying academic qualifications alone were not enough to guarantee long-term success.
He also reassured continuing students, lecturers, administrators, parents and guardians that the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme remained fully accredited, dismissing concerns that had emerged in the media.
Government urges graduates to drive development
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr Crispus Walter Kiyonga urged the graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to national development, wealth creation and investment.
Dr Kiyonga said the government continued to prioritise science and technology as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting Uganda’s economic transformation.
He said 70% of government-sponsored students were being directed to science fields, reflecting the government’s focus on scientific and practical disciplines to develop a workforce that can contribute to job creation.
The government’s position, he said, was that higher education should equip graduates to contribute to productive sectors of the economy rather than remain focused on academic achievement alone.
Guest speaker Sanjay Tanna, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, challenged graduates to view their qualifications as the beginning of their contribution to society.
“We can sit back and relax, or we can put on our socks and gloves and make sure we participate in delivering the change we all desire,” Tanna said.
He urged graduates to use their training to develop solutions in healthcare, agriculture, education, manufacturing and service delivery.
Tanna also encouraged them to embrace emerging technologies and use them responsibly, saying adaptability would be important as they entered the workforce.
He advised the graduates to build strong personal brands and protect their reputations, noting that their digital presence could influence how prospective employers and business partners assess them.
Vice-chancellor calls for lifelong learning
MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika congratulated the 1,670 graduands, including the 49 PhD recipients, and reminded them that graduation marked the beginning of greater responsibility to society.
She urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, integrity, professionalism and innovation, saying they should use their knowledge to solve problems in their communities and beyond.
Prof. Byakika-Kibwika said academic qualifications could open doors, but character, competence, commitment and work ethic would determine whether graduates succeeded in their careers.
She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing quality, affordable and impactful education aligned with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).
The vice-chancellor encouraged the graduates to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers capable of applying research and innovation to practical challenges.
Pharmacy programme dispute resolved
Minister of State for Primary Education Phyllis Chemutai announced that the impasse between MUST and the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda had been resolved.
She reassured Pharmacy graduates, students, parents and guardians that the degrees being awarded remained valid, addressing concerns that had emerged over the programme.
The assurance was also welcomed by the university council chairman, who said the programme remained fully accredited.
Valedictorian thanks family and lecturers
Yawe Deborah, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Gender and Applied Women’s Health, emerged as the university’s overall best-performing graduand with a cumulative grade point average of 4.84.
Speaking on behalf of her fellow graduates, Deborah thanked God, her lecturers, parents and guardians for supporting her academic journey.
She said her training had equipped her with knowledge and practical skills to understand gender-related challenges, examine issues affecting women’s health and appreciate the importance of evidence-based approaches to community well-being.
Deborah said education should connect academic knowledge to real-life challenges, enabling graduates to contribute to women’s health, gender equality and community development.
The ceremony also celebrated former student leaders, including MUST’s 36th Guild President Arinda Daisy Kankiriho, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and the 37th Guild President Ariho Lucky Rwabuturumba, who graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
The university said the record number of PhD graduates and the introduction of new engineering graduates reflected its continued emphasis on science, research and practical solutions to Uganda’s development needs.
