Over 8,400 Students Set to Graduate From Makerere University

Makerere University has announced that its 76th graduation ceremony will be held from February 24th to 27th, 2026, at Freedom Square, with 8,432 students expected to receive degrees across all academic levels.

The event will see 185 PhDs, 2,034 Master’s degrees, 6,043 Bachelor’s degrees, 137 postgraduate diplomas, and 33 undergraduate diplomas conferred.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe attributed the slightly smaller number of graduates compared to last year to lingering COVID-19 disruptions.

“The new dates for the graduation are from 24th to 27th February, and it is a four-day graduation this time because we are graduating students who joined during the COVID year, when no graduands were conferred,” he said.

He added that the number of PhDs could have been higher if the government sponsored more doctoral training.

The Academic Registrar, Professor Buyinza Mukadasi, assured the public that preparations were complete. “All transcripts are ready and have been handed over to the respective college registrars. Students can pick their transcripts even before graduation,” he said.

The registrar added that an information tent would be set up outside the Senate Building from February 2, 2026, to handle all inquiries about the ceremony.

Associate Professor Jackline Bonabana, Head of the Ceremonies Committee, confirmed that preparations for the four-day event were in full swing. “Graduation gowns will be issued starting February 2 from the University Hall (Dining Hall). Students must ensure their names appear on the Senate Graduation List and present proof of payment and identification to collect gowns,” she said.

The university highlighted that attendance would be strictly by invitation only, with two guests per graduand allowed. Security measures include multiple entry points and the prohibition of items such as firearms, alcohol, cameras, and large bags. Pre-graduation clearances, including tuition and graduation fee payments, must be completed beforehand.

Prof. Nawangwe also announced that two honorary degrees would be awarded. Among the recipients is Japheth Katto, the pioneering CEO of Uganda’s Capital Markets Authority, recognised for his role in establishing the country’s capital markets. “He has done quite a lot for our economic security, and we shall honour him for his contributions,” the Vice Chancellor said.

The 76th graduation will also celebrate Makerere University’s legacy in producing national leaders. The university congratulated 12 alumni elected in the 2026 general elections, including Chancellor Dr Kiyonga Crispus Walter, elected MP for Bukonzo West.

The graduation schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday, Feb 24: Law, CEES, CoCIS, CAES
• Wednesday, Feb 25: CoNAS, CoVAB, CHS, School of Public Health
• Thursday, Feb 26: MUBS, CoBAMS
• Friday, Feb 27: CEDAT, CHUSS, IGDS, MISR

Graduation fees vary by level and the origin of students. For Ugandan and East African students, the total package is Shs 200,000, while international students pay US$160. PhD graduands are required to pay additional fees of Shs 50,000 for cylinders and Shs 600,000 for gowns. Payments for gowns are to be made to the Makerere University Endowment Fund.

Prof. Nawangwe expressed optimism about the ceremony, noting, “We expect it to be a very colourful event, as we celebrate our students, award honorary degrees, and acknowledge our role in shaping Uganda’s future leaders.”