Makerere University Celebrates 76th Graduation with Record PhDs and Personal Triumphs.

Makerere University's 76th graduation began on February 24, 2026, awarding degrees to 9,295 students over four days, including a record 213 PhDs. 

In his opening remarks on day 2 of the graduation, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe noted that the students are today graduating from one of the best Universities in Africa and the world, updating that Makerere has continued to rank top in the region.

The Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe earlier said that Makerere University is set to undergo a major transformation following the acquisition of $162 million from Korea Export-Import Bank (KEXIM) to rehabilitate and expand its aging infrastructure.

VC MAK Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe 

He announced that the funds will finance the construction of new facilities across multiple schools and colleges. 

“The loan will enable us to build a new laboratory and lecture block for the School of Medicine, new buildings for the School of Dentistry and School of Engineering, a new building to house the Science and Technology Centre, and completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences,” Nawangwe stated.

Prof. KigoziMaggi, Board Chairperson, Makerere Endowment Fund advised graduands to position themselves to provide solutions to common problems, urging them to start their own businesses.

“Power doesn’t make you important. It makes you responsible. Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humility should guide the answers” she said

 Prof. Maggie Kigozi

Standouts like MUBS toppers Aloyo Sarah and Nakato Dorothy with near-perfect 4.93 CGPAs, resilient Namutebi Ruth who overcame losing her parents for her BSc in Education, and Ayebare Sarah's First Class Honours drew waves of congratulations. 

 Law graduates and families expressed joyful moments,  Marvin Ashaba said "'I'm now a degree taller,' all amid an uplifting vibe despite Uganda's job market challenges"