Makerere University has officially commenced its 76th graduation ceremony at Freedom Square, marking the start of a week-long celebration that will see thousands of students awarded degrees and diplomas across a wide range of academic disciplines.
A total of 9,295 students are set to graduate during the five-day event. Among them are 213 PhD graduates, 2,503 Master’s degree holders, 6,343 Bachelor’s degree recipients, 206 students receiving postgraduate diplomas, and 30 being awarded ordinary diplomas.
Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe noted a significant demographic shift in this year’s cohort.
“For the first time in the past 15 years, Makerere has more male graduands than female,” he said.
According to the university’s statistics, 5,033 males are graduating compared to 4,262 females a reversal of a long-standing trend in which female students had outnumbered their male counterparts at graduation.
The figures reflect Makerere’s sustained contribution to producing highly skilled professionals, researchers, and leaders to serve both Uganda and the global community.
On the opening day, students from the College of Natural Sciences, the College of Health Sciences, and the School of Law were presented for the conferment of degrees and diplomas. The graduands completed studies in critical fields such as medicine, pharmacy, biological sciences, mathematics, and law — underscoring the institution’s strength in science, health, and legal education.
The ceremony is scheduled to run for five consecutive days, with different colleges presenting their students on designated dates. Each session brings together families, academic staff, government officials, and well-wishers who gather at Freedom Square to witness the milestone achievements.
The event is being presided over by the University Chancellor, alongside top university management and invited dignitaries. The atmosphere at the historic campus reflects both celebration and pride, as thousands of graduates transition into professional careers, research, public service, and entrepreneurship.
Founded in 1922, Makerere University remains Uganda’s oldest and one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Over the decades, it has played a central role in shaping the country’s intellectual, political, and professional landscape, producing leaders and innovators who have made significant contributions across the continent and beyond.
