Makerere is on schedule towards research-led university—VC Nawangwe

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Makerere University vice-chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe says the institution is steadily advancing towards attaining its dream of a research-led university through generating knowledge that drives communities, strengthens industries and advances national transformation.

“I wish to express appreciation to the Government for entrusting Makerere with critical resources to support more than 1,400 high-impact research and innovation projects through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF). This Fund has empowered our researchers and innovators to deepen the University’s contribution to national development priorities by creating practical and innovative solutions to everyday challenges,” Nawangwe says.

Nawangwe made the remarks Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the kick-off of the institution's 76th graduation ceremony at the university's Freedom Square, where over 9,200 graduands are expected to be conferred with bachelor’s, master’s, PhD’s, post-graduate diplomas and diplomas from Tuesday to Friday (February 27, 2026).

“Makerere has provided the Government with evidence-based policy recommendations to address challenges in the land sector, energy and minerals sector, and in peace and security and the education sector. Through Mak-RIF, the Government has also supported more than 200 PhD students, enabling them to conduct their research and overcome funding barriers. I am proud to note that many of the beneficiaries of this PhD support are among those graduating during this ceremony,” Nawangwe said.

He indicated that Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre (MUTIC) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s incubation and commercialisation agenda.

“As a catalyst for innovation, the Centre provides structured support to students, staff, and researchers to transform ideas, research outputs, and prototypes into viable enterprises and market-ready solutions. Through mentorship, business development training, intellectual property support, product development guidance, and access to industry linkages, MUTIC has strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Makerere. To date, eleven (11) spin-off companies have been established by students and staff members, translating university-based research and innovation into impactful businesses that create jobs and contribute to national development,” Nawangwe said.

He added, “The University’s Innovation Pod (UniPod) has incubated over 100 projects in the last year. In recognition of the best researchers and teachers today, we will recognise and award researchers whose scholarly contributions and publication records exemplify academic distinction. These awards recognise sustained excellence in research productivity, impactful publications, and contributions to knowledge that advance both national and global discourse.”

Research's role

Chancellor Dr Crispus Kiyonga highlighted that research plays a vital role in the development of any community and that Makerere, as the oldest University in the country, is doing a significant amount of research.

I thank the Government for committing shillings 30 billion annually through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (MakRIF). I also thank the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat Office of the President for supporting initiatives at Makerere University that are aimed at promoting homegrown solutions to our various challenges,” Kiyonga said.

He added, “I congratulate all of you who have successfully fulfilled the requirements for graduation today. We stand with you as you to celebrate the achievements made at various levels of the academic ladder. To you, the parents, guardians and sponsors who have supported the graduates, thank you for a task well accomplished.

At the heart of the graduates' accomplishments are the Professors, lecturers and the administrators of the University. These are very well supported by the University Council. Accordingly, it is only fitting to acknowledge all of them for a job well done.”

Primary education state minister Joyce Moruku Kaducu, who represented First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mrs Janet Museveni, congratulated the University Council, the management, the staff and graduands upon all the hard work that has led to the 76th graduation.

“I equally congratulate the parents, guardians and sponsors upon ensuring that the graduates received the necessary support to enable them successfully complete their degree programmes. Today we celebrate the commitment, hard work and sacrifices made by the staff, students, parents, guardians and sponsors. We are also celebrating the sowing that you have done so as to be able to thrive in a competitive job market,” Kaducu said.

She added, “As you step out of this great institution and into the next chapter of your lives, I wish to assure you that the Government is intentional about supporting your transition from graduation to gainful employment and entrepreneurship. You are not alone in this journey. Ugandan graduates today can benefit from several government programmes and initiatives designed to improve employability, provide practical work experience, support innovation, and expand access to financing.”

Kaducu said that one of such flagship initiatives is the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme (NAGV), implemented by the gender ministry and specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic training and the world of work.

However, there remains a sense of jubilation at the square as parents, guardians and friends celebrate the graduates for the different academic milestones registered. The list of guests, among others include the deputy governor Bank of Uganda, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, among others. Due to the prominence of the event, security has been heightened up in and around the university.