The number of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) holders in Parliament is relatively low. There may not be more than a handful of doctoral degree holders in the August House.

PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an academic or professional degree that in most countries qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at the university level or to work in a specialised position in their chosen field.

Ronald Akugizibwe (Buruli County, Independent) has raised concern that PhD holders are leaving Parliament for S.6 leavers. 

“The knowledge a PhD has can help in making good legislation to help the country Uganda,” Akugizibwe said.

This was during the graduation ceremony of Dr Peter Babyenda, an assistant lecturer at the School of Economics, Makerere University. 

The function took place on December 8, 2023, at Green Field Gardens, Kanyanya. 

Babyenda graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Babyenda comes from the MP’s constituency.

Akugizibwe while addressing the guests noted that a PhD in economics in Parliament can provide knowledge on inflation, and debt. 

He called for practical solutions to these economic problems. 

He encouraged PhD holders to support MPs in their work with research and evidence to enable good policy and lawmaking. 

He, however, joked that Babyenda should not compete with him in the constituency if he develops an interest in joining politics. But to find another constituency because he is still around.

The MP hinted that during his next term (kisanja) in Parliament he would enroll for a master’s program paving his way to get a PhD. 

He noted that there were people getting honorary doctorates for what he termed ‘doing something small’. This is unlike those who go through the academic rigour of getting a PhD.

He called on PhD holders to come out and face MPs on issues. 

“Come out and force out to deal with issues. Makerere University gets a lot of support from Parliament’s committee on education, they get almost all they need. Parliament should give back to Parliament and the country,” Akugizibwe said.

Some of the PhD holders in Parliament include; Dr Elijah Dickens Mushemeza (Sheema County South, Independent), Dr Jane Aceng (Lira City, Independent) the minister for health, Dr Charles Ayume (Koboko Municipality NRM), Dr. Eunic Apio Otuko Eunice (Oyam County North, UPC) and Dr Chris Baryomunsi (Kinkizi County East, NRM) the minister for ICT and national guidance and Dr Timothy Batuwa (Jinja Division West, FDC).

Dr Ruth Nankabirwa (ex officio member) the minister for energy and mineral development has earned an honorary doctorate.

Dr John Mutenyo senior economics lecturer at the School of Economics said that once a person attains a PhD they are expected to promote research and understanding of problems in society or the economy. Mutenyo added that once a problem is understood the best solutions can be offered and implemented.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master's degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor. 

While a professional doctorate is focused on practical problems faced by professionals working in the field, a PhD takes a more theoretical approach to learning, looking closely at research in the field rather than practical application.

When you are addressing a person with a doctoral degree, it is considered more polite to use the title Dr. or the academic abbreviation PhD with the person's name, instead of the simple courtesy titles Mr. or Ms. and not use both the title and the degree.