The five-day Makerere University 74th graduation ceremony kicked off on Monday, January 29, 2024.

This year’s graduation is unique because the country will be witnessing the highest Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) pass out at the oldest institution of higher learning since its establishment in 1922. 

This year, a total of 12,913 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas from Makerere University. Of these, 132 are graduating with PhDs, 1,585 with masters, 11,016 with bachelor’s, 156 with postgraduate diplomas and 24 with undergraduate diplomas. 

A total of 53% of the graduands are female and 47% are male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 are female and 86 are male. In the master’s category, 699 are female, while 886 are male.

The Minister of State for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo (middle) handing over an award to Professor Rhoda Wanyenze (left) after being announced as the best female researcher during the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University on Monday 29th January 2024. Looking on the right is the Chairperson of the University Council Lorna Magara

The goal is to graduate at least 200 PhDs per year in response to the World Bank call of at least 100,000 PhDs for Africa over the next 10 years, in order to pull our continent out of poverty.

Printing of transcripts

For the first time, Makerere University printed academic transcripts before graduation. In fact First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mrs Janet Museveni commended the university for issuing academic transcripts on graduation day.

“This is commendable as it allows our young people to embark on their other endeavours in a timely manner,” she said.

The Minister of State for Higher Education Hon.John Chrysostom Muyingo launching a book titled Makerere's Century of service to East Africa and Beyond:1922-2022. This was during the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University on Monday 29 January 2024

Monday’s function was presided over by university vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe following the expiry of the tenure of Prof. Ezra Suruma as Chancellor of Makerere.

Professor.Rhoda Wanyenze (left) and Professor Moses Robert Kamya display their awards for the best female and male Researchers respectively. This was during the 74th graduation ceremony of Makerere University on Monday 29 January 2024

“The University Council commenced the search for his successor. That process is still on-going. At this graduation ceremony. Therefore, I will execute the role of chancellor as provided for in the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act,” Prof Nawangwe said.

The University has introduced the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards in recognition of outstanding performers in research and publication. The University also awarded Prof. Moses Robert Kamya and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze as the best overall researchers.  Prof. Kamya has 271 publications and Prof. Wanyenze has 153 publications.