In a jubilant celebration of academic achievement, Makerere University is set to host its 74th graduation ceremony today, marking the culmination of a week-long event that attracted a total of 12,913 students. The graduating class includes 1,476 students from various colleges and schools within the university.
Among the graduates, 1,011 will receive undergraduate degrees, 404 are graduate students, 24 will be awarded undergraduate diplomas, and 36 have successfully completed their PhD programs. The faculties represented in this ceremony span the colleges of Natural Sciences and Health Sciences, along with the esteemed School of Law.
Gender diversity is evident in the graduating class, with 6,816 female students and 6,097 male students, showcasing the inclusive educational environment fostered by Makerere University.
While there is a slight decline in the total number of graduates compared to the previous year, with 13,221 students at the 73rd ceremony, the university notes a positive trend in the number of PhD graduates. This year's ceremony boasts 132 PhD recipients, a notable increase from the 102 who graduated last year. This marks the highest number of PhD students since Makerere University's establishment in 1922, underscoring the institution's commitment to advancing academic excellence.
As part of the festivities, Makerere University will confer honorary doctoral degrees upon three distinguished individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the country and the education sector. The recipients of this prestigious recognition are Justice Stephen Egonda Ntende from the Court of Appeal, Ms. Betty Oyella Bigombe, former Minister of State for Northern Uganda, and Prof. Leif Abrahamsson, former Minister of State for Water Resources.
The ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the academic accomplishments of the graduates and acknowledging the outstanding contributions of individuals who have left a lasting impact on society. Makerere University remains a beacon of education and enlightenment, shaping the future of countless individuals and the nation at large.
