26th February 2026– The third day of Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony, held on 26th February 2026, underscored the University’s central role in shaping economic thought, business leadership, and public policy in Uganda and beyond. On this day, the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) together with Makerere University Business School (MUBS) presented their graduands for the conferment of degrees and award of diplomas.
CoBAMS Graduation Statistics
Across the University, a total of 9,295 graduands will be presented during the 76th graduation ceremony (24th to 27th February 2026). The College of Business and Management Sciences presented 975 graduands, comprising 14 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 334 Master’s degrees, 2 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 625 Bachelor’s degrees. This robust academic profile reflects the College’s sustained investment in advanced research, graduate training, and industry-relevant programmes designed to equip graduates with analytical competence, ethical grounding, and leadership capacity required to contribute meaningfully to economic transformation, institutional development, and enterprise growth at national, regional, and global levels.
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized that CoBAMS remains a key pillar in advancing the University’s research agenda. Through strategic partnerships with government ministries, the business community, and the private sector, the College has produced over 60 high-quality research outputs under the CoBAMS Working Paper Series, many of which have been published in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. These outputs he said are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Uganda’s 10-fold National Economic Growth Strategy, and the University’s Strategic Plan, reinforcing CoBAMS’ role in driving evidence-based development.
The Vice Chancellor commended the College for its five dynamic research centres—Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Statistics and Demography; Public Investment Management; the Environment for Development Initiative; and the Centre of Excellence for Africa Climate-Sensitive Macroeconomic Modelling—which collectively form the backbone of the College’s research enterprise. Through these centres, he noted CoBAMS continues to advance high-level scholarship, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepen policy engagement, firmly positioning itself at the forefront of national and regional economic discourse.
In his message to the graduands, Prof. Nawangwe tasked them to become job creators, who are ready to turn challenges into opportunities. He encouraged them to remain proud ambassadors of Makerere University, upholding integrity and excellence, and to utilize their knowledge to transform communities and nations.
“You are all graduating with disciplines that are needed by society. We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair. If you cannot find employment, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and raise to the occasion as an entrepreneur,” Prof. Nawangwe stated.
Addressing the congregation, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports commended Makerere University for its pivotal role in transforming lives and shaping Uganda’s future. She congratulated the graduands upon reaching a significant academic milestone and reflected on the broader purpose of higher education in developing both knowledge and character.
She highlighted the success of the Emerging Leaders Programme, launched at Makerere University as a deliberate initiative to cultivate a generation of leaders grounded in values, integrity, and service. Founded on the conviction that higher education must shape both mind and character, the programme equips young people to navigate real-world challenges. She noted that 20 graduates from the inaugural cohort of the Emerging Leaders Programme were being celebrated at the 76th graduation.
“We recognised that our young people face real challenges such as moral decay, violence, addiction, exploitation and sometimes a loss of purpose and direction. The Emerging Leaders Programme was a deliberate commitment to raise a generation of leaders grounded in values, integrity and service to others. Today, 20 graduates represent the early visible fruit of that vision. They have deliberately chosen to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral values and servant leadership,” the Minister said.
The Minister urged graduands to view their achievements not as an end, but as a commissioning. She called upon them to lead with courage, humility, and responsibility, emphasizing that the world needs graduates who embody not just skills and knowledge, but character, integrity, and service. She reminded graduates that as they step into society, they carry the promise of a new Uganda, one where talent, ambition, and knowledge are matched by integrity, purpose, and service,” she exhorted, celebrating the role of higher education in nurturing both excellence and character.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank and a proud Makerere University alumnus, lauded the University for equipping graduates with a strong intellectual foundation and the confidence to navigate the complexities of the modern world. She recognized the sacrifices of parents, guardians, and relatives, noting that behind every graduand lies a story of perseverance, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Dr. Ojangole urged the graduands to look beyond traditional employment, highlighting the vast opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation in today’s digitally connected and globally integrated Uganda. She reminded them that the skills, exposure, and knowledge they possess, position them to create solutions, build enterprises, and drive economic and social transformation.
She emphasized lifelong learning, adaptability, and the cultivation of emotional intelligence and leadership as essential tools for sustained success, noting that the most effective leaders inspire and empower others. Above all, she urged the graduates to guard their integrity, develop strong networks, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks, framing every challenge as an opportunity to strengthen character.
“Learning does not end with this degree. The world of work is constantly evolving—technology advances, markets shift, and customer needs change. Those who stop learning quickly fall behind. Graduates must develop skills in artificial intelligence, data literacy, analytical thinking, forecasting, and strategic planning, while also cultivating emotional intelligence and leadership. These abilities are essential in the 21st-century workplace, where people follow leaders who inspire. Lifelong learning, adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace change are no longer optional—they are the new currency of corporate and business success,” she submitted.
The Makerere University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga urged graduates to view their time at Makerere not only as an academic journey, but as an opportunity to engage with the world around them. He encouraged them to identify opportunities within their communities and the nation at large, highlighting that while some may secure government or private sector jobs, others will need to create their own paths through entrepreneurship.
“Beyond pursuing your courses, seize the opportunities at the university to broaden your knowledge of the world, your country, and the communities in which you live. Be attentive to the opportunities around you—those you can leverage to engage in meaningful and viable activities that bring prosperity,” the Chancellor advised.
The Chancellor Makerere university, confers the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), of Makerere University upon Dr. Japheth Buleetwa Katto.
A key highlight of the day was the conferment of the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), of Makerere University upon Dr. Japheth Buleetwa Katto, recognizing him as an Honorary Scholar of Makerere University. A distinguished professional with remarkable achievements, Dr. Kato has made significant contributions to Uganda, the East African region, and beyond, particularly in advancing the accountancy discipline and strengthening the capital markets industry. His work has played a transformative role in Uganda’s social and economic development while also influencing the accountancy profession on a global scale.
Accepting the Honorary Doctorate Doctorate, Mr. Japheth Buleetwa Katto expressed deep gratitude to Makerere University and those who supported his journey. Reflecting on fifty years in corporate governance and finance, he emphasized a key lesson: integrity, diligence, and ethical leadership are always noticed, and the rewards of sowing excellence will inevitably follow, even if it takes decades.
“This recognition comes as a surprise and brings with it an important lesson, I wish to share with everyone here: people are always watching. They notice when you choose integrity over shortcuts, when you champion good governance even when it is unpopular. They see not only the good, but also the bad and the ugly. We must never forget the eternal law of the harvest: we reap what we sow. If you sow excellence, diligence, and ethics, the harvest—though it may take decades—will always find you,” Dr. Katto said.
Addressing the graduands, Mr. Japheth Buleetwa Katto urged them to embrace the unexpected, recognize that integrity is their greatest strength, and harness the power of networking. He reflected on his own journey, crediting teachers, mentors, colleagues, and family for their support, and encouraged the new graduates to always strive to make a positive impact in everything they do.