College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) Presents Graduands on Day Two of Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was one of the three colleges that presented graduands on the second day of Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony, held on 25th February 2026 at Freedom Square. CoVAB produced a total of 318 graduands, with 11 PhDs, 43 Masters, 256 Undergraduate Degrees, and 8 Diplomas.
Overall Graduation Statistics
During the course of the 76th graduation ceremony, a total of 9,295 students graduated with degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. Of these, 4,262 (46%) were female and 5,033 (54%) male. A total of 213 students graduated with PhDs, according to the number in the history of the University. 2,503 graduated with Master’s Degrees; 6,343 with Bachelor’s degrees; 206 with postgraduate diplomas, and 30 with Diplomas.
Vice Chancellor’s Address: Makerere University Charts Bold Path Toward a Research-Led Future
The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, addressing the congregation at the 76th Graduation Ceremony.
At the 76th Graduation Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to transforming into a research-led institution. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda for securing a USD 162 million loan from the Korea Exim Bank, which will fund landmark infrastructure projects. These include the construction of new facilities for the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Engineering, and the Science and Technology Centre, as well as the completion of the School of Computing and Information Sciences, a development described as unprecedented in the University’s history.
The Vice Chancellor also underscored the pivotal role of the Makerere University Technology and Innovations Centre (MUTIC) in driving innovation and commercialization. The Centre provides mentorship, business development training, intellectual property support, and industry linkages to transform research outputs into viable enterprises. To date, he said, eleven spin-off companies have been established by students and staff, while the Innovation Pod (UniPod) has incubated more than 100 projects in the past year. Looking ahead, the University aims to establish 50 spin-off companies annually, with plans to double that number in the long term.
In his message to the graduates, the Vice Chancellor urged them to uphold dignity, humility, and diligence as they transition into the next chapter of their lives beyond Makerere University. He encouraged them to remain proud of their alma mater and to serve as ambassadors wherever they go, applying the knowledge acquired from one of the world’s leading universities to improve themselves, their families, communities, country, and humanity at large.
The Vice Chancellor also extended heartfelt appreciation to the parents and guardians for their unwavering support, and to the University’s development partners whose contributions have sustained Makerere’s research and innovation agenda. He acknowledged the generous support of organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation, European Union, NORAD, Sida, IDRC, KOICA, DAAD, NIH, CDC, USAID, Wellcome Trust, KfW, IUCEA, RUFORUM, ARUA, PLUS Alliance, WUN, AAUN, AAP, Madhvani Foundation, and the Government of Uganda through the Higher Education Students Financing Board.
Remarks by the Chancellor
Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, Makerere University Chancellor, congratulated the graduands on their achievement and commended the staff, parents, and partners for their invaluable support. He expressed gratitude to the Government for its steadfast commitment to advancing research through the annual UGX30 billion allocation to the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund.
He underscored the University’s contribution to Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) through advancements in science, technology, and innovation, and encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship amidst an increasingly competitive job market. He further called for enhanced research funding, stronger private sector collaboration, and d
The Minister of Education and Sports
The Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, represented the Minister for Education and Sports.
In her remarks, the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, represented by the Minister of State for Primary Education, Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu commended Makerere University for its pivotal role in driving national development. She highlighted the University’s contribution to knowledge generation and societal transformation. “The impressive number of PhD graduates this time round is testimony to the robust research output and academic excellence.” The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing academic standards, urging the University Administration to rigorously implement and uphold quality assurance measures that guarantee continued excellence of its programmes and global competitiveness of its graduates.
The Minister reiterated a key directive for all institutions of higher learning to prepare for the full implementation of Competence-Based Education and Training by July 2027. “This reform represents more than a policy shift. It signals a fundamental transformation in how graduates are prepared, with greater emphasis on practical skills, innovation, and problem-solving.” She urged the Vice Chancellor and his team to lead in curriculum reform, staff development, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure the successful rollout of competence-based education.
The Minister further urged the university management to ensure that all satellite campuses are fully accredited and that their programmes meet the same standards and relevance as those offered at the main campus.
Commencement Lecture by Dr. Maggie Kigozi
Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Chair of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, delivered a commencement lecture at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, distinguished alumnus, and Chair of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, Dr. Maggie Kigozi delivered a commencement lecture, reflecting on her journey since earning her first degree in 1976. She shared three guiding messages for the new alumni as they embark on their professional paths. Dr. Kigozi emphasized that power comes with responsibility, urging graduates entering the health and life sciences to combine their expertise with ethical leadership and financial literacy to create sustainable, compassionate practices. She highlighted the global opportunities that a Makerere degree offers, explaining how her education empowered her to make meaningful contributions across Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia. She also encouraged the graduates to view failure as a stepping stone to excellence, noting that mistakes are not setbacks, but lessons. She underscored the importance of balance, reminding graduates to manage their personal and professional responsibilities realistically.
Excellence Awards pictorial
