Makerere University, Uganda’s premier institution of higher learning, has marked a significant milestone with its 75th graduation ceremony. The week-long event, held at the university’s Freedom Square, saw 13,658 graduands receive degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.
The ceremony, which ran from January 13 to 17, was graced by distinguished guests, including Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Among the graduates, 143 received PhDs, 1,813 graduated with master’s degrees, 11,454 earned bachelor’s degrees, and 243 were awarded postgraduate diplomas.
During the weeklong graduation ceremony, a total of 491 students graduated with first-class degrees from Makerere University.
With more than 13,000 students leaving the university’s gates, the job market is brimming with new talent. However, as many graduates look to enter various sectors, from healthcare and engineering to business and the arts, the competition for jobs is fierce.
Makerere graduates, who have been equipped with cutting-edge skills in diverse fields, are now expected to demonstrate not only academic excellence but also the adaptability and creativity needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving world.
However, with the rising rate of unemployment, many graduates complete their education without any guarantee of practicing their professions.
This reality is a major concern for both the graduates and their parents, as during graduation ceremonies, they are often reminded that while their academic journey has ended, the next chapter is far from assured.
Many graduates have turned to self-employment through social media, opening blogs and accounts on popular platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and others, where they pursue influencing opportunities.
Others choose to leave the country in search of survival, heading to Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar, which often leads to the loss of talent and potential within the local generation.
While addressing graduates at the 75th graduation ceremony, the University Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, encouraged them to utilise the knowledge and skills they have acquired to establish their own businesses and create employment opportunities for others.
“We have equipped you with the knowledge and skills that will make you employable or allow you to create your own businesses and employ others. Do not despair if you cannot find employment; instead, reflect on the immense opportunities around you and raise them as an entrepreneur,” Prof. Nawangwe said.
Nawangwe congratulated the graduands and extended his best wishes for success in the next chapter of their lives.
