Kabale University Graduates Record 2,469 Students at Historic 11th Graduation Ceremony, Celebrates a Decade as a Public University

Kabale University marked a significant milestone in its institutional history on Friday, 30th October 2026, graduating a record 2,469 students during its 11th Graduation Ceremony held at the Main Campus, Kikungiri Hill, Kabale Municipality.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Empowering Future-Ready Graduates for Innovation, Employment and National Transformation,” was particularly significant as the University celebrated ten years since officially commencing operations as a Public University in 2016.

The colourful occasion brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic community, University leadership, academic staff, graduates, parents, guardians and other stakeholders to celebrate academic achievement, institutional transformation and the University’s growing contribution to national development.

The ceremony was presided over by the University Chancellor, Hon. Canon Mathew Rukikaire, while Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Security, represented the Chief Guest, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda.

Other distinguished guests included the Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E. Virginie Leroy, and the Ambassador of Nigeria to Uganda, H.E. Misitura Abdulraheem.

In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Johnny Mugisha, described the ceremony as a celebration of academic achievement, resilience and the University’s remarkable journey over the past decade. He announced that 2,469 students had successfully completed their academic programmes, representing a 47.6% increase from the 1,673 graduates recorded during the University’s 10th Graduation Ceremony in 2025.

The graduating cohort comprised 1,448 males (58.6%) and 1,021 females (41.4%), demonstrating the University’s continued contribution to widening access to higher education.

The graduates included:

• 6 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates
• 144 Master’s degree graduates
• 53 Postgraduate Diploma graduates
• 1,670 Bachelor’s degree graduates
• 363 Diploma graduates
• Certificate graduates, alongside the other qualification categories

Notably, 1,316 graduates, representing 53.3% of the cohort, completed programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEM/I).

This reflects Kabale University’s growing contribution to developing the technical and professional workforce required to support Uganda’s industrialisation, digital transformation and socioeconomic development.

The University has recorded sustained growth in graduation numbers, rising from 908 graduates during its fourth graduation ceremony in 2019 to 2,469 in 2026.

Among the outstanding achievements celebrated during the ceremony was the recognition of 146 graduates who attained First Class degrees, comprising 89 males and 57 females. Desire Ampeire, a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration programme, emerged as the overall best graduate and best female graduate, attaining an exceptional Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.94. Gerald Ssebuuma, who completed a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, was recognised as the best male graduate, with a CGPA of 4.82.

Prof. Mugisha congratulated the outstanding graduates, noting that their achievements demonstrated the importance of dedication, discipline and consistent academic effort.

Their success highlighted the University’s commitment to nurturing excellence across diverse academic disciplines.

The 11th Graduation Ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on Kabale University’s historic transition from a private community-founded institution to a public university.

The University officially commenced operations as a public institution in 2016, following its conversion under Statutory Instrument No. 36 of 16th July 2015. This transformation made Kabale University the first private community-founded institution in Uganda to transition into a public university.

Over the past decade, the University has expanded its academic programmes, strengthened research and innovation, developed strategic partnerships and increased access to higher education.

According to the Acting Vice Chancellor, Kabale University currently has an enrolment of 8,205 students across 119 academic programmes, offered through nine Faculties and two Institutes.

The University’s growth reflects its commitment to responding to emerging educational needs and preparing graduates for an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.

Another major achievement highlighted during the ceremony was the University’s improved performance in international university rankings.

In the July 2026 Webometrics Rankings, Kabale University attained its highest institutional position, ranking fourth among universities in Uganda.

The University also improved by 731 positions globally, demonstrating progress in institutional visibility, research output and digital presence.

The Acting Vice Chancellor attributed this achievement to deliberate institutional efforts, strategic partnerships and the commitment of University staff and stakeholders.

The University also reported encouraging graduate employability outcomes, with a recent tracer study indicating that 92% of its postgraduate alumni are gainfully employed.

This finding reflects the relevance of Kabale University’s academic programmes to labour-market needs and national development priorities.

One of the significant moments of the ceremony was the special recognition of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, whose leadership played a foundational role in the University’s development.

Having served Kabale University for 21 years, Prof. Kwesiga was recognised for her outstanding contributions to institutional leadership, academic development, mentorship, research and the advancement of women and gender studies.

During the ceremony, the Acting Vice Chancellor presented her to the Chancellor on behalf of the University Senate for recognition with the prestigious title of Professor Emerita.

The recognition celebrated her enduring contribution to Kabale University’s transformation and her distinguished service to the wider academic community.

Prof. Mugisha also highlighted several institutional achievements demonstrating Kabale University’s expanding role in research, innovation and regional development.

Among the notable developments was the establishment of the Kabale University Business Incubation Centre (KABBIC), officially launched on 13th November 2025 with significant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Development Bank.

The Centre supports entrepreneurship, agribusiness innovation, value addition and the commercialisation of research outputs, particularly within the agricultural sector.

The University also celebrated the establishment of the MTN Spark Hub, opened on 23rd April 2026 to strengthen digital skills, entrepreneurship and innovation among students and the wider Kigezi community.

Another significant milestone was Kabale University’s selection on 29th July 2026 to host the National Artificial Intelligence Node for the East African Community, under the East African Regional AI Network (AI4EAC).

The initiative positions the University to contribute to artificial intelligence research, specialised training and innovation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, climate action and financial inclusion.

The Acting Vice Chancellor further highlighted the University’s expansion to Rukungiri and Kisoro campuses, alongside continued efforts to improve teaching, learning and research infrastructure at the Main Campus.

The graduation ceremony also demonstrated Kabale University’s expanding international engagement, with the attendance of diplomatic representatives and leaders from other higher education institutions.

Prof. Mugisha acknowledged the continued contribution of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Volunteers, supported by the Government of Nigeria, and recognised the important role played by the Nigerian High Commission in strengthening academic cooperation.

He also highlighted partnerships with institutions including Sapienza University of Rome, BOKU University Vienna, the University of Exeter, the Technical University of Zvolen, and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM).

These collaborations continue to strengthen academic exchange, research capacity, innovation and opportunities for students and staff.

In his message to the Class of 2026, Prof. Mugisha challenged graduates to remain adaptable, uphold professional ethics and continuously develop their skills in response to a rapidly changing world.

He emphasised the importance of embracing emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and digital systems, to remain competitive and relevant in their respective professions.

The Acting Vice Chancellor further encouraged graduates to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, collaboration and a strong commitment to serving their communities.

He reminded them that their academic qualifications represent a foundation for lifelong learning and professional growth, rather than the end of their educational journey.

Graduates were also encouraged to remain connected to Kabale University, support future generations of students and proudly represent the institution wherever their careers take them.

As the 11th Graduation Ceremony concluded, Kabale University celebrated not only the academic accomplishments of its 2,469 graduates, but also a decade of institutional transformation, growing research capacity and an expanding contribution to national development.

The ceremony represented a defining moment for the Class of 2026 and a reaffirmation of the University’s commitment to producing skilled, innovative and socially responsible professionals.

With continued investment in academic excellence, research, digital transformation and strategic partnerships, Kabale University remains focused on strengthening its position as a centre of higher education and innovation in Uganda and the wider region.

Kabale University congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes all graduates success as they embark on the next chapter of their professional and personal journeys.

View memorable photographs from the ceremony on the Kabale University Gallery, access the official 11th Graduation Ceremony Booklet, and follow further University announcements through the Kabale University Noticeboard.