Makerere University has announced a major breakthrough in its academic administration, confirming that all graduands of the 76th Graduation Ceremony will receive their academic transcripts before or immediately after graduation, effectively resolving a long-standing challenge that affected previous ceremonies.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on January 28, 2026, at Makerere University. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, confirmed that all transcripts have been fully processed, finalized, and officially handed over to College Principals, making them available for collection from respective Colleges even ahead of the graduation ceremony.
“This has been a major concern in the past, and we deliberately addressed it,” Prof. Nawangwe said. “I am pleased to confirm that this time around, no graduand will leave Makerere without access to their academic transcript. The transcripts are ready and already with the Colleges.”
The 76th Graduation Ceremony will take place from February 24th to 27th, 2026, at the Makerere University Freedom Square, starting daily at 8:30 a.m. Over the four days, the University will confer degrees and award certificates to 8,432 graduands, comprising 185 PhDs, 2,034 Master’s graduates, 6,043 Bachelor’s degree holders, 137 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 33 specialized postgraduate diploma recipients.
Prof. Nawangwe also announced that the University has registered a 30 percent increase in graduate output compared to the 75th graduation ceremony, attributing the growth to Makerere University’s strategic emphasis on graduate education and research-led training.
“This growth reflects our deliberate policy to strengthen postgraduate education as a pillar for research, innovation, and national development,” he noted.
The Academic Registrar reaffirmed the University’s readiness and appealed to graduands to complete all required clearances in time. He emphasized that the Registrar’s Office has worked closely with Colleges to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of academic records.
“We urge all graduands to clear any outstanding obligations, confirm their details on the Senate graduation list, and liaise with their respective Colleges for transcript collection,” the Academic Registrar said. “This year, our systems are aligned to ensure a smooth, dignified, and student-centered graduation process.”
Graduands are reminded to clear tuition and graduation fees, verify their names on the official graduation list, and familiarize themselves with the graduation schedule to confirm their specific day of graduation. Graduation gowns will be issued starting February 2, 2026, from the University Hall (Dining Hall), Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., upon presentation of proof of payment, a student number or National ID, and confirmation on the Senate list.
Attendance at the graduation ceremony will be strictly by invitation, with each graduand permitted to invite two guests. Graduands are advised to arrive at the Freedom Square by 7:00 a.m. on their graduation day to allow for security checks and orderly seating. The University has also designated specific parking areas and access points to facilitate smooth traffic flow and crowd management.
To support graduands further, the Academic Registrar’s Office and the Graduation Committee will, starting February 2, 2026, operate an information tent outside the Senate Building to handle inquiries and provide guidance throughout the pre-graduation period.
The timely release of transcripts marks a significant institutional milestone for Makerere University and sends a strong signal to stakeholders across Uganda’s education sector of the University’s renewed commitment to efficiency, accountability, and improved student services.
