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Makerere University has officially released the detailed programme for its 76th Graduation Ceremony, marking a key milestone for thousands of graduands. The event, set to unfold at the iconic Freedom Square, underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence amid recent adjustments to the academic calendar. As Uganda’s premier university, Makerere continues to adapt to national events, ensuring a safe and celebratory environment for all participants. This release comes at a pivotal time, with the current date being January 24, 2026, allowing ample preparation for the February proceedings.
When is the Makerere University 76th Graduation Ceremony in 2026?
The 76th Graduation Ceremony is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, February 24, to Friday, February 27, 2026, at Freedom Square, with daily proceedings commencing at 8:30 a.m. This four-day event is organized by academic units, allowing for an orderly conferment of degrees. According to the notice from the Office of the Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, the breakdown is as follows:
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026: Graduands from the School of Law (SoL), College of Education and External Studies (CEES), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS), and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Graduands from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), and College of Health Sciences (CHS).
- Thursday, February 26, 2026: Graduands from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS).
- Friday, February 27, 2026: Graduands from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) and College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).
University management has urged graduands, parents, guardians, and guests to monitor official channels for updates on detailed schedules, standard operating procedures, and guidelines to facilitate a seamless ceremony.
Why Were the 2026 Graduation Dates Adjusted?
The adjustment to the graduation dates stems from a broader postponement of Semester Two for the 2025/2026 academic year, directed by the Ministry of Education and Sports. Originally set to begin on January 24, 2026, the semester was shifted to February 10, 2026, to prioritize student safety during Uganda’s General Elections period.
This decision aimed to avoid potential clashes with the busy electoral activities, ensuring that academic events do not coincide with heightened national security concerns. As a result, the graduation ceremony was rescheduled to late February, allowing the university to maintain its traditions while aligning with government directives. This move reflects Makerere’s proactive approach to balancing education with national priorities.
When Will the 76th Graduation List Be Released?
While the detailed programme is now available, the full official graduation list for the 76th ceremony has not yet been released as of January 24, 2026. Based on university practices and available information, provisional lists for specific colleges, such as Business School, may already be accessible online or through departmental channels. The complete list is typically published a few weeks before the ceremony, likely in early February 2026, once final verifications are completed.
Graduands are advised to check the Academic Registrar’s office or the official Makerere website for updates, as announcements will be made via press releases and student portals. Prospective graduands should ensure all academic requirements, including clearance of fees and submission of theses where applicable, are met to appear on the list.
What is the Makerere University Academic Calendar for 2026?
The 2025/2026 academic year at Makerere University has seen adjustments due to the aforementioned postponement. Semester Two now runs from February 10 to June 6, 2026, encompassing teaching, recess, and examinations. Key highlights include:
- Teaching weeks: From February 10 to May 3, 2026.
- Semester Two examinations: Monday, May 4, to Saturday, May 23, 2026 (3 weeks).
- Recess term: Saturday, May 23, to Saturday, August 1, 2026 (10 weeks).
The full proposed calendar for 2024/2025 through 2026/2027 is available on the university’s website, providing a comprehensive overview for planning. Students and staff are encouraged to download the revised Semester Two calendar from official sources for precise details.
Where Can I Find the List of Courses at Makerere University for 2026?
Makerere University offers a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs across its colleges. The official course catalog, including detailed program descriptions, admission requirements, and fees, can be accessed via the university’s Programmes page on mak.ac.ug. For 2026 intakes, prospective students should refer to the latest admissions announcements, which include PDF downloads of course lists.
For instance, the Bachelor of Education External (BED) and diploma holder applications under government sponsorship are currently open, with deadlines in late February 2026. Avoid outdated resources; always verify through the Academic Registrar’s office for the most current PDF versions.
What Are the Latest Makerere University Announcements for 2026?
Makerere University regularly updates its community through press releases and online portals. Recent announcements for 2026 include the postponement of Semester Two to February 10 and confirmation of the 76th graduation dates. Admissions are ongoing, with calls for applications to the Bachelor of Education External (BED) 2026/27 (deadline: February 27, 2026) and diploma holders under government sponsorship for 2026/2027 (deadline: February 27, 2026). Other updates cover undergraduate private direct entry admissions. For real-time announcements, visit news.mak.ac.ug or follow official social media channels.
When Are the Makerere University Exams Scheduled in 2026?
Examinations for the 2025/2026 academic year are aligned with the revised calendar. Semester Two examinations are set for May 4 to May 23, 2026, covering all programs. Timetables, including drafts for end-of-semester exams, are released by the Academic Registrar’s department and can be downloaded from the university website. Students should note that Semester One exams for this year concluded in December 2025, and any resits or specials will be announced separately. For department-specific schedules, consult your college’s notice boards or online portals.
Makerere University also encourages celebratory preparations, including official merchandise available through university outlets, featuring items like branded apparel and memorabilia to commemorate the 76th graduation. As the institution forges ahead, it remains a beacon of innovation and development in Uganda and beyond.
