A total of 2,087 students graduated from Nkumba University on Saturday, 25th October 2025, during the institution’s 27th Graduation Ceremony held at its main campus in Entebbe.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Unlocking Potential: The Journey from Learning to Leading,” attracted thousands of guests, parents, and dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the milestone achievements of the graduands.
Among the notable figures who were conferred with degrees are Busiro South Member of Parliament, Charles Matovu, Brig Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande, the NRM flag bearer for Lwemiyaga County, and musician Catherine Kusasira, who also serves as a Presidential Advisor. Both Rwashande and Kusasira graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy, drawing loud applause from the crowd at the mention of their names.
The ceremony also saw 25 senior police officers conferred with Master of Arts Degrees in Security and Strategic Studies. These included CP Polly Namaye (Head of Peace Support Operations), CP James Kusemererwa (Commandant of Land Protection Police), CP David Manzi (Commandant of the VIP Protection Unit), CP Michael Walwanga (Commandant of Environmental Police), and Tumugumye Godwin (Head of the Anti-Narcotics Department).
In a related development, CP Philip Acaye, Commandant of the Agricultural Police, graduated with a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and Global Studies, reflecting what university officials described as the police force’s growing investment in academic and leadership advancement.
The overall best performer at Master’s level was Major Ayupo Dorcus Angella of the Uganda People’s Defence Air Force (UPDAF), who scored a CGPA of 4.69 in the Master of Information and Communication Technology (MIT) program. Her research, titled “A Transformer-Based Predictive Maintenance Model for UPDAF,” was also voted the Best Master’s Research Project.
At the undergraduate level, Akol Charles Bradley and Kigozi Maurice tied as the best-performing students with a CGPA of 4.85, while Nanfuka Noeline topped the diploma category with a CGPA of 4.57.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
In his capacity as the Guest of Honor, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, lauded Nkumba University for its contribution to higher education and national development, describing the institution as a key partner in shaping Uganda’s future through innovation, research, and community-centered learning.
Tayebwa reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening higher education, emphasizing that education remains central to Uganda’s development agenda. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the expansion of student loan schemes, the promotion of science and technology, and the national skilling programs aimed at aligning education with market demands.
“As government expands public institutions, we equally recognize the role of private universities like Nkumba in filling the education gap, nurturing innovation, and bringing learning closer to communities,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also assured the public of Parliament’s continued support toward creating an enabling policy environment for private universities. He cited recent parliamentary debates focused on strengthening the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board to increase access to student loans and on developing tax and investment incentives that encourage private institutions to invest in research and infrastructure.
Addressing the graduands, Tayebwa urged them to embrace the graduation theme, “Unlocking Potential: The Journey from Learning to Leading,” as a lifelong call to action. He challenged them to become innovators and job creators who uphold integrity, resilience, and service to humanity. “Your generation must be agile, creative, and proactive,” he said. “Uganda needs leaders who can create jobs, innovate solutions, and shine as examples of integrity and impact.”
He further urged the graduates to be proud ambassadors of Nkumba University and use their acquired skills to bring positive change in their communities.
