By Peter Mabira | Hii5 Media
KABALE, October 30, 2026 — Kabale University has graduated 2,469 students at its 11th graduation ceremony, with the government pledging additional support to address staffing shortages, inadequate infrastructure and other challenges affecting the institution.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the university’s main campus on Kikungiri Hill in Kabale Municipality, coincided with celebrations marking 10 years since the institution attained public university status.
In a message delivered by Security Minister Maj Gen (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi on behalf of the Chief Guest RT hon Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja commended the university for its contribution to higher education and pledged to engage the ministries of Education and Finance over increased funding.
She urged universities to prioritise research, innovation and skills development to support Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation.
University Chancellor Prof Canon Matthew Rukikaire said the institution continues to grapple with inadequate staffing, operating at approximately 25 percent of its approved establishment.
The shortage, he said, affects teaching, research, student supervision and the university’s capacity to meet growing demand for higher education.
University authorities also appealed for increased funding to facilitate infrastructure development, recruitment of additional staff and expansion of academic facilities
According to the university’s graduation statistics, the 2,469 graduates comprised 1,448 males and 1,021 females.
The graduates included six PhD holders, 144 master’s degree recipients, 53 postgraduate diploma holders, 1,670 bachelor’s degree recipients, 363 diploma holders and 233 certificate recipients.
The Faculty of Education registered the highest number of graduates, with 791 students.
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Jonny Mugisha said the number of graduates had increased from 1,673 in 2025 to 2,469 this year, representing approximately 48 percent growth.
A total of 146 students graduated with first-class degrees, including 89 males and 57 females.
Desire Ampeire, who pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration, emerged as the best-performing student with a cumulative grade point average of 4.94, followed by Gerard Sewuma with 4.93.
Prof Rukikaire said Kabale University had risen from seventh to fourth position in the July 2026 national university rankings.
He added that the institution had expanded its accredited academic programmes from 32 in 2020 to 107 in 2026.
Student enrolment has also increased to more than 8,000, compared with approximately 2,666 students when the university became a public institution in 2016.
However, the university continues to face challenges related to land, infrastructure and inadequate staffing.
University Council chairperson Adison Kakuru had appealed to Kabale District Local Government to allocate additional land to support the institution’s expansion.
University authorities have since maintained that additional land is necessary to accommodate the growing student population and establish more academic facilities.
The graduation also saw former Vice Chancellor Prof Joy Constance Kwesiga recognised for her contribution to the institution’s development during her more than two decades of service.
Prof Kwesiga, who played a significant role in the university’s transition from private to public status, was presented for recognition as Professor Emerita.
The ceremony was the first under Chancellor Prof Canon Matthew Rukikaire and Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Jonny Mugisha.
Established in 2002 with 42 students, Kabale University became a public university in 2016.
The institution has since expanded its academic programmes, student enrolment and research activities, positioning itself among the leading higher education institutions in southwestern Uganda.
