By Moses Sentamu
Excitement is building up at Nkumba University as the institution finalises preparations for its 27th Graduation Ceremony, set to unfold tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, 2025. In a packed press briefing held today in the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, university officials provided a comprehensive update on the event’s readiness, highlighting the scale, security measures, and inspirational milestones ahead.
The briefing served as a pivotal moment to rally media support and inform the public about what promises to be a landmark celebration.
With a record 2,087 graduands poised to receive degrees, diplomas, and certificates across diverse disciplines, the ceremony underscores Nkumba University’s growing impact on higher education in Uganda and beyond.
An estimated 6,000 guests – including families, dignitaries, alumni, and well-wishers – are expected to converge at the campus, creating an atmosphere of triumph and anticipation.
Leading the proceedings will be the Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, whose presence adds significant prestige to the occasion. The event will be officially presided over by the University Chancellor Emmanuel Katongole, a visionary leader committed to elevating Nkumba’s academic excellence.
The Uganda Police will oversee security operations, collaborating closely with the university’s internal team to implement reinforced protocols. Detailed traffic management and access controls have been established to ensure a seamless experience.
Parking arrangements have been meticulously planned, and attendees were urged to arrive early to avoid delays. Prof. Jude Lubega, the Vice Chancellor extended a warm official invitation to graduands, their families, and the public, emphasising the ceremony as a celebration of hard work and future potential.
Francis Ssengendo the University Secretary offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduands while sharing practical post-graduation advice on career navigation, lifelong learning, and community contribution.
The Academic Registrar unveiled tentative graduation statistics and outlined the straightforward process for collecting transcripts, ensuring graduands transition smoothly into the next chapter of their lives.
Dr. Anne Abaho, Chairperson of Ceremonies detailed the final preparations and teased highlights of the commencement lecture, promising an inspiring address to motivate the Class of 2025.
Dr. Sulaiman Bbosa, Chair of Infrastructure Development spotlighted the university’s ongoing “facelift” initiatives, including modernised facilities that reflect Nkumba’s commitment to a world-class learning environment.
The ceremony will blend tradition with innovation, featuring the commencement lecture as a beacon of wisdom for the new alumni.

