Makerere University Extends 71st Graduation Ceremony To May 7

Makerere University has postponed the 71st Graduation Ceremony citing different unforeseen issues, the Daily Express has learnt.

According to the recently released university calendar, the graduation ceremony had been scheduled to take place on the March 18, 2021.

However, the Daily Express has learnt the University Senate has since rescheduled the date to May 7, 2021.

Prof. Umar Kakumba the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, notes that the postponement was based on the request of the University Ceremonies Committee which wanted more time for proper planning and organising the event.

“The University Ceremonies Committee had cited delays in the procurement process of gowns,” Prof Kakumba told this publication.

Over time, the university has had challenges to do with late procurement and delivery of gown. the matter has dipped the university into scandals over the last two graduation ceremonies.

For instance, a week before 70th graduation in 2020 the university had only secured 7,000 graduation gowns, out of the more than 13,000 which were required then.

Sources privy to the graduation planning committee at that time reported internal intrigue that blocked the timely procurement and issuance of the gowns.

Prof Kakumba also adds that Besides the issue pertaining gowns, the extension was inevitable as a section of graduate students also needed more time to finalize their research.

With the mentioned issues, Kakumba says the university management considered it important to postpone the graduation in order to give way to smooth preparation.