Makerere University has once again been ranked the number one university in East Africa, maintaining its position as the region’s leading academic institution in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university was placed in the 801–1000 band globally, confirming its status as one of Africa’s top institutions outside South Africa. Makerere scored highly in research quality at 54.2 percent and international outlook at 69.7 percent, while its overall score of 37.2 far surpassed the East African average of 18.8. On the continent, it ranks 8th in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Sarah Ssali said the ranking is proof of Makerere’s resilience, excellence, and commitment to providing transformative education. She added that the university continues to lead in teaching, research, and innovation that supports Africa’s development.
Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala, Director of Research and Graduate Training, attributed the improved ranking to strong investment in research infrastructure and innovation. He noted that Makerere has over 68 research centres of excellence, modern laboratories, and a large number of PhD holders, with more than 80 percent of Uganda’s PhD graduates linked to the university. Government funding of 30 billion shillings per year has helped the university move from research for publication to research that creates real-world impact.
Prof. Julius Kikooma, Director of Graduate Training, said digital systems have improved the student experience. Applications are now processed online, documents can be uploaded digitally, and students receive personalized feedback, including admission letters. Makerere also offers dual-degree programs with universities outside Africa and allows rolling applications for research-based programs. A recognition system for outstanding dissertations and theses has been introduced to connect research to industry needs.
Dr. Cyprian Misinde, Director of Quality Assurance, said the ranking reflects steady improvement in teaching, research, and international collaboration since 2016. Despite a brief dip in 2025, Makerere’s 2026 rebound shows consistent growth and leadership in East Africa. No other university in the region ranks within the 801–1000 band, and Makerere is also among the top ten universities in Southern Africa.
The university’s global recognition is strengthened by more than 725 active partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide. These include collaborations with Johns Hopkins University, Michigan State University, Penn State University, Tsinghua University, and the Technical University of Munich.
Dr. Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, Dean of Students, said the university prioritizes student welfare, offering accommodation, extracurricular activities, health services, and emotional support, all of which contribute to strong academic performance and international recognition.
Since 2016, Makerere has steadily improved, from ranking in the 401–500 band in 2017–2018, to facing challenges in 2024–2025, and then rebounding in 2026. In East Africa, it leads other top institutions like Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, the University of Dar es Salaam, and the University of Rwanda, which are all ranked in the 1501+ band. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Makerere ranks 8th, behind South African universities but ahead of many other leading institutions.
This ranking confirms Makerere University’s continued role as a major centre of higher education, research, and innovation in Africa.
