Makerere University has once again been ranked the number one university in East Africa, according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings released this month.
Speaking during a press conference held at the university’s main building on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sarah Ssali, confirmed that Makerere had maintained its position as the region’s top institution and placed within the 801–1000 band globally.
“It gives me great pleasure to share with our stakeholders and the general public that Makerere University has been ranked Number One in the East African region,” Prof. Ssali said. “Our commitment to deliver excellence in teaching, research, and socioeconomic impact has not wavered.”
In the new rankings, Makerere achieved an overall score of 37.2, far ahead of other East African universities, which averaged 18.8.
The university performed strongest in International Outlook (69.7%) and Research Quality (54.2%), reinforcing its reputation as a leading research-driven institution in Africa.
The Times Higher Education ranking assesses institutions based on Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry Engagement, and International Outlook.
Within the broader Sub-Saharan African context, Makerere University was ranked 8th in the 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, reflecting its continued prominence on the continent.
The rankings place Makerere ahead of other leading institutions in the region, including the University of Nairobi, University of Dar es Salaam, Kenyatta University, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, all of which fall in the 1501+ global band.
The press conference was attended by senior university officials, including the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma; Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. Cyprian Misinde; Dean of Students, Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli; Director of Research, Innovations and Partnerships, Prof. Robert Wamala; Deputy Chief Public Relations Officer, Ms. Eunice Rukundo; and Ag. Manager of International Relations, Mr. Matthias Ssemanda.
Prof. Ssali commended Makerere’s staff, researchers, and students for their contribution to maintaining the university’s global standing, emphasizing that the achievement was a collective effort built on years of dedication and institutional growth.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings are widely regarded as a key benchmark in global academia, evaluating universities based on performance indicators that measure teaching, research, citations, international collaboration, and industry partnerships.
Makerere’s consistent appearance among the world’s top 1000 universities underscores its position as a regional hub for research excellence and innovation, and as a pillar of Uganda’s higher education system.
Table 1: East African Universities – 2025 Ranking Comparison
| Rank | Name | Overall | Teaching | Research Env. | Research Quality | Industry | Int. Outlook |
| 801–1000 | Makerere University | 35.5–38.9 | 21.5 | 26.6 | 54.2 | 32.8 | 69.7 |
| 1501+ | Kenyatta University | 10.3–27.2 | 14.3 | 9.1 | 34.2 | 17.4 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | 10.3–27.2 | 21.6 | 14.9 | 30.3 | 27.5 | 54.6 |
| 1501+ | University of Dar es Salaam | 10.3–27.2 | 14.5 | 11.1 | 26.5 | 21.9 | 47.2 |
| 1501+ | University of Nairobi | 10.3–27.2 | 15.9 | 16.1 | 39.7 | 22.5 | 49.4 |
| 1501+ | University of Rwanda | 10.3–27.2 | 14.1 | 14.9 | 25.6 | 21.1 | 57.5 |
