Soroti — Soroti University has announced 13th December 2025 as the date for its long-awaited Maiden Graduation Ceremony, marking a historic milestone for one of Uganda’s youngest public universities.
The ceremony will be held at the university’s main campus in Arapai, where the institution will confer degrees upon its first cohort of students since opening its doors to learners in the 2019/2020 academic year.
According to the university, a total of 118 students will graduate, including one posthumous degree to the late Odukatum Polycarp Okiror, a pioneer Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student who passed away on August 16, 2025.
- 53 – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- 42 – Bachelor of Nursing Sciences
- 22 – Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Electronics Engineering
- 118 total graduands: 39 females and 78 males
The President of the Republic of Uganda is expected to grace the event as Guest of Honour.
Vice Chancellor Prof. JR Ikoja said the upcoming graduation is more than a ceremonial achievement, describing it as proof of the university’s growing capacity to produce competent, skilled, and practical professionals.
“This is a proud moment not only for Soroti University but for the entire country. Our graduands represent the university’s commitment to contributing to Uganda’s professional and human-resource base,” he said.
Academic Registrar Mr James Gregory Okello confirmed that the ceremony will award degrees to:
- Pioneer MBChB class of 2019/2020
- 2019/2020 and 2021 cohorts of Bachelor of Nursing Sciences
- 2020 class of Bachelor of Computer and Electronics Engineering
Okello noted that preparations are in the final stages, with committees handling guest arrangements, campus setup, and programme schedules.
Soroti University admitted its first students in 2019 under the School of Health Sciences, offering Medicine and Nursing. In January 2020, the School of Science and Technology began training students in Computer and Electronics Engineering.
The COVID-19 pandemic, which struck soon after, disrupted the institution’s academic calendar, forcing the young university to adopt blended and online learning to keep academic progress on track.
The maiden graduation not only celebrates the achievements of the pioneer students but also positions Soroti University as an emerging centre for scientific training, innovation, and national development.
Parents, guardians, partners, and members of the public have been invited to join the institution in celebrating what leaders have called “a landmark achievement for Eastern Uganda and the nation.”
