By Kayiira Jackson
Football captain Nsubuga Benjamin stole the spotlight as Kampala University held its 23rd graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at its main campus in Ggaba.
Nsubuga, who graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, headlined a group of student-athletes who balanced academics and sport to reach this milestone. The accomplished captain is already looking ahead, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field, underscoring a commitment to both education and personal growth.
The ceremony saw a total of 3,514 graduands awarded qualifications across various disciplines, despite an early morning downpour that briefly interrupted proceedings in Kampala.
Delivering a keynote message, Prof. Maggie Kigozi, former Executive Director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), urged graduates to embrace continuous learning beyond formal education. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship skills in navigating today’s economic landscape.
“Always continue to learn more. Education doesn’t stop. You may not go back to class for years, but you can take short courses, especially in entrepreneurship. How can you manage finances without such knowledge?” she advised.
The event was presided over by the university’s Chancellor, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, alongside Vice Chancellor and proprietor Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga. Other dignitaries included Dr. Duncan Mugumya, Commissioner for Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Beyond Nsubuga’s standout achievement, several student-athletes also graduated, highlighting the growing culture of academic excellence among sports personalities. These included Mutebi Shadrack Zulu (Bachelor of Computer Science), who doubles as a player and fitness trainer; Suzan Nalukoda (Diploma in Industrial Art), a footballer; and Diana Ruth Natukunda, who earned a Certificate in Interior Design and is advancing to a Diploma in Fashion Design.
Sports Tutor Martha Soigi praised the achievements, noting they challenge long-held stereotypes about athletes and academics.
“When I see these boys and girls graduating, it gives me joy. There is a narrative that sporties don’t study, but moments like this prove otherwise,” she said.
Kampala University is operating at least five campuses across the country; Ggaba (Main Campus), Luweero, Masaka, Jinja and Mutundwe all converged in one place to celebrate excellence.