Almost 5,000 Students Set to Graduate as UR Prepares for Historic Ceremony in Kayonza

The University of Rwanda (UR) is preparing to award degrees to more than 5,000 students during its graduation ceremony scheduled for October 23, 2026, at UR Rukara Campus in Kayonza District. The event will mark the first time the district has hosted the university’s graduation celebrations.

The ceremony will bring together graduates from different colleges and academic programmes, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as the university continues its efforts to rotate graduation ceremonies across its campuses.

Speaking to Radio Salus, the University of Rwanda’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Raymond Ndikumana, confirmed that preparations are progressing well, with arrangements underway to ensure the event runs smoothly.

According to Dr Ndikumana, preparations have been organised into three major phases, covering the verification of graduating students, logistical arrangements at the venue and internal coordination within the university.

“The preparations involve three main stages. The first is verifying the students eligible for graduation, which has already been completed. The second concerns the venue and logistical arrangements, where all relevant stakeholders have been informed and are ready, including transport agencies that will facilitate the movement of people from different parts of the country,” he explained.

He added that the third phase involves internal administrative arrangements within the university, noting that the institution is ready to fulfil its responsibilities ahead of the ceremony.

Why Kayonza Was Chosen to Host the Graduation

For the first time in the university’s history, the graduation ceremony will take place in Kayonza District, a development Dr Ndikumana described as part of UR’s broader strategy to give all its campuses opportunities to host major university events.

He explained that the decision to hold this year’s ceremony at Rukara Campus follows the university’s campus rotation approach, which aims to distribute graduation celebrations across different locations rather than concentrating them in one place.

Dr Ndikumana also expressed confidence in Kayonza District’s capacity to accommodate the event, pointing to the availability of essential infrastructure and services.

He noted that the district has well-developed roads, accommodation facilities and hospitality services capable of supporting the expected influx of graduates, their families and other guests.

The move is expected to offer the university community a different graduation experience while bringing one of UR’s major academic celebrations to Rwanda’s Eastern Province.

More Doctoral Graduates Expected This Year

Beyond the change of venue, this year’s graduation is expected to mark another significant milestone for the University of Rwanda, with the institution preparing to award more doctoral degrees than in previous years.

Dr Ndikumana highlighted the anticipated increase in PhD graduates as an indication of the university’s progress in strengthening research and postgraduate education.

He explained that the growing number of doctoral graduates reflects the institution’s continued efforts to advance academic excellence, improve teaching and expand its contribution to research and knowledge development.

The graduation will recognise students who have successfully completed their studies across the university’s academic levels, from undergraduate programmes to master’s and doctoral studies.

With more than 5,000 graduates expected, the ceremony will celebrate years of academic commitment and achievement while highlighting the university’s role in producing skilled professionals and researchers.

Arrangements for Graduates and Their Families

Regarding attendance, Dr Ndikumana explained that graduating students are encouraged to invite their parents to witness the important occasion, although access to the graduation venue will depend on available space and the time guests arrive.

He clarified that while graduates may be accompanied by their parents, limited seating capacity could mean that only one parent is allowed into the designated graduation area in some circumstances.

The university is therefore encouraging graduates and their families to make the necessary arrangements in advance to avoid inconveniences on the day of the ceremony.

Transport agencies have also been informed and are preparing to facilitate travel for graduates and their families coming from different parts of Rwanda.

Graduates Encouraged to Celebrate Their Achievements

As the graduation date approaches, Dr Ndikumana has called on students to continue preparing for the occasion and recognise the importance of celebrating their academic achievements with their families and loved ones.

He emphasised that graduation represents a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey and should be celebrated as the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work.

“Graduates should continue preparing well, just as we are doing everything possible to organise a beautiful ceremony that they deserve. We are very happy for them because graduation represents an important step in their academic journey at every level,” he told Radio Salus.

He further encouraged students to involve their families in the celebrations, recognising the support parents and relatives provide throughout their academic journeys.

“We encourage them to invite their parents wherever possible so that, after graduation, they can show them the results of all the years they have spent studying. Just as we worked together throughout their studies, we expect them to play their part in making the remaining preparations successful,” he added.

Dr Ndikumana reaffirmed the university’s commitment to delivering a memorable graduation ceremony, stressing that the institution belongs to its students and that their achievements remain central to its mission.

The October 23 ceremony at UR Rukara Campus will therefore mark both an important milestone for thousands of graduates and a new chapter in the university’s tradition of hosting graduation celebrations across its campuses.

GATUNGANE Bella Sandrine/Radio Salus