49 University of Rwanda PhD Candidates Present Research Aimed at Solving Societal Challenges

Forty-nine doctoral candidates at the University of Rwanda (UR) have presented their research projects aimed at addressing challenges facing Rwandan society and contributing to development, ahead of the university’s 12th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026.

The researchers presented their findings during a gala dinner held on Thursday evening in Kayonza District, bringing together university officials, government representatives and other dignitaries ahead of the graduation ceremony at UR’s Rukara Campus.

The event was attended by University of Rwanda Chancellor Patricia L. Campbell, Vice-Chancellor Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga and Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa, among other officials.

The research presentations highlighted the university’s role in generating knowledge that can inform solutions to social and economic challenges, with officials urging researchers to ensure their findings translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Professor Muganga said the doctoral research demonstrated originality and relevance to society, explaining that producing original research is a key requirement for candidates to qualify for graduation.

“What enables a student to reach graduation level is the originality of their research. Each of the studies conducted had its own distinctive contribution, which is why they qualified, and each has solutions it can offer to society,” he said.

He added that the growing number of doctoral graduates reflects the university’s expansion and its efforts to strengthen postgraduate education and research.

One of the candidates, Etienne Nzabirinda from the College of Business and Economics, presented research titled Climate Change, Political Economy and Social Protection: Effects on Households in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nzabirinda described completing a PhD as a demanding but achievable journey that requires discipline, resilience and personal sacrifice.

“It is a journey that is not easy, but it is possible. It requires trade-offs, including sacrificing money, time and sometimes the things you enjoy, so that you can achieve other goals. You need discipline, resilience and determination to open your mind to what you want to achieve,” he said.

Eastern Province Governor Pudence Rubingisa welcomed the university’s decision to hold the graduation ceremony in Kayonza, saying the research presented by the candidates addressed issues relevant to the country’s development priorities.

He said research should go beyond academic publications and contribute to solving problems affecting communities, including poverty and the need to accelerate economic development.

Rubingisa also noted that hosting major university events outside Kigali can benefit local businesses and promote regional tourism by bringing graduates, families and other visitors to the area.

The 49 doctoral candidates form part of a larger cohort of graduates expected to receive qualifications at the ceremony, which will recognise students who have completed programmes at different academic levels.

According to the university, 1,170 postgraduate students are expected to graduate this year, up from 773 at the previous ceremony, representing an increase of approximately 51 per cent.

However, the overall number of graduates is lower than last year. The university expects 4,953 graduates across all levels, compared with 9,526 in the previous graduation cycle.

Dr Raymond Ndikumana, the University of Rwanda’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration, attributed the decline to academic reforms introduced in 2022 and 2023, which standardised undergraduate programmes at four years.

He explained that some undergraduate programmes had previously lasted three years, while others took four. This year’s graduates include students whose programmes already followed the four-year structure, while those transitioning to the revised programmes have yet to complete their studies.

Ndikumana expressed confidence that graduate numbers would increase in future ceremonies as more students complete their programmes under the revised structure.

The university has also linked the growth in postgraduate education to research grants secured by its academic staff, which have helped expand opportunities for master’s and doctoral candidates. University officials have further highlighted academic supervision, programme management and specialised research centres as important elements in supporting postgraduate training.

The 12th University of Rwanda graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at Rukara Campus in Kayonza District, marking the first time the district will host the university’s graduation celebrations.

The event is expected to bring together graduates, families, university officials and government representatives, while showcasing the university’s contribution to research, professional training and national development.