Makerere University has once again strengthened its position as East Africa’s leading university, ranking ahead of the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in recent international evaluations. In the July/August 2026 edition of the Webometrics rankings, Makerere University was placed 776th globally and 11th in Africa, making it the highest-ranked university in East Africa. This latest improvement has been attributed to the university’s performance in research impact, citations and its digital and academic visibility.
Webometrics evaluates universities based on indicators that reflect their web presence, visibility and the impact of their academic and research output. Makerere’s strong showing highlights the increasing reach of research produced at the institution beyond Uganda and the wider East African region.
Makerere’s regional position is also reflected in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings for 2026–2027, where the institution was ranked 639th globally and 23rd in Africa.
In a regional comparison, Makerere placed ahead of the University of Nairobi, which was ranked 35th in Africa, as well as the University of Dar es Salaam.
Founded in 1922, Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in East Africa.
Over more than a century, the university has produced generations of scholars, researchers, political leaders, professionals and innovators who have contributed to Uganda, Africa and the wider world. Its long history has also enabled the institution to build an extensive academic network and establish partnerships with universities, research institutions and organisations across the globe.
‘From its historic beginnings in 1922 to its growing research footprint today, Makerere remains one of the institutions shaping the academic future of Uganda, East Africa and the continent.
This milestone reflects our commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination,’ said Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University. ‘We aim to strengthen our global competitiveness through open-access research, innovation, and digital learning.’
