Makerere University lands 23rd spot in US News Africa rankings

Makerere University, Uganda’s oldest higher education institution, has been placed 23rd in Africa and 639th among global universities in the latest US News and World Report Best Global Universities Rankings for 2026-2027. The university recorded an overall global score of 44.9 percent.

The rankings, which consider academic research and reputation, as well as teaching faculty strength, utilize 13 performance indicators. These include global and regional research reputation, publications, citation impact, and international collaboration.

This placement places Makerere outside the top 20 universities in Africa. U.S. News & World Report’s evaluation places the University of Cape Town first in Africa, followed by Cairo University and the University of the Witwatersrand.

Within East Africa, Makerere retained its top position, with the University of Nairobi ranking second in the region and 35th overall in Africa. The University of Rwanda followed as the third-best in East Africa.

Makerere University officials expressed surprise at the ranking. Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza indicated he had not yet reviewed the specific criteria used by US News, noting that Makerere generally holds Makerere in higher regard due to its comprehensive assessment of research, teaching, community engagement, and policy.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe added that this was the first time the institution was evaluated by this particular agency. He highlighted that Makerere has previously achieved higher rankings from other agencies, such as Times Higher Education, which placed it 12th in Africa in 2025 and first in East Africa. Prof. Nawangwe stated the university will thoroughly examine the US News methodology.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/makerere-university-ranked-23rd-in-africa-5505830