Jeannette Kagame Receives Honorary Doctorate at UGHE

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Jeannette Kagame for her leadership in education, health, and equity.

The award was presented on Sunday at UGHE’s graduation ceremony in Butaro. The event also marked the university’s 10th anniversary. In addition, UGHE graduated its first cohort of medical doctors.

A historic graduation milestone

A total of 78 students graduated during the ceremony. The group included 30 medical doctors and 48 Master of Science in Global Health Delivery graduates.

Justin Nsengiyumva presided over the ceremony. Senior government officials, partners, faculty, students, and alumni attended the event.

Leadership recognised

UGHE Chancellor Jim Yong Kim conferred the honorary degree. He described the First Lady as a leader who has driven lasting social change.

He highlighted her work through the Imbuto Foundation. The foundation supports girls’ education, reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS prevention. He also praised her leadership in the Organization of African First Ladies for Development and the Unity Club.

According to Kim, her guidance has strengthened UGHE’s growth and global reputation.

First Lady’s message

While accepting the honour, First Lady Kagame expressed gratitude. She reflected on the legacy of Paul Farmer, UGHE’s founding chancellor.

She said Africa no longer needs to wait for solutions from elsewhere. Instead, she stressed that Africans can solve their own health challenges.

Addressing the graduates, she urged them to act as agents of change. She encouraged them to help build strong and resilient health systems.

Preparing leaders for today’s challenges

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva said the graduates face growing pressure on health systems. He noted that disease outbreaks, staff shortages, and funding gaps are real challenges.

He added that effective solutions require more than medical skills. Graduates must also understand policy, management, and data use.

As a result, UGHE graduates are expected to lead institutions and improve service delivery.

UGHE’s growing global profile

Chancellor Kim said UGHE reflects Rwanda’s long-term vision and strong partnerships. He noted that few countries could achieve similar progress.

UGHE was founded in 2015 with support from Partners In Health. The university opened its permanent campus in Butaro in 2019.

UGHE offers six programmes in partnership with Harvard University. So far, it has graduated 330 master’s students and currently enrolls 444 learners.

In 2024, Times Higher Education ranked UGHE fourth among universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Through its graduates, UGHE continues to support Rwanda’s health workforce goals. This vision has received strong backing from First Lady Jeannette Kagame and the government.