Makerere University has once again asserted its dominance as East Africa’s leading institution of higher learning, according to the newly released July 2025 edition of the Webometrics (Ranking Web of Universities).
The prestigious Kampala-based university ranked 1071 globally, 16 in Africa, and retained its long-standing position as the top university in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The Webometrics rankings often referred to as the Biometrics rankings evaluate over 30,000 universities worldwide based on indicators including web visibility, research output, openness, and academic excellence.
Uganda’s Kampala International University (KIU) emerged as the second-highest ranked institution in the country and the top private university, followed by Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kyambogo University, and Gulu University.
These institutions demonstrated notable performance in research access and institutional visibility across Africa.
Across the border, Kenya’s University of Nairobi closely followed Makerere, placing 1047 globally and tying for 16th position in Africa, reflecting the intensifying academic competition within the East African region.
While its global ranking slightly edged Makerere’s, the latter remained ahead overall due to its stronger cumulative score in impact and openness metrics.
Top Universities in Uganda (July 2025 Rankings):
- Makerere University – 1071 globally | 16 in Africa
- Kampala International University – 2149 globally
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology – 3190 globally
- Kyambogo University – 4400 globally
- Gulu University – 4600 globally
Top Universities in East Africa:
- Makerere University (Uganda) – 1071 globally | 16 in Africa
- University of Nairobi (Kenya) – 1047 globally | 16 in Africa
- Kampala International University (Uganda) – 2149 globally
- Moi University (Kenya) – Ranked among Africa’s top 100
- Mbarara University of Science & Technology (Uganda) – 3190 globally
University officials have welcomed the rankings as validation of growing efforts to invest in research, digitization, and academic collaborations.
“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.”
The July 2025 Webometrics update provides a timely benchmark for higher education institutions across Africa, with growing emphasis on research transparency and digital outreach. It also highlights the emergence of private universities like KIU in shaping Uganda’s academic future.
As the region’s universities continue to scale up their digital footprints and research impact, East Africa’s presence in the global academic landscape is poised to grow even further.