The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has warned individuals misusing honorary doctorates, cautioning that the ceremonial awards must not be confused with academic qualifications.
In a statement, the NCHE Chairperson Professor Joy C. Kwesiga said that recipients of honorary degrees should not use the title “Doctor” or equate such honors to a PhD.
“We have observed with concern how some individuals are acquiring honorary degrees from both local and foreign institutions and going on to use the title ‘Doctor’, which is misleading to the public,” said Prof. Kwesiga.
“These degrees are not academic awards and therefore should not be used for academic, professional, or work-related purposes.”
According to the NCHE, honorary doctorates commonly awarded as Honoris Causa are meant to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society, academia, public service, or humanitarian efforts.
However, NCHE clarified that these degrees do not confer academic status or the right to be addressed as a doctor.
The Council also reminded the public that in Uganda, only public universities, chartered private universities, and other approved degree-awarding institutions are legally permitted to confer honorary degrees.
Additionally, all such awards must fall into one of three recognized categories: Doctor of Laws (LLD), Doctor of Letters (DLitt.), or Doctor of Science (DSc.), clearly indicated as honorary and without the “PhD” designation.
“A holder of an honorary degree must indicate the nature of the award—for example, LLD (Hon. Causa) and not Dr. Daniel Musheke or Daniel Musheke (PhD),” Prof. Kwesiga emphasized.
“Members of the academia, the public, and media should not address recipients of honorary degrees as ‘Doctor’, either in writing or verbally.”
The council also stated that honorary doctorates conferred by foreign institutions will only be recognized in Uganda if they comply with NCHE’s guidelines.
The directive is intended to curb academic misrepresentation and uphold the integrity of Uganda’s higher education system.
NCHE called upon all stakeholders in higher education, as well as the general public, to adhere strictly to this guidance to “avoid embarrassment.”
