First Lady Jeannette Kagame has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, by the University of Global Health Equity, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, distinguished public service, and lasting contributions to education, health, and equity in Rwanda, across Africa, and beyond.
The honorary degree was presented by Dr Jim Yong Kim, Chancellor of UGHE, yesterday during the university’s graduation ceremony, which also marked its 10th anniversary.
Mrs Kagame joined graduates, faculty, and invited guests as the institution reflected on a decade of training leaders committed to advancing equitable and inclusive health systems.
The honour illustrated Mrs Kagame’s long-standing advocacy for social justice, inclusive development, and human dignity, as well as her role in championing initiatives that strengthen health systems, expand access to education, and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.
The University of Global Health Equity, based in Rwanda, was established to rethink how global health leaders are trained by placing equity, ethics, and community impact at the centre of health education.
The institution offers postgraduate programmes in global health delivery, public health, and related disciplines, combining academic rigour with field-based learning that exposes students to real-world health challenges.
Over the past decade, UGHE has built a diverse, international student body and faculty drawn from across Africa and around the world.
The university works closely with governments, health institutions, and global partners to generate research and practical solutions aimed at reducing health disparities and strengthening health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
As it marked its 10th anniversary, UGHE reaffirmed its commitment to producing a new generation of health leaders equipped to advance equity and social justice in global health practice.
