The award was presented during UGHE’s graduation ceremony and 10th anniversary celebrations held at the university’s Butaro Campus in Burera District. The event was attended by Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva, senior government officials, university leadership, faculty members, parents, alumni, and invited guests.

Speaking after receiving the Honorary Doctorate, Mrs Kagame expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a meaningful honor.

“Being recognized in this way is a gift for which I do not have enough words,” she said, underscoring her continued commitment to advancing equitable access to health and education.

During the same ceremony, UGHE graduated 78 students, including 30 from the integrated MBBS Master of Global Health Delivery (MGHD) program the first cohort to complete the six-and-a-half-year dual-degree track and 48 graduates from the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery program.

UGHE officials noted that the university’s mission is to train health leaders equipped with strong clinical skills and a firm commitment to equity in healthcare delivery. Established in 2015, UGHE initially operated in Kayonza District before officially opening its Butaro Campus in Burera District in January 2019. The institution hosts students from various countries, including the United States, Canada, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.

As part of her visit, the First Lady paid tribute at the resting place of Dr Paul Farmer, the late co-founder of UGHE, whose vision continues to shape the university’s role in global health education.

The Honorary Doctorate awarded to First Lady Jeannette Kagame highlights her long-standing advocacy for inclusive development and her pivotal role in promoting health equity and social progress in Rwanda and beyond.