Uganda education officials want people to stop calling themselves doctors after receiving honorary awards. The National Council for Higher Education says many public figures misuse these special titles for personal gain. Politicians, entertainers, and religious leaders often claim academic status from ceremonies that give them praise but not real degrees.
Only approved universities can give honorary doctorates in Uganda. Recipients must write their titles correctly, like Daniel Musheekye, LLD, rather than Dr. Daniel Musheekye. The council asks the media not to call these people doctors in speech or writing. Professor Joy Kwesiga from NCHE says these awards recognize good deeds but do not count as academic qualifications.
Foreign awards need to be checked through official channels to make sure they come from real schools. The problem has grown worse as social media makes fame easier for people with fake credentials. The council first warned about this issue in July 2023, but saw the practice continue. NCHE published rules about acceptable honorary titles for public service, arts contributions, and scientific work.
Only approved universities can give honorary doctorates in Uganda. Recipients must write their titles correctly, like Daniel Musheekye, LLD, rather than Dr. Daniel Musheekye. The council asks the media not to call these people doctors in speech or writing. Professor Joy Kwesiga from NCHE says these awards recognize good deeds but do not count as academic qualifications.
Foreign awards need to be checked through official channels to make sure they come from real schools. The problem has grown worse as social media makes fame easier for people with fake credentials. The council first warned about this issue in July 2023, but saw the practice continue. NCHE published rules about acceptable honorary titles for public service, arts contributions, and scientific work.
