By The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has fired a warning shot at Ugandans parading honorary degrees as academic achievements, calling it a growing trend of deception that threatens the integrity of the country’s academic and professional circles.
In a strongly worded press statement issued this week, NCHE declared that individuals awarded honorary doctorates whether locally or abroad must cease using the title “Doctor” in professional or academic settings. The council clarified that such titles are purely ceremonial and must never be used to claim academic or professional status.
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“An honorary award (Honoris Causa) is not an academic award, therefore, cannot be used for academic, professional or work-related purposes,” the statement read.
The announcement follows mounting concern over the increasing number of prominent Ugandans including politicians, entertainers, and religious figures who are introducing themselves as “Dr.” after receiving honorary degrees from often dubious or unaccredited institutions. Some of these figures have gone on to include the title in official communications, social media bios, campaign posters, and even public documents prompting backlash from academics and the public.
NCHE Chairperson Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga warned that honorary degrees must be used responsibly and with clarity. “A holder of an honorary degree shall be required to indicate in the title that the award referred to is honorary and not academic,” she stated. For example, a recipient should refer to themselves as John Doe, DLitt. (Hon. Causa) not Dr. John Doe or John Doe, PhD.
Importantly, the NCHE emphasized that foreign honorary degrees must meet the same standards and must originate from accredited institutions before being recognized in Uganda.
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“We urge the public, media, and academia not to refer to honorary degree holders as ‘Doctor,’ either in writing or speech,” NCHE advised. “The distinction must be maintained to protect the value of genuine academic achievement.”
The crackdown is likely to unsettle many who have leaned on honorary degrees for influence, prestige, or professional credibility. But for academic purists, it marks a welcome stand against credential misuse and a renewed call for authenticity in the knowledge economy.
The council’s move signals a broader continental shift: honorary titles are no longer immune from scrutiny. In an era of misinformation and academic fraud, regulators are making it clear titles must be earned, not bought or gifted.
