First Lady Jeannette Kagame has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to healthcare delivery, education advancement, gender equality, and social development in Rwanda and across Africa.
The honorary degree was awarded on Sunday, January 25, 2026, during celebrations marking 10 years of UGHE’s operations in Rwanda, held at the university’s Butaro campus.
The ceremony also coincided with the graduation of 78 medical students who completed their studies in health-related disciplines.
The award was presented by Dr Jim Yong Kim, the Chancellor of UGHE, who commended Mrs Kagame’s leadership and long-standing commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and education, particularly for vulnerable populations.
UGHE highlighted Mrs Kagame’s role as the Founder and Chairperson of Imbuto Foundation, an organisation that has played a key role in expanding educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged families, supporting family development initiatives, and advancing reproductive and public health programmes. These include cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccination for girls and efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
The university also noted her contribution as a co-founder of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), where she has remained an influential advocate for maternal and child health, cancer prevention, women’s empowerment, and national unity across the continent.
UGHE further acknowledged Mrs Kagame’s support to the institution following the passing of Dr Paul Farmer, the university’s former Chancellor, in 2022, noting her role in providing guidance and solidarity to the UGHE community during a period of transition.
In her remarks at the event, Mrs Kagame expressed appreciation for the recognition and paid tribute to Dr Farmer for his contribution to Rwanda’s health sector and to global health equity. She also recognised the continued support of Dr Farmer’s family in preserving his legacy of compassion, service, and human dignity.
