Thursday 30 July 2026
Nobel Prize winner Dr. Denis Mukwege awarded honorary doctorate degree by University of Ottawa
by Sarah Onyango
Dr. Denis Mukwege MD
During the University of Ottawa’s Spring Convocation ceremonies, held June 8-12, 2026, at the Rogers Centre, the institution conferred nine honorary doctorates to influential figures whose exceptional careers have had a significant impact on their field of expertise and on society. On June 11th, during a ceremony for Faculty of Health Sciences graduates, Dr. Denis Mukwege, a world-renowned Congolese gynecologist, received his degree in recognition of his pioneering medical care for survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones.
The University of Ottawa’s honorary doctorate celebrates those who, through their commitment, their work or their influence, embody the values that its institution strives to share. These honours not only recognize remarkable careers, but they also celebrate a vision of the world, a quest for excellence and a commitment to the common good that inspires future generations of students.
Since founding Panzi Hospital in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999, Dr. Mukwege and his staff have treated more than 82,000 women with severe gynecological problems and trauma.
Dr. Mukwege also pioneered a holistic, survivor-based approach to address the psychological, social and economic effects of sexual violence. In 2016, he established the Mukwege Foundation, an international, survivor-centred, rights-based organization working to change the response to conflict-related sexual violence. Based in The Hague, the foundation has established advocacy and holistic care programs in the Central African Republic, Ukraine, Burundi and Colombia, among other countries. In 2024, Dr. Mukwege’s charitable foundation provided services to more than 1,400 survivors and trained more than 900 professionals in the approach.
In 2012, Dr. Mukwege and his family survived an assassination attempt. Despite continued threats against him, he continues to operate his clinic, speak out internationally against gender-based violence in conflict and advocate for justice and accountability.
Dr. Mukwege was eight years old when he set his mind on becoming a doctor after his father, a pastor, was unable to save a terminally ill boy with prayer. He went on to study medicine and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology in France. He holds a PhD in medical sciences from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, where he is a professor.
In 2018, Dr. Mukwege was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (with Nadia Murad). In addition, his actions and dedication have been recognized worldwide through various awards, including the United Nations Human Rights Prize (2008), the Sakharov Prize (2014), the Seoul Peace Prize (2016), and honorary degrees from universities worldwide.
More information about the Denis Mukwege Foundation at: https://www.mukwegefoundation.org/
Source – University of Ottawa