President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged the latest cohort of Kyambogo University graduates to shun the temptation of “getting rich quick” through corruption and instead utilize their skills and be innovative. The President’s message was delivered today by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, who represented him as the Chief Guest at the University’s 21st Graduation Ceremony.

Speaking to the congregation at the Kyambogo grounds, the Vice President emphasized that the Graduates academic success should translate into tangible community development. “As earlier mentioned, this is just the beginning of your career,” the President’s speech read. “You should step out, utilize the acquired knowledge and skills to further re-invent yourselves to remain relevant.”

The President urged the youth to shift their mindset from job-seeking to job creation. “I encourage you to make use of the available opportunities to be innovative, create jobs, and employ others, which will enable you to actively participate in the money economy.”

He further warned the graduates to remain patriotic and disciplined. “Avoid the temptation of getting rich quickly through corrupt means,” he cautioned, adding that the government remains committed to funding research and ICT infrastructure to help young people stay interconnected and self-reliant.

The Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, with the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka while walking during the procession of Graduation Day one
The Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, with the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka while walking during the procession of Graduation Day one

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Eli Katunguka, presented the statistics for the graduating class, revealing a total of 5,138 graduands, 3,157 males and 1,981 females receiving diplomas, degrees, and PhDs.

Prof. Katunguka highlighted the unique resilience of this group, noting that many were admitted during the difficult period following the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite the challenges, academic performance remained high, with 367 students obtaining First Class degrees. Best Overall Student was Ms. Nakasango Teddy Charity (Bachelor of Information Technology and Computing) with a near-perfect CGPA of 4.98 out of 5.0. Best Male Student was Mr. Guma Francis (Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling) with a CGPA of 4.93. “I congratulate these students for their hard work and focus,” Prof. Katunguka remarked.

The ceremony also underscored Kyambogo’s growing stature in research, with 23 PhDs set to be awarded over the two-day event. The School of Education leads the pack with 12 PhDs, followed by the Faculty of Science (4), the School of Art and Industrial Design (4), and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (3).

The University Chancellor, Prof. John Okedi, attributed the institution’s popularity to the quality of its alumni. “Kyambogo is a preferred university in Uganda, why? Because of our products,” Prof. Okedi stated. He urged the graduates to go out and “be respectful, and love your country and university.”

The Chairperson of the University Council, Associate Professor Fred Wabwire-Mangen welcomes H.E. Jessica Alupo at the 21st Graduation ceremony
The Chairperson of the University Council, Associate Professor Fred Wabwire-Mangen welcomes H.E. Jessica Alupo at the 21st Graduation ceremony

Echoing these sentiments, the Chairperson of the University Council, Associate Professor Fred Wabwire-Mangen, reminded the graduates that they are now ambassadors of the institution. “As you walk out of Kyambogo gates today, you are challenged to positively impact society,” Wabwire-Mangen said. “Remember to come back for more, and please ensure to protect the image of Kyambogo University wherever you will be.”

The graduation ceremony continues tomorrow, Thursday, as the university clears the backlog of students who have completed their academic journey over the last three to four years.

 

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