Kyambogo University’s 21st Graduation Ceremony was a celebration of academic resilience and a showcase of groundbreaking agro-industrial innovation. As thousands of graduands gathered to receive their degrees, the event doubled as the launchpad for a new era of practical research.
The ceremony was presided over by the state minister for Higher Education, Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo, representing the Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni.
Delivering the Minister’s address, Hon. Muyingo issued a critical directive regarding the future of higher education curricula in Uganda. He announced that all university academic programmes must fully align with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework by the start of the 2027/2028 academic year. “Kyambogo University, with its practical orientation, must lead this charge as a bridge between foundational skills and advanced industry competencies,” the Minister stated.
She commended the university for its stability and growth, specifically noting the graduation of 23 PhD candidates this year is a significant milestone in the institution’s capacity to drive the national research agenda.
In a move to bolster Uganda’s agro-industrialisation drive, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya announced the successful establishment of an Egg and Milk Processing Pilot Plant within the Department of Food Science. Funded by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat in the Office of the President, the facility is equipped with modern technology capable of producing high-quality powdered eggs and powdered milk.
“This pilot plant not only enhances our practical training capacity but also positions the University as a key contributor to Uganda’s food security initiatives,” Prof. Katunguka remarked, thanking Dr. Nakyinsige Khadijah and the STI Secretariat for turning the vision into reality.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted significant upgrades to the university’s physical and digital infrastructure. Digital Boost: Internet bandwidth has been increased by 60% (from 1,000 to 1,600 Mbps) to facilitate smoother research and blended learning. Health & Safety: The university is actively replacing asbestos roofs with iron sheets to eliminate health hazards and has expanded its CCTV network for improved security. Sports Development: In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts, Prof. Katunguka revealed that part of the university’s West End ground has been transformed into a high-grade football pitch. This facility is set to be used as a training ground for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, placing Kyambogo at the heart of the continent’s premier sporting event.
Kyambogo’s reach now extends well beyond Uganda’s borders. The university has secured two Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme grants, which will support 23 PhD students, 56 Master’s students, and 29 staff members across 10 African universities. This initiative aims to enhance research collaboration and continental human resource development.
As the ceremony concluded, the Minister offered fatherly advice to the graduands, urging them to avoid the “pitfalls of corrupt practices and unsustainable luxury.” “Today is your moment to reflect on an educational journey marked by resilience, notably through the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the Minister told the graduands. “Make yourselves relevant in the labour market, be good ambassadors of Kyambogo University, and serve with patience and integrity.”
Tags: AFCON 2027 Uganda, Agro-Industrialisation, Competency-Based Curriculum, Food Science Innovation, higher education Uganda, Hon John Chrysestom Muyingo, Innovation and Research, Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme, Janet Museveni, Kyambogo University, KyU 21st Graduation, PhD Graduates Uganda, Prof. Eli Katunguka, Skills Development, STI Secretariat Uganda, University Research