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6,000 graduate in six universities
Joy. (Left to right): Ankole Diocese Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Henk Jan Bakker, Prof Mauda Kamatenesi and Prof Kenneth Kagame congratulate one of the best students, the Rev Patrick Atuhaire, during a graduation ceremony at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara on Friday. PHOTO BY RAJAB MUKOMBOZI
What you need to know:
Appeal. Graduands urged to acquire skills for the job market.
About 6,000 students were awarded degrees and diplomas in different disciplines during graduation ceremonies at six universities in different parts of the country.
During the 26th graduation ceremony for Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Saturday, the minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni, urged institutions of higher learning to strengthen quality assurance systems so as to match regional and global standards.
She said the rising number of education institutions calls for strict adherence to quality in order to realise the importance of their existence.
Ms Museveni’s remarks were contained in a speech read by State Minister for Higher Education Chrysostom Muyingo.
She acknowledged that public higher institutions of learning do not get adequate funding but added that government remains committed to providing the resources, especially to those teaching science and technology.
Ms Museveni cautioned members of staff who want to sabotage the progress of MUST to stop. The institution was recently rocked by staff strikes. “It is sad to note that some members of staff want to sabotage the progress of this university. The use of intrigue, malice and sabotage and other reactionary methods of work here must stop immediately. They are organs of the university and government that can be used for constructive engagement in case of disagreements,” she said.
Prof Celestine Obua, the MUST vice chancellor, said the university cannot employ more staff or promote the existing ones due to lack of funds.
“Honourable minister, the matter of shortage of teaching staff should be tabled before Cabinet. We know her decisions can be made quicker. Lack of promotion (of staff) also does not reflect well the image of the university and the education sector,” Prof Obua said.
A total of 1,031 students were awarded degrees and diplomas.
A total of 1,604 students were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciplines at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara.The 15th graduation ceremony took place on Riverside Grounds on Friday and the Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda, Mr Henk Jan Bakker, was the guest of honour.
Mr Bakker said focus on practical skills training is a major solution to unemployment.
Meanwhile, 462 students were on Saturday awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates during Ibanda University’s third graduation ceremony. The vice chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Karooro, thanked parents for supporting the university by paying tuition for their children.
“Education is the main key to success because the students will be confident in whatever they will be doing in future,” Prof Karooro said.
At Nkumba University, 1,367 students were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciplines. Prof Wilson Muyinda Mande, the vice chancellor, urged the graduands to exhibit competence, confidence, creativity and character in all aspects of their lives.
During the 20th graduation ceremony at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, on Saturday, 1,156 students graduated in different disciplines. The vice chancellor, Dr John Senyonyi, urged graduands not to seek pages abroad.
In a related development, 868 students graduated with degrees diplomas and certificates at the fourth graduation ceremony of Kabale University on Friday. The vice chancellor, Prof Joy Kwesiga, said they need more land for expansion. The chancellor, Prof Mondo Kagonyera, appealed to the people of Kigezi to use the university to acquire knowledge for better living.
Reported by Rajab Mukombozi, Alfred Tumushabe, Elly Karenzi, Jessica Sabano
& Robert Muhereza
