By Mulengera Reporters
Education is the great equalizer, and knowledge is a tool that must be used to solve society’s biggest challenges. This was the powerful message from Justice Bart M. Katureebe, the Chancellor of Uganda Management Institute (UMI), as he presided over the institution’s 22nd graduation ceremony at its main campus in Kampala on Friday.
Addressing an audience that included Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, government officials, academicians, and thousands of excited graduands, Katureebe underscored the vital role of research, innovation, and alternative justice systems in shaping a progressive society.
He challenged Uganda’s policymakers and institutions to invest more in research to tackle governance issues and advance national development.
“As Africans, we cannot afford to be absent in the global pursuit of scientific advancements,” Katureebe emphasized. “If Uganda wants to move forward, we must embrace research and use it as a vehicle for progress. Our country needs evidence-based policies that address real problems.”
Katureebe also advocated for the adoption of alternative justice systems as a means of conflict resolution, calling for the formal recognition of mediation, arbitration, and traditional justice practices. He stressed that these approaches would enhance peaceful coexistence and reduce the burden on the conventional court system.
“In government, workplaces, and communities, disagreements are inevitable,” he stated. “What matters is how we resolve them. A culture of dialogue and consensus-building is key to stability and progress. UMI must continue playing a central role in finding solutions to public conflicts and societal pressures.”
His sentiments were echoed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who, while addressing the graduates, praised the institution for producing highly skilled professionals. Tayebwa, making his second appearance at UMI in an official capacity, shared his personal experience with the institution.
“The last time I was here; I had just been appointed Government Chief Whip. Now, I return as Deputy Speaker of Parliament. It’s like each time I step onto this campus, good things happen to me. That is the power of education,” Tayebwa said.
He congratulated the 3,294 graduates and commended UMI for its contributions to governance, public administration, and policy formulation. The graduates included 2,411 diploma holders, 867 post-diploma awardees, and six PhD and master’s degree recipients.
Among them was former Minister of State for Primary Education and current NRM Mobilization Chief, Dr. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, who received a PhD in Management and Public Administration.
Tayebwa congratulated Sseninde on this milestone, describing her as an inspiration to many. He urged all graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and hard work, emphasizing that these qualities are crucial for achieving great success.
“You are destined for greatness, but success comes with a cost,” Tayebwa noted. “That cost is hard work and determination. Embrace these, and the sky is the limit.”
Meanwhile, State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, represented by an official from the ministry of education, Mr Mukwatampola, conveyed a message of congratulations from the First Lady and Minister of Education, Janet Museveni, acknowledging UMI’s contribution to national development.
“The Ministry of Education appreciates what UMI is doing in training competent managers,” Muyingo said. “Your late-night study sessions and early-morning assignments have finally paid off. You are now equipped with the tools to transform Uganda and the world.”
The event highlighted UMI’s growing reputation as a premier institution for governance, management, and leadership training in Uganda.
Since the last graduation, UMI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education to enhance teaching and learning. Plans are also underway for another MoU with Makerere University’s Institute of Labour and Social Development under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. Notably, UMI has reinstated its PhD in Business Administration program, expanding opportunities for postgraduate education.
However, despite these strides, UMI still faces challenges, particularly in staffing shortages. The institution needs UGX 1.7 billion to recruit additional academic staff and address these gaps.
As the 3,294 graduates embark on their respective journeys, the key message from UMI’s 22nd graduation ceremony was clear, that education, research, and continuous self-improvement are the pillars of personal and national development.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa reinforced this notion, assuring the graduates that the government and Parliament remain committed to supporting UMI in every way possible. He further encouraged graduates to be professionals who bring positive change, reminding them that success requires resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.
Justice Katureebe’s final words resonated deeply with the graduates and their families. “The true impact of education lies in its ability to transform lives and entire societies. You are not just graduates today, you are the future of this country.”(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
