President Yoweri Museveni has urged institutions of higher learning to prioritise science and technology education to equip graduates with skills that respond to the changing labour market and address the challenge of unemployment.
The President made the call in a message delivered by the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during Gulu University’s 22nd graduation ceremony held at the university campus in Gulu City.
A total of 1,755 graduands received PhDs, master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, diplomas and certificates in various academic disciplines.
In his message, Museveni emphasised the need for universities to align their academic programmes with the demands of the modern economy, noting that the education system should produce graduates with practical skills that can be absorbed into the labour market.
He said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government had significantly expanded access to higher education since coming to power in 1986, when university education was largely accessible to a small section of the population.
Museveni urged graduates to use the knowledge and opportunities they had acquired responsibly, adding that the government had invested in infrastructure that should be utilised to create wealth and improve livelihoods.
He challenged the graduands to become productive citizens and use their education to contribute to national development rather than solely depend on formal employment.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, challenged institutions of higher learning to go beyond awarding academic qualifications and focus on transforming the lives, character and capabilities of students who pass through them.
Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, who represented the Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, urged the graduands to recognise the importance of their decisions in shaping their future, reminding them that their choices determine their destiny.
Prof. George Openjuru, the Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, who represented the University’s Chancellor, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, commended the government for its continued support towards the institution’s growth and development.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the posthumous award of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) to Dr. Cyprian Opira in recognition of his academic achievement.
The university also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters to Mrs. Stella Mistica Sabiti, wife of Jack Sabiti, in recognition of her contribution to peace and strategic studies.
The colourful graduation ceremony was punctuated by traditional Acholi cultural performances, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
