LIRA: Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda to prioritise skills development and the teaching of science and technology, emphasizing that graduates from all disciplines should acquire practical skills to improve their job prospects.
“I appeal to universities to equip students with skills that are needed by the private sector. As Government attracts more investments, the demand for a skilled and productive workforce will also increase. Therefore, students must be responsive to the rapidly changing global economy, which is mainly driven by science and technology,” Alupo said.
She made the remarks while representing President Yoweri Museveni during the 7th graduation ceremony of Lira University in Lira District, Northern Uganda. The ceremony was held under the theme “The Beacon @10: A Journey of Impact.”
A total of 454 students, including 256 males and 198 females, graduated with transcripts and certificates from the Faculties of Education, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Management Sciences, and Computing and Information Sciences.
Alupo stressed that the NRM Government remains committed to promoting science and technology as key drivers of national development and economic sustainability.
She said the National Resistance Movement’s education policy has never changed, emphasizing that the Government is fully committed to ensuring one primary school per parish, one secondary school per sub-county, and one technical school per district.
Currently, 90% of all parishes have a primary school, 80% of which are government-aided. Additionally, 90% of sub-counties have a secondary school, 67% of which are government-aided. All major regions of the country now have a public university.
Alupo commended Lira University for teaching relevant academic programmes and equipping students with skills that enhance their competitiveness in the job market. She added that this is the only way the Government and parents can get value from the enormous investment in children’s education.
She explained that the problem of unemployment among young graduates can be greatly reduced if institutions of higher learning teach courses that meet the needs of the private sector.
The Vice President noted that the public sector has only 469,216 jobs, which is minimal compared to Uganda’s population of 46 million. Therefore, she emphasized, the majority of graduates must seek employment in the private sector.
She further explained that unlike past regimes which suffocated the private sector and undermined its capacity to create jobs, the NRM Government has created a favourable environment for both local and foreign investment.
“Now that we have enough electricity, good roads and peace, Government is prioritizing industrialization to reduce the hemorrhage caused by the excessive importation of items that can competitively be produced in Uganda. When we import these items, we donate both money and jobs to foreigners, leaving our own children unemployed. More industries in Uganda mean more jobs for the population and more taxes for Government to implement development projects,” Alupo said.
She noted that Lira is headed in the right direction and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting projects that demonstrate potential and steady progress, as these play a major role in the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
The Vice President congratulated the graduands and cautioned them about the precarious times the world is facing, often marked by devastation fueled by discriminatory ideologies.
“I do not mention these challenges to dampen your spirits on this joyous day. In fact, my intention is the opposite. Your education has primed you for this moment. You are prepared to push against these tides and heal societal fractures,” she said.
She urged the graduates to deeply analyze and evaluate the trajectory of their society and devise strategies to change that trajectory through their disciplinary expertise.
“You have refined your reasoning capabilities and sharpened your intellect. You have sought out diverse opinions and now understand the world from multiple perspectives. I congratulate you all for the dedication and strong will you have displayed over the years in the pursuit of learning and academic excellence,” she said.
Alupo also urged graduands to refrain from reckless and dangerous lifestyles such as drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, and extravagant spending.
“The Government and your parents have made endless sacrifices to educate you. I am optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce that will spur Uganda’s industrialization and technological advancement,” she concluded.
Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki, the Chancellor of Lira University, lauded President Museveni for the infrastructural development at the 10-year-old institution and emphasized that as a public university, Lira University is committed to providing access to quality higher education, professional training, research, and innovations aimed at transforming communities.
He noted that reports indicate Lira University graduates are offering effective and efficient service delivery in their workplaces.
The Minister for Higher Education, Dr. JC Muyingo, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Geoffrey Onyango, the officer in charge of scholarships at the ministry, commended the management and staff for their effectiveness in implementing planned activities and ensuring the university’s steady growth despite challenges.
He noted that the ministry appreciates the management’s efforts to set things right and ensure the smooth execution of planned programmes.
Unlike many other universities, Lira University issues academic documents—transcripts and certificates—on graduation day, enabling graduands to immediately pursue job opportunities.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jasper Ogwal-Okeng appreciated President Museveni for the infrastructural development achieved at the university and asked for support in constructing students’ halls of residence and staff houses. He also requested Government assistance in tarmacking the university’s 26 km road network.
He thanked parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students for making the university’s 7th graduation ceremony a success. “I congratulate you all for the dedication and strong will you have displayed over the years in the pursuit of learning,” Prof. Ogwal said.
