MUNYONYO, KAMPALA (UGNEWSLINE) – Tim Abels, an IT expert, has urged students at higher institutions of learning to identify their strengths, embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and build careers around their abilities to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
Abels made the remarks on Monday, October 19, 2026, while delivered the keynote speech at Victoria University’s 10th graduation ceremony held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, where more than 2,500 students graduated in different academic skills.
He challenged the graduands to understand their abilities, use their talents to create opportunities and turn their knowledge into businesses that can contribute to economic development.
Abels emphasised the importance of adopting emerging technologies, warning that businesses and startups that fail to embrace AI risk falling behind their competitors.
He said mastering such tools would enable young entrepreneurs to compete more effectively, develop innovative solutions and establish successful enterprises.
Abels also revealed plans for Victoria University to establish an incubator to support students and alumni interested in starting businesses.
The proposed initiative will provide training, AI tools, electronic books, robotics, sensors and other digital resources to help graduates develop business ideas, build websites and secure contracts.
He asked the graduands that their relationship with the university should not end after completing their studies, but should continue through opportunities that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.
“The umbilical cord is still tied to Victoria University,” he said.
The keynote speaker also encouraged graduands to invest in quality working tools, particularly computers, saying reliable technology is essential for success in the digital economy.
He advised them to develop additional sources of income through side businesses while keeping their living expenses low to afford the equipment and resources needed to advance their careers.
Drawing from his personal experience, Abels urged graduates to prioritise long-term financial stability over expensive lifestyles by developing a culture of saving, clearing their debts and avoiding unnecessary borrowing.
He warned that excessive debt could limit their freedom to make important life decisions.
On time management, Abels challenged the them to exercise discipline by distinguishing between important priorities and activities that offer little value.
He encouraged them to learn to say no to less important commitments, protect time for their major goals and maintain financial reserves to prepare for unexpected challenges.
Abels also highlighted Africa’s potential in creativity, technology and artificial intelligence, arguing that the continent has valuable resources, a large population and growing digital opportunities.
However, he cautioned that African innovators must take deliberate steps to protect the value they create from exploitation.
He urged young entrepreneurs to understand intellectual property rights, secure patents where applicable, use encryption and develop strong contracts to protect their innovations and business ideas.
He further advised graduates to involve critical thinkers in business planning meetings to challenge assumptions, identify weaknesses and assess whether proposed products or services could be improved or made more affordable.
He said innovation must go hand in hand with security, adding that entrepreneurs should protect their businesses against risks as they develop new products and services.
Victoria University Chancellor Prof. John Lawrence Opuda-Asibo also urged graduates to prioritise practical skills, continuous learning and the adoption of artificial intelligence as technology continues to transform workplaces.
He encouraged them to upgrade their skills, embrace technological innovation and develop solutions to Uganda’s development challenges.
Opuda-Asibo congratulated the graduates on dedicating their time and energy to their studies, urging them to aim higher through hard work, discipline, teamwork, responsibility and integrity as they enter the world of work.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga challenged the graduates to recognise the growing importance of digital competence, practical skills and adaptability in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Muganga revealed that 89 per cent of the graduands are already employed, while more than 40 per cent were pursuing science-related courses.
He attributed the figures to the university’s flexible learning model, which enables students to pursue their studies while maintaining their professional commitments.
Muganga said the university has equipped graduands with digital skills and trained them to use emerging technologies, urging them to remain adaptable as innovation continues to reshape the workplace.
University Council Chairman Dr Joseph N. Biribonwa congratulated parents, guardians and other stakeholders for supporting the institution by entrusting it with young people seeking education and professional skills.
He said the university would continue strengthening its learning environment and improving facilities to equip students with skills relevant to the changing demands of the job market.
Biribonwa urged graduands to remain relevant by embracing new technologies and innovations that are transforming the future of work.
Meanwhile, some parents commended Dr Sudhir Ruparelia for his vision in establishing the university.
