President Yoweri Museveni has urged universities to enhance their research efforts and create academic programs that cater to the country’s needs.
“I challenge Universities to do more in research, innovations and develop academic programs that address the needs of our Country. We cannot sit back and wait for other people to come and develop Uganda,” he said.
“Our primary responsibility is to defend, protect and promote this Country for ourselves and future generations,” he added.
The president’s message was conveyed in a speech delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo at the 9th graduation ceremony of the University of Kisubi, in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso district.
A total of 300 students received Degrees and Diplomas across a range of academic fields, including bio-medical laboratory, Human and Religious Studies, Business Administration, Computer Science, Political Science, and Public Administration, among others.
During the ceremony, Baingana Tinka, who got a 4.50 CGPA in the Master of Arts in Education, and Stella Nakayiza, ( 4.70 CGPA) in the Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology, were recognised for their excellent performance.
President Museveni emphasized to the graduates their fortunate timing, as they are entering the workforce amidst significant national developments attributed to the strong leadership of the NRM.
He highlighted the recent inauguration of the 600-megawatt Karuma Dam and encouraged the younger generation to harness it to generate employment opportunities and elevate the nation to a middle-income status
“Power is a vast resource: It is the driving force of nearly all human activities, from the vehicles we drive to the homes, hospitals, schools, security forces and workplaces and the machinery we use. That is why by examining the power a country produces, you can tell whether it is developed,” Museveni explained.
The president stated that when the NRM Government assumed control of the nation, the power generation was below 80 megawatts. Currently, it has surpassed 2000 megawatts and continues to increase.
“This power must be used, and you, the young generation, must use this energy to create
jobs and push our Country to the top middle class and beyond. Coffee earnings are at the highest level in our history; we are about to start exploiting our oil, and Ugandans live longer than ever,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that all ‘these advancements’ are a direct result of the Government’s well-defined priorities.
“We started by ensuring peace throughout the Country and are now handling other sectors. The developments happening in our Country are not an accident; they are happening because we have been intentional,” the president said.
He advised the graduates that to reap the rewards of the various advancements, they need to prioritize their well-being by steering clear of reckless behavior, substance abuse, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
He emphasized the importance of avoiding conflicts and negative political influences, focusing on adding value in their endeavors, driving safely on the roads, and resisting corruption.
Additionally, Museveni expressed his admiration for the ongoing research and innovations at the University of Kisubi, noting that they resonate with the NRM manifesto and Vision 2040, which seeks to elevate Uganda from a peasant society to a thriving nation.
“The role you have played over the years, especially in education, health, social services, preaching and promoting peaceful coexistence, is commendable and deserves appreciation. I assure you of the Government continued support. Besides the Church and the Brothers, I congratulate the University on several achievements it has registered since 2010, when I officiated at the graduation ceremony at this campus,” he said.
He noted that the establishment of Kisubi University reflects my Government’s commitment to uniting all Ugandans in the pursuit of national development.
The President noted that the essence of the NRM lies in collaborating with private individuals, organizations, and institutions to deliver services and empower our citizens.
“We can do more together because each has a role to play, and the synergy generated from the team is much more than what an individual or group can achieve,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Church and the Brothers of Christian Instruction for their collaboration and support in helping his Government advance the development of Uganda.
“At that time, the University was a small college, but with clear-headed leadership, it had already set out to focus on science education, which was in line with my Government priorities. That is why I am proud to be associated with the work going on at this University,” he noted.
He committed to ongoing government support via the appropriate ministries and departments, particularly the Ministry of Science and Technology, to facilitate the conversion of the different innovations into market-ready products.
This initiative aims to create additional employment opportunities, increase tax revenue, and drive the transformation of our nation.
To the graduates, the president encouraged them to steer clear of naysayers and those who indulge in constant criticism.
He emphasized that such individuals overlook the opportunities available to them, as they tend to concentrate on the negatives, perceiving the glass as half empty.
Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, encouraged the university administration to maintain its strong collaboration with the government and other private universities. He also emphasized the importance of the university’s support for government initiatives and educational policies.
“Design academic courses which are inline with the needs of our country as listed in the NRM manifesto,” he said.
Br. Casio Aizire, the Chancellor of Kisubi University, remarked on the significant advancements achieved, highlighting the successful execution of the Science Teacher Scholarship Program, which resulted in the graduation of 34 science teachers, all of whom are now gainfully employed.
He expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the scholarships and for his continued support of the University.
The University has also expanded its scientific curriculum by incorporating Biomedical Sciences and is now preparing to introduce programs in nursing and midwifery.
