KABAROLE: President Yoweri Museveni 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 and lifelong learning to improve their job prospects.
“Graduands, there is no end to learning and this is the beginning of your road to enriching yourselves with Knowledge. Today’s achievement is the start of your education journey. Invest in lifelong learning to effectively contribute to your personal and professional growth as well as the development of our country,” Museveni said.
He made the remarks in a speech delivered by the Vice President Her Excellency Jessica Alupo during the 18th graduation ceremony of Mountain of the Moon University in Fort Portal City, Kabarole district, today February 20th, 2026.
A total of 520 students including 249 females and 271males graduated with degrees and diplomas in various academic disciplines like public administration and management, Arts in Economics, social works and social administration and science Accounting and development finance among others.
Museveni noted that institutions of higher learning are at the helm of the education system which generates requisite knowledge necessary for steering the country’s development.
He therefore commended the stakeholders and Mountains of the Moon governing body for being steadfast at ensuring skilling and innovation and ensuring that it is made a priority adding that this will cause the Ugandan education to be realistic with visible results that solve day to day problems while we continue earning from it.
“The two face effect of acquiring knowledge coupled with skills is a sure take towards fighting poverty and impoverishment among our people,” he said.
The president used the same platform to encourage the graduates to be innovators and creators of their own jobs and be in position to employ others because the current government jobs cannot dissolve all of them.
“Continue seeking knowledge because there is no end to learning. The knowledge you have acquired is a sharpener to your trainability in all productive ventures according to your God given talents and skills,” he said.
He emphasized that this is a dream come true for the NRM leadership because your focus on innovation and skilling will cause a dramatic turn-around of peoples’ livelihoods.
“It will also speed up many development dreams of this nation; more so managed by our own children who can identify and appreciate the challenges of their country,” he said.
Museveni commended the Chancellor, Prof. Edward Rugumayo and the entire governing and administrative Council for the good leadership that has contributed to the stability and growth of the University.
“I appreciate the commitment and team-work exhibited by the entire Council, Management and all staff leading to a conducive environment for teaching and learning free of strikes. Please maintain that spirit, guided by spiritual values to enable growth in strength,” he said.
The president said the move will also help nurture a generation free from corruption, one guided by integrity and purpose to drive this nation towards socio-economic transformation.
“We are continuously advocating for a generation of responsible citizens, free of immoral tendencies that may produce setbacks in our transformation journey towards self-reliance and self -sustainability as a nation.
He thanked the parents and guardians, for entrusting Mountains of the Moon University with your children and for supporting them by paying their tuition fees and other related expenses until completion.
“University Education is costly but you endeavored to pay all dues in support of your children’s education. Mountains of the Moon University has given them knowledge and the necessary hands-on skills that make them employable in the competitive labour markets and also creators of their own jobs to employ others. Please continue supporting them where necessary,” he urged.
Museveni encouraged graduates to make use of the available resources, opportunities and skills to be innovative, create jobs and be able to employ others; which will enable them to actively participate in the money economy.
He reiterated the Government commitment to continually support higher education since it creates the necessary human resources to take the country forward.
He called upon the Ugandan youth to be committed to hard work as opposed to listening to diversionary criticism and ideologies from bad elements against the peace and advancement of this nation.
Museveni appealed to youth not to lead promiscuous lifestyles because HIV/AIDS still exists yet the nation needs them energetic and healthy. “Be responsible and have the zeal to better yourselves for the good of us all,” Museveni said.
While representing Mrs. Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State minister for Primary Education warned the graduates that the world they are entering demands more than academic excellence.
“It requires adaptability, emotional intelligence, civic responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. As graduating cohort of 2026, I request you to note that the knowledge and skills you have acquired at MMU, must now be applied to solve the real-world challenges, whether in business, public service, education, health, science, or entrepreneurship,” Kaducu said.
University Chancellor Prof. Edward Rugumayo noted that as a country pursues its development agenda, including Vision 2040 and the national development plans, MMU has a critical responsibility to prepare a workforce that is competent, adaptable, and globally competitive.
“We are being guided to emphasize education and skills as key drivers of economic progress. In this context, we are expected to move beyond traditional, knowledge based training models toward competency based, industry-responsive, and innovative-driven education,” he said….END
