KYAMBOGO: Uganda’s Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has advocated for more emphasis on science, Research and Innovation in order to achieve the much desired socio-economic transformation.
Addressing huge crowds at the 21st graduation ceremony of Kyambogo University, Alupo encouraged universities to take the path of science, research and innovation.
‘’Science, research and innovation should be emphasized as the cornerstone of our development and survival as a nation. I, therefore, encourage you to continue on that path of research and innovation in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and innovation and other international partners,’’ Alupo said she delivered President Yoweri Museveni’s speech in Kampala.
She further said that, ‘’As Government, we are committed to continually support higher education since it creates the necessary human resources to take the country forward. We shall continue supporting research and innovations and building appropriate physical and ICT infrastructure to enable our young people remain interconnected and create jobs for themselves’’.
She underscored the vision of the NRM party to create wealth and jobs through four key sub-sectors, namely; Commercial agriculture, Industrialization, Services and ICT and invited the young people, to take advantage of Government programs in these sub-sectors to get rid of poverty from amongst themselves.
Alupo said the greatest asset available in developing the nation is the “people” while depending on the education system. ‘’The institutions of higher learning are at the helm of the education system which generates requisite knowledge necessary for steering the country’s development.’’ The vice president said.
Alupo was pleased to note that Kyambogo university has developed Science, Technology, Engineering and Education (including special needs and inclusive education) programmes in line with the Government strategy of providing the human capital to transform the country.
She commended the University for remaining responsible for pre-primary, primary, secondary and technical teacher training where about 45,000 students in affiliated colleges are being trained.
‘I thank Kyambogo University for providing an environment that accommodates this large number of students and the Ministry of Education and Sports for continuously guiding the administration on effective and efficient delivery of our mandate,’’ she said.
She assured the university administration that following the establishment and operationalisation of Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), Kyambogo University will mainly offer mentorship and nurture UNITE staff to ensure efficiency and effective service delivery.
She called upon staff to stay committed to their duty and thoroughly understand the needs of the nation if Kyambogo University is to deliver on its mandate and effectively implement and deliver its programmes. ‘’There must be dedicated and qualified staff with existing adequate physical academic and research/innovation facilities,’’ she said.
The vice president added that Government of Uganda, through the support from African Development Bank (AfDB), Higher Education, Science and Technology (HEST) Project, has provided infrastructure, science laboratories, state of the art equipment to Kyambogo University to take lead in research and innovations that support industrialization.
‘’These facilities should be utilized to enhance the national capacity for scientific research, innovation, value addition and manufacturing while giving skills to the young people to enable them curve out a sustainable livelihood applying the knowledge gained from the University,’’ she said.
Alupo was however happy to note that Kyambogo University, in collaboration with the National Council of Sports (NCS) constructed a state-of-the-art football facility which is meant to support preparation for AFCON, which Uganda will host jointly with Kenya and Tanzania in 2027.
‘’The football facility is a good development that will continue to benefit the University to enhance students’ sports and games as well as the general wellbeing and health of all staff,’’ she said.
She called the university to use the facility to vitalize physical/mental health and minimize risks of chronical diseases among staff and students through different physical exercises.
She congratulated the graduands upon attaining this achievement saying, ‘’this is just the beginning of your career, you should step out, utilize the acquired knowledge and skills to further re-invent yourselves to remain relevant by contributing to the development of your community,’’ she said.
The Woman MP for Katakwi district also encouraged graduands to make use of the available 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.
‘’Remain patriotic, disciplined, have a positive attitude and avoid the temptation of getting rich quickly through corrupt means,’’ she said.
She thanked the parents and guardians, for entrusting Kyambogo University with their children and for supporting them by paying their tuition fees and other related expenses.
‘’University Education is costly but you endeavored to pay all dues in support of your children’s education. Kyambogo 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,’’ Alupo said.
She commended the Chancellor Prof. John Yakobo Okedi, the Chairperson of Council, Assoc. Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangeni and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya for their leadership in Higher Education. Your dedication and leadership have contributed to the stability of the University.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure that peace prevails across the whole country to allow citizens to go out and do their businesses and activities without fear.
University Chancellor Prof. John Yakobo Okedi appreciated the commitment and teamwork exhibited by the entire Council, Management and all staff leading to a conducive environment for teaching and learning free of strikes. ‘’You should maintain the spirit of teamwork to grow in strength,’’ he said.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Elli Katunguka congratulated the learners upon their academic achievement and urged them to invest in lifelong learning. ‘’Today’s achievement is the beginning of your education journey. Therefore, invest in lifelong learning to effectively contribute to your personal and professional growth as well as the development of our country,’’ he said.
He commended government for the financial support to the University, which has helped to the administration to address issues of staffing and infrastructure development…End
