JINJA, Uganda : Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the church for being a crucial partner in national development, peace-building, and socio-economic transformation.
“I want to appreciate the work of faith based institutions in the country especially in key areas of health, education, wealth creation and building the moral integrity and discipline of the citizens,” Alupo said.
She made the remarks during the 3rd graduation ceremony of Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre in Jinja City, organized under the theme, “Rooted in Wisdom: Set for Transformation Service,” on May 23, 2026. A total of 56 student graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy of Arts, Philosophy in peace and security and Philosophy in social sciences.
I was briefed that Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre which was established in 1989 by Visionary Missionary Congregations, got affiliated with the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, and now mentored under Uganda Martyrs University.
Alupo said Uganda is blessed as one of the countries with the youngest population in the world emphasizing that it remains our responsibility as Government and Church Leaders to harness this youthful population into useful and resourceful citizens by imparting skills and competencies so as to ensure a disciplined and a productive population.
“This development is indeed in line with your institution’s mission of forming transformative leaders for the Church and society through academic excellence and formative encounters,” she said. As an educationist and a political leader, Alupo stressed that the future of our country depends on institutions that combine knowledge with values, competence with integrity, and innovation with compassion and humanity.
She highlighted that the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will continue to prioritize socio-economic transformation through Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plans.
“Central to these priorities are; good governance, peace and security, human capital development, and wealth creation. I am pleased to note that the strategic direction of the proposed Queen of Apostles University aligns significantly with these national priorities,” she said.
The vice president and woman MP for Katakwi district also commended the management and Board of Trustees of the PCJ, for the long-term strategic plan of transiting the Centre into a University. “This is timely and promising. I encourage you to continue strengthening governance systems, academic research, infrastructure, digital innovation, and partnerships, especially with the National Council for Higher Education and other stakeholders to ensure that your transition into a university maintains the highest standards of quality, relevance, and sustainability,” Alupo said.
To the graduands
She reminded the granduands that society expects them to become ambassadors of integrity, wisdom, and service. “The world does not only need brilliant minds; it needs trustworthy people. Uganda needs leaders who reject corruption, promote accountability, protect human dignity, and work for the common good. Whether you become priests, religious leaders, educators, social workers, researchers, public servants, entrepreneurs, or community leaders, remember that leadership is fundamentally about service to humanity,” she said.
She implored students to emulate their notable alumni Bishop Eibu, who has greatly inspired many hearts, and served the society with humility.
Alupo was personally joyed because among the graduands, there her ‘Son’ Raphael Alemu, from Ethiopia. She noted that Alemu came to PCJ to study, but for the last three years he has built more bridges between Uganda and Ethiopia. “You have motivated our young people to understand opportunities available between our two countries and the region as a whole. I want to greatly congratulate you upon this milestone, the vice president said.
In his homily, Main Celebrant, the Bishop of Kotido Diocese Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu urged the graduands who have spent 3-years of labourious academic work at PCJ, to give back to the community by using your acquired talent to put people to the service of Christ and the Church.
Rev. Prof. Maviiri John Chrysostom, the Chairman Governing Council of PCJ lauded the vice president for presiding over the graduation ceremony and urged students to carry with them a love for faith, commitment to justice, and a heart of for service.
“You are the generation that will witness and contribute to the transformation of PCJ into a university. Remain connected to your alma mater, support her growth, and mentor those who come after you,” Maviiri said.
