Nkumba University celebrated its 25th graduation ceremony on Thursday, October 26, 2023, conferring degrees, diplomas, and certificates upon over 1,000 students. During the event held at the university’s main campus along the Entebbe-Kampala Road, Chancellor Mr. Emmanuel Katongole honored Dr. Gen Edward Katumba Wamala with a Doctor of Letters degree.
The graduates included 53 percent females and 47 percent males, with a total of 1,857 students receiving academic distinctions across various disciplines. These distinctions comprised 15 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 236 master’s degrees, 185 postgraduate qualifications, 997 bachelor’s degrees, 247 diplomas, and 177 certificates.
Addressing the graduates, the Vice Chancellor of Nkumba University, Prof. Jude Lubega, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and staying updated with technological advancements. He highlighted the significance of adapting to an Artificial Intelligence-led work environment in the 21st century, urging graduates to continuously enhance their skills.
Prof. Lubega also called for private learning institutions to have access to government funds, as this could enable them to engage in cutting-edge research. He stated that this untapped potential could significantly benefit the education sector.
Chancellor Mr. Katongole echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that private universities should receive equal priority as public universities in terms of access to essential resources and services. He called for a level playing field, where both types of institutions contribute to the development of the nation and region.
Furthermore, Mr. Katongole proposed the establishment of a research fund to support students pursuing Doctorate studies, particularly in addressing the country’s research needs.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who received a Masters of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation during the ceremony, encouraged her fellow graduates to seize the opportunities that their academic achievements presented. She emphasized that receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates marked only the beginning of their journeys, and it was now their time to position themselves for success.
Ms. Nabbanja assured the graduates that the government would continue supporting private institutions to provide high-quality education, with the aim of facilitating job creation and wealth generation.
