Education commissioner emphasizes importance of higher education

Parents have been urged to make every effort to take their children to schools, because no nation can ever develop satisfactorily without education.

The Commissioner Private Schools and Institutions in the Ministry of Education Science, Technology and Sports, Robinson Nsumba-Lyazi made the emphasis over the weekend.

Lyazi was speaking at a graduation ceremony held by the Uganda YMCA in honour of Dr Herbert Mukasa in Kampala to congratulate him upon attaining a degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce (Business Management).

Dr Mukasa, who is the Principal of the Uganda YMCA Comprehensive Institute, attained his doctorate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Port Elizabeth - South Africa last April.

A year ago, Lyazi commissioned the Uganda YMCA Comprehensive Institute into an interim University status.

The education boss said that now that Mukasa had joined his boss, Dr Robert Joseph Jjumba, the Uganda YMCA National Director in that category, the institute was on a firm and right course to also attain a fully-fledged University status. Dr Jjumba also attained his doctorate in education from the same University.

 Dr Herbert Mukasa cutting a cake with his family. Photo by Wilfred Sanya

Lyazi hailed Dr Mukasa for his endurance and determination. He also thanked Dr Jjumba for his assistance and encouragement he gave to Dr Mukasa, without which his success would not have been easy.

"If Uganda got many more PhD holders in all its sectors, it would definitely develop and prosper into a great nation to reckon with," Lyazi asserted.

Dr Jjumba said their deliberate policy is to build a resounding human resource capacity with the aim of preparing for a fully-fledged university status, which they expect to attain in the very near future.

Dr Charles Kanyesigye, the Principal of Nsamizi Training Institute of Social Development, the chief guest, described Dr Mukasa as an industrious academician. He, however, warned him that what he had attained was such a demanding that would require him to work more relentlessly than ever before. 

Dr James Nkata, the Principal of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) urged Dr Mukasa to be a PhD material at all times in all respects and everywhere he would be. If need be, he should walk like a PhD holder.

 The Principal of YMCA Institute Dr. Herbert Mukasa   cutting a cake during the graduation reception.  In the picture L-R the Principal of Nsamizi Training institute Charles Kanyesigye, Chairman Board of Trustees YMCA Anthony Mukasa, Executive Director YMCA. Joseph Jemba, Board Chairman James Nkata, Dr. Anthony Mukasa and Dr. Mugimu Byarusago.

"The Uganda YMCA and nation at large expect excellent services from you. The status you have acquired requires you to change your way of living. You should never act like a witch doctor, who does his or her things by trial and error," Dr Nkata urged Dr Mukasa.

Dr Mukasa pledged to work overtime to assist Dr Jjumba in transforming YMCA and the Comprehensive Institute in attaining a fully-fledged University status. He thanked Dr Jjumba for making him what he is.    

Who is Dr Herbert Mukasa?

Dr Herbert Mukasa was born on April 9, 1970 by Hajati Mukasa Fetha to the former renowned Primary School head teacher of Kitagobwa, Nsambya and Narambhai in Jinja, the late Willy Mukasa at Bubezi village near Mpigi Municipality in Mpigi District. 

Married with three children Martha Nakkazi, Benitah Namubiru and Chleen Nankya, Dr Mukasa obtained his early education at St Savio (Kisubi) 1982 before joining St Henry's College, (Kitovu) 1983-86 for ‘O' Level, St Joseph SSS Kakindu for ‘A' 1987-1989.

He obtained a diploma in business education from Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (ITEK) Nkozi Campus (1990-1992); Bachelor of Education degree (business education) 1996-2000; Post Graduate Diploma (human resource management) 2005-2006; Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Makerere University (2006-2008); Masters in Management Studies (MMS) Human resource Management from Uganda Management Institute (UNI) 2008-2009).

Lately, Dr Mukasa obtained a PhD in Commerce (Business Management) 2012 - 2015 from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University - Port Elizabeth -SA. He wrote his thesis on ‘perceptions of the rules of business behaviour in the competitive banking environment in Uganda'.  

Dr Mukasa also holds several other certificates from short courses he has undertaken in transformation leadership and capacity building, modern changes in an organization for perfection, public speaking, leadership and team building course, computer literacy for effective performance and in building a competent team for a better performance.

He has also held different positions including teaching, co-ordination of the business education department, in charge of YMCA commercial department, overall administrator and Principal YMCA Comprehensive Institute.

His hobbies are listening to music and news plus sports activities.