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KAMPALA - Fresh graduates have been urged to use the skills gained during their studies to employ themselves and create jobs. 

The Kampala University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga made the call Thursday (April 25, 2024) during the institution’s 21st graduation ceremony at Ggaba in Kampala.

During the ceremony, which also marked the university's 25th anniversary, 3036 students were awarded certificates, postgraduate and undergraduate diplomas, bachelors and master’s degrees in various programmes of their academic pursuit. 

Presided over by Prof. Dr. Manfred Dietrich, the Honorary Consul of Uganda in Hamburg, Germany, the graduation ceremony also marked Kampala University's 25th anniversary, where Kateregga stressed students' need to innovate and embrace every job that comes their way.

The Kampala University Vice Chancellor, Pro. Badru Dungu Kateregga, remarks during the institution’s 21st graduation ceremony at Ggaba in Kampala on April 25, 2024. (All Photos by Ronnie Kijjambu)

“As you may be aware, jobs are scarce worldwide, we therefore need to create them by ourselves. Having a degree from a certain discipline is not enough; you need to enhance it with a vocational skill that can make you earn an extra income for you to live a better life,” Kateregga told the jovial students.

He explained that vocational/technical studies should always be added to traditional academic studies and career objectives. 

“Combining vocational studies with traditional academic studies can provide a well-rounded education that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This approach may be beneficial for individuals who seek a broader skillset or want to explore several career paths,” he alluded.

The professor promised to be on top of the vocational studies they had in their system “to add on multiple areas for the benefit of beloved students so that someone gets a degree or a Diploma accompanied by a vocational skill as an extra competence.”

Over 3000 students were awarded certificates, postgraduate and undergraduate diplomas, bachelors and master’s degrees in various programmes of their academic pursuit. 

For the promotion of research and educational programs, Kateregga said the University has signed MoUs with several institutions in Germany, USA, Turkey, and Iran for collaboration in areas of research, science & technology, staff development, students and cultural exchange.

Honorary Doctorate award

During the graduation ceremony, the chief graduand, Prof. Dr. Manfred was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Science and Public Health in recognition of his support and outstanding achievement in the mitigation of HIV/AIDs and Malaria in Africa, his advocacy for medical and vocational training, and promoting bilateral relations between Uganda and Hamburg (Germany). 

Kampala University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera confers an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Science and Public Health to Prof. Dr. Manfred Dietrich, the Honorary Consul of Uganda in Hamburg, Germany.

Manfred, also the Presidential Advisor on HIV/AIDs and Tropical Diseases in Uganda, commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for creating peace and liberalizing the education sector, which has allowed private entrepreneurs like Prof. Kateregga to also invest in the sector for the benefit of all Ugandans.

“I am privy to the fact that Kampala University has already come on board to adopt the German Dual Vocational Training program under the auspices of TVET Hamburg (Germany) and the Uganda Consulate in Hamburg, which I personally head as the Honorary Consul,” said Manfred.

Invest in universities

The university Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera called upon the government to collaborate and invest in higher institutions of learning, saying universities are crucial in providing evidence-based research, expert analysis, global partnerships, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment.

Kagonyera added that knowledge sharing; capacity building, policy advice and consultation, and innovative solutions that universities offer address complex challenges and improve public policies and programs.

The university Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera called upon the government to collaborate and invest in higher institutions of learning, saying universities are crucial in providing evidence-based research, expert analysis, global partnerships, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment.

“By working closely with universities, governments can harness the expertise, modernism, and resources necessary for development and improve the well-being of societies worldwide.

Therefore, we request Government to work closely with universities and support them since they heavily contribute to the National Development goals and transformation of society,” requested Kagonyera.

Nursing school

Prior, the university also held its 5th graduation for the School of Nursing & Health Sciences where 561 students graduated with certificates and diplomas in nursing and midwifery. 

"Out of these, ten students passed with distinctions. The total number of male graduands is 67 (11.94%), while the total number of female graduands is 494 (88.05%). All these graduates are ready for deployment in the local and international healthcare system," remarked Kateregga.