Alupo roots for AI as 500 graduate at St. Lawrence University

Vice President Jessica Alupo has indicated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will facilitate education institutions to churn out competent graduates for the contemporary job market.

Alupo made the remarks on Thursday (February 20, 2025) while presiding over at the 15th graduation of St. Lawrance University where over 520 graduates were conferred with different qualifications at various education levels.

Alupo who is also the Chancellor of the University told the graduates that the education has prepared them to navigate complex issues including the ethical dilemmas presented by the future of Al. 

VP Jessica Alupo interacts with Alvin Ssentamu, one of the best student as his parents look on during the 15th graduation ceremony at St Lawrence University on 20th Feb 2025.

"You are the generation that will shape the future of Al, ensuring it serves humanity and promotes progress, not division. Use of Artificial Intelligence in education brings both opportunities and challenges. To remain relevant, the universities must constantly update their approaches, embrace new technologies and equip students with the flexible skills demanded by the future workforce," Alupo said.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director, Nyombi Thembo, indicated that the government is already implementing an elaborate agenda to achieve effective AI  integration in government programmes including education.

"At the Uganda Communication Commission, we have recognised the critical role AI plays in providing technological and social change and as the commission we are committed to providing and enhancing a continuous enabling environment that will enable AI to flourish," he said.

Graduands light candles after receiving degrees in various disciplines at St Lawrence University on 20th Feb 2025.

Speaking to the graduation theme: "Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Higher Education," he emphasised that to government, AI is now the option to go.

The University Vice Chancellor, Dr.Charles Masaba informed Alupo that AI-powered tools are enhancing the learning experience, offering personalised learning pathways, intelligent tutoring systems, and automated assessment tools. 

"This allows for more effective learning by providing diverse learning styles. We are updating our curricula to incorporate Al literacy, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an Al-driven world includes not only technical skills but also ethical considerations surrounding Al development and deployment," he said.

He added: "Al can improve students support services, providing personalised guidance, early intervention for at-risk students and efficient administrative processes. We are actively investing in Al research infrastructure and fostering collaborations to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation."