Build careers on integrity, Soroti bishop tells graduates

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The Bishop of the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, has urged newly qualified technicians to build their careers on integrity, honesty and faith, warning that poor workmanship undermines public trust and contributes to the growing number of substandard structures and infrastructure failures.

Odongo made the remarks on July 17, 2026, during the second graduation ceremony of Ogolai Vocational Training Institute in Amuria district, where 341 students, comprising 220 males and 121 females, graduated with national certificates in various technical disciplines for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years.

Bishop of the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, blessing the graduates of Ogolai Vocational Training Institute in Amuria district on Friday, July 17, 2026. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

Preaching under the theme, "The Master Builder Blueprint for a Purpose-Given Life," Bishop Odongo drew from Exodus 31:1-6, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 and Colossians 3:23-24, reminding graduates that God calls people to pursue excellence in their work.

He urged them to anchor their careers on integrity, honesty and faith.

The bishop said technical skills should be used to improve society rather than to contribute to its problems, citing the increasing number of collapsing buildings and poorly constructed roads and furniture across the country.

“Let your core values and your spiritual foundation guide your interactions with clients, as they ultimately become your employers and your work becomes your measure of success. It damages both you and your clients when trust is broken. When they lose faith in you, you're effectively taking money out of your own pocket and rendering your skills worthless,” he remarked.

He also encouraged the graduates to approach their work with commitment, reminding them that they ultimately serve Christ rather than human employers or clients. He said the graduates should take pride in using their skills to contribute to God's work of creation.

The bishop shared an experience involving a carpenter who disappeared after receiving shs5 million for previous work and promising to provide additional services free of charge, leaving the furniture undelivered.

“If a man can deceive even a bishop, imagine how easily others may falter,” he noted.

Summarising his message, Bishop Odongo urged the graduates to pursue excellence in their work, avoid exploiting clients through excessive charges, continue upgrading their skills, remain grounded in faith and use their technical knowledge to improve the safety and quality of life within their communities.

Bishop of the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti, Rt Rev. Kosea Odongo, taking a group photo with the overall best graduates of Ogolai Vocational Training Institute in Amuria district on Friday, July 17, 2026. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

He also commended President Yoweri Museveni's government for promoting technical and vocational education, noting that technicians play a vital role in every sector of society.

Dr Abel Mukakanya Muwumba, the principal officer for Research and Innovation at the Uganda Technical and Vocational Assessment Board (UVTAB), represented the executive secretary, Onesmus Oyesigye, as chief guest.

He encouraged the graduates to view the qualifications as the beginning of their professional journey and to pursue further education where possible.

"Congratulations to our graduates. This is not the end, but just the start. For those who can, aim for higher education—the sky’s the limit," he remarked.

The institute's chief trainer, Hellen Grace Akite, said some students were unable to attend the graduation after joining the security forces, while others sent apologies.

She announced that Joy Nelima, with a CGPA of 4.69 in NCRA, and Amos Otim, with a CGPA of 4.91 in NCPL, emerged as the overall best-performing graduates.

Director of studies Donas Okello Lukere encouraged parents to guide their children towards courses such as refrigeration, air conditioning, welding and fabrication, saying the programmes remain critical despite attracting relatively few students.

John Robert Adiama Ekaju, a member of the institute's first Board of Governors, appealed for authority to award diplomas and approval of additional school infrastructure. He also recognised more than five staff members with certificates of appreciation for their dedication.

Ogolai Vocational Training Institute, established by the Church of Uganda Diocese of Soroti in 2016, is a government-supported institution operating under the Technical Vocational Education and Training Operation and Management (TVETOM) programme.