Buruuli cultural leader warns graduates against corruption

_________________

The King of Buruuli Kingdom, Isabarongo Mwatyansozi Mwogezi Butamanya, has cautioned graduates against engaging in corruption tendencies, saying it is detrimental to societal development.

“I call upon you to desist from all forms of corruption and, instead, to join the growing ranks of those committed to combating it. As future leaders and professionals, you have a responsibility to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in all your endeavours,” Butamanya said.

The King of Buruuli Kingdom Isasabaruli Isabaarongo (left) poses for a group photo with the state minister of defence Grace Akifeza Ngabirano ( right), Chancellor Bishop James William Ssebagala (second left), Dr Justus Arinaitwe (third left), and Dr Gracious Ariyo (third right) during Avance International University's fifth graduation ceremony at the campus in Nabweru, Wakiso District, on Friday, September 25, 2026. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

The Buruuli King made remarks during the fifth graduation ceremony of Avance International University held under the theme “Competence -Based Education: A catalyst for Society Transformation in the 21^st Century.”

This was at the university campus in Nabweru, Wakiso District, on Friday, September 25.

A total of 164 graduates received degrees, diplomas and certificates, with females outnumbering their male counterparts, 109 and 55, respectively. This represents 65.8% and 34.2%, respectively.

The Buruuli King's message was also re-echoed by the chairperson and board of directors of Avance International University, Dr Gracious Ariyo, who described corruption as cancerous and detrimental.

Eric Ntume displays a dummy cheque of sh1 million awarded to him for being the best student at Avance International University. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Ariyo told the guests that corruption was a vice of high magnitude in the country despite the Government establishing agencies such as the State House Anti -Corruption Unit and Inspectorate of Government to combat it.

“Desist from all forms of corruption. Corruption is bad and cancerous not only to yourself but the nation at large. Greed and egocentrism are detrimental to the development of Uganda. Fighting corruption begins with you,” Ariyo stated.

During the function, Eric Musoke Ntume was awarded a cash prize of sh1m for being the best student scoring a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 4.67.

The Buruuli King also asked the Government and investors in higher institutions of learning, like the proprietors of Avance International University, to establish a university in Nakasongola district.

The graduates of Avance International University jubilating during the fifth graduation ceremony at the campus in Nabweru, Wakiso District, on Friday, September 25, 2026. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Butamanya argued that this will bring services closer to the Baruuli in accessing university education, especially as the district is being proposed to be the new capital city.

The state minister for urban development, Margaret Muhanga, recently presented to Parliament a proposal of a phased movement of the country’s administrative capital from Kampala to Nakasongola.

Available data indicates that there are 62 universities in the country, both private and public universities.

“I would like to humbly appeal to the management of the University to consider the establishment of a university campus within Buruuli. Such an initiative would bring the University’s services closer to the people of Buruuli, thereby enhancing access to higher education and promoting greater community engagement,” Butamanya said.

Butamanya commended the university for developing and promoting academic programmes that are responsive to the needs of society and aligned with the country’s development priorities.

“I commend the University for its emphasis on academic programmes that are society-driven and demand-driven, as well as those that are consistent with the Government’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Such initiatives are essential in equipping our young people with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to contribute meaningfully to national development and to respond effectively to the evolving demands of the modern economy,” he stated.

During the graduation ceremony, a partnership between Buruuli Kingdom and Avance International University was launched as well as a complementary and alternative medicine programme.

The King of Buruuli Kingdom, Isasabaruli Isabaarongo (second from the right) cutting a cake with the officials of Avance International University during the fifth graduation ceremony at the campus in Nabweru, Wakiso District, on Friday, September 25, 2026. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

The university chancellor, Rt. Rev. James William Ssebaggala, urged graduates to serve the country and contribute meaningfully to the development of communities.

He reminded them that the achievement of goals and fulfilment of one’s purpose requires commitment, perseverance, discipline and hard work.

“Whatever responsibility or opportunity comes your way, approach it with dedication and give it your best. Strive continually for excellence in all your endeavours and let your professional conduct be guided by your integrity and a strong sense of responsibility,” Ssebaggala said.

The university vice chancellor, Dr Joshua Kimata Kato, revealed that the university is in the process of acquiring a charter as the National Council of Higher Education has already given them a green light after visiting them, adding that an assessment of the university's fitness to acquire a charter is ongoing.