Equip students with critical thinking, AI skills, VP Alupo tell tertiary institutions

Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged institution of higher education across Uganda to utilise technology innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) in educating students.

Alupo says in a rapidly changing world driven by AI and digital technologies, education must equip graduates with critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills to address community and national challenges.

She made the call on March 5, 2026, while presiding over St Lawrence University's 16th graduation ceremony as the chancellor at the main campus in Kampala city's Rubaga division.

During the function, over 465 students graduated in various faculties, including education, arts and social sciences, science and technology, and business administration and management studies.

According to Alupo, competency-based education, supported by AI, enables learners to acquire practical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets and adaptive capabilities essential for job creation and sustainable development.

The ceremony's theme was Integrating Artificial Intelligence in the Competency-Based Curriculum.

“We are living in an era defined by rapid technological advancement. AI is no Longer a concept of the future. It is already reshaping how we learn, work, communicate, and solve problems,” she said.

Alupo added that through ICT and AI, graduates can transform agriculture, improve service delivery, modernise businesses and solve pressing community problems.

“This is the kind of graduate St Lawrence University seeks to produce,” she said.
Alupo stressed that St Lawrence University is committed to collaborative partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, industry and community organisations to co-design and co-deliver competency-based, community-engaged programmes, ensuring learning remains relevant and impactful.

She urged students that AI, digital tools, and innovation platforms would open many doors, but also balance technology with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
“Be bold, creative, solution-driven, and never stop learning,” she said.

“The future demands graduates who can think critically, create solutions, and address real community challenges, not merely memorise content,” Alupo said.

“We are committed to producing graduates who solve problems practically, create employment, and use knowledge to transform their communities.”

During the function, over 465 students graduated in various faculties, including education, arts and social sciences, science and technology, and business administration and management studies. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

Responsible AI usage

University vice-chancellor Dr Charles Masaaba said AI is "not just a technological advancement; it is a paradigm shift" and urged graduates to use AI responsibly to drive efficiency and innovation.

Masaaba added that the university has partnered with the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) to enhance internet connectivity, ensuring St Lawrence remains at the forefront of AI-driven education.

University council chairperson Mike Ssebalu urged graduands to match competence with integrity, knowledge with character, and innovation with responsibility. He further noted that the council is committed to promoting ethical, inclusive, and sustainable community enjoyment practices.

Geo-information and space scientist Dr Deo Apollo Musiisi accentuated the importance of AI and space technology for Uganda's future.

He urged universities to incorporate AI, drone technology, and space science into their curricula to prepare graduates for the rapidly evolving global economy. 

Musiisi highlighted the potential of drone technology in transforming sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. For instance, drones can deliver medical supplies to hospitals within minutes and map entire cities like Kampala in just an hour.

He also stressed the need for Uganda and other African countries to invest in space science and satellite navigation systems, as Africa is currently underrepresented in global positioning systems.

University board of directors chairperson Justine Maria Tuliana played a key role in the graduation ceremony. As the daughter of the late Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi, founder of SLAU, she has been instrumental in carrying on her father's legacy.

During the ceremony, she led the candle lighting procession and emphasised the importance of integrity, innovation, and resilience for the graduands’ future endeavours.

“We are committed to strengthening the learning environment and expanding opportunities for our students through construction of a modern hostel block in line with our Master plan, establishment of sports facilities for several games and recreation, and setting up an endowment fund to ensure long financial sustainability," she said.