First Lady warns graduates against reckless lifestyles, selfishness

First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataha Museveni, has warned graduates against reckless lifestyles and selfishness.

“My dear young people, AIDS is still around. Refrain from reckless and dangerous lifestyles, such as drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, substance abuse and many others, which you very well know.”

Her warning is contained in a speech delivered on her behalf by higher education state minister Dr John C. Muyingo, at the first graduation of Kasese municipality-based Rwenzori International University on August 14, 2025.

The private university started operations on August 14, 2022 and graduated 111 students on August 14 with certificates, diplomas and degrees in business, health and natural science, humanities and social sciences.

Five students obtained first-class degrees, one in Bsc in agricultural extension and community development, three in bachelor of science/arts with primary education, and one in social work and social administration.

“Whenever you are tempted, remember that Government and your parents have made enormous sacrifices to educate you, investing in you very heavily. Value that and always say no to the devil,” she advised.

She emphasised that it will be an act of indiscipline they tragically waste their lives.
She further challenged them to carry with them a desire to work hard and make the world a better place to live in through courage, creativity and innovation.

“Do not despise any job; start humble and the Lord will lift you up to a higher level,” he added.

She advised them to take advantage of the numerous opportunities the Government has created and sourced from various development partners to utilise their skills.

She cited poverty alleviation initiatives, including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, the establishment of ICT hubs to foster home-grown digital solutions and promote digital employment in the country and the construction of industrial parks at various locations in the country.

Reminding the graduates that education is a lifetime journey that prepares one to adapt to the ever-evolving environment, she challenged them to seek opportunities to sell their skills to the country and abroad.

“Make personal efforts to be entrepreneurs yourselves by adding value to the existing opportunities,” she stressed.

She advised the continuing students to use the graduation as an opportunity to refine their academic journey and help elevate the university, whose motto is “Together We Will,” to even greater heights.

Hailing the university founders, sponsors, service providers, parents, guardians and community leaders for enabling the university to reach the graduation event, challenged the graduates to also learn to give back to their communities, saying the gesture is “a very powerful and transformative experience that enriches both the giver and the receiver.”

“By investing in your community, you actively contribute to creating a brighter and more promising future for all,” she said, explaining that selfless acts aimed at improving the lives of others help to build stronger community ties, promote personal development and provide a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction.

She urged the Kasese community and beyond to utilise the numerous benefits such as accommodation and other services, restaurants, drug shops, supermarkets and photocopying services and employment opportunities accruing from the establishment of the university.

Professor Nalwoga and minister Muyingo congratulate Phellestus Masika, the university's first Guild President, who graduated with a diploma in primary education. (Credit: John Thawite)

Happy with gender presence

“I am pleased to note that 53% of the graduands are female, while 47% are male, a clear testament that when given a chance, women will rise to claim their rightful position,” she said, attracting applause from the female graduands.

According to Mrs Museveni, the Government values higher education for its crucial role in shaping the future of the younger people.

“It is not just about earning a degree or acquiring knowledge; it is about developing the skills to think critically, to innovate and to contribute meaningfully to the world around us.

She said the Government was committed to transforming the nation into a knowledge-based economy where the creation, adaptation and application of knowledge are central to driving economic growth and development.

The First Lady challenged universities to engage in research that can generate insights that can help Governmnt policy makers to foster practical solutions to real-world challenges.

But he warned that research in universities should not be seen merely as an academic requirement.

“Universities must avoid practices that undermine academic integrity and quality,” she said.

Decries academic dishonesty

She warned against academic dishonesty, issuance of fake degrees, reliance on ghost-writing, corruption in admissions, grading, nd lack of competent teaching and pedagogical skills, outdated with ineffective instructional methods that reduce students’ engagement and comprehension and resistance to quality assurance mechanisms.

Before conveying the First Lady's and Education minister's speech, Minister Muyingo pledged personal and government support towards the university, noting it would be a very big mistake for government not to support the institution.

“I have offered and also invited the National Council for Higher Education to come here as many times as possible so that we support one another and this institution,” he said
He urged politicians and all other stakeholders to fully support “this mother (the university) so that she produces the best” in the Rwenzori sub-region.

Minister Muyingo warned against being divided along political lines and against abuse, box or chase away those who approach you to express their political ambitions.
“I pray that none of you is hit or hits others because of politics.

Representing the University Chancellor, Prof Nathaniel Mumbere Walemba, the University’s founding and current Vice Chancellor, revealed that the university had narrowed the distances to universal education.

“There are people here who would have never thought of a degree without this university. There are mothers who come with babysitters to attend lectures, something they would not do in a faraway university,” Walemba said.

Walemba, however, requested government support the university in providing top-notch training to the students.

Prof Walemba also implored government to reduce taxes imposed on private universities because they are very high and too many.

“If they cannot be reduced, they should be charged after some years of operations. They are choking us," Walemba noted.

He recalled that on July 30, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni indicated that hotels should not be charged certain taxes.

“Universities should be treated the same way because of the role they play,” he said, arguing that it is these universalities that equip the hoteliers with the management skills to render services to the nation.

Associate Professor, Mary Maurice Nalwoga Mukokoma, the University Council Chairperson, hailed government for the liberalisation policy that has enabled private universities to come out to complement national efforts.

But she urged universities to provide relevant education in line with the government agenda, which targets four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for increasing the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

“Uganda’s National Development Plan Four (NDPIV) tasks universities to produce graduates who are knowledgeable and competent to transform humanity,” Professor Nalwoga stressed.

Quoting NDPIV, she said Uganda has up to 1.4 million youth who are neither employed nor in education, urging institutions like Rwenzori International University to change these statistics by providing market-relevant skills.