_________________

President Yoweri Museveni has rallied the latest cohort of graduates from Gulu University to actively take part in combatting corruption in Uganda, a vice he has previously said hurts service delivery.

Officiating at the 19th graduation ceremony of the university on Friday, Museveni — in absentia — also reiterated his call for the spirit of patriotism.

His message was read on his behalf by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

Prime Minister, Robina Nabbanja, greeting political leaders on her arrival at Gulu University. (Photo by Claude Omona)

"To the graduands, I urge you to go out there and be relevant to our societies. I urge you to embrace the call for patriotism. Be active participants in the fight against corruption, especially by being exemplary in your own work.

"You must avoid the temptation of getting rich quickly through corruption means," urged the President.

"You are encouraged to utilize the available opportunities and use your skills acquired to cause transformation. Now is the time for you to work hard because you are young and energetic.

"Graduation day is the climax of all academic achievements that have a cost and time implication to you, as parents and graduands, and to the government of Uganda.

"To the parents, thank you for entrusting Gulu University with your children and for supporting them in all related expences," said Museveni.

'Well-earned achievement'

The graduation ceremony was held at Gulu University's main campus in the northern Ugandan city of Gulu.

Here, 560 female and 778 male students graduated.

Three students received their PhD degrees, all staff of the university.

They are Rev. Sister Rosalba Aciro from the Faculty of Humanity, Godfrey Moses Owot from the faculty of Environment and Charles Nelson Okumu from the Faculty of Humanities.

Rev. Sister Rosalba Aciro from the faculty of Humanity celebrates with other Reverand sisters after her awards at Gulu University. (Photo by Claude Omona)

Generally, President Museveni congratulated all those who have successfully graduated today "for the well-earned achievement".

"The journey which you have started today is of great importance to the growth of our nation.

"This university has stood the test of time and has transitioned to independence.

"We appreciate all the people who work tooth and nail to ensure the smooth running of the university and we believe that it will continue growing and surely make giant strides towards development in the coming years."

Museveni applauded the university "for being steadfast with a mission of educating our young people to attain such useful disciplines, especially sciences that we, as Government, continue to advocate for towards the growth and transformation of our country".

Museveni said the government will continue to be "deliberate in the promotion of sciences and technology as one of the wheels that will spine our nation and economy to self-reliance and sustainability".

'No end to learning'

The President is optimistic that the Gulu University graduates will spearhead government efforts towards promoting science and innovation using the knowledge they have gained.

"I encourage the graduands to enhance their skills according to their knowledge and passion in consideration of available resources and raw materials in our country.

"Seek knowledge from the people who are already actively involved in production and always bear in mind that there is no end to learning. You should continuously reinvent your yourselves to remain relevant by focusing on the needs of our people.

Museveni hails 'distinguished leader' Rugunda

In his message, the President also paid tribute to Gulu University by saying that the latest graduation is "a sign that the university is attaining maturity and gaining momentum, yet doing great work of improving the human resource of our nation".

He particularly saluted the university's chancellor and Uganda's former Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, "for being a distinguished leader and leading such a great team that is imparting and impacting our children academically and morally".

"I know, under his leadership, the university will continue to grow, flourish and birth many influential and responsible leaders of our country. 

"I urge institutions of higher learning to focus on transforming the minds of leaders and managers to go beyond technical efficiency but also encapsulate skills like innovations and value addition, alongside higher order values such as patriotism, honesty, selflessness, tolerance, dedication, hardwork, passion, integrity and good citizenship.

"This kind of education which recognizes idealogical concerns will make a critical contribution towards transforming Uganda."

On salary enhancement

Museveni also addressed the issue of salaries.

"Government has been advocating for increase in remuneration for science-based jobs to enable Ugandans make good of their education investment and keep with the global remuneration standards, which will prevent brain drain and improve our social service sector," he said.

"We are continuing to advocate for that, and I believe when effected, many of the students here will reap of it.

"Government is fully committed to improving the education sector at all levels and I urge all stakeholders to participate in its growth and wellbeing for the benefit of all Ugandans. Continue with the support you have been giving to the NRM government.

"We are diligently working to ensure that Vision 2040 comes to reality as we together transform this nation.

The President also underlined his commitment to continuing to maintain total peace and security in the country as well as continuing to intervene in the strategic sectors of the economy.

First Lady to graduates: 'Be focused'

Primary education state minister Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu read the message of First Lady and education minister Janet Museveni on her behalf.

She appealed to the graduates to trust in God as they embark on their new respective chapters.

“Today marks a season of accomplishment. I encourage graduates that the journey to this day has not been easy. Therefore, you should know it is guided by faith and perseverance," said the First Lady.

“It may not be that smooth, but in the face of difficulties, you should be focused as you walk your path."

Dr Jerry Bagaya, the Gulu University academic registrar, said that this latest graduation brings to 20,867, the cumulative number of students who have graduated from the institution since 2002.

Notable among the students who graduated on Friday are Lamwo resident district commissioner Osborn Oceng Osborn and David Jimmy Okema, the Kyoga North Police spokesperson.