Over 1,500 students graduate at Kumi University

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KUMI – President Yoweri Museveni has appealed to students across the country to use acquired knowledge and skills to start business enterprises to strengthen community development.

“I encourage you, graduands, to approach the future not as job seekers, but as job creators by using the acquired knowledge and skills gained to innovate, and start enterprises which support agriculture and embrace science and technology,” President Museveni said.

He made the remarks in a speech delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo during the 20th graduation ceremony of Kumi University, in Kumi district, eastern Uganda, on Friday, November 28.

A total of 1578 students, including 813 females, graduated with degrees and diplomas in various academic disciplines. They included Education and Languages, social sciences and management studies, science and technology, among other disciplines.

Kumi University was founded by Korean Missionary couple Hyeong Lyeol Lyu and Mrs Minja Lee in 1999.

Urging students to carry forward the values of hard work, integrity, patriotism and service, Museveni stated that Government remains committed to improving the education sector, promoting research, expanding digital infrastructure and supporting youth entrepreneurship.

A release from the Vice President's Press Unit states that Museveni urged universities to partner with the government, the private sector and communities to translate academic knowledge into practical progress for our country.

He also thanked the management and staff of Kumi University for their dedication towards achieving such milestones and many more.

“As you celebrate 20 years, I urge you to strengthen research, uphold academic integrity and ensure that your graduates are globally competitive by nurturing a learning environment that prepares them to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Museveni said.

He also commended Kumi University for the significant role it has played in expanding access to higher education in Eastern Uganda and across the region. Over the years, this institution has produced professionals in education, business, agriculture, information technology and other critical fields,” he said.

The 20-year milestone, he added, is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to two decades of the university’s contribution to Uganda’s human capital development.

Museveni further emphasised that the NRM government appreciates institutions that support our national agenda of skilling Ugandans, promoting innovation and strengthening community development.

“As we look to the future, Uganda needs graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also creative and solution-oriented. The world is changing quickly, with new technologies, new economic demands and new global challenges,” the President said.

The university Chancellor, Dr Sung Joo Hwang, congratulated the graduands and staff upon this great milestone.

“Today marks the culmination of your hard work, resilience, and determination. You have overcome challenges, especially in recent years when the world faced disruptions that tested the limits of our education systems. Yet here you are, standing strong, prepared, and ready to serve your nation and the world,” Hwang said.

He congratulated parents, guardians and lecturers for walking this journey.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Jong-In Hong urged students not to live for themselves, but for others. “We are not meant to live just for ourselves, but to live for others and be a blessing to the people around us,” Prof. Hong said.