Over 2,000 Ibanda University graduates told to think outside the box
Baryomunsi encouraged graduands to use the skills gained during their studies to help transform the community.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the minister for ICT and National Guidance accompanied by the top leadership of Ibanda University handing over a gift to some of the best students at the 9th graduation ceremony of Ibanda University
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Ibanda University has released a total of 2,265 students into the job market after they graduated in various academic disciplines. Among the graduates, 1,056 were males, and 1,209 were females.
The 9th graduation ceremony of the 12-year-old university saw a total of 46 graduate with master’s degrees, 810 bachelors, 1338 diplomas, 68 postgraduate diplomas and 1 certificate.
Information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi was the chief guest at the December 5, 2025, ceremony, which was presided over by university chancellor Prof.Venansius Baryamureeba.
Umukuuka of the Bamasaba Jude Mike Mudoma was among the hundreds of guests who attended the ceremony, including a delegation from the Kingdom of Busoga.
On the same day, Baryomunsi launched the Open and Distance E-Learning Programme at Ibanda University and also laid the foundation stone of the Science Laboratory block under construction.
Baryomunsi encouraged graduands to use the skills gained during their studies to help transform the community. Citing novelists Ngugi wa Thiongo, Baryomunsi told the graduands that education is useless, unless it transforms their lives.
“As you enter the world, be the good ambassadors of the university through honesty, integrity, ethical conduct and behaving responsibly,” Baryomunsi said.
He also urged them to be disciplined, work hard and live a responsible life if they are to transform their lives and those of the people around them.
“Besides, you now have a strong foundation for the future, but you must think outside the box, be curious and resilient as the outside world rewards those who cherish hard work," he added.
The Minister also called for patience as the new graduates look for jobs. “Don’t allow yourself to be abused by those promising to give you jobs".
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, minister for ICT and National Guidance accompanied by the top leadership of Ibanda University laying a foundation stone on the Science Laboratory block which is under construction. This was during the 9th graduation ceremony of the university.
Using the story of the Golden Coins, Baryamureeba informed graduands that nobody is going to employ them because they have a piece of paper, but they must add value by working on their attitude, performances, having discipline and aiming higher.
Vice-chancellor Prof. James Opolot thanked the Government of Uganda, under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, for creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.
He said the university supports development by aligning its courses to government programmes, like PDM, providing community-relevant skills and knowledge.
University governing council chairperson Dr Neema Clemensia Murembe urged graduands and parents to exploit the opportunities the institution offers to improve their families by educating children. She expressed concern about the number of females outmatching that of males.