Premier Nabbanja commends Ernest Cook University for investing in research, innovation

The Prime Minister (PM), Robinah Nabbanja, has commended Ernest Cook University (ECU) for their huge investment and contribution to the training of skilled professionals, especially in healthcare-related fields critical for national development.

At the 10th graduation ceremony of ECU held on Friday, May 29, at the Graduation Grounds at Bulenga-Kikaaya campus, she particularly hailed the university for investing in research, innovation, medical technologies and community outreach programmes such as cancer screening and healthcare education.

“This is the kind of practical education that our country needs,” the Prime Minister said in a statement read by the state minister for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye.

At least over 400 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in medical imaging, diagnostic ultrasound, early childhood development, Master’s Degree in radiology, diploma in medical radiology, among others.

The minister was received by the University Chancellor, Prof. George Kirya, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Michael Grace Kawooya, guest speaker Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, who doubles as director of the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, among others.

The theme for this year’s graduation was ‘Nurturing Innovation for Social-Economic Transformation’.

“I commend ECU for taking advantage of the government’s liberalisation policy for the education sector to improve access to higher education. As you know, before liberalisation of the education sector, access to university education was so limited,” the PM’s statement reads in parts.

She encouraged the students to utilise the skills and knowledge they have gained to address challenges in their communities, adding that the future belongs to people who are innovative, hardworking and disciplined.

“As the government continues to promote science, technology, industrialisation, and the digital economy, young people like you will continue to play an important role in transforming Uganda into a modern and prosperous country,” she stated.

Nabbanja reaffirmed the government commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for young people and for private universities like ECU to thrive.

Kabuye pledged to partner with the University to install their machines, as requested, in Kampala Capital City’s health facilities, where their students can learn practical skills before they graduate.

Prof Kirya said he was grateful to the government for creating an environment that has enabled private universities to emerge.

“However, there are policies and laws that may negatively impact higher education. Without a system that supports collaboration, funding and research, our country risks remaining in the category of developing nations,” he said, and appealed to the government to continue fully supporting higher education.

He said that the university is committed to encouraging students and staff to embrace innovation. 

“To students, you have not just studied, you have persevered. You are the embodiment of the ECU, a blend of specific precision and deep-seated humanity,” he said and challenged them to embrace life-long learning, ethics and serve local but think global. 

“Be innovators and change makers, which our country, Uganda and the world at large so desperately need. You must remain committed to keep improving. Success requires continuous effort, learning and innovation,” he said.

Prof. Kawooya said that at their main campus in Mengo, the University has already completed the structural phase of an eight-level teaching hospital, which he said would strengthen advanced diagnostics, especially training in research and patient care.

He added that soon they would launch their research laboratory, which is already set up.

“We have trained thousands of professionals in fields including medical imaging, and we are one of the leading universities in Africa in output of medical radiographers and ultrasounds, and our graduates have established themselves in countries like the United Kingdom, where some of them are leading big departments in hospitals,” he explained.

He said they are pleased that their products are consumed way beyond the borders and are excelling in the fields of medical imaging, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, nutrition, early childhood, education and health administration and management, among others.