President Museveni urges Lira University graduates to drive societal transformation

LIRA - President Yoweri Museveni has called upon graduates of Lira University to deeply analyse and evaluate the trajectory of society and devise strategies for transformative change through their professional expertise.

Represented by Vice President Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo Epel at the institution’s 7th graduation ceremony, Museveni on Friday commended the graduates for refining their reasoning abilities and sharpening their intellect during their academic journey.

A total of 454 students graduated with qualifications including Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management, Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science with Education, and Bachelor of Computer Science.

Other disciplines included Bachelor of Science in Economics, Bachelor of Midwifery Science, and Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management, among others.

Museveni reiterated that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government remains committed to promoting science and technology as key drivers of national development and economic sustainability.

“I am optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce that will spur Uganda’s industrialisation and technological advancement,” he said.

He commended the university for teaching relevant courses and equipping students with practical skills that enhance their competitiveness in the job market.

Museveni emphasised that unemployment among young graduates can be addressed if institutions of higher learning prioritise programs that meet the labor demands of the private sector.

“The public sector has only 469,216 jobs. This is absolutely nothing compared to a population of 46 million Ugandans. Therefore, the greatest number of graduates must seek employment in the private sector,” he noted.

He added that the NRM government has created a conducive environment for private-sector growth, unlike past regimes, which stifled private enterprise and limited job creation.

Museveni congratulated the graduates for their achievement, describing the milestone as a celebration of hard work, diligence, and discipline.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting projects that show steady progress and have the potential to contribute significantly to national socio-economic development.

Vice President Alupo being received by Lira University officials, including Lira City RCC Lawrence Egole, before kicking off the graduation ceremony on Friday. (Credit: Patrick Okino)

CBET to become mandatory by 2027

The State Minister for Higher Education, John C. Muyingo, reminded the university that Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) has taken root in the country. He stressed that starting from the 2027/2028 academic year, no university will be allowed to admit students into programs that do not conform to the CBET framework.

Muyingo also highlighted the national goal of achieving a tenfold economic growth strategy focused on agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral development, and STEM/STEI fields.

“The nation is not just asking for graduates; it is asking for catalysts for transformation,” he said in a speech delivered by Geoffrey Onyanga, Principal Education Officer in charge of scholarships.

He challenged Lira University to quantify its impact through measurable outputs such as producing agro-processors, tourism entrepreneurs, mineral engineers, tech innovators, as well as research that leads to patents, policy papers, and commercial ventures.

He advised the graduates to view education as a lifelong pursuit fueled by patriotism and a commitment to building a better Uganda.

Call for more investment in Lira University

The University Chancellor, Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki, thanked the NRM government for expanding higher-education access through the establishment of more public universities.

He expressed hope that additional investment in infrastructure, staffing, and training at Lira University will be made to elevate the institution to the next level.