Uganda Martyrs University immortalises Cardinal Wamala, pulls of 31st graduation

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Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) has become the latest Catholic-affiliate educational institution to recognise and appreciate Cardinal Dr Emmanuel Wamala’s long episcopal ministry and his contribution to the development of the country. As a concrete sign of gratitude, the management of the university has opted to name the university’s newly-refurbished auditorium after him.

The Cardinal himself launched the facility during the University’s 31st Graduation function at the university’s main campus at Nkozi, Mpigi district, on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Vice-chancellor Prof. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa said the Cardinal made a tremendous contribution to the university’s establishment and subsequent development, which was one reasons they opted to honour him.

Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala (wearing a skull-cap) sprinkles holy water on the wall of the building that houses the newly-renovated UMU auditorium that was named after him. Looking on is the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa (donning academic robes). (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

UMU Gets 2,679 new alumni

During the function, UMU chancellor the Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa (who is the reigning chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana diocese) conferred bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and awarded diplomas and certificates to 2,679 students.

The Chancellor of UMU, the Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa (left) delivers his speech during the university's 31st Graduation function at the university's main campus in Mpigi dstrict on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Bishop Zziwa put it to the new UMU graduates to use the knowledge they received to improve their communities and the country. He asked them to have a strong moral ethic, arguing that Innovation that lacks morality is just harmful and destructive. and harmful. He further asked them to be true to the virtues of integrity, transparency and human solidarity.

UMU governing council chairperson Soroti bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, who presided over the graduation mass, also asked the new graduates to exercise their respective professions/trades with a touch of faith.

L-R: Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, Bishop Joseph Eciru, Lady Gloria Byamugisha and Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa share a photo moment after launchikng the fundraising drive for UMU's proposed Science and Innovtion Complex. This was during the university's 31st graduation ceremony at the main campus in Mpigi district on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Guest of Honor, Lady Gloria Byamugisha exposes the accolade that she receievd from UMU's Governing Council. This was during the university's 31st Graduation Ceremony at the main campus in Mpigi district on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Guest of honour Gloria Byamugisha (the group chief human resource officer at Dangote Refineries PLC) asked the managers and planners at UMU to change the status quo of its academic programmes as an effective strategy of addressing the contemporary socio-economic, environmental and leadership challenges.  She proposed the introduction of dual disciplines (or courses) to help the university produce fully empowered, all-round innovators who will transform the world.

The Chairman of UMU Governing Council, Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach gifts the Royal Danish Ambassador, Her Excellency Signe Winding Albjerg. This was during the university's graduation commencement lecture at the university's main campus in Mpigi district on Friday, October 17, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Danish ambassador to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg (who delivered the commencement lecture the previous day,  Friday, October 17, asked the new graduates and all stakeholders to nurture a new culture of doing things differently.

“Innovation is about rethinking systems; it is about imagining new possibilities. It is about turning ideas into action. It is about turning challenges into opportunities. And it is about turning knowledge into impact and ideas into projects and businesses that serve society.

When used well, innovation can help the nation. Science, technology and enterprise can help young graduates become job creators, problem solvers and agents of change. It can also address global challenges like climate change, health, poverty and unemployment,” she said.

Bishop Zziwa urged the new UMU graduates to use the knowledge they received at UMU not just for personal success but to improve their communities and the country. He asked them to have a strong moral ethic arguing that Innovation that lacks morality is just harmful and destructive. and harmful. He further asked them to be true to the virtues of integrity, transparency and human solidarity.

The Graduation Ceremony ran under the theme: Innovation for Socio-economic Transformation through Science, Technology and Enterprise.

Other highlights

Byamugisha unveiled and launched the fundraising drive for the proposed $2.7m science and innovation complex towards which she donated sh31m.

Eciru launched the university’s Catholic identity handbook.