Uganda Martyrs University sends out 2920 new graduates

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Uganda Martyrs University has elevated its dynamic presence after pulling off its 32nd Graduation ceremony, which took place at the main campus at Nkozi, in Mpigi district on Sunday, October 18. During the function, the 2920 students were awarded Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, diplomas and certificates in various disciplines including Law, Education, Environmental Design, Microfinance, Agriculture, Development Economics, and Inclusive Deaf Education, among others. Among the graduands were 9 PhD holders, who created a spectacle, further to their unprecedented number, throughout the university’s 33-year history.

The function began with an early morning pontifical mass presided over by the Bishop of Masaka, Serverus Jjumba. The archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, was among the concelebrants. One particular aspect of interest was the involvement of students from various secondary schools. The Mass was fantastically animated by young students from Blessed Sacrament Secondary School Kimaanya, Masaka. A super brass band from St. Cyprian High School Kyabakadde led the Chancellor’s Procession. Students from Mount Olives College Kakiri gave musical entertainment.

A spectacle of the academic procession. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

The brass music ensemble from St. Cyprian High School Kyabakadde in action during the function. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Inspiring messages

Interestingly, the great messages the various speakers delivered still prevailed. All the speakers rhymed as they treated the function’s inspiring theme: Competence Beyond the Certificate, Graduates Ready for the Community and the World of Work.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, reminded the graduands that the credentials they had received were not the end; they had to demonstrate their competence.

“The degree is a license to begin your transformative journey.  Be creative. Continue learning. Don't look for jobs; create the jobs. Public service cannot absorb all of you. Be instruments of change. Remain connected with one another. Remain hopeful. Nurture your ambitions. Community is where competence is proven. Competence proves your credentials; character justifies them. It keeps your doors open and maintains you in the room,” he said.  ‘Uganda needs graduates with competence of a moral kind. Communities need professionals with skills anchored in integrity. Go out in courage and humility to demonstrate your competence. Place conviction over convenience,” he added.

The university’s Chancellor, also the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa, also gave a beautiful message.

The Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa delivers his message. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“The degree or certificate you have received is a talent entrusted to you by God. Put it to the service of society, else you will have buried it. Uphold ethical values in the face of temptations. Wisdom without virtue is intellectual arrogance, which also results in clever exploitation. Your credential is a bridge to connect you to ordinary citizens. True competence means stepping into the village to help those struggling people. Walk into districts and help the farmers adapt to changing climate conditions. Look for a problem to solve in your community. Help the people to have food security. Be professionals of integrity. Don't compromise your values for quick riches. Don’t steal public funds. Use the country’s resources for the common good,” Prof. Zziwa said.

The Minister of Works, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Chief Guest, put it to the graduands to be competent professionals who offer quality services. He encouraged them to create enterprises and make life better for others.

The Minister of Works, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Chief Guest. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

“Work with people. Protect integrity. Change communities positively. Set your targets. Have respect for self,” he said.

Hon. Byamukama later asked the graduands not to confine themselves to the city but to go back to their respective villages and transform the communities there.

He discouraged the culture of lamentation among many young Ugandans. He explained that the country was changing rapidly, which was why it was not right for anybody to think that things could remain as they were in the past. He instead asked them to change their mindset and attitude.

Earlier during Mass, Bishop Serverus Jjumba also asked UMU’s new graduates to “carry to the world” the ethical image of the university, whose patron saints, the Uganda Martyrs, were young men of great integrity and faith.

Graduands carrying offertory during mass.

Students from Mount of Olives College Kakiri throwing a cultural musical entertainment. (Credit: MATHIAS MAZINGA)

A spectacle of Catholic clerics during mass.

Beautiful promises

Hon. Bamukama promised to tarmac all the roads within and outside Uganda Martyrs University. He also promised to present Prof. Kyamanywa’s proposals to government. Kyamanywa had earlier requested the government to strengthen its partnership with the university, in view of promoting Uganda’s Development agenda, by helping it with funds to build spaces for practical learning as well as providing incentives to its partners.

Kyamanywa receives ecclesial salutation

During the progression of the function, one thing was flamboyantly noticeable. Uganda Martyrs University had transformed from one campus to seven campuses and 11 faculties and schools. Its student population had also risen to 6529, and its alumni base to 36,000. The unprecedented growth attracted the attention of Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Chancellor, who paid tribute to Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa and his team for the work well done.

Mr Francis Kamulegeya (left) receiving a gift from the Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, Prof. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa. Kamulegeya delivered the Commencement Lecture of the 32nd Graduation Ceremony of Uganda Martyrs University at the university's main campus at Nkozi, in Mpigi district on Saturday, October 17, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

L-R: Academic Registrar Fr Joseph Kisoga, Chancellor Prof Joseph Antony Zziwa, Hon Fred Byamukama and Vice-Chancellor Prof Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa share a photo moment during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Other highlights

One of the best students, Pearl Nanjovu in a jovial mood. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Esther Namugwe, the best student at the department of Journalism and mass communication.

Students with exceptional performance were recognised with awards. The   Commencement Lecture delivered by Mr Francis Kamulegeya on October 17 was also a memorable event.

Students from Bessed Sacrament Secondary School Kimaanya leading the singing during mass.