Universities challenged to strengthen real-world impact through collaboration
A total of 1,494 graduands were passed out during the ceremony held at the university’s main campus in Luwero ditstict
Ndejje University graduands celerate during the institution's 27th graduation ceremony. Photo by Frederick Kiwanuka
Universities have been urged to pursue strategic partnerships with institutions and organisations to strengthen their impact and relevance.
According to a senior cleric, such collaborations will help universities transform prototypes into practical solutions that address real-life challenges.
Kagodo, the Bishop of Mukono Anglican Diocese, made the remarks while presiding over the 27th graduation ceremony of Ndejje University held on April 17, 2026.
"It is my earnest hope that university management will continue to pursue strategic partnerships with institutions and organisations that can support the transformation of prototypes into practical solutions addressing real-life challenges," Kagodo said.
A total of 1,494 graduands were passed out during the ceremony held at the university’s main campus in Ndejje, Luwero district. Of these, 886 were female, while 608 were male.
Also graduating were three PhD students. The theme of the day was: ‘Be saved from this wicked generation’.
Mubwirwa Goret, who graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science, emerged as the best overall female and overall graduand with a CGPA of 4.68.
Isaac Ssemugenyi, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Management, was recognised as the best male graduand, also with a CGPA of 4.68.
Earlier, the university vice chancellor, Rev. Canon Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, said the institution had established partnerships with universities locally and internationally.
Among others, Banja said Ndejje University had partnered with Pavia University in Italy, the Polytechnic University of Porto in Portugal and the Uganda Research and Education Network to implement a Euros 400,000 European Union-funded project aimed at strengthening teaching and research capabilities.
She added that the engineering faculty had partnered with Chiba University in Japan, the East Africa Engineers Without Borders and the Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation.
Banja also highlighted several institutional achievements in academics, competence-based education and training, research and innovation, sports, and the construction of the university chapel.
Kagodo commended the Ndejje administration for its deliberate efforts to expand academic programmes, promote innovation in the engineering faculty, excel in sports and construct a chapel.
He noted that the university, despite challenges, has remained strong and firmly anchored in its Christian foundation.
He urged the graduands to uphold integrity, serve with humility and lead with courage, even in the face of adversity.
The university chancellor, Rev. Dr Hannington Mutebi, congratulated the administration on its achievements.
Among these, Mutebi cited the accreditation of several new programmes, including the Bachelor of Laws.
He also commended the administration for upholding the university’s core values and maintaining a strong reputation.
Mutebi further praised the institution for securing a €400,000 grant from the European Union aimed at strengthening research and teaching capacities.
He appealed to the graduands to uphold integrity, embrace innovation and remain steadfast in the values they had acquired at Ndejje.