'You were students before, now you are problem solvers'

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"While you were studying, you were students. Now you have become problem solvers. Don’t shy away."

Those were the words of retired Church of Uganda Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi to hundreds of fresh graduates of Mengo-based Ernest Cook University last Friday.

The 75-year-old cleric, who served at the helm of Uganda's Anglican church from 2004 until his retirement in 2012, was the chief guest at the university's 9th graduation ceremony.

Held at the Namirembe Cathedral Gardens, the function was themed around creating solutions for a better world.

Orombi told the 363 fresh graduates to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to "serve God’s people with integrity" and to cause "transformation in their respective communities".

He also urged them to serve with morality and integrity in a collective effort to positively impact Uganda's health sector.

He further rallied the young medical practitioners to be bold and not shy away from the challenges and high demands that the health sector typically presents.

Orombi said their field demands "adaptability, creativity and resilience to life-long learning".

Founded on Christian morals and discipline, Ernest Cook University is a private university offering courses with a niche in health-related programmes.

Veteran physician and academic, Prof. George Barnabas Kirya, the chairman of the University Council, told the graduates of the need for community service.

“It becomes more meaningful when it compels you to serve your neighbours with compassion and recognising that every patient you see as made in God’s image," said the octogenarian.

He warned the cohort against corruption, urging them to stand firm on morals in the midst of temptation.

Prof. Michael Grace Kawooya, the university's Vice-Chancellor, spoke of the need to adapt to a modern world shaped by new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

“Almost all life’s functions will be impacted by AI and similar technologies now and in the years to come," he said.

'Determined changemakers'

Anzire Muranga, a graduate of Medical Imaging, said his four-year academic journey at the university taught him the importance of effective communication and collaboration.

“The curriculum’s challenge demanded critical thinking and quick adaptability to new technologies, preparing me well for the dynamic field of health care," he said.

"Our journey began in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many institutions were closing their doors.

"The university took a bold and visionary step to launch the e-learning platform to ensure that our dreams did not pause with the pandemic," added Muranga.

Derrick Wakyereza, another graduate, said: "We have graduated as determined changemakers, ready to impact Uganda’s health care industry."