Academic institutions urged on building strong connection with alumni

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Education experts have urged institutions of learning to prioritise building strong links with alumni groups if they are to tap into employment and financial support opportunities.

They say when learners graduate, they meet other opportunities from which institutions can benefit and use them to reduce the unemployment gap.

According to Nakawa-based Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT) deputy principal Dr Irene Nakiyimba, the alumni groups are rich entities that need to be well utilised to foster academic excellence and create employment opportunities.

She points out that different institutions across the country have been greatly impacted by connections created by their alumni groups, emphasizing the need to prioritise and broaden them for more opportunities.

She cited Makerere University convocation, which she said has over the years contributed to the institution’s academic excellence.

“As an institution of ICT learning, we have considered prioritising our alumni group, we have created an office that has helped most of our learners be linked to the job world. We have seen this same office support learners through mentorship and training programmes,” Nakiyimba said.

Speaking during the alumni homecoming event that marked the institution’s 25 years of academic excellence and innovation on February 24, 2025, at Nakawa-based UICT campus, Nakiyimba called on the alumni to leverage connections and stay engaged to help them grow financially.

“We are here today so as we can bring you together, and to prioritise the links for your own development. Your wealth is not in your education alone, but also in your connectivity,” she said.

Dean Munene, the institution’s governing council chairperson, rallied alumni to take on more courses to advance their career growth.