Justice Kihika tips oil and gas graduates on job opportunities
“For those who are entrepreneurs, the knowledge that you have earned will give you the backbone and information on how to take advantage of the commercial opportunities in that industry. This industry is moment-defining for all of us if we manage it well.”
Justice Kihika, who is also the IPSK chancellor, told the 61 students who graduated with various qualifications on Friday (October 23) that their graduation is a historic one because it has come at a time when Uganda nears its first commercial oil production.
Court of Appeal Judge Oscar John Kihika has tipped fresh oil and gas graduates from the Institute of Petroleum Studies–Kampala (IPSK) on job opportunities in the sector.
Kihika, who is also the IPSK chancellor, told the 61 students who graduated with various qualifications on Friday (October 23) that their graduation is a historic one because it has come at a time when Uganda nears its first commercial oil production.
He made the remarks at the institute’s seventh graduation ceremony held at Royal Suites in Bugolobi, Kampala.
“Thirteen years ago, when this institution was established, the oil in Uganda was still in the ground, but today, as you graduate, first oil is just a couple of weeks away from here,” he told the graduates.
He conferred on them various qualifications, including a Master of Laws in Oil and Gas, a Master of Business Administration in Oil and Gas, a Master of Science in Environmental Health and Safety Management, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Oil and Gas.
Other qualifications were; a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety Management, and a Diploma in Oil and Gas Management.
The graduated class of 2026 consisted of 45 males and 16 females.
“I can tell you that things are happening. The running of the first oil means that this is going to be an establishment of not only income flowing, but other job opportunities. You have the expertise now to be employed in this industry as Ugandans,” he said.
Kihika, however, told the graduates that it is not only about them seeking jobs, but it’s also about them being innovators, being businessmen, and being business leaders.
“For those who are entrepreneurs, the knowledge that you have earned will give you the backbone and information on how to take advantage of the commercial opportunities in that industry. This industry is moment-defining for all of us if we manage it well.”
Patrick Ruharuza, the institute principal, said this year’s graduation theme of “First Oil and Beyond: Preparing Professionals for Sustainable Energy Development”, situates this celebration within a broader national responsibility.
National responsibility
Patrick Ruharuza, the institute principal, said this year’s graduation theme of “First Oil and Beyond: Preparing Professionals for Sustainable Energy Development”, situates this celebration within a broader national responsibility.
“Uganda needs professionals who can translate energy investment into productive enterprises, reliable services and better lives. IPSK’s contribution must be evident in the competence of our graduates and the integrity with which they serve,” he said.
He said progress on Uganda’s petroleum infrastructure and preparations for commercial production are placing new demands on professional capability.
“As projects move towards operations, employers will require people who can manage risk, strengthen organisational performance and make sound decisions throughout the life of an investment. At the same time, developments in electricity, renewable energy and clean cooking are broadening the concept of energy-sector readiness,” he said.
He stated that the challenges range from major industrial projects to the needs of households and small businesses. “Affordability, reliability, environmental protection and access must all inform our understanding of sustainable development.”
For IPSK, the principal said, the strategic implication is clear. “We must preserve our depth in petroleum while preparing learners for a more diverse energy economy. Our graduates need specialist knowledge, the ability to work across disciplines, to adapt to new technologies, and to continue learning as their professions evolve.”
He explained that “beyond” is, therefore, a demanding word for their graduation theme.
“It asks us to consider the decades after first oil: how resources will be managed, how local enterprises will compete, how communities will benefit, and how Uganda will build lasting capability. These questions must shape our teaching, research and institutional development.”
Ruharuza also said the IPSK Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 provides a framework for responding to this changing future.
“Our work in 2026 has focused on strengthening the foundations of an institution whose growth is underpinned by academic quality and a better learner experience.”