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MBARARA - A total of 1512 students on Friday received degrees, diplomas, and certificates from Bishop Stuart University (BSU) in various academic disciplines. 

According to Assc. Prof. Gershom Atukunda, the acting Vice Chancellor BSU, the overall total graduands constituted 47.9% females. 

The University’s 19th graduation ceremony, which attracted huge crowds, was conducted at the university’s riverside grounds in Mbarara City South division, Mbarara City. 
Associate Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the University’s chancellor and Bishop of Ankole diocese presided over the ceremony. 

Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology and National Guidance was the chief guest. 

The ceremony also saw a total of 138 graduates receive Master's Degrees and Postgraduate diplomas.

Minister Baryomunsi used the platform to caution young Ugandans to live responsible lives by not engaging in bad practices that might end up eliminating their life. 

Baryomunsi also urged Ugandans to follow guidelines the government put in place to end AIDs by 2030.

He reported that statistics indicate that in some urban areas including Mbarara city, the HIV prevalence is very high and cautioned young Ugandans and adults to live extra careful lives by distancing themselves from worldly things which are intending to end their life. 

The minister noted that Uganda is one of the countries that made a record of fighting AIDs, which had shot up to 18.5%, but with government effort, the prevalence has reduced but has now stagnated at 6% attributing the stagnation to complacence of Ugandans.

“Don’t allow yourself to be abused simply because you don’t have money or you don’t have a job, just be patient, time will come and the jobs will be there, all of us completed university and jobs came because we became patient,” Baryomunsi stated. 

Earlier, Bishop Sheldon had echoed the same message warning all Ugandans to stop living a reckless life. 

Bishop Mwesigwa appreciated the government for financial support to Bishop Stuart University, especially the 2011 presidential pledge, and student loan scheme among others saying these have impacted good results. (All Photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

He particularly cautioned the female youths whom he said often fall prey to rich men in urban areas. 

“Stand warned about such kind of people aiming at infecting you with the disease. Bishop Mwesigwa warned. 

He asked all Ugandans to ensure they always go for medical check-ups to keep their body healthy and also condemned the high level of corruption, asking young people who are graduating to use the acquired skills to fight the vice.

Bishop Mwesigwa appreciated the government for financial support to Bishop Stuart University, especially the 2011 presidential pledge, and student loan scheme among others saying these have impacted good results. 

In his report, Assoc Prof. Atukunda said President Yoweri Museveni through the Ministry of Education and Sports pledged a total of sh7.33 billion towards the construction of the science research and laboratories inclusive of sh375 million for the library. 

He said they have so far received sh3,836,403,058. The science laboratories' structure is now being roofed whereas the library will be ready for opening in February next year. 

“We still await the release of the outstanding pledge balance amounting to sh3,501,596,942 to enable us to complete the projects and put them to good use,” he added.

Prof. Atukunda informed the gathering that all their policies to promote access to higher education for all Ugandans and efforts to end historical imbalances in education are bearing fruit, and his university strives to fulfill its mission. 

He reported that since its inception, Bishop Stuart University has grown from strength to strength, reporting that they now have 99 accredited academic programs which include; 9 doctoral programs, 22 masters, 9 postgraduate diplomas, 31 bachelors, 20 diplomas, and 8 certificates. 

He acknowledged support from the education ministry, the government, and all stakeholders for the contribution towards the growth of Bishop Stuart University.  

Vision Group staff including Dickson Baryahabwe, the Station Manager Radio West, Michael Tumwakiire of TV West and Gad – who graduated with Postgraduate diplomas in education management, a degree in Agriculture and community development, and a degree in journalism and mass communication, respectively.