Universities tasked with research, innovations
Mar 02, 2024
Speaking as the chief guest, Dollo said universities should further their IT developments and applications to keep pace with the rest of the academic world.
Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, the Chief Justice who was the chief guest remarking. (Photo by Colleb Mugume)
Ivan Tsebeni
Journalist @New Vision
___________________ Sebana Kizito being congratulated by a relative after being awarded with a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Management, he says will use the skills attained to better the lives of Kampala people Graduands jubilating after being confirmed with Masters in Business Administration during UMI 21st Graduation Ceremony at the Main Campus in Kampala on Friday 1 March 2024. (L-R) Godfrey Musinguzi Akanyijuka Master’s degree graduand in Science in Institutional leadership & Management, SCP Moses Kafeero and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy IGG who graduated with master's degree of management studies and Public Administration and management posing for a picture during the graduation ceremony. Thousands of Graduands attending the UMI 21st Graduation Ceremony.
Universities and other institutions of higher learning have been implored to expedite their efforts on research and innovations in a bid to respond to growing rates of unemployment, especially among the youth.
The call was made by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo on Friday (March 1) during the 21st graduation of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Speaking as the chief guest, Dollo said universities should further their IT developments and applications to keep pace with the rest of the academic world.
However, he was keen to note that innovations are capital-intensive and require massive investments and updates of the necessary software to attain desired goals and targets.
As such, institutions need to capitalize on partnerships for smooth running.
"Also, the continued developments in this area present society with increased challenges like cybercrime, personal security, socially dysfunctional societies, and data theft. Institutions should deliberately invest in solving this," said the Chief Justice.
He urged the graduating cohort to explore Uganda's opportunities which he said are good for innovators.
"I remind the graduates of challenges ahead, narrowing job markets, and yet Uganda is endowed with opportunities for innovative and hardworking people.
"Also, let me inform you that you are entering a society with increasing demand for innovativeness. Innovate and also share knowledge with colleagues for a better Uganda."
Largest graduating cohort ever
A total of 3,793 candidates graduated from UMI this year, with the seven PhDs being the highest ever in one cohort.
As many as 857 Master degrees, 14 ordinary diplomas, and 2,915 postgraduate diplomas were conferred upon the graduates.
UMI's director-general, Dr. James Nkata, said this was the biggest graduating number the institution has ever produced.
He attributed the growth to the ever-growing need for skills.
"We have witnessed a drastic growth in numbers of enrollment and that is why we can speak in thousands during graduation. This is a good gesture for our country and especially for the young generation," said Nkata.
He implored graduates to look at their soft skills and demonstrate their relevancy in the new emerging work environment where he said technology is slowly narrowing the space for human employability.
He said that while it is important to know and be able to do, it is even more paramount to be able to sell what you know.
"Our management programmes and courses put a lot of emphasis on the manager/leader's soft skills, such as empathy, compassion, innovativeness, adaptability, incisiveness, communication, flexibility, and critical thinking among others that cannot be taken over by technology," said the UMI director-general.
"We, as an institute, are a collaborative leader in skilled labour for the different sectors of this country. UMI is in rich collaborations with all the security forces of this country. We are into our fifth cohort of the Uganda Police Commandant’s management and leadership course."
'Plant a tree'
On his part, former Chief Justice Bart Katureebe urged the fresh graduates to plant trees as one way to preserve the environment.
"I would like to urge our graduands here today to each celebrate this day by planting a tree of your choice and going on to nurture it as a celebration of your achievement today," he said.
"It is important for the educated to lead the fight for environmental restoration and protection. It is important for you, dear graduates, to actively envision the catastrophe of a future deforested: we can do something about this.
"I note as well that the world is slowly but surely being hit by freshwater scarcity. Uganda is gifted with various freshwater sources. We need to jealously guard and protect these sources," said Katureebe.
Kellen Owente, a graduate of policy, governance, and analysis, expressed her excitement shortly after her name was read out for the award. She said that the achievement would empower her to support her family and community.
"This is a milestone in my life and I'm excited to live to witness this. It is a step forward to improving lives," she said.
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