17 business personalities awarded American honorary doctorates

By Andante Okanya 

A group of 17 personalities with footprints in business and humanitarian circles, have been awarded honorary philosophy doctorates in humanities by an American institution, for positive transformation of society.

The group, including prominent businessmen, were honoured by the United Graduate College and Seminary, at a colourful ceremony held at the Serena Kampala Hotel.

The institution is based in the American state of Tennessee. The institution's chief chancellor, Dr Clyde Rivers, and the commissioner for International Standards Prof. Nathan Kahara, presided over the ceremony.

The Consul of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Boney Katatumba was awarded an honorary professorship in humanities. Prior in 2010, he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Katatumba, a global representative of the institution, and a pioneer hotel tourism pioneer explained that it honours and awards people who have distinguished themselves in society. He nominated the personalities for the award.

The business personalities are Honorary Consul of Malawi Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari(property developer, International consultancy firm Amproc), Ephraim Ntaganda(Chairman E Tower, EM Plaza,property developer ), Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige(BMK Group), Hassan Mutaasa Kafeero(Hotelier and Shopping Malls), Rajni Tailor(Patron Indian Association of Uganda, founder Priamit Tyres), and Amina Hersi Moghe(Oasis Mall and Laburnam Courts Apartments)
Others business personalities are Seyed Mohammad Ali Mousavi(Iranian furniture, silk industry farmer), Goodra Behakanira(Avemar Group), Ketan Morjaria(Orient Bank), Muhammad Ilyas(Al- Shafa Modern Hospital Jinja), Karl Wiplfer(founder SOS), Barnabas Taremwa, and Asumani Kinobe(pioneer Insurance developer).

The others recognised for their humanitarian work were Energy and Mineral Development ministry  permanent secretary Kabagambe  Kalisa, presidential advisor Robert Ssebunya(Ngeye Mbogo Holdings), and Pastor Margaret Musungu(Miracle Harvest Ministries).

The ceremony was attended by high profile figures like Finance minister Maria Kiwanuka, Higher Education minister John Chrysostom Muyingo, Justices of Court Remy Kasule,  David Wangutusi, and Catherine Bamugemereire.

Also in attendance was prominent businessmen Sudhir Ruparelia and Godfrey Kirumira.

The institution's chief chancellor Dr Clyde Rivers praised the group, saying they are  guiding light that has steered society through different spheres of influence.

He said mankind must operationalise concepts, noting that they could change society for the better.

"Your thoughts are currency. Do not make the graveyard the wealthiest place," Rivers said.

Muyingo who represented the vice president Edward Ssekandi, applauded the personalities, saying they are a great inspiration to the ordinary Ugandans.

Ssekandi encouraged Ugandans to copy the Asian countries, that are synonymous with discipline and hardwork.

Mwesigwa, a property developer and owner of who officially spoke for his colleagues, said they they were pleased to be honoured for their works. had agreed to form a 2014 alumni association, to inspire Ugandans.