Promote dialogue, Muyingo tells institutions

The State Minister for Higher Education Dr. John Muyingo has asked leaders of institutions to promote the use of dialogue in their management.

Muyingo said the absence of dialogue has made some of the institutions lose more.

"Let us promote and build the culture of listening, sharing, dialogue and peace building" Muyingo said.

He was on Friday addressing guests during the 5^th graduation of Ankole Western Institute of Science and Technology University (AWIST) in Sheema district where 664 graduated in different academic disciplines.

The graduation was presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Rev Stanley Ntagali who is the university's vice chancellor.

"Students, parents, lecturers, teachers, tutors and the members of the public; we are all responsible in our institutions," Muyingo stressed.

Citing Makerere University which was recently closed over a strike by lecturers, Muyingo said, it had deviated from its noble cause noting that, "It had become unmanageable."

Muyingo advised the institutions to include dialogue in their curriculum.

"It is through dialogue and listening to each other where problems can be solved so that we don't experience what Makerere has seen" the minister advised.

He warned the lecturers/teachers/tutors against the issue of instigating and inciting students/pupils to go on strike.

Muyingo noted that the issues of resistance and defiance have become common and order of the day in different institutions. He emphasized the need to instil morals, and values amongst the students.

"Teach them to avoid unethical practices," Muyingo urged.

"You saw how the pupils at Bridge International School went on resistance? They had been coached by their teachers" he warned.

Muyingo challenged the institutions to develop courses which serve the needs of communities and the country.

"Continuously review the curriculum to make sure that it addresses the community needs," he advised.

According to the Minister, even those who did not go to school should also benefit from an institution.

Muyingo said the country is in dire need to mechanize agriculture by developing affordable technologies.

"Our expectations from institutions are very high," Miyingo reminded the administrators.