Uganda Martyrs University passes out 2040 graduates

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Louis Kasekende has advised graduands of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi (UMU), to take advantage of the development programmes and financing schemes that the government has put in place to start up jobs for themselves.

He argued that the rapid advancement in technology had greatly supplemented and sometimes even replaced human efforts, which was why it was important for the graduates to create their own jobs.

Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok gives Holy Communion to some of the graduands of UMU

Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Dr Louis Kasekende and Prof John Chrysostom Maviiri in procession after the thanksgiving mass

  

Kasekende also asked the graduands to always mind to learn new skills, in order to remain relevant in the job market.

"Competitiveness in the job market will depend on multiple qualities. The knowledge you acquire at the University is important. But beyond that, employers will be attracted by your attitude towards work; your integrity, writing skills, time management and the ability to work as a team. Whether you are employed by government or the private sector, you must acquire these competencies," Kasekende said.

Students of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, carry the flags of their respective countries during the procession for the university's 24th graduation ceremony

 
Kasekende was the Chief Guest at the 24^th graduation ceremony of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, which took place at the university's main campus in Mpigi district on Thursday, November 8.

Kasekende later asked the graduands to go out and serve humanity with courage, love and honesty, following the example of the Uganda Martyrs, who he said exhibited integrity and commitment to the truth.

Left to right: Rev. Prof. John Chrysostom Maviiri, Dr Louis Kasekende, Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Fr Christopher Mukidi and Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok during the 24th Graduation Ceremony of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi

 
The Vice Chancellor of UMU, Rev Prof John Chrysostom Maviiri informed the congregation that the university had launched 17 new courses, as a strategic response to the country's socio-economic and development challenges.

The courses include among others Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Inclusive Education. The newly launched programmes bring to 136 the total number of courses that UMU offers. Maviiri also declared the establishment of a Faculty of Engineering at the campus of Fort Portal.

Catholic priests in procession after the thanksgiving mass

 
He further announced that all the University's eight campuses had been accredited by the National Council for Higher Education.

The function started with a thanksgiving mass, which was presided over by the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (who is also the Chancellor of the University), The Most Rev Archbishop John Baptist Odama, who thanked Dr Kasekende for his love and support to the university.

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Louis Kasekende delivers his speech

 
The mass was also concelebrated by the Bishop of Nebbi, who is also the chairman of the university's governing council, the Rt Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, who asked the graduands to be ambassadors of change everywhere they go.

During the function, Archbishop Odama conferred Masters and Bachelor's Degrees, Diplomas and certificates of Uganda Martyrs University to 2040 students, who completed their studies in various academic professions. The graduation coincided with the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Uganda Martyrs University.

The Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi, Rev Prof John Chrysostom Maviiri delivering his speech

Uganda Martyrs University Bachelor of Agriculture students celebrating

UMU's students from Congo entertain guests with the popular 'Ndombolo' dance

 

The Chapel choristers of Uganda Martyrs University with Archbishop Odama, Bishop Sanctus Wanok and Engineer John Baptist Walusimbi after the thanksgiving mass