1,773 graduate from Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara

President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Bishop Stuart University for advancing science-based courses which are marketable and in line with the government's growth agenda.

This is his speech read by Vice President Jessica Alupo, amidst calls for active participation in the fight against corruption by being exemplary in their work, while upholding patriotism.

His remarks came during the 17th graduation ceremony, in which 1,773 students were awarded PhDs, Masters, Degrees, and Certificates in several disciplines.

“I also note with pleasure that this university is not-for-profit, something that is rare in developing countries, I applaud the Ankole Diocese and all the people who have contributed towards its growth.”

He added that the skills acquired to make them marketable. “I am pleased to note that The University has grown its programs in line with the government strategy of providing the Human capital development to transform the country”.

The president has also urged institutions of higher learning to focus on transforming the minds of leaders and managers to go beyond technical efficiency but also to encapsulate skills such as innovativeness, and selflessness which recognize ideological concerns which will make a critical contribution to transformation.

To the graduates, he advised them to be enterprising and be relevant to their communities.

“I urge you to go out there and be relevant to our societies, constantly reinvent yourself by focussing on the needs of the people, you must avoid the temptation of getting rich quickly through corrupt means, utilize the available opportunities and use your skills acquired to cause transformation,” Museveni said.

Meanwhile, the administration of Bishop Stuart University (BSU) in Mbarara City is appealing to President Museveni to support their staff SACCO with 2 Billion Shillings to help them emerge from Covid 19 effects.

During the graduation ceremony, it emerged that BSU staff were impoverished during the Covid19 lockdown and the government has since moved to support other education institutions with recovery funds.

Relatedly, the Vice-Chancellor, Maud Kamatenesi-Mugisha noted that majority of staff are in need of academic scholarships.

“You’re excellency since you really support government students under the loan scheme-HESFEB and statehouse scholarships, similar support towards postgraduate studies for BSU lecturers will bear much fruit in skilling Uganda.”

As the country rolls out the campaign to transform the society from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming, called the Parish Development Model, (PDM) the role of higher institutions of learning is key, and in that regard, Kamateneti said.

“The university knows how to coordinate agri-business innovations, nutritional plants, and products technology”.

Other issues raised were that the University’s Agribusiness and Ethnobiology department created by the late governor Tumusiime Mutebile, lacks support, the construction of the sports complex is pending, and they also demand recognition in working with security agencies in upholding the country’s dignity and security.

In attendance were, Anglican Bishop for Ankole, Sheldon Mwesigwa, Vice-Chancellor Cavendish University, Prof. John Mugisha, Chairman of University Council, and Prof. Kenneth Kagame among others.