By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kisoro, Kigezi Sub Region: On Thursday, Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni advised the 1,494 students who graduated from different faculties at 5th Metropolitan International University Graduation to desist from indulging themselves into acts that may deteriorate their future rather integrate their education with innovations and technology to cope up with the needs of the 21st century.
Mr. Museveni said, the need to be innovative and have technology skills is indispensable as this has turned out to be an outstanding requirement in whatever is done in the current world.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza- Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations presents speech on behalf of President Museveni at Metropolitan International University’s Graduation ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
He therefore implored them to harness these skills as they will be better placed for this competitive world.
He went on to ask graduates to ensure that the education they have had changes their community and country for the better.
President’s message was delivered by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations Hon. Monica Musenero Musanza who on her part also implored students to further read in order to find new knowledge as well embrace science and technology.
She went on to take the duty to unveil, Institute of Languages at Metropolitan International University (MIU).
Taking to her twitter handle, Minister Musenero said,
Today I had the great honor of representing H.E.
at the 5th Graduation of MIU, Kisoro. The anxiety of my hosts at such events is whether that cape will stay on the “Big Afro” hair. I assure you it always does! Thanks
team for the great work!
Speaking at the congregation that gathered for the 5th graduation, Hon. Dr. Philimon Mateke- the Chancellor- of Metropolitan International University reminded graduates that, they mark another milestone in their academic journey both technically, professionally and visionary but that they should be ready to contribute positively to their nation Uganda.
(R)Hon. Dr. Philimon Mateke- the Chancellor of Metropolitan International University confers desgrees, awards diplomas & presents certificates to graduands at 5th Graduation ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Dr. Mateke urged them to use the latest and emerging technology to ensure that they solve Africa’s and Uganda’s challenges and was confident that they will put science and technology in use by taking full advantage of the opportunities offered to them by the environments.
He reiterated that the focus of Metropolitan International University remains on research and development.
He implored graduates to continue to growing their careers and be partners in putting mighty Metropolitan International University to another level.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Julius Arinaitwe- the Vice Chancellor of Metropolitan International University, highlighted that the University is on the verge of attaining a charter status by the end of 2023.
“All our efforts are geared towards achieving that prestigious recognition that guarantees our university services offered to all stakeholders. We have already received the first visit from the regulator- NCHE, gladly waiting for the report”
*A Charter is the highest recognition by the regulator (National Council for Higher Education -NCHE) *
He added that the university has started on the process of acquiring the ISO certification (a world recognition) to further guarantee their services to all stakeholders allover.
Prof. Dr. Julius Arinaitwe- the Vice Chancellor of Metropolitan International University gives maiden speech on behalf of the University during 5th Graduation ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
The University is mandated to generate kknowledge through research, ddisseminating knowledge created and ccommunity engagement as the input is from the community and the output go back to the community.
Dr. Arinaitwe revealed that they have a strategic plan 2023-2028 valued at UGX. 62 Billion which will see enhancement of expansion and work on the laboratory.
*At the 5th Graduation, the University launched Metropolitan Institute of Languages in a bid to further equip own students with the required linguistic skills requires for the 21st century and beyond*.
On the other hand, he expressed need to build up to date agricultural laboratories to assist in addressing poverty and hunger issues in Uganda but the technology is expensive.
He clung to Uganda’s government for support in aacquiring land for expansion which he says is currently difficult especially in Kisoro where it is expensive as 25 decimal is around 100,000,000/= (one hundred million shillings) equivalent to 20,000 US dollars and so is in Kampala, making expansion programme difficult.
He also mentioned a challenge of high cost of internet and cyber-crime as most of system and operations are hosted on line which makes security of their system expensive given the advancement in technology.
Hon. Sarah Mateeke Nyirabashiki- the University Chairperson Board of Trustees who is also Minister for Youths and Children Affairs in Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development as well Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament implored graduates to be creative, problem solving, be keen of environment they’ve joined and embrace proper communication and on-job acquired skills.
Hon. Sarah Mateeke Nyirabashiki- the Chairperson Board of Trustees of Metropolitan International University delivers her speech during 5th Graduation ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
“You have joined a pool of graduates across the Uganda and the world of whom many are searching for employments and it is seeming harder, employers look beyond your paper- someone will ask what can you do and competences beyond classes?”. Minister Sarah quoted.
“Today marks a tremendous achievement of your education, be proud, be happy and grateful for having sailed through covid 19 but ask yourself, what next?” Minister Sarah posed.
She reminded graduates that Learning does not stop, learning is lifelong as well endeavor to kindly learn, relearn and unlearn as long as you live.
PICTORIAL OF MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS AT MIU’s 5th GRADUATION HELD AT MAIN CAMPUS IN KISORO DISTRICT. All Photos by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Parents & graduands start entering the gates of the main campus.
A multitude of graduands accompanied by their parents flock Main Campus for maiden 5th graduation.
Graduands are seen comfortably seated waiting to receive their honors from University Chancellor.
Parents are seen firmly seated waiting to celebrate success of their children at 5th Graduation.
(2ndL) Chancellor and his entourage pose for anthems.
(R-L)Hon. Dr. Philimon Mateke, Chancellor and Prof. Dr. Julius Arinaitwe Vice Chancellor interact before official ceremony.
Chancellor, Hon. Dr. Philimon Mateke awards overall best student.
Hon. Sarah Mateke, University’s Chairperson Board of Trustees & Dr. Ariyo Kazaara Gracious, University Secretary are seen singing during anthems.
Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashiki, University’s Chairperson Board of Trustees receives an award for her diligent work to the University.
Dr. Ariyo Kazaara Gracious, University Secretary is pictured while following events at ceremony.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Musanza- Uganda’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations officially launches Institute of Languages at Metropolitan International University as Dr. Ariyo Kazaara Gracious looks on.
Graduates seen jubilating after their names are read in from graduation book and fully confirmed by the University Chancellor.
Bafumbira girls from Kisoro entertain the congregation at 5th Metropolitan International University Graduation.
Kisoro based Brass Band Group entertains at 5th Graduation ceremony.
Chancellor’s entouroge pose for a group photo after the 5th Graduation ceremony.
Chancellor’s procession exits graduation venue.
Finally graduates & parents exit Main Campus to celebrate their success in their localities.