By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
Ggaba, Kampala- Uganda: Kampala University marked its 22nd Graduation Ceremony and 6th Graduation Ceremony for the School of Nursing and Health Science with a momentous celebration of academic achievement and institutional growth with 3,544 graduating across diverse disciplines, with a notable 126 students achieving First Class Honours.
The graduation statistics showcased a balanced gender representation, with 1,838 female and 1,706 male graduates. Special recognition was given to outstanding students like Ahimbisibwe Godfrey the Overall Best Student with CGPA 4.9, and Nabukenya Asumpta, the Best Female Student with CGPA 4.82. These were gifted one Millon shillings and 800,000/= from the University with a laptop for Asumpta from centenary bank respectively.
Founding Vice-Chancellor Prof. Badru D. Kateregga stressed the significance of the occasion under the theme “Celebrating 26 Years of Excellence: Advancing Efforts to Make Kampala University Greater.”
Prof. Kateregga expressed profound gratitude to the Kateregga family, the Directors of KU Limited, for their unwavering support, especially during challenging times. He also acknowledged the government’s commitment to higher education, symbolized by the presence of Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, representing Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga, the Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted several achievements from the past year, including the accreditation of 48 academic programs, the introduction of market-driven courses like Science in Oil and Gas Management, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into university operations.
“Kampala University is embracing Artificial Intelligence to streamline processes, enhance learning, and prepare graduates for a technologically driven future,” Prof. Kateregga stated.
He urged universities to adapt to evolving societal needs by integrating innovative methods and fostering industry collaborations.
Prof. Kateregga congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to “go forth, make your mark, and shine brightly. The sky is not the limit; it’s just the start.”
In his outstanding remarks, Hon. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, the Chancellor Kampala University lauded the graduating class of 2025, emphasizing their readiness to tackle the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. In this, he highlighted the university’s commitment to equipping graduates with the skills to be “leaders, thinkers, AI, and innovators.”
Acknowledging the global shift towards digital learning, Prof. Kagonyera emphasized the importance of critical thinking and innovation. “The challenges of the 21st century demand individuals who can think beyond the conventional,” he stated, urging graduates to “dream big, take risks, and embrace failure as part of the learning process.”
The Chancellor also addressed recent public discourse, affirming the continued leadership of Founding Vice-Chancellor Owek. Amb. Al-haj .Prof. Badru Kateregga and the university’s unwavering progress. “Kampala University’s established structures and robust governance have ensured its continued and unwavering progress during this period,” he assured, expressing gratitude for the dedication of the entire university community.
Representing the Third Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education, affirmed the partnership between the Ministry of Education and Sports and higher education institutions like Kampala University in shaping Uganda’s future.
She noted that the ministry is dedicated to prioritizing education affirming that it is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycles of poverty, advancing social justice, and fostering long-term economic growth.
Minister Kaducu lauded the university’s contribution to national development, emphasizing the pivotal role of educated youth in national transformation. “Our youth are the heartbeat of Uganda’s future. As a country, we are blessed with a vibrant and youthful population.”
She highlighted government’s dedication to youth empowerment with ongoing efforts to enhance skills development, promote research, and strengthen ties between higher education and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped for success.
Addressing the graduands, Minister Kaducu urged them to remain committed to core values, stating, “Uphold integrity, diligence, discipline, patriotism, and compassion in all that you do,” and to remember that, “true success is not just measured by personal gain, but by the positive impact you have on the lives of others and your contribution to the common good.”
The ceremony was also graced by the University Chief Orator Hon. Asuman Basalirwa also Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality underscored university’s deliberate transition from success to impact with structures in place that make their future trajectory irreversible.
He added that they University of fully chartered that puts it a level of offering any program and lean on.
He also reiterated the fact that Kampala University is the only University in East Africa with sister Campuses in member States, to mention, Rwanda, Kenya and others. He added it has a film school that is the best in the region which has also made impact globally.
Speaking at Kampala University’s graduation ceremony, Hon. Adow Aden Mohammed, the Wajir South Kenyan MP who also graced the occasion emphasized education’s power to eradicate poverty and empower communities.
Mohammed proposed scholarships for poor students and a “sibling” program for students sponsored by his constituency’s bursary scheme. He urged students to develop skills for a globalized world, be innovative, and market themselves beyond their locality. His vision could pave the way for a new generation of African leaders and innovators.