Kampala University graduated 3,514 students at its 23rd commencement ceremony on Thursday at its main campus in Ggaba, with the institution’s founder and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, urging increased government funding for innovators, particularly young graduates and university researchers. The ceremony, marked by celebration, dance, and emotional moments, saw graduates from both Arts and Science faculties receive their academic qualifications. Speaking in his traditional black and red academic gown, Prof. Kateregga called on the graduands to uphold discipline, patriotism, and integrity as they enter the professional world, challenging them to reject corruption and focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers. “What you have learned here is enough to guide you into the world of work. Be innovators, be employers, and utilize your knowledge to transform society,” he said. Prof. Kateregga emphasized that while the Ugandan government has acknowledged innovation as a driver of national development, current financial support remains insufficient for graduates and academic staff developing practical solutions to the country’s economic challenges. He specifically appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Ministry of Education and Sports, led by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, to prioritize funding for university-based innovators. He noted that many students and faculty have already developed innovations with the potential to transform communities and generate employment, but lack of funding continues to hinder their scalability. “In this digital era, innovation is key to economic transformation. Government should identify innovators, nurture creativity, and provide resources and policy support to help them succeed,” he added. The Vice Chancellor as well cautioned against the misuse of digital platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, urging young people to use technology responsibly and avoid spreading misinformation or harmful content. “Digital users should act responsibly. These platforms should be used constructively, not to spread harmful content or destroy others,” he said. On academic standards, Prof. Kateregga maintained a firm position regarding students who fail examinations, stating that those dissatisfied with their results should not expect sympathy or pursue legal action against the institution. “Those plotting to sue us in court over their marks should stop. We are not intimidated by complaints against our lecturers. If you failed, you failed,” he said. Chief guest Maggie Kigozi congratulated the university and its founder on the milestone, urging the government to equip graduates with resources to drive industrialization and job creation. “Here’s not just graduation—it is a memorable life event. Go and impact Uganda’s economy positively,” she said. Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, representing the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), encouraged graduates to work hard, continue supporting government programs, and seek opportunities in public institutions. She praised Prof. Kateregga for establishing one of Uganda’s leading private universities and commended the graduates for their achievement. Of the 3,514 graduands, 1,812 were female (51.6 percent) and 1,702 were male (48.4 percent). 242 nursing students graduated from the Kampala University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, located at the Mutundwe Campus. The ceremony attracted students from across the region, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prof. Kateregga also highlighted the recent election of 12 alumni to Uganda’s 12th Parliament, describing Kampala University as a home of leaders and national transformation. “The university has proved to be a home of learned people and valuable leaders. None of our students have failed in life—we are a living testimony of quality education,” he said. Founded in 1998, Kampala University has expanded into one of Uganda’s prominent private institutions, with campuses in Ggaba, Jinja, Masaka, Mutundwe, Kigali, and participation in Rwanda’s East African University network.
Kampala University Graduates 3,514 as Founder Urges Government to Fund Innovators and Job Creators
