President Yoweri Museveni has called on Uganda’s universities and tertiary institutions to intensify training in practical skills as well as science and technology. He stressed that graduates from every academic discipline must acquire hands-on abilities to improve their employability in today’s competitive market.

“I urge colleges to provide students with skills that are required by the commercial sector. As the government attracts more investments, the demand for a competent and productive workforce will rise; therefore, students must be adaptable to the quickly changing global economy, which is mostly driven by science and technology.”

His message was delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo during Lira University’s 7th graduation ceremony in Northern Uganda’s Lira District. The event was held under the theme, ‘The Beacon 10: A Journey of Impact’.

At the ceremony, 454 students, 256 male and 198 female from the faculties of Education, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Management Sciences, and Computing and Information Sciences received their transcripts and certificates.

Alupo reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering science and technology as the backbone of economic growth. She highlighted that the National Resistance Movement’s education policy has remained consistent, prioritising one primary school in every parish, one secondary school in each sub-county, and a technical school in each district.

She reported that 90% of parishes now have a primary school, with government overseeing 80% of them, while nearly 90% of sub-counties host a secondary school, 67% of which are government-aided. Public universities, she added, are well distributed across Uganda’s major regions.

The vice president commended Lira University for providing relevant academic programs and equipping learners with marketable skills, an approach she said ensures that both families and government gain value from the substantial investments made in education.

She noted that youth unemployment can be significantly reduced if all higher institutions prioritise courses aligned with private-sector needs. 

Contrasting current conditions with previous regimes, she said the NRM government has enabled a supportive environment for both local and international investors.

“Now that we have enough electricity, good roads, peace, the government is prioritising industrialisation to cut down the haemorrhage caused by the excessive importation of items that can competitively be produced in Uganda.

When we import these items, we donate both money and jobs to foreigners, leaving our own children unemployed.

More industries in Uganda mean more jobs for the population and taxes to the government to carry out development projects,” the vice president said.

She added that Lira is progressing well, and the government is ready to back initiatives that show promise and steady development, noting that such projects are vital to national socio-economic transformation.

Alupo congratulated the graduates but cautioned them about the global uncertainties and discriminatory ideologies affecting today’s world. She encouraged them to examine their society critically and use their professional knowledge to influence positive change. She also warned them to avoid “reckless and dangerous lifestyles such as drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, and extravagant spending.”

Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki, the university chancellor, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting infrastructural expansion at Lira University. He reaffirmed the institution’s mandate to deliver quality higher education, professional training, research, and innovations that uplift communities. According to him, alumni reports indicate that graduates of Lira University perform effectively in their workplaces.

Representing the Minister for Higher Education, Geoffrey Onyango who oversees scholarships relayed Dr JC Muyingo’s appreciation for the university’s management and staff. He praised their efficiency in executing planned activities and ensuring continuous growth despite challenges. Muyingo also commended Lira University for issuing transcripts and certificates on graduation day, allowing graduates to pursue jobs immediately.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Jasper Ogwal-Okeng acknowledged President Museveni’s role in strengthening the university’s infrastructure and appealed for support in constructing student and staff housing, as well as paving the 26-kilometre internal road network. He thanked parents, faculty, and students for making the seventh graduation ceremony a success.