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BY RICHARD DRASIMAKU
ARUA: Saturday, November 29, 2025
President Yoweri Museveni has reminded the grandaunts of Muni University to be innovative thinkers who should contribute towards national development by building industries and transforming agriculture among others.
Museveni while addressing the eight graduation ceremony of Muni University through a written speech read by his representative, Evelyn Anite, the Investment State Minister, reminded the graduates that they are stepping into the world at a time when Uganda is faced with critical challenges on unlocking its economic potential.
He highlighted improving productivity, harnessing digital technologies, strengthening agriculture, industrialization and promoting opportunities for youths as national priority areas where the participation of the graduates are needed.
“You are the generation that will build industries, expand innovation hubs, transform agriculture and redefine what is possible in your communities,” emphasized President Museveni.
He encouraged the graduates to move forth with confidence, courage and commitment, telling them that their skills will be instrumental in advancing these priorities that they should step in the new opportunities to contribute to a prosperous Uganda.
The president congratulate the graduates upon completion of studies but cautioned them to refrain from recklessness and dangerous lifestyle such as drunkardness, sexual promiscuity and extravagant spending.
“Remember socio-economic transformation is not achieved by the government alone. It is built through creativity, discipline and vision of citizens like yourselves,” he said.
Museveni noted that the graduation ceremony was not just a milestone for the grandaunts but it is an important contribution to the nation’s greater agenda of socio-economic transformation.
Making reference to the 1986 when the National Resistance Movement came to power, the president said they identified the underdevelopment of the human resource capital as one of the ten strategic bottlenecks of Uganda’s development.
He explained that you cannot transform a country sustainably unless you transform the human resource area first.
Museveni said this is because the human resource is more important than other national resources and this is why the NRM will always prioritize and continue to invest in the education sector with great focus on science and technology related fields.
“Socio-economic transformation is not an abstract idea. It is a deliberate shift from society limited by poverty, low production, and dependency to one driven by knowledge, innovation, value addition and shared prosperity,” he asserted.
“It is about empowering citizens to be creative of world and not just participants in society and in this journey, institutions like Muni University play a vital role,” Museveni said.
He recognized that Muni university through programs in science, technology, health, agriculture, education and information systems is shaping new generation of thinkers and practitioners who can lead Uganda in a more competitive and equitable future.
“This university stands as a symbol of what is possible when education is aligned with national development priorities,” he added.
Museveni appreciated the university management and staff for their patriotic contribution to the human resource development in Uganda.
“Your work continues to strengthen the human resource capital. Through your decisions, you are shaping the aspects of our socio-economic future,” he commended.
300 of the graduates were beneficiaries of the government’s higher education loan scheme aimed at helping students faced with financial challenges to access university education and pay back the loan when they are employed after school.
Associate Prof Simon Katrini Anguma, the university Vice chancellor presented the 481 graduates of whom 322 (66.6% are male and 159 (33.1%) are female.
There were 35 first class degrees among whom Charles Rwothmeo and Maria Komitale who both pursued Bachelor of Science in agriculture toped the standings.
Prof Anguma thanked the government for provision of sh5.2 billion supplementary funding for staff recruitment and promotions last year which raised Muni University’s staffing level from 19% to 24%.
Officials said the university needs additional sh8 billion for increasing staffing level to meet the requirements of the increased number of academic programs.
Eng Joel Aita, the University Council chairman challenged the graduates to be creative thinkers and entrepreneurs who should use their professional training as spring boards for job creation.
“You did not study for three years, four years just to join the queue of job seekers. Be creators and create solutions, innovations and systems that will propel the society forward,” he said.
Rt Rev Henry Luke Orombi, the former Archbishop of Uganda who is the Chancellor of Muni university was visibly impressed by the progress the university is making in increasing the number of academic programs, staffing levels and enrolment of students.
He commended the parents who have made worthwhile investment in education and advised the graduates to carry forward the discipline and values that have learnt from Muni University.
“Step into the future with confidence and purpose after graduation and remember that the fear of god is the beginning of wisdom. Keep your eyes fixed on God,” Orombi said.
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