KAMPALA– The Chancellor of Uganda Management Institute ( UMI) Justice Bart Katureebe has advised graduands of the great public institution to be change makers in the communities they live and work in.
This was on Friday, November 25, at the 19th Graduation ceremony held at their premises in Kololo along Jinja Road.
The virtual event had graduands with 438 higher degree programs, 2,360 post graduate diploma, 2,804 ordinary diplomas and 4 Doctorates of Philosophy.
In his opening remarks, Dr.James Nkatta, director general thanked the chief guest for his work and noted that they have contributed to peace, human capital and economic development among other things and it is the package to the president of Uganda.
The Chancellor, UMI, Justice Bart Magunda Katureebe said; ” I’m delighted to have you as the chief guest speaker on my first convocation. I have great memories of the parliament for the last years and I hope to get the best from the august house. These are extremely tough times and the fact that you have graduated is a great achievement. For the staff who have soldiered on even the pandemic, I really appreciate the good work done”.
Katureebe noted that they have many PhD holders and researchers who should help to give an analysis and findings regarding work with the situation at hand in areas of quality, output, efficiency and delivery.
He appealed for support for the construction of their grand Master plan building since it will have huge cost footing and they shall be glad to invite all of them at the grand opening.
He also congratulated and stressed that graduands should impact and benefit the communities they live and work in as change makers and also fix challenges that are available at hand.
The State Minister of Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo said that UMI should be a think- tank for the nation and he believes that by 2022 they will be ready to open the sector.
“Let us work so that all the staff are vaccinated and that is how we can bounce back and this is the time to get prepared for a rigorous year. UMI should organise tailor- made workshops with the education sector and provide remedies for challenges that will change the situation. Education makes meaning and addresses community needs and they should always embrace government programs” added Hon. Muyingo.
On behalf of the Speaker of Parliament who was the chief guest Jacob Oulanyah, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the government’s Chief Whip rose to the occasion and conveyed heartfelt congratulatory messages to the graduands and thanked them for keeping focused.
” This is my first graduation ceremony as a chief guest and since I’m passionate about education, this reminds me of how a son of a peasant who came to Kampala in 2001 is lifted to stand here. I know very many people tell their friends not to come to UMI asking them whether they will manage, this is because you don’t take shortcuts and please guard this jealously” Hon. Tayebwa said.
He applauded them for making it to that level of being winners and that they should work hard towards solving the problems of the world.
Hon .Tayebwa also said that he recognizes the Chancellor as a man with a great reputation and that UMI should toast to his appointment because he inspires young people all over the world.
“Applied knowledge is power and this will help to draw Uganda to the middle class status. We need to have a purpose that is bigger than ourselves and this brings fulfilment to you and your country. I’m glad that you have tailored programs for our leaders and I encourage you to look at providing solutions brought by COVID -19 so that they are good in the region and beyond. I call you to support the parliament on different policy reviews so that our leaders can remove emotions and attachment in some matters since they are representing the people” Hon.Tayebwa added.
He further pledged government’s support towards the construction of the grand master plan building and urged them to always support the government in fighting corruption which has become another grave matter and in issues of merging agencies though it has a lot of resistance.
The occasion was graced by the emeritus chancellor Hon. Beatrice Namirembe Bitamazire, former director generals, graduands that performed best and other high level educationists.
