President Museveni has urged fresh graduates of Kampala International University (KIU) to adopt disciplined and healthy lifestyles, saying their families and the country depend on their choices as they enter the next phase of life.
In a message delivered by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa at the university’s 32nd graduation ceremony in Ishaka on Saturday, where 2,385 students received academic awards, the President cautioned the graduates against habits that undermine personal progress.
“I want to urge the graduands, now graduates, to adopt healthy lifestyles. If you want to be patriotic and your family and country depend on you, you cannot be promiscuous, you cannot drink alcohol,” Museveni said.
He encouraged them to help their parents and guardians build family wealth, adding that developing spirituality would also strengthen their character.
“Read your Bible or Quran to build your spirituality and relationship with God,” he said.
Tayebwa, while representing the President, told the graduands that success would depend less on their qualifications and more on their personal values.
“Do not think you will succeed simply because you have a degree. You will succeed because of your character, your effort, your big dreams, and your determination, not just connections,” he said.
Speaking to the congregation, KIU Board of Trustees chairman Hassan Basajjabalaba appealed to the Government to consider tax exemptions on crucial imports for private universities, particularly laboratory materials. He also called for a review of the student loan scheme and an increase in research funding.
“There are items we import like lab materials. If government gives us a tax exemption, that would be good for private universities,” Basajjabalaba said.
A total of 2,385 students graduated in various disciplines with bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
