President Museveni has urged university graduates to avoid alcoholism and immoral conduct, saying such habits undermine productivity and national development.
His message was delivered by the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during the 33rd graduation ceremony of Kampala International University (KIU) at its Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi on Saturday.
“Desist from immorality and alcoholism so as to contribute to Uganda in sobriety,” Dr. Kiyonga said, quoting the President.
He further encouraged graduates to remain focused on Uganda’s development agenda and advised parents to prioritize science-related courses for their children, noting that the private sector remains the largest employer.
“Focus and commit to the country’s development agenda. To the parents, embrace science courses for your children because the private sector continues to be the biggest employer in Uganda,” he said.
By 8:30 a.m., the university grounds were already filled with graduates, families and guests ahead of the colourful academic procession.
Dr. Kiyonga emphasized that personal discipline and lifestyle choices play a major role in shaping graduates’ future success.
At the same ceremony, university leadership called for increased public investment in higher education, research and innovation.
KIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammed Ngoma said stronger government support is needed to link academic research with industrial development.
“We appeal to the government to bankroll innovations and provide strategic incentives to industries that actively collaborate with universities,” Prof. Ngoma said.
The university also raised concerns over financial constraints affecting training programmes, particularly in medical education.
KIU Board of Trustees Chairman Al-Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba called for the protection of internship allowances for medical students, warning that cuts could affect the quality of training.
“I urge the government to maintain internship allowances for medical students. Cutting these essential allowances will severely undermine the quality of medical training across the country,” he said.
He further added: “If you are afraid of quality, we can start issuing exams before these internships. I have no problem.”
In response to funding challenges, Basajjabalaba announced an expanded scholarship programme, saying KIU will support at least 100 PhD and 300 Master’s students annually, with a focus on female students.
“Women holding Master’s degrees will receive fully funded PhD scholarships to bridge the gender gap in higher research. We will also fund 300 master students annually,” he said.
A total of 1,044 students graduated during the ceremony, including 100 who attained first-class degrees.