St. Ignatius University in Kabale Diocese prioritizes hands-on skills training to tackle unemployment

St. Ignatius University, a Catholic-centered institution under the Kabale Diocese, is emphasizing the importance of hands-on skills training and digitalization to address the growing challenges of poverty and unemployment in the community.

This focus was highlighted by university officials, including Msgr. John Vianny Sunday, Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Maximilliano Ngabirano, and Dr. Catherine Billa, during a press conference held at the university grounds.

The university, set to be officially inaugurated on August 24, 2024, aims to provide quality education at an affordable cost, with a focus on inspiring, empowering, and transforming society through hands-on skills, moral integrity, and intellectual development.

According to Msgr. John Vianny Sunday, the university’s emphasis on hands-on projects will enable students to transform their lives and become role models in using limited resources to generate more and bring about financial transformation.

“The world is changing, and we need to change with it. Our focus on hands-on skills training will equip our students with the practical skills they need to succeed in the modern economy,” Msgr. Sunday stated.

Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Maximilliano Ngabirano, the Vice-Chancellor, noted that the university aims to achieve financial literacy and transformation, which will be a key focus following its inauguration.

He added that this initiative is expected to address the challenge of youth seeking jobs abroad by focusing on developing self-employment opportunities rather than relying solely on job-seeking.

“When you look through the statistics since 2000, the poverty levels have been decreasing, with a significant drop from 27% to 12% between 2022 and 2023. We need a transformation that will guide our people to stand on their own and improve their socio-economic status,” Professor Ngabirano said.

The university currently has an enrollment of 170 students and offers a range of accredited programs, including business administration, tourism heritage and leisure management, agriculture, and science laboratory technology.

The official inauguration ceremony, set for tomorrow, Saturday, will be presided over by Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo.

The ceremony will also witness the installation of the Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, as the first Chancellor, and Rev. Fr. Associate Professor Maximilliano Ngabirano as the first Vice-Chancellor.