Summary:
Dr. Turyagyenda encouraged the graduates to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning.
KASESE: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports, Canon Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, has urged graduates of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Kagando University College to uphold professionalism, integrity, and a continuous desire to learn.
Dr. Turyagyenda made the call on Friday while officiating at the inauguration of the college as a Constituent College of Uganda Christian University and presiding over its 6th graduation ceremony, held at Kagando Rural Development Centre (KARUDEC) in Kasese District.
The event was held under the theme: “Elevating Health Training to Empower Mankind and Unlock Potentials for a Healthy Community.”
“We live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world,” she noted. “The modern workplace demands competence, professionalism, integrity, trustworthiness, innovation, teamwork, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.”
Dr. Turyagyenda encouraged the graduates to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning.
“Real learning begins after graduation. Be open to learning from others, even those with fewer qualifications, and always seek opportunities to grow in knowledge and skills,” she said.
She further urged them to take advantage of every opportunity to further their education in order to become more competent and effective in their careers.
“I appeal to you to deepen your understanding, ask questions, and embrace practice, even when the financial gain is minimal,” she emphasized.
Dr. Turyagyenda also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting quality training, guided by the TVET Act of 2005 and relevant education policies and guidelines.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, commended the leadership of the South Rwenzori Diocese and UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi for their vision and commitment that made the partnership a reality.
He emphasized the need to protect the environment, calling natural resources a divine gift that must be preserved for future generations.
He also called for the empowerment of both boys and girls with knowledge and values that strengthen family life, which he described as the cornerstone of a stable society.
Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, Bishop of the South Rwenzori Diocese, explained that Kagando University College is an initiative of Kagando Rural Development Centre (KARUDEC), a Church of Uganda, private not-for-profit institution.
“KARUDEC comprises Kagando Hospital, Kagando Primary School, the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Allied Health Sciences, Community Outreach Programs, and St. Luke’s Chapel,” he said.
The bishop revealed that KARUDEC currently employs about 250 staff and serves 802 students, including 240 males and 562 females. The Executive Director is Rev. Dr. Uzziah Maate Kirianghe.
He said that the college will initially offer programs approved by the National Council for Higher Education, including Bachelor of Science degrees in Midwifery, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Sciences.
However, Bishop Baluku expressed concern over the Kasese District Local Government’s decision to withdraw most of the seconded staff from Kagando Hospital and other diocesan health facilities, as well as understaffing in government-aided, diocesan-founded schools.
Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU Vice Chancellor, said the University Council approved Kagando University College as a constituent college in February, under the oversight of the South Rwenzori, Ruwenzori, East Ruwenzori, West Rwenzori, Bunyoro Kitara, and Masindi Kitara Dioceses.
He noted that UCU’s leadership had provided orientation to the Kagando team in governance, human resources, ICT infrastructure, and student affairs, and had established a working framework for the partnership.
In a devotion at the start of the ceremony, Rev. Canon Prof. Edison Kalengyo Muhindo, a renowned New Testament scholar and Chair of the KARUDEC Board, encouraged the graduates not to tire of doing good.
“Doing good can feel tiring when it goes unnoticed or falls on a few, but as Paul says in Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,’” he said. “Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good.”
Meanwhile, Bwambale Jervezious Monday announced that Rukoki Health Centre IV will be elevated to a Community Hospital effective July 1, while Nyabirongo Health Centre III will be upgraded to a Health Centre IV.
He added that the government is committed to upgrading all Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, a move expected to create more employment opportunities for graduates.
