The Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, has challenged university graduates to take the lead in fighting corruption, saying the vice continues to undermine Uganda’s development.
Bishop Akanjuna made the call during the 27th graduation ceremony of Uganda Christian University–Bishop Barham University College (UCU-BBUC), held at St. Peter’s Cathedral grounds in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality. A total of 410 students graduated with diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, comprising 220 males and 190 females.
He urged graduates joining public service to reject corruption, uphold integrity and prioritise the needs of the people whenever entrusted with positions of responsibility. He said graduation should mark the beginning of greater responsibility towards society and the country.
Bishop Akanjuna emphasised that education should not only transform what people know but also shape how they think, behave and serve others. He cautioned graduates against allowing their family backgrounds, financial difficulties or previous academic failures to determine their future.
He further encouraged them to measure success through integrity, honesty and compassion rather than wealth, positions or material possessions. Those who may not immediately secure formal employment were advised to embrace entrepreneurship and use their knowledge and skills to create opportunities.
He challenged the graduates to become responsible leaders and use their education to address societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, has challenged graduates to become transformational leaders who contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
He urged them to put the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies into practice, using them to address societal challenges and drive national development.
Meanwhile, the Principal of UCU-BBUC, Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, has raised concern over inadequate student accommodation, limited lecture room space and insufficient transport facilities at the institution.
Dr. Tumwesigye said the available on-campus hostels cannot accommodate the growing student population, forcing some learners to seek accommodation in privately owned hostels outside the college. She added that the absence of a suitable university bus limits students’ participation in academic, sporting and other institutional activities.
She said the institution plans to expand its hostel facilities, improve teaching and learning infrastructure, introduce more academic programmes in response to emerging labour market demands and strengthen partnerships with churches and other stakeholders to attract more students.
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The Member of Parliament for Rubanda County West, Hon. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, who was the guest of honour, challenged graduates to rise above the limitations of their backgrounds and use their education to transform society.
Kabaasa shared his personal journey, revealing that he once failed to secure admission to high school, experienced discrimination because of his family background and studied in modest educational institutions.
He attributed his progress to determination and a positive mindset, which he said enabled him to overcome the challenges and rise to leadership, including serving at Makerere University for 20 years before joining Parliament.
The legislator urged graduates not to allow financial constraints, family backgrounds or past failures to limit their ambitions, emphasising that one’s beginnings should not determine their destination.
He further challenged the graduates to apply their knowledge and skills towards addressing Uganda’s pressing challenges, including unemployment, food insecurity, economic instability and gaps in the healthcare and education sectors.
Kabaasa called on them to contribute to improved public service delivery, stronger institutions and the creation of opportunities for young people.
He emphasised that addressing the country’s challenges requires a change in mindset, innovation and willingness to adopt new approaches rather than continuing with existing practices while expecting different results.
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