President Yoweri Museveni has challenged the youth to utilize the recently commissioned 600-megawatt Karuma Dam power to create jobs and push the country to the middle income class.
“Power is a vast resource: It is the driving force of nearly all human activities, from the vehicles we drive to the homes, hospitals, schools, security forces and workplaces and the machinery we use. That is why by examining the power a country produces, you can tell whether it is developed,” Museveni explained.
The President made the remarks through the Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo who represented him at the 9th graduation ceremony for University of Kisubi in Entebbe where the graduands walked home with various academic accolades.
Museveni explained that when his NRM took over power, Uganda was generating less than 80 megawatts, but now it is generating over 2000 megawatts and still growing.
“This power must be used, and you, the young generation, must use this energy to create jobs and push our Country to the top middle class and beyond. Coffee earnings are at the highest level in our history; we are about to start exploiting our oil, and Ugandans live longer than ever,” he said.
Museveni reminded the graduands that all these developments are happening because of the Government’s clear priorities.
He advised the graduands to lead responsible lives if they are to benefit from these developments.
“You must take care of themselves by avoiding reckless living, alcohol and drug abuse, exercising regularly, avoiding riots and bad politics, engaging in value addition, driving carefully on our roads and avoiding corruption” he counseled.
PROMOTE INNOVATION
The President asked universities to do more research and develop academic programs that address the needs of the country.
“I challenge Universities to do more in research, innovations and develop academic programs that address the needs of our Country. We cannot sit back and wait for other people to come and develop Uganda,” Museveni said.
A total of 300 students graduated with Degrees and Diplomas in various academic disciplines including bio-medical laboratory, Human and Religious Studies, Business Administration, Computer sciences, Political Science and Public Administration among others.
Museveni further told the congregation that the ongoing research and innovations at University of Kisubi have attracted his attention because they align with the NRM manifesto and Vision 2040, which aims to transform Uganda from a peasant society to a prosperous Country.
“The role you have played over the years, especially in education, health, social services, preaching and promoting peaceful coexistence, is commendable and deserves appreciation. I assure you of the Government continued support. Besides the Church and the Brothers, I congratulate the University on several achievements it has registered since 2010, when I officiated at the graduation ceremony at this campus,” he said.
He commended the Catholic Church and the Brothers of Christian Instruction for supporting and working with my Government to develop our Country, Uganda.
“At that time, the University was a small college, but with clear-headed leadership, it had already set out to focus on science education, which was in line with my Government priorities. That is why I am proud to be associated with the work going on at this University.
He pledged government continued support through the relevant ministries and departments, especially the Ministry of Science and Technology, to ensure that these innovations are transformed into marketable products to create more jobs, generate tax revenue and transform our Country.
To the graduands, the President urged the students to avoid the nay-sayers and people who engage in continuous criticisms. He said such people miss out on the opportunities before them because they focus on the negatives thinking that the glass is half empty.
He thanked the parents, guardians, and benefactors of the graduands for sacrificing their resources to educate their sons and daughters adding that, “You have given them the best gift in their lives, and they will not regret it,”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo the State Minister for Higher Education asked the university administration to continue with its excellent partnership with government and other private universities.
Br. Casio Aizire, the Chancellor of University of Kisubi noted the steady progress made, and also appreciated President Museveni for the scholarships and for supporting the University.
“I am impressed that during the 14th Annual Higher Education Exhibition organized by the National Council for Higher Education, the University of Kisubi was ranked second in the Public and Chartered University category. These innovations are evidence of the serious work going on at this University,” Aizire said.
During the ceremony, Baingana Tinka 4.50CGPA in Masters of Arts in Education and Stella Nakayiza with 4.70CGPA in Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology were recognized as best performing students by the University management.
