The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Elioda Tumwesigye has cautioned graduates from higher institutions of learning that if they are to solve the current and future problems of community, they should embark on using the knowledge they have received to generate technology based solutions.
During the 20th graduation ceremony of Kampala international university (KIU) held on Saturday 15th June 2019 at Kansanga, the minister applauded KIU for the increasing graduation statistics that indicates a significant improvement in science and technology.
The University has establishment f a science hub.
A total of 2,400 students graduated to join thousands of others in the job market.
He said that there is need to support research, innovation and technology, adding that the ministry is focusing on providing resources for science and technology and knowledge based development for industrialization, competitiveness and employment creation.
“As a practical step towards supporting research and innovation in Uganda, my ministry completed the development of the National Research and Innovation Program (NRIP) Framework which was approved by Cabinet on 21st March this year. The framework will guide the mobilization, management and utilization of Research and Innovation Fund to support basic research, technology development and commercialization of innovations,” he said.
The Chairman Board of Trustees KIU, Hassan Basajjabalaba said that KIU has continuously taken the university as a social enterprise by investing in Ugandans who are underprivileged to access higher education through offering bursaries and scholarship to all districts in Uganda.
“Over the years, our view of higher education has tremendously changed. We now deeply appreciate that higher education is a social/public good. Since 2004, the board of trusties has helped over 30,000 underprivileged students have access to higher education through bursaries and scholarships,” he said.
The acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at KIU, Prof George Nasinyama informed the guests that 42% of the graduates were female while 58 males.
This marked the 20th graduation ceremony for the University since inception in 2001.
“Although change is a constant, I’m confident that you have the greatest opportunity to be part of the architects and masons for the new world given the knowledge and skills you have acquired at KIU,” he said.
The Chancellor of Kampala International University Professor John Ssebuwufu while officiating at the 20th graduation ceremony urged graduates to think of starting their own jobs instead of looking for them because they will be disappointed.
He added that they have given all that is needed to the graduates to compete in the job market including enough skills to start their own jobs.
“We have taught you how to fish, go out there and fish but don’t wait to be given; you should know that this is a competitive world where everyone is looking for what to do in order to earn a living,” he said.
By Drake Nyamugabwa
