Kampala, Uganda | Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has challenged graduates to embrace innovation and creativity as they enter the job market, urging them to tap into government programmes and funds to create their own employment opportunities rather than wait for jobs.
Speaking at the 27th graduation ceremony of Nkumba University on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Tayebwa emphasized the need for visionary leadership that can address Uganda’s social and economic challenges through practical and sustainable solutions.
“What lies ahead is the responsibility to use the knowledge, skills and values you have gained here to transform your lives and those of the people around you. In this era of global disruption and innovation, your generation must be agile, creative and proactive,” Tayebwa said.
He applauded Nkumba University’s digitally-enabled, community-centred early childhood project, which is training teachers from 32 primary schools across Uganda to integrate e-learning into their lessons.
“This is the way forward. The best way to help young learners adapt to the digital age is by introducing them to technology early. I urge you, graduates, to replicate this initiative in your own communities,” he added.
Tayebwa also commended private universities for their contribution to expanding access to higher education, noting that institutions like Nkumba University have played a key role in complementing government efforts to educate Uganda’s growing youth population.
“Universities like Nkumba have been instrumental in democratizing education. Without private universities, many of our secondary school graduates would not have found space in public institutions,” he said.
Nkumba University Chancellor Emmanuel Katongole encouraged graduates to uphold confidence, competence, creativity, and good character, qualities he described as essential for success in any career.
“As Chancellor, I have conferred your degrees, but your real graduation begins tomorrow. Academic qualifications may open doors, but it is these four virtues that will keep those doors open and enable you to walk through them with purpose and dignity,” Katongole said.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jude Lubega expressed gratitude to the government for supporting the university’s recovery through a tax waiver of Shs4.4 billion accumulated since 2014 and a capitalization grant of Shs300 million for infrastructure development.
He appealed for additional support to establish state-of-the-art laboratories for artificial intelligence and data science within the university’s new ICT Centre of Excellence.
This year, Nkumba University graduated 2,087 students, including 25 PhD holders, 418 Master’s degree recipients, 1,025 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 217 with postgraduate diplomas, 263 with undergraduate diplomas, and 139 with certificates.