Muteesa I Royal University has churned out 590 graduates to enter the job market degrees and diplomas upon 590 students during its 13th graduation ceremony, awarding postgraduate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and diplomas across various disciplines.
Presiding over the Friday ceremony was the University Chancellor and Vice President of the International Court of Justice, Julia Sebutinde, who congratulated the graduates awarded with diplomas , degrees , bachelor’s degrees across various disciplines ,encouraged them to remain resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
She emphasised that the job market is highly competitive and that determination and innovation are critical to success.
“The world of work is highly competitive and jobs are not easy to find. You may encounter challenges along the way, but what matters most is perseverance and the ability to use creativity and innovation to overcome them,” she said.
Justice Sebutinde also expressed concern about what she described as declining levels of humanity in society. She urged graduates to uphold the values instilled in them during their time at the university and to use those principles to uplift others and contribute positively to their communities.
The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of the Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, called on the graduates to utilise their knowledge and skills to overcome poverty, transform their communities, and support others who may not have had similar opportunities.
“This University is a valuable investment in Buganda because education is like the food we eat; without it, we cannot rise to the top. Now that you have graduated, how prepared are you to add value to your life? What are you going to contribute to your counties of origin? How will you promote the dignity and image of Buganda?” he said.
Mayiga congratulated the graduates but cautioned them against complacency, noting that greater responsibilities lie ahead. He also expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices in supporting their children’s education.
The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Social Services (Education and Health) and the Office of the Nnaabagereka, Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, encouraged graduates to prioritise humanity and integrity in their next chapter. She stressed that education without moral grounding risks producing individuals unable to make sound decisions and urged graduates to remain vigilant about HIV/AIDS.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Prof. Emily Akuno, Vice Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Kenya, shared three key messages: discover who you are, understand your strengths, and identify what sets you apart. She commended the university administration and parents for their commitment to student success.
The Chairperson of the University Governing Council, Dr. Kasozi Mulindwa, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening academic standards. He outlined plans to construct modern facilities at the university’s campuses in Kakeeka–Mengo and Kirumba–Masaka and to expand student enrollment. He urged graduates to serve as ambassadors of the university by exemplifying integrity and professionalism in their respective fields.
During the ceremony, the Governing Council officially unveiled six prominent figures tasked with promoting the university’s name and image. They include Charles Peter Mayiga; the Kingdom’s First Deputy Katikkiro and Minister for Administration and ICT, Prof. Twaha Kaawaase Kigongo; the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Kingdom Treasurer, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa; Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko; Julia Sebutinde; and Prof. Emily Akuno.
The 13th graduation ceremony marks another milestone for Muteesa I Royal University as it continues to strengthen academic excellence, expand enrollment, and enhance the quality of higher education across its campuses.