By Nasser Kayanja
KAMPALA: Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has urged Ugandan graduates to focus on practical skills, innovation, integrity and entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on academic qualifications to secure employment.
Oboth made the remarks on Friday, August 21, 2026, while presiding over the 16th graduation ceremony of Makerere Business Institute (MBI) at its campus in Makerere.
A total of 564 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in Journalism, Information and Communication Technology, Business and Finance as the institution marked 33 years of service.
The Speaker told the graduates that academic certificates should be viewed as a foundation for acquiring practical skills and creating solutions to challenges in society.
He encouraged them to use their education to create employment opportunities for themselves and others while embracing emerging technologies.
Oboth said the changing nature of the global economy requires institutions of higher learning to equip students with skills that go beyond academic credentials.
He also challenged graduates to maintain strong personal values, saying technology may transform workplaces but cannot replace qualities such as good judgment, character and integrity.
The Speaker further highlighted the challenges affecting orphans and other vulnerable children, including school dropout, teenage pregnancy and marriage, child labour, substance abuse and mental health challenges.
He said Parliament remains committed to supporting policies aimed at keeping vulnerable children in school and creating opportunities for them to acquire skills that can improve their livelihoods.
Oboth urged the graduates to embrace technology without losing their sense of humanity, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to solve community problems and develop businesses.
He also responded to concerns from private education institutions over rising operational costs, including taxes, utilities, internet services and infrastructure.
The Speaker said Parliament would continue advocating for policies that create a favourable environment for private institutions to provide affordable and quality education.
Kawempe Division South MP Madina Ntale also encouraged the graduates to embrace hard work, discipline and self-reliance as they begin their professional journeys.
MBI was established in 1993 by Hon. Nathan Itungo, former Member of Parliament for Kashari South County.