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It was joy and merry as Kampala was passing out 3036 graduates during its 21st Graduation Ceremony on the 25th day of April 2025 at Ggaba Main Campus.

While presiding over this distinct function, the University Chancellor Hon.Pof.Mondo George Kagonyera emphasized the need for the Government to work closely with Institutions of Higher learning since they heavily contribute to the National Development goals and transformation of society.  

Prof Kagonyera said that universities serve as valuable partners to Governments, so collaboration between the two is crucial for supporting development, especially in providing evidence-based research, expert analysis, Global Partnerships and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment, Knowledge Sharing and Capacity building, Policy Advice and Consultation and innovative solutions to address complex challenges and improve public policies and programs.

By working closely with universities, governments can harness the expertise, modernism, and resources necessary for development and improve the well-being of societies worldwide, he added.

In his speech, the founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University Owek.Amb.Al-haj Prof.Badru Kateregga advised graduates that having a degree from a certain discipline is not enough, you need to enhance it with a vocational skill that can make you earn an extra income for you to live a better life.  Vocational / Technical studies should always be added to traditional academic studies and career objectives. Combining vocational studies with traditional academic studies can provide a well-rounded education with theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Since the Institution was at the same time celebrating 25years of its history, Prof Kateregga highlighted some of the achievements the University has so far recorded since its inception(16th February 1999) that include but are not limited to, the acquisition of a Charter status, establishment of Sister Universities in Kenya and Rwanda, setting up of the BDK Universities Network International, acquisition of enough land and infrastructure for all its five Campuses, Curricula Development, International Research and Education Collaborations to mention but a few.

The Chief Guest was Prof. Dr. Manfred Dietrich the Honorary Consul of Uganda in Hamburg (Federal Republic of Germany) who also doubled as the Chief graduand of the day. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Science and Public Health in recognition of his support and outstanding achievement in mitigating HIV/AIDs and Malaria in Africa, his advocacy for medical and vocational training, and promoting bilateral relations between Uganda and Hamburg (Germany). Prof. Dr. Manfred is also the Advisor to H.E., Uganda's President on HIV/AIDs and Tropical Diseases. He is now the fourth recipient of this coveted Honorary Doctorate award from Kampala University in the last 25 years. 

In his submission to the institution’s 21st congregation, Prof. Manfred underscored that one of the most important goals of university education is to prepare highly skilled graduates to be employed in the labour market either at home or abroad,  that is why in these modern times we need to change our minds and focus more on tertiary and vocational training courses, which are a viable opportunity for students who are more practical based learners and targeting the current dynamic and competitive global labour market. 

Since on the same function, 561 students were also graduating in Nursing and Midwifery, Prof.Manfred commended Kampala University for its wonderful contribution towards improving healthcare systems in Uganda and the East African region in general through quality health training and community outreach programs. 

The function was trio in nature ie, the Kampala University 21st Graduation Ceremony, Kampala University School of Nursing & Health Sciences 5th Graduation, and the kick-starting Kampala University Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration.

By Julius Ssekatawa
P.R.O Kampala University.