The East African University Holds It's 7th Graduation Ceremony As Prof. Kateregga Reshuffles The entire Board Trustees
The East African University (TEAU), a sister University to Kampala University, released out 810 graduates to the workforce on its 7th Graduation Ceremony at the Main Campus in Kitengela, Nairobi, Kenya, on 5th December 2024.
While addressing the congregation, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Sponsor of TEAU Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru D. Kateregga, who also doubles as the Founding Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University in Uganda, urged graduates to embrace curiosity, remain resilient, and never stop learning. “Make sure you carry forward the spirit of excellence, integrity, and innovation; believe in your potential to make a difference; and always strive to leave a positive mark wherever life takes you; the world awaits your brilliance. Go out and shine," Prof. Kateregga said.
He emphasised the importance of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into university education. He said that AI prepares students for a rapidly evolving technology-driven world; it enhances personalised learning, enabling tailored educational experiences that cater to individual needs and pace. He added that, by integrating AI, universities can enhance research capabilities, streamline administrative processes, and provide adaptive tools to support diverse learners. He also guided that AI fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging innovation across fields like healthcare, engineering, and the arts; therefore, embracing it universities remain relevant, empowering graduates to thrive in an AI-integrated society, Prof. emphasised.
On the same function, Prof. Kateregga the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Sponsor of The East African University-Kitengela Kenya, informed the general public that he has indefinitely suspended all members of the Board of Trustees of the university, including his Deputy, Mrs. Jolly Shubaiha Kateregga for involving themselves in grabbing university land here at Kitengela; now his new Deputy is M/s Rashidah Kateregga. “When I went to the land registry at Kajiado together with my able team, I found that the land title for our land went missing, and sources show that members of the board of trustees of the university, including my former deputy, smoothed its disappearance, and they must be in privy of its whereabouts; they’re the prime suspects in this matter. We are going to do everything possible with the Government of Kenya to arrest them, whether who or whom we are going to get you. I bought this land with my money and Kampala University money in 2005 to the tune of over Ksh200 million, and I will never lift it to Uganda; it is my gift to you, the People of Kenya, so protect this land jealously, Prof. Kateregga said.
He also used the same opportunity to introduce his family to the 7th congregation. “Mr. Chancellor Sir, I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the Katereggas (my children), the stakeholders who have travelled with me to celebrate the 7th Congregation of The East African University with all of us. In the same vein, I thank them dearly for taking care of me during this trying moment I am going through. I believe you have seen a lot about my life both on social and mainstream media. My children did a lot to save me from meeting the Creator earlier than scheduled. The Katereggas are stakeholders of The East African University; they are part and partial of the organisation; they are here to stay, to take the BDK University legacy to greater heights; to work with them; to cooperate with them; and they will equally support you. They are well-qualified personalities of substance who have served in different parts of the Western world, Prof. said.
In his message, the Chancellor of the University, Hon. Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera, advised the Government of Kenya to invest in opportunities for young professionals, foster environments that reward creativity, and prioritize policies that empower future generations to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. Through collaboration, resilience, and vision, both leaders and graduates can work together to shape a brighter future for our country, Prof. Kagonyera said.
The Chancellor also advised students to never underestimate the power of knowledge and remember that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a person can possess; it shapes minds, drives progress, and empowers individuals to overcome challenges and create meaningful change. Use the skills you have acquired here to address the challenges that our society faces and to lead with integrity, compassion, and dedication.
The Chief Guest was Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research Ministry of Education, who was ably represented by Dr. David Watene, the Director of Education and Research Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kenya, who informed graduands that education doesn’t end with graduation. Embrace lifelong learning, adapt to change, and remain curious, he advised.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Kampala University, Dr. Wardah Rajab M. Gyagenda represented the Council Chairman, Prof. Syed Abid and encouraged graduands to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and she added that graduands are leaving with not just a qualification but with the skills, knowledge, attitude, and determination to make a difference in the world.
The Chief Graduand who arrived with a helicopter, Dr. Chepkwony Kipchumba Joshua, aka CK Joshua, a prominent Kenyan entrepreneur, was conferred with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) for his mega contribution to humanity.
By Julius Ssekatawa
P.R.O Kampala University
