By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
BishopStuart University held its 18th graduation ceremony at its sports grounds in Riverside, Kakoba Mbarara.
Graduands from different courses were awarded PhDs, masters, bachelors degrees, diplomas, and certificates in four faculties of Law, Education, Business Nursing, and Agriculture.
The function was graced by different dignitaries, including Dr. Chris Baryomunsi the Minister for ICT who represented the Minister of Education and Sports, who is also the First Lady of Uganda, the University Chancellor Rt Rev Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, and Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Gershom.
A total of 1661 graduands were awarded degrees on this graduation ceremony, with 10 of them being awarded first class honors. These ten were awarded recognition certificates and a prize of 500,000 UGX by the university.
Dr.Baryomunsi in his speech thanked the Board of Trustees for supporting government initiatives. “Today, we live in a global village where technology is evolving and we should continue to develop external partnerships,” he said. He called upon the university administration to keep supporting strict policies from the regulators, especially the humanization of curriculum,” he added.
The minister urged the graduands to celebrate the day as it had been a journey of hard labor, endurance, and commitment. In a message sent by Hon. Janet Museveni, she encouraged the graduands to make the most of the friends they made on this journey and those yet to come.
The University Chancellor, Rt. Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa, reminded the graduands that they were in a Christian university and everything is done there was by God. He encouraged them to not forget God in everything they do and to always pray and thank Him.
One of the graduands miss. Kyasimire Pereth who has graduated with a bachelors degree in procurement logistics and management. Pereth is also a police officer in the department of investigations attached to Ruti police post in Ruti ward, Mbarara city. She said she is very happy for this day.
It’s been a struggle and sacrifice across.” I also thank my parents for their support in everything” she said.
We also met Mr. Sedrack Otafiire who graduated with a diploma in nursing and also works with the mighty children’s hospital in Mbarara (Holy Innocents) Nyamitanga.
Among other jolly graduands we talked to were Birungi Hariet, journalist with Vision group (Radio West), Mr. Muhereza Valentine AKA Kachina who graduated with a bachelors degree in media and journalism.They said they give glory back to God for the gift of life and the far he has brought them.
