By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
In a call to action, Ugandan academic , politician, veterinarian and former Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor George Mondo Kagonyera has challenged Universities and institutions of higher education to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their teaching, highlighting its potential to bridge the digital divide in the country’s education sector.
Prof. Mondo Kagonyera made the Clarion call while he was addressing the congregation at the Kampala International University (KIU) 30th graduation ceremony on Saturday.
He however cautioned against abusing AI and expressed the need to handle it with care to reap its benefits.
“AI is a double edged sword. If you use it carefully, you will advance your welfare and the country will grow but if you handle it badly, you will not benefit from it,” said Prof Mondo.
The professor and seasoned politician further urged graduates to use the knowledge and skills acquired at KIU and also get more soft and life skills training.
“The most important tool you can have in your life is knowledge. I want you to put the knowledge you have acquired to good use, not only for yourself but also for the society you live in,” he said.
A total of 2276 including 1016 males and 1260 females graduated today (November 23) at Kampala International University. According to the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muhammed Ngoma, out of these, among these, 38 students attained First Class Degree Honors evenly distributed between male and female graduates.
Prof. Ngoma disclosed that 1048 graduates (47%) graduated in science related disciplines – the highest number that has not been produced by any university in Uganda in the recent past whereas 1228 graduates were from Arts related fields.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony, the minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, also the member of parliament for Kinkizi East in Kanungu district acknowledged the technological challenges facing developing countries, and revealed government’s efforts to integrate technology across all sectors of transformative development. According to Baryomunsi, emerging technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IOT), Robotics among others are greatly driving transformation in many disciplines and other spheres of development.
“AI is turning round many things enabling us to do things from traditional ways to now technological ways in handling things,” he said.
Baryomunsi pledged government support for KIU ICT infrastructure one way of enhancing technology at the university.
“We shall work with the Vice Chancellor and the team here, then we come and deliver a detailed lecture on how AI is shaping different disciplines […] I have also talked to Dr. Hassan Bassajjabalaba, I will come and visit the ICT department and see kind of facilities that you have so that we can explore how we can work together as the ministry for ICT to support you in terms of infrastructure and other areas that enhance technology,” minister Baryomunsi pledged.
Al-Hajji Dr. Hassan Bassajjabalaba, KIU’s Chairman Board of Trustees also the university proprietor, announced plans to establish a private heart and cancer institute at the University’s western campus. He said the facility will complement the existing KIU teaching hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the country and the region.
The businessman turned educationist said this facility will be launched during the Silver Jubilee Celebrations due to take place next year at the western campus in Ishaka Bushenyi where the next graduation will be held.
“Next year we shall be celebrating 25 years and our graduation will be in Ishaka Bushenyi District. On that note, we shall be launching the first private cancer institute in Uganda, and a new library,” Al-Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba said.
Graduates Speak Out.
Graduates expressed gratitude and optimism as they prepare to enter into the workforce. Lucky Tusiime, a diploma graduate in clinical medicine and community health shared her commitment to serving patients with love, and care.
“I am ready to go out and serve the nation using my skills and attend to the patients with love, passion and care because this is my calling,” she said.
Notable figures at the graduation ceremony were the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni who asked graduates to define their values and keep their bodies healthy noting that success comes to those people who have a positive mental attitude and are healthy. Others were the Vice Chancellor KIU Tanzania, Prof. Prof. Angwara D. Kiwara, Prof. Eric Mabonga – Vice Chancellor KIU Western Campus, accomplished entrepreneur Alexander Ritter Uwe, parents and graduates among others.
