By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu and Leonard Kamugisha Akida
NATIONAL
Speaker Anitah Anette Among Magogo has ordered agencies working with the ministry of education to review examinations regulation policies in Uganda.
In a speech read to her by the deputy Speaker Rt. Thomas Tayebwa at the 26th graduation ceremony of Kampala International University (KIU), Among expressed dissatisfactions with examination regulations which infringe on the rights of the girl-child.
This was after an internal memo by KIU ordering all nursing and midwifery students at its western Campus to undergo mandatory pregnancy test lest they risk sitting for their forthcoming Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board.
“I was disheartened to read the KIU memo circulating on social media that student nurses and Midwives should be barred from their exams if they didn’t take the pregnancy test.” Among said in a statement
She was however, quick to clear the air that; “the Vice Chancellor has explained this matter very well that it has nothing to do with the university regulations but rather it’s in the guidelines by UNMEB.”
She hailed KIU for not implementing this guideline ordering UNMEB, ministries of education and health to urgently convene and address gaps in the regulations and streamline them to meet constitutional rights of gender.
“If indeed these guidelines still operate at this time, I call upon the relevant agencies working with education institutions to review them with aim of creating harmony with the rights of access to education,” speaker Among said
In addition, the speaker appealed to president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to commit further assistance to have education institutions supported regardless of their ownership statuses.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the chairperson of KIU university council Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangen said that the university extension committee on research, innovations and consultancy is working on various policy frameworks that will allow research and innovation activities to thrive at KIU
“KIU ensures job creation in the country through it’s centre of excellence for research and entrepreneurship.” Prof. Wabwire emphasized
Dr. Al Haji Hassan Basajjabalaba, the chairman Board of Trustees KIU who was represented by Dr. Ambrose Kibuuka lauded go government for the continued support rendered to KIU.
Basajjabalaba encouraged graduates to apply the skills and knowledge learned to give lasting solutions to societal problems.
“In life, the only way you earn a good and fullfilling life is by applying yourself to other people’s needs or solving people’s problems in form of goods or services. The value of goods or services you provide determines your personal value in the market place. It is up to you to define the status you want to occupy in society,” he explained
The university vice chancellor Prof. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo revealed that KIU is embracing digital integrations such as holding paperless meetings and promised that they will soon be going to paperless examinations. He appealed to government to provide technical and financial support to university digital innovations.
