Lira, Uganda | Lira University has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to fund the tarmacking of its 26-kilometre internal road network, as leaders praised the institution’s growth and urged stronger emphasis on practical skills during its 7th graduation ceremony held on Friday.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Museveni at the event, called on universities and tertiary institutions to prioritise science, technology, and employable skills, noting that graduates must be prepared for a rapidly changing global economy driven by innovation.
She said the NRM government remains committed to expanding science-based education and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure every parish has a primary school, every sub-county a secondary school, and every district a technical institution.
She added that the expansion of public universities across regions reflects government’s intention to widen access to higher education.
Alupo commended Lira University for offering courses that meet labour market needs, arguing that unemployment among young graduates can be reduced if institutions teach programmes aligned to private-sector demands.
he noted that Uganda’s public service has only 469,000 positions, meaning most graduates must look to the private sector for opportunities.
She said government has created a favourable environment for investment, leading to more industries that can absorb graduates and support the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Turning to the graduands, Alupo congratulated them but advised them to avoid reckless behaviour such as drunkenness, sexual promiscuity and extravagant spending.
She reminded them that both the government and their parents had made significant sacrifices to support their education and said she was confident Lira University graduates would form a workforce capable of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Chancellor Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki praised President Museveni for supporting the university’s infrastructural development over the past decade.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality higher education, research and community-centred innovations.
He added that reports show Lira University graduates continue to offer effective and efficient service in their workplaces.
The Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, in remarks delivered by Geoffrey Onyango from the ministry, applauded the university for implementing its planned activities and maintaining steady progress despite financial and operational challenges.
He said the ministry appreciates the management’s efforts to ensure smooth execution of academic programmes.
Lira University remains one of the few institutions in the country that hand over transcripts and certificates on graduation day, allowing graduates to compete immediately in the job market.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal-Okeng thanked President Museveni for his continued support towards the university’s infrastructure but appealed for additional funding to construct student halls of residence and staff housing.
He also requested the government to tarmac the university’s 26km road network, saying the development would ease movement and support the institution’s long-term expansion.
Prof. Ogwal thanked parents, staff and students for their contribution to the successful organisation of the event and congratulated the graduands for their resilience and commitment to academic excellence.
A total of 454 students — 256 males and 198 females — graduated from the faculties of Education, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Management Sciences, and Computing and Information Sciences.