Congratulations….was the only word from parents to those who had successfully completed their studies at the 14^th graduation ceremony of Nkumba University where 2012 were awarded Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and PhDs in different disciplines. The new chancellor, Prof.Gordon Kasibante Wavamuno presided over the function for his first time after being appointed the 4^th chancellor in August this year.

Nkumba this time produced the first ever PhD student, Venancy Martin Makilika graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Development Economics. Out of the 2012 who graduated on 22^nd October,38 got certificates,412 received Diplomas,830 of 1444 who were awarded Degrees were females while out of 128 postgraduates,75 were males. The percentage of female graduands stood at 58% as compared to 42% of the male graduands. This year’s graduation doubled the previous one where only 1000 were awarded Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in various academic disciplines.

The best degree graduand was David Luyinda, Bachelor of Fisheries Management Technologies with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.5. Zam Nambooze was the best Diploma graduand with CGPA 4.5 in HIV/AIDS Education. After the ceremony, the graduands walked away with their academic transcripts.

The Vice Chancellor,Prof.Paul E. Mugambi, advised the graduands to use the acquired skills and knowledge to think for themselves. He revealed that the university has started offering science courses such as petroleum and mineral management to foster economic growth in the country after the discovery of oil in Uganda.

The ceremony was attended by Prof.Senteza Kajubi,Dons from other universities among others.

The graduation ceremony was preceded by a commencement lecture that was presented by Prof.Paul Nshuti Manasseh,a senior economic adviser in Rwanda under the theme “Employment of Graduates in the expanded East African Community”. He encouraged the fresh graduates to think beyond Uganda and look for opportunities in other East African countries. Nshuti blamed the labour policy makers for failing to tap human capital that can induce development. He noted that member countries with labour shortages should fill their gaps by offering jobs to qualified graduates from other countries in the EA Community.

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