Nakawa– A total of 751 students have graduated in various business disciplines at Degree, Diploma, and Certificate levels during the 19th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) held at the Nakawa campus.
Speaking at the colorful ceremony, Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga challenged graduates to harness Uganda’s abundant resources and opportunities to create employment for themselves and others.
He noted that despite Uganda being endowed with fertile land, reliable rainfall, rivers, and lakes, unemployment remains a major challenge that requires urgent attention.
“Uganda has arable land, rain, rivers, and lakes, but it is unfortunate that we still have unemployment. This is a contradiction we must address, and universities have a role to play in solving it,” Kiyonga said.
The Chancellor further revealed that he had engaged Barnabas Nawangwe on plans to transform Makerere University’s land in Kyankwanzi into an agro-industrial park aimed at supporting students with practical agricultural ventures.
He explained that under the initiative, students would be supported to cultivate one or two crops, while the university, in partnership with government, would facilitate value addition through processing before products reach the market.
Kiyonga also urged Ugandans to confront corruption, warning that its effects negatively impact all sectors of society and hinder national development.
Meanwhile, Prof. Mukadasi commended MUBS staff under the leadership of Moses Muhwezi for consistently producing disciplined, impactful, ethical, and upright leaders capable of shaping Uganda’s future and contributing positively to other institutions.
He noted that MUBS has repeatedly earned recognition for producing high-quality researchers and educators who continue to advance the institution’s strategic goal of becoming a research-driven university.
Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Muhwezi emphasized that MUBS is not only focused on producing graduates but also on nurturing innovators capable of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through knowledge and practical skills.
“We have developed our five-year strategic plan for 2025–2030, which identifies five key pillars that will guide the institution’s operations in alignment with the National Development Plan,” he said.
He also urged graduates to remain disciplined, solution-oriented, and committed to lifelong learning and personal growth as they enter the next phase of their lives.
In a notable highlight of the ceremony, 12 inmates from Luzira Upper Prison graduated in absentia with Diplomas.
The event also recognized outstanding researchers and teachers, including Prof. Sheila Namagembe, Mr. Mahadih Kyambadde, Dr. Bob Ssekiziyivu, Mr. Solomon E. Agona, Mr. Robert Kalema, Ms. Majorine Yikiru, and Mr. Moses Ssendawula. Outstanding students were equally recognized for their academic excellence.
