Vice President Maj Rtd.Jessica Alupo has been appointed and installed as the 3rd Chancellor of St Lawrence University.
She becomes the first female chancellor of any university in the country.
The installation ceremony was presided over by Vicar General Msgr Charles Kasibante of Kampala Archdiocese who earlier led the congregation in the Holy Mass.
Subsequently, Alupo presided over the 13th graduation ceremony of St. Lawrence University where over 479 students graduated with certificates, Diplomas, Bachelors and PhDs in various disciplines across the board.
The graduation was held under a guiding theme, “entrepreneurship education a pathway to sustainable livelihood”.
Alupo replaces former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi who served in the same position for ten years. The university was founded by the late Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi over ten years ago.
In her acceptance speech, Alupo thanked the university management for identifying her as a suitable candidate for the position of Chancellor.
“Today I am honoured to be installed as the 3rd Chancellor of St. Lawrence University, and the 1st Female Chancellor of this institution of higher learning,” she said.
Alupo noted that the appointment and installation comes at the right time when the University is also remembering the service rendered by Prof. Lawrence Mukiibi to Uganda.
She eulogised Mukiibi as a great supporter and member of the NRM Government and held a moment of silence in honour of the Professor.
Alupo stressed that the NRM Government unlocked education service delivery by opening up space to the private sector to deliver education and training at all levels.
“In light of today’s occasion and regarding Higher Education, teaching, learning, research, science and innovation and knowledge transfer are key areas of concentration”, the Vice President said.
She thanked Lawrence University for prioritizing programmes which are relevant in the world of work. “Please continue refining your programmes to suit the market needs especially the private sector”, she advised.
She hailed the Universal Education programs (UPE and USE ) for availing equal access to both boys and girls, as evidenced from the graduation numbers-saying in the past, education was not for all and especially female students would stay at home because of many reasons. The NRM Government therefore opened doors for both the girl and boy child through Universal education and also by having extra points for the girl child to attend tertiary education. This, she emphasized was catalyzed by the good policy on Universal Education at Primary and Secondary education levels.
“From data here at St Lawrence University, it is clear that the girl children have equally fully benefitted and compete favourably with the boy child. I congratulate St. Lawrence University for this milestone of embracing both boy and girl child education including students with disability”, Alupo added.
She also referred to the UN-Sustainable Development Goals (2015), the AU-Agenda 2063, the National Vision 2040 and the NDPs, in which the NRM Government considers Universal Education to be one of the key enablers of inclusive and Sustainable Development.
Further, the Vice President hailed the Higher Student loan scheme which has so far benefited a number of students and expressed optimism that St.lawrence would soon benefit from such opportunities given that St Lawrence University is one of those Universities that have applied for the Charter. “Please fulfill the requirements so that the Charter is granted based on your readiness as quality assurance issues and sustainability in the delivery of Education cannot be compromised”, she said.
She pledged her contribution to further the growth of St. Lawrence University, such that the value seen in this University since the commissioning by H.E the President in 2006, takes even better strides as St Lawrence University grows into a centre of excellence in Uganda and beyond. “I shall join you to light my Candle as I light your candles in the next 5 years of my service as the University Chancellor”, Alupo said.
The vice Chancellor Dr. Charles Masaba noted that the university has a ten year strategic plan which is to be reviewed every five years.
He explained that the plan 2022/2023-2032/2033 has several objectives including to offer education that is underlined with entrepreneurship, ICT, and research skills which enable graduands to be innovative and job creators.
