Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has urged young people to embrace hard work, innovation and discipline, cautioning them against what he described as diversionary criticism and destructive ideologies that threaten Uganda’s peace and development.
The President made the remarks in a message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo during the 34th graduation ceremony of the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), where 2,484 students graduated with qualifications ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees.
In his address, Museveni congratulated the graduands on their academic achievements and warned them against the temptation of seeking quick wealth through corrupt means. He emphasised that sustainable success is built through patience, integrity and productive work.
“The future of Uganda depends on disciplined, hardworking and innovative young people who are focused on wealth creation and national development,” Museveni said, urging graduates to reject negative influences that undermine unity and progress.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting higher education, research and innovation, noting that universities play a critical role in producing skilled manpower for national development. He encouraged graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers, advising them to use their skills and knowledge to establish enterprises instead of competing for limited government jobs.
The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including the Emir of Rano and the Emir of Gaya from Nigeria.
The OIC Assistant Secretary General for Science and Technology, Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, praised the Ugandan government for providing a peaceful, stable and enabling environment that has allowed IUIU to grow steadily since its establishment.
“On behalf of the OIC, and on my own behalf, I wish to express deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Uganda, under the wise leadership of His Excellency President Museveni, for providing a peaceful, stable and enabling environment,” Khokher said.
IUIU Rector, Professor Ismail Simbwa Jagenda, highlighted the university’s contribution to human capital development in Uganda and the wider region, noting continued expansion in academic programmes and research output aligned with national and global needs.
He reported that among the graduates, 200 attained First Class degrees, while 673 graduated with Second Class Upper degrees. He also noted a continued rise in female participation.
“Like last year, this year there are more female graduands than males. Women account for 51 per cent, compared to 49 per cent for men,” Professor Jagenda said.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary and academic awards. Vice President Jessica Alupo was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in recognition of her contribution to leadership and public service. Kakuto County Member of Parliament and Pallisa District Chairperson Emmanuel Paje graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree.
The event concluded with the formal award of certificates and degrees at various levels, marking another milestone in the history of the Islamic University in Uganda.
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