Today is a special day at Busitema University as we celebrate the success of 1915 graduands. It is also a historical day as we install the 3rd Chancellor of Busitema University, Eng. Prof. Badru M. Kiggundu. I appreciate the great work done by the outgoing Chancellor, Prof. Vinand Mutakabala Nantulya. I congratulate all graduands, parents and benefactors on this occasion of the 16th Graduation Ceremony. We thank God for bringing us this far! The journey has been long with a lot of challenges but those are part of the training you have achieved at Busitema University. Your resolve, commitment to personal growth, and the support of your families and friends has been critical to the completion of your journey. It is not only important to celebrate every achievement in life but to acknowledge the contributions of society to our growth. Remember to give back to society in equal measure. I am overly grateful to the staff, parents, government and all other stakeholders who have contributed to the training program which you have gone through successfully.
During your stay at Busitema University, you acquired new knowledge, skills positive attitude towards work and life; it is our hope that you will put this to good use in the world of work. It should be noted that the work terrain is rapidly changing and requires lifelong learning skills which you have acquired. Some of you with support of your Lecturers took advantage of the conducive atmosphere at Busitema University to develop new innovations, publications and have received global recognitions. This should give you the momentum to continue growing as innovators in your respective fields of training because the world today is for job creators other than job seekers
I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity that will arise and allow yourselves to engage and enhance your newly developed critical thinking and problem solving skills. In this era, where the job market is very competitive, I commend you to take advantage of any available volunteering, apprenticeship and internship opportunities. This will exploit your talents whilst accumulating the much-needed experience as you transit from the academic to professional work environment.
The University has improved in a number of areas:
Today Busitema graduates its first PhD students in the Faculties of Management Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Mrs. Wanyana Mercy Mugonola and Dr. Menya Joseph
Human resource capacity: several staff have been recruited and many promoted to higher ranks. The University has now over 80 staff with PhDs and the number continues to rise.
Regarding research, Busitema University is continuing to win competitive grants in the areas of natural products research, space science, material science, renewal energy and artificial intelligence. These are helping the University to transform its methods of delivery to project-based learning.
A number of infrastructural developments across our Faculties have been setup. The construction of the Maritime Institute at Namasagali, Kamuli, is ongoing as directed by His Excellency the President. The construction of a Lecture and Laboratory Complex at the Faculty of Health Sciences Mbale, is progressing well. The construction of an Auditorium at the Faculty of Science and Education is under way. We expect these to make the University more hospitable to our students and staff.
After the Chancellor has conferred upon you the befitting academic Award, you are addressed as a Graduate of Busitema University. You acquire the status of an Alumnus, and a Member of the Busitema University Convocation. I urge you to take advantage as members of the Busitema University Convocation to support infrastructural development at your Alma Mater.
Despite the knowledge and skills you have acquired, honesty and integrity are going to be key to success in whichever endeavor you will undertake.
As we bid farewell to you today, I urge you to go out and make Busitema University proud. This is the time to rejoice, reflect and reposition yourself to chase your dreams.
I thank H.E the President, the Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni and the entire Government for the support accorded to Busitema University. The University has taken a positive trajectory.
Congratulations on this momentous occasion of your life.