H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, Represented by H.E. The Vice President Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo. The Hon. Minister of Education and Sports, represented by the Hon. Minister of State for Primary Education Hon. Dr. Mary Kaducu. The Hon. Minister of Science and Technology Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero. The Chancellor of Busitema University, Professor Vinand M. Nantulya. Hon. Members of Parliament Present. Members of the Diplomatic Core Present. The Executive Director, National Council for Higher Education. The Chief Executive Officer, Electricity Regulatory Authority. Directors and Government officials present. Religious Leaders. Chairperson and Members of Busitema University Council. Vice Chancellors (Chair of Vice Chancellors Forum) and Representatives from Sister Universities. Resident District Commissioners. District Local Government Council Leaders. Members of the Busitema University Senate. Development Partners of Busitema University. Management and Staff of Busitema University. Chairperson and Members of the University Convocation. The Community of Busitema University. The Media houses present. All invited Guests, Parents, Guardians and Benefactors Students. The Graduands. Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome I welcome all of you to the 12th Graduation ceremony of Busitema University. In a special way, I welcome our Chief Guest H.E. the Vice President, Rtd. Major Jessica Alupo. Last time you officially visited Busitema University as the Minister of Education and Sports. Today, we are excited to host you as the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. On behalf of the Busitema Community, I convey warm congratulations to you upon your Appointment to the Office of the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. Convey our appreciation to H.E. the President for steering the country through the challenging period of the COVID 19 Pandemic and managing the post COVID economic recovery program. Today is a special day at Busitema as we celebrate the success of 1,567 graduands who will be receiving Degrees, Diplomas and certificates in various areas of study at Busitema University. Graduation Information Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University is today presenting to you, 1,590 graduands of which 533 are females (34%) and 1,034 males – (66%) for the award of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates. Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University has continued to attract students from the neighbouring countries. Today we have graduands from Kenya, Malawi. Tanzania, Rwanda and Southern Sudan. Busitema University has 60 training programs; including 27 Bachelors Degree Programs, 12 Masters, and 3 Doctor of Philosophy programs. We continue to offer unique programs tailored to address the development needs of our country. Some of the unique programs are: 1. Master of Science in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering; 2. Master of Climate Change and Disaster Management; 3. Master of Educational Leadership and Management; 4. Master of Computer Forensics; 5. Bachelor of Mining Engineering; and 6. Bachelor of Polymer, Textile, and Industrial Engineering. Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University is presenting to you graduands for the first time in the following programs: 1. Masters of Science in Physics; 2. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture; 3. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering; 4. Bachelor of Science in Polymer, Textile and Industrial Engineering; 5. Bachelor of Information Technology; 6. Bachelor of Education Languages –English & Literature; 7. Bachelor of Tourism and Travel; 8. Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Biology); 9. Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry); and 10. Diploma of Tourism and Travel Management. With today’s ceremony, Busitema University shall have graduated cumulatively a total of 10,157 countrymen and women serving in various disciplines and contributing to the socio-economic transformation of our country. Mr. Chancellor Sir, the University is today recognizing the best students in each Faculty, the best performing postgraduate student, and the overall best student for the Academic Year 2020/2021. We shall also be recognizing four staff, three (3) who have excelled in research in the areas of Health Sciences, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, and Education Management. We shall in addition be recognizing the best Innovator of the year 2020/2021. The Basitema community will also be appreciating the first Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, Professor Mary Okwakol for her contribution towards the development of this University. Mr. Chancellor Sir, various stakeholders have made this function possible and allow me to appreciate them: To the graduands, we are grateful to your hard work, dedication and discipline that has seen you make it to the graduation list today. The parents, guardians and sponsors of the graduands, we thank you for the support you have rendered to the future leaders of this nation. We are grateful to the University Council, Management, teaching and non-teaching staff for the hard-work, patience and your commitment to duty. We thank the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports for continued interest and focused support to the affairs of the Busitema University. Allow me Mr. Chancellor Sir, on behalf of the Busitema University Community to thank our chief guest who is also a known friend of Busitema University for accepting to officiate at this graduation ceremony. Finally, we thank H.E the President for his commitment to the development of Busitema University and specifically for bringing education near to the people through the establishment of Rural Based Universities like Busitema. Leadership, Governance and Management Your Excellency and Hon. Ministers, allow me to congratulate the Chancellor, Professor Vinand Mukatabala Nantulya upon his re-appointment as Chancellor of Busitema University for a period of four (4) years with effect from October 2021. We thank H.E. the president for reappointing him and the Chancellor for his dedicated service to the University. I recognize the Chairperson of the University Council, Mrs. Rosemary Mutyabule and the Vice Chairperson Hon. Dr. Beatrice Wabudeya and thank them for steering the University through the difficult period of Covid19. During the month of August 2021, the Hon. Minister of Education and Sports appointed Professor William Bazeyo, member of the Busitema University Council replacing Professor Elly Sabiiti who stepped down. Professor William Bazeyo is now the Chairperson of the University Appointments Board. Similarly, the University Convocation convened on 27th August 2021 and elected the first Executive of the Busitema University Convocation. Eng. Badru Musinguzi was elected the first Chairperson of the Busitema University Convocation and he is a member of University Council representing the Convocation. We warmly welcome the two to the Busitema University council. I also welcome the Chairperson of Finance, Planning and Investment Committee, Mr. Gideon Obbo Ologe, the Chairperson of Students Affairs and Disciplinary Committee, His Lordship Justice Godfrey Namundi, the Chairperson of Audit Committee, Mrs. Josephine Okui Ossiya and Chairperson of the Quality Assurance, Gender and ICT, Mr. Aloysius Kiribaki and all members of the University council. We are grateful to the guidance and support particularly in mobilizing resources for the University. Allow me to introduce the members of Top Management: The First Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Samuel Baker Kucel The University Secretary, Mr. Abert Matsiko Mutungwiire The Academic Registrar, Dr. Lillian Gimuguni Nabaasa The University Bursar, Mr. Wilberforce Ojiambo The Dean of Students, Ms. Sophie Acon The University Librarian, Dr. Fredrick Kiwuwa-Lugya I would like to further recognize the presence of Deans, Directors and Heads of the various units of the University.(Request to stand up for recognition) Highlight of Achievements Your Excellency the Vice President, Mr. Chancellor Sir, Honorable Ministers, the University has continued to make big strides since its establishment in October 2007. The Students’ enrolments has grown from 450 at the start of the University to 6,592 to date by the end of the academic year 2020/2021. Academic Programs offered by the University have increased to 60 and these include PhD, Masters, Bachelors, Diplomas and Certificate programs. The University has continued to mount new programs directed to her vision of becoming “A Center of Academic and Professional Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation. The new programs include; Doctor of Philosophy in Material Engineering, Doctor of philosophy in Energy Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, Masters in Sustainable Energy Engineering, Masters in Material Engineering, Masters in Physics, Masters in Educational Psychology, Masters in Infectious Disease Field Epidemiology and Biostatistics; and Bachelor of Science in Statistics. The above programs have been advertised for August 2022/2023 intake. University Visibility The University’s visibility has continued to improve, with the most recent webometric ranking placing the University in the 5th position in Uganda from 6th in 2021. This is as a result of the increased research output from our Staff and students. Further, Busitema University was honoured as the best Visionary Public University of the year 2021 by the people of the Republic of Uganda for the outstanding contribution towards Uganda Middle Income Status Aspiration and Vision 2040 In the quest for continuous quality improvement and sustainability, the University has invested in internal quality assurance mechanisms. Tracer studies and self-assessments have been conducted. The University Self-Assessment Report 2021 was launched by the University Council on 17th June 2022. This report gives insight into the overall performance of the University and proposes improvements in the University operations. Recognition and Awards Mr. Chancellor Sir, I recognize Ms. Akello Proscovia, a 4th year student of Polymer, Textile and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology who represented Busitema in the “Miss University Africa, Uganda” Pageant. Although she was not the overall winner she got an award of “Miss Congeniality 2022”. Ms. Akello had an outstanding level of confidence, personality and commitment. We congratulate her and wish her success in future competitions. Research and Innovations The University has continued to undertake research and has over 50 prototypes in the fields agricultural mechanization, renewable energy, environmental engineering, artificial intelligence and Health Diagnostics. Some of the innovations include: • The Night - Day Solar crop dryer being designed to improve post-harvest management at parish level. This equipment is being designed for use at community level and will support the national Parish Development model. This innovation will be ready for the Market by December 2022. We thank Professor Kant Kanyarusoke for this work. • TAZCOV a product developed for the treatment of COVID 19 and other viral infections is ready for clinical trials. We are grateful to the support we got from the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) under the leadership of Hon. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science and Technology. • The research team led by Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro assembled as part of National scientific response to COVID pandemic has grown into a Center of Excellence in drug discovery and development at Busitema University. Other innovations include: 1. A Motorized Walk Behind Trenching Machine 2. An Automated Water Metering, Billing and Monitoring System: 3. Engine powered ground nut stripping machine: Your Excellency, the University appreciates the support from the Government of Uganda towards the establishment of the Technology and Incubation Center at the University. We appeal for further Government’s support amounting to UGX.8bn to fully operationalize the Centre and accelerate the commercialization of these innovations. Skilling programme of youths and women in the region The University is expanding its services to the youth and women in the region through four Skilling programs. 1. Certificate in Welding and Metal Part Fabrication 2. Certificate in Automotive Repair & Maintenance 3. Certificate in Irrigation Technologies and Innovations 4. Certificate in Post-Harvest Handling and Processing Technologies These programs will accelerate job creation among the youth and women, and contribute to increased household incomes. We thank Stanbic Bank (U) Ltd. for supporting our vision of skilling the youth and women with seventy (70) scholarships. Partnerships and Extension The University has continued to develop functional linkages with Public and Private Institutions to be able to achieve its mandate. Some of the key collaborations include: University of Twenty, Netherlands: Staff Tailor-made Training ATLAS International, USA: Research, training and global health project initiatives University of Califonia: Training of health care providers, academic exchange and research collaboration. Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Training in academic leadership and management. The University has further continued to embrace the Public-Private Partnerships in an effort to impact industrial growth, technology development, knowledge transfer and enhancement of University revenue. Some of the Public-Private Partnerships include: 1. Operation Wealth Creation: This collaboration covers promoting market driven agriculture transformation project in Bukedi region. 2. STEM Power Inc. USA - This collaboration aims at establishing a stem power center at the University to support training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines for pre-University and University youth in Uganda. 3. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development: Establishment of a 4MW Solar Power Plant and a Renewable Energy Centre of excellence. 4. Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd: For students training and research on floating solar technology on our lakes. 5. PAPOLI Community Development Foundation (PACODEF): The Busitema Artificial Intelligence group is scaling low-cost and mobile Artificial intelligence based technologies among smallholder farmers. 6. Wagagai Mining Ltd: The University is in the process of establishing a collaboration with Wagagai Mining Ltd in the field of mining and in areas of research, training and outreach. 7. AB and David Africa a legal company to establish a Center for Social Justice at the University. Staff matters The University has continued to run a strong staff development program. Many staff have continued to graduate with Doctor of Philosophy Degrees (PhDs). The University has now over fifty (80) staff with PhDs and a number of staff continue to graduate. Fourteen staff successfully completed their PhD studies in the past one year as enlisted below. • Dr. Samuel Baker Obakiro: PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Moi University, Kenya. • Dr. Milton Masaba: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Makerere University • Dr. Ddumba Lwanyaga Joseph: PhD in Engineering, Makerere University • Dr. Nalule Rebecca: PhD in Mathematics, Makerere University • Dr. Kyomuhangi Annet: PhD in Mathematics, Makerere University • Dr. Nakasi Rose: PhD in Computer Science, Makerere University • Dr. Angole Richard Okello: PhD in Computer Science, Makerere University • Dr. Richard Cliff Senyunzi: PhD in Physics, Makerere University • Dr. Andrew Lukyamuzi PhD in Computer Science, Mbarara University of Science and Technology • Dr. Ochieng Hannington: PhD in Biology, Makerere University • Dr. Kigozi Moses: PhD in Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria • Dr. Peter Opio: PhD in Horticultural Sciences, Chiba University, • Dr. Rehema Eton: PhD in Education (Educational Management), Nkumba University • Dr. Mwase Abubaker, PhD in Mathematics, LinkÖping University, Sweden We congratulate all the staff upon this achievement. Infrastructure Development The University is steadily improving its teaching and learning infrastructure. These among others include the construction of the following: The Maritime Institute at Namasagali, Kamuli as directed by His Excellency the President; where the construction of the maiden Lecture block is at substructure level. We are very grateful for the budget provision for this project. There is need for more UGX20bn to put in place the necessary infrastructure including: harbors, accommodation of students, simulation laboratories and lecturer rooms. The Lecture and Laboratory Complex at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, needs more UGX6bn funding to be completed. All these are excluded from the budget provisions for the Financial Year 2022/23 for which we thank Government for. We received a copy of the notice of the Directive from H.E the President requesting the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to Treasury to provide supplementary funding for the renovation of Medical schools and Halls of Residence in Public Universities. Subsequently we submitted the requisite documents and bills of quantities amounting to UGX25.9bn to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Your Excellency, effective this financial year, we have started construction of a Medical Centre at Busitema campus and leveling of Sports ground. This activity is part of the long term plan to have a 50,000 seater stadium at the University. Your Excellency, the University is grateful for the 4MW Solar PV plant established through the support of the Egyptian Government and Government of Uganda (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development). This will help in skilling our students and further enhancing of the University’s research capacity. The Solar PV plant was handed over by H.E the Egyptian Ambassador in January 2022 in the presence of The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs-Hon Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. We would like to thank you for attracting support from the Government of Egypt. Students Affairs The Students Guild has always promoted dialogue, discipline and exhibited strong leadership skills. I take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Marcello Engiro, a third year student of Bachelor of Water Resources Engineering, the new Guild President and his cabinet. Since his inauguration, he has guided the students’ body and has introduced the spirit of dialogue. The students’ body is grateful to Government for providing funds as supplementary budget to increase the students feeding allowance to UGX7000 per day. The University has continued to encourage the major religious denominations to construct prayer places. The construction works on Bishop Hannington Anglican Chapel has commenced. The Organizing Committee calls upon the alumni and other well-wishers to support this project. Development Partners I take this opportunity to appreciate all our Development Partners for their contribution to the University’s growth and development. I would like in particular to thank the following partners among others: 1. African Development Bank (AfDB) 2. RUFORUM 3. Commonwealth of Learning 4. Swedish Agency for International Development 5. United Nations University, Institute of Advanced Studies and Sustainability 6. Flemish Inter-University Council of Belgium (VLIR) 7. United States Peace Corps Programs 8. PEPFAR and National Institute of Health Institute (NIH) 9. Seed Global Health Program 10. The World Bank 11. University of California, San Francisco 12. UK Welcome Trust 13. Organization of Women in Development 14. African Academy of Science and Technology 15. NORWAY Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) 16. USA Engineering Information (IF) 17. Research and Education Network (U) These have supported institutional growth, research and outreach programs in the University. We thank the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Ministry of Public Service, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and all our Partners in various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their unwavering support. To the Graduands Allow me turn to our graduands. Each one of you is here today because of your own sustained hard work. You have had courage to face the challenges of University learning. You have developed qualities of character and mind and have gained a lot of knowledge and skills. This is the beginning of your professional journey. There is a lot more knowledge out there which we never talked about. Be open to new knowledge and continue to develop your skills. Although we taught you in groups under Departments and Faculties, real life is not in form of such clusters. You will need interactions with various knowledge clusters to succeed. Desist from the growing culture of strikes, withdraw of services, industrial action and so forth because professionals have a duty to society beyond their written employment contracts. I now take this opportunity to welcome all of you to the Busitema University Convocation and wish you a bright future. “Pursuing Excellence” FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY