Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on Uganda’s universities to anchor their efforts in research and innovation, urging them to develop practical solutions tailored to Africa’s distinct problems.
Speaking at King Ceasor University’s 5th graduation ceremony in Kampala on Monday, Tayebwa underscored the urgent need for transformative education and homegrown innovation.
“Invest more in groundbreaking research and innovations because the problems we have are unique and will require unique solutions which we must develop from here,” Tayebwa told the congregation.
He acknowledged the global decline in international research funding but assured that the Ugandan government had increased its investment to fill the gap. He encouraged higher institutions to direct their programs toward national development goals and societal benefit.
“You have done your part, and I believe where the university has reached now, its growth is unstoppable,” he said. “Let’s invest more in upholding what we have achieved in quality assurance, and we shall attract more. The moment we keep it up, very soon this university shall be the best in East Africa.”
Tayebwa cited China’s innovation of artemisinin (Coartem) as a homegrown solution that revolutionized malaria treatment worldwide, urging Ugandan institutions to take similar paths. “Now I request you to invest more in groundbreaking research, more in innovation, because the problems we have are unique studies. And they will need unique solutions.”
In his address, the university chancellor, His Majesty King Ceasor Mulenga T.G.—also the Honorary Consul of Vietnam to Uganda—called on the institution to make technology a central part of its training programs. He proposed a mandatory two-to-three-month certificate course in emerging tech for all students.
“When they leave here, they should not be far away apart from the technology that is driving their sectors,” he said. “So, we request management from now onwards, from this graduation, that they put technology at the center of this training at King Ceasor University.”
At the ceremony, 280 students graduated—224 with degrees and 56 with diplomas. Vice Chancellor Dr. Charity Basaza Mulenga reaffirmed the university’s commitment to gender equality and academic excellence.
The Minister of ICT and Chairperson of the University Council pledged continued support, stating the university was on course to become a center of excellence in science and technology through partnerships and expanded academic offerings.
Earlier, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese opened the ceremony with a Mass, urging graduates to embrace values of integrity and service.
“Your degrees and certificates are wonderful blessings; the world does not need you just as professionals but as transformers of society,” he said.
Tayebwa concluded his remarks by warning graduates against the allure of comfort and complacency, urging them to be purpose-driven and visionary in shaping Uganda’s future. He shared how he rose to national leadership without relying on political ties.
Chancellor Mulenga echoed this sentiment, encouraging graduates to become job creators and not limit themselves to their academic specializations.
“There are opportunities so don’t reject them, be your own boss and don’t stick only on what you studied but diversify your income by engaging in other activities, be wealth multipliers,” he said.
