Munyonyo, Uganda: Victoria University (VU) Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga has called on graduates to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), lifelong learning, and competence-based education as the cornerstone of Uganda’s economic transformation.
Speaking at the University’s 9th Graduation Ceremony held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Speke Resort Conference Centre, Munyonyo, Dr Muganga said Victoria University’s education model is built on practical learning, speed of innovation, and readiness for work, noting that the traditional systems that delay content updates risk producing unemployable graduates.
“If you are not using AI in your daily learning, your role is at risk. If universities keep slow update cycles, graduates will have beautiful transcripts but shallow readiness. The market will be merciless,” Dr Muganga warned.
The glamorous ceremony was graced by His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, who served as Chief Guest, alongside VU Chancellor Prof. John Opuda-Asubo, members of the Board of Directors, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, and industry leaders.
The Kyabazinga, in his remarks, commended Victoria University’s partnership with the Kingdom of Busoga, through which scholarships and youth-empowerment programs have been rolled out. He also applauded the Ruparelia Foundation for its unwavering commitment to empowering Ugandans through education.
“What the Ruparelia Foundation is doing is shaping Uganda’s future. These scholarships will change lives and uplift communities. I encourage the graduates to carry forward Rajiv’s values of excellence, service, and humility,” the Kyabazinga noted.
Dr Muganga said the collaboration with the Busoga Kingdom will soon expand to financial literacy and digital-skills training targeting Busoga’s youth and entrepreneurs. “Together with His Majesty, we will run financial-literacy programs for the youth of Busoga—teaching them to learn, earn, budget, and invest. Skill without stewardship leaks; with stewardship, skill becomes stability,” he said.
Competency-Based Learning in Action
Dr Muganga celebrated success stories of students like Shamim Nantongo, hired full-time at Acorns International School before graduation due to her practical competence, and Grace Nambafu, now a journalist at Next Media Group.
“Competency-based learning makes students work-ready on Monday, not just qualified on paper by Friday,” he noted.
He reiterated that every Victoria University student now receives free AI literacy training, while all programs embed real-world tasks, flexible study options, and virtual laboratories that allow learners to practice safely and repeatedly.
Chancellor’s Counsel: Success Starts Small
In his remarks, Victoria University Chancellor, Prof. John Opuda-Asubo, urged graduates to value hard work and humility over shortcuts to success.
“Proximity to the rich or exposure to riches may not bring you success. Start small and at your current level. Watch how others made it rather than envying it,” he said, reminding graduates that education is power meant to lift others, not lord over them.
VC Muganga urged government and regulators to deepen the Competency-Based directive, align higher-education financing with measurable outcomes, and craft a national AI strategy to secure Uganda’s place in the emerging digital economy.
He further appealed to private-sector players to co-design curricula, sponsor upskilling programs, and provide real datasets for student projects to bridge the school-to-work gap. “Each shilling should move a student from theory to competence, from competence to employment, and from employment to enterprise.”
Dr Muganga challenged the Class of 2025 to create value for others and measure progress by weekly learning and productivity. “Go where the problems are. Work with humility and urgency. Keep learning every week, and the 170 million new roles opening globally will be open doors with your names on them,” he said.
At the 9th graduation ceremony, a total of 2029 graduates received degrees, diplomas, and certificates across disciplines, as the University reaffirmed its vision to make AI literacy and experiential learning universal for all learners.
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