Lira, Uganda: Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda to prioritise practical skills training and science-based learning, saying employability now depends on how graduates adapt to a private-sector–driven, technology-led global economy.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Lira University’s 7th graduation ceremony on Friday, November 21, Alupo said institutions must produce graduates who match the needs of industry.
“I appeal to universities to equip students with skills needed by the private sector. As the Government attracts more investments, the demand for a skilled workforce will increase. Students must be responsive to a global economy driven by science and technology,” she said.
A total of 454 students (256 males and 198 females) graduated from faculties including Education, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Management Sciences, and Computing and Information Sciences. The event ran under the theme “The Beacon @10: A Journey of Impact.”
Gov’t Reaffirms One-Primary-Per-Parish Policy
Alupo said the NRM Government’s education policy remains anchored on ensuring one primary school per parish, one secondary school per sub-county, and one technical school per district.
Currently, she said, 90% of all parishes have a primary school (80% government-aided), 90% of sub-counties have a secondary school (67% government-aided), and all major regions now host at least one public university.
She commended Lira University for offering relevant academic programmes and for equipping students with employable skills.
Alupo reminded graduates that Uganda’s public sector employs only 469,216 people out of a population of 46 million—meaning most graduates must target the private sector. She said, unlike past regimes that suffocated private enterprise, the NRM has created a favourable environment for investment, industrialisation and job creation.
“With enough electricity, good roads and peace, the government is prioritising industrialisation to cut excessive importation. When we import, we donate jobs to foreigners. More industries here mean more jobs for our children,” she said.
The Vice President lauded Lira’s steady progress and pledged government support for projects with a visible impact on socio-economic transformation. She also advised graduates to avoid reckless lifestyles, urging them to uphold discipline, integrity and excellence.
University Leadership Applauds Gov’t
Chancellor Justice Dr Benjamin Joses Odoki praised President Museveni for ongoing infrastructural support and said Lira University remains committed to quality higher education and impactful research.
He noted that Lira University graduates are recognised for “effective and efficient service delivery” across workplaces in Uganda.
Minister for Higher Education Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, represented by Geoffrey Onyango, commended the university management for its steady growth and efficiency, including issuing transcripts and certificates on graduation day, unlike many institutions.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal-Okeng thanked the President for supporting campus expansion but requested additional funding for student hostels, staff housing and tarmacking of the university’s 26km internal road network.
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