Gulu City, Uganda: Graduates from East Africa School of Management Sciences have been urged to reject corruption and uphold integrity as they transition into Uganda’s competitive job market.
The call was made by former Makerere University lecturer David Onen Otto while officiating as chief guest during the 12th graduation ceremony of the institution held at its campus in Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City on Friday.
At least 260 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in various disciplines including Journalism, Mass Communication, Social Work and Social Administration, Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, Hotel and Hospitality Management, and Records and Information Management.
“Fight corruption whenever you encounter it. Offer value for money,” Dr. Onen told the graduates.
He challenged the fresh graduates to distinguish themselves through professionalism, resilience and honesty in both public and private service. “Be the kind of worker of which when you leave a place, people cry because of the impact you have left behind,” he advised.
Dr. Onen said Uganda continues to struggle with corruption, making it important for young professionals to uphold ethical standards and avoid being drawn into corrupt practices.
According to him, graduates must use the knowledge and skills acquired from school to positively transform society whether they work in government institutions, private companies or venture into self-employment.
He also emphasized the importance of competitiveness and adaptability in a changing world increasingly shaped by economic and social challenges.
The educationist further appealed to parents and guardians to invest more in education, describing it as the greatest gift they can offer their children. “The best investment you can make in your child is to get for your child education,” Dr. Onen said.
He expressed concern over the growing number of young people in rural communities across Acholi Sub-region who remain out of school, warning that failure to prioritize education could worsen poverty and unemployment.
“When I go to my local rural communities in Gulu, many young people are loitering at home without going to school. That sends a bad signal that their future is bleak,” he noted.
Support Private Institutions
Dr. Onen also called for stronger support and favorable government policies for privately-owned academic institutions in Northern Uganda, arguing that they play a critical role in skills development and entrepreneurship training.
He noted that the Acholi Sub-region still has limited tertiary institutions despite growing demand for technical and vocational education.
Meanwhile, the institution’s Academic Registrar and Dean of Students, Ronald Oyoo, revealed that this year’s graduation registered an increase in student numbers compared to previous years.
According to Oyoo, 123 students graduated at certificate level, including 71 females and 52 males, while 137 graduated with diplomas, comprising 79 females and 58 males.
One of the graduates, Prossy Lakaraber, who completed a National Certificate in Social Work and Social Administration, welcomed the anti-corruption message, saying education had instilled discipline and integrity in her. “The education I have received has vested in me a higher level of discipline that disregards corrupt tendencies,” she said.
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