Jinja City, Uganda: Vice President Jessica Alupo has applauded faith-based institutions for playing a critical role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, peace-building and moral development, saying the partnership between the Church and Government remains vital for the country’s future.
Alupo made the remarks on Friday while presiding over the 3rd graduation ceremony of Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre in Jinja City, where 56 students graduated with degrees in Philosophy of Arts, Philosophy in Peace and Security, and Philosophy in Social Sciences.
The ceremony was held under the theme, “Rooted in Wisdom: Set for Transformation Service.”
“I want to appreciate the work of faith-based institutions in the country especially in key areas of health, education, wealth creation and building the moral integrity and discipline of the citizens,” Alupo said.
The Vice President noted that Uganda’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and responsibility for leaders, educational institutions and religious organisations to nurture disciplined, productive and value-driven citizens.
“Uganda is blessed as one of the countries with the youngest populations in the world. It remains our responsibility as Government and Church leaders to harness this youthful population into useful and resourceful citizens,” she said.
Alupo said institutions such as Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre are playing a key role in shaping transformative leaders through academic excellence, discipline and service to humanity.
“As an educationist and political leader, I believe the future of our country depends on institutions that combine knowledge with values, competence with integrity, and innovation with compassion and humanity,” she added.
Institution Plans University Transition
Queen of Apostles Philosophy Centre, established in 1989 by the Visionary Missionary Congregations, is affiliated to the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and currently mentored under Uganda Martyrs University.
During the ceremony, Alupo commended the institution’s management and Board of Trustees for pursuing plans to transition the centre into a fully-fledged university.
“This is timely and promising,” she said while urging the institution to strengthen governance systems, academic research, infrastructure, digital innovation and partnerships with the National Council for Higher Education and other stakeholders.
She said the proposed university aligns with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan priorities focusing on good governance, peace and security, human capital development and wealth creation.
Graduands Challenged on Integrity
Addressing the graduands, Alupo urged them to become ambassadors of integrity, accountability and ethical leadership in society.
“The world does not only need brilliant minds; it needs trustworthy people. Uganda needs leaders who reject corruption, promote accountability, protect human dignity and work for the common good,” she said.
She reminded the graduates that leadership is fundamentally about serving humanity regardless of the professions they choose.
“Whether you become priests, religious leaders, educators, social workers, researchers, public servants, entrepreneurs or community leaders, remember that leadership is fundamentally about service,” Alupo said.
The Vice President also singled out one of the graduates, Raphael Alemu from Ethiopia, for helping strengthen ties between Uganda and Ethiopia during his years at the institution.
“You have built more bridges between Uganda and Ethiopia and motivated young people to understand opportunities available between our two countries and the region as a whole,” she told Alemu.
Bishop Eibu Calls for Service to Humanity
In his homily, the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Rt Rev Dominic Eibu, challenged the graduates to use their education and talents to serve society and the Church.
“You have spent three years in laborious academic work. Use your acquired talents to put people at the service of Christ and humanity,” Bishop Eibu said.
Meanwhile, Rev Prof John Chrysostom Maviiri, the Chairperson of the institution’s Governing Council, encouraged graduates to remain connected to their alma mater and support its transformation journey into a university.
“You are the generation that will witness and contribute to the transformation of PCJ into a university,” Maviiri said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
