Kamuli, Uganda: St. Joseph Vocational Training Centre (VTC) Kamuli has graduated 250 students in various technical and vocational disciplines, with Kasana-Luweero Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa challenging the graduates to embrace self-reliance and use their skills to transform their communities.
The graduates received certificates during the institution’s 10th graduation ceremony held on Thursday, June 18, at the training centre in Kamuli District.
The cohort completed training in tailoring, carpentry, welding, catering, hairdressing, bricklaying, electrical installation, and agriculture.
Speaking as the chief guest at the graduation ceremony, Bishop Mukasa urged the graduates to remain disciplined, innovative, and committed to excellence as they enter the world of work.
“You went to school to make a suit. One suit in your whole calendar year. It means you went to school. We want you to be time-conscious, to be effective, and contribute to the development of this country,” Bishop Mukasa said.
The bishop cautioned young people against relying solely on government employment, emphasizing that vocational skills provide opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
“Jobs are few for office sit-ups. Jobs are plenty for people like you. Other governments work for you but do things by yourself,” he added.
CPA Geoffrey Kawanguzi of the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) challenged both graduates and trainers to uphold integrity and professionalism.
“Integrity means doing the right thing even when nobody is seeing you. You cannot go to a supermarket, however big it is, and buy integrity. As you chase money, stop and ask yourself: ” Am I losing something that money cannot buy?” Kawanguzi said.
He further encouraged the graduates to embrace innovation and maintain a positive attitude.
“Your attitude will determine your altitude. Be positive as you join the world of work. Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones, but because of innovation. Challenge the status quo and be innovative,” he noted.
Kamuli District Education Officer Joseph Waibi reminded the graduates that success often requires sacrifice and perseverance. “If you want to grow, the level of comfort should be less as you go out,” he said.
Waibi commended the institution for offering industry-relevant courses and urged the graduates to use their skills to create employment opportunities for themselves and others.
The Principal of St. Joseph VTC, Rev. Fr. Nguyen Van Gia Cat Joseph, described the graduation as a testament to the institution’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills for the job market.
“We are not just training hands, we are forming character. Go and serve your communities with diligence and honesty,” Fr. Joseph told the graduates.
Assistant RDC Michael Museebe and Kamuli Municipality Deputy Mayor Justine Birungi praised the institution for contributing to youth employment and skills development in the district.
They pledged continued support for vocational education, which they described as critical to addressing unemployment and poverty among young people.
Parents and community leaders who attended the ceremony also hailed vocational training as a practical pathway for empowering youth and fostering socio-economic transformation.
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