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Minister Muyingo Challenges Universities to Produce Job Creators as Nkumba University Graduates Class of 2026

Ssemaganda Moses Hope
By Ssemaganda Moses Hope


Minister Muyingo Challenges Universities to Produce Job Creators as Nkumba University Graduates Class of 2026
Minister Muyingo Challenges Universities to Produce Job Creators as Nkumba University Graduates Class of 2026

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The Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. JC Muyingo, has challenged universities across Uganda to prioritise practical skills, innovation and research to produce graduates capable of creating jobs, solving societal challenges and driving the country’s economic transformation.

Speaking at Nkumba University’s 28th Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Minister Muyingo called on higher education institutions to accelerate the transition to Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET), which the Government expects to be fully implemented in the 2027/2028 academic year.

 

He emphasised that university education must go beyond awarding academic qualifications to equipping learners with practical competencies, ethical values and the ability to translate knowledge into solutions that respond to the needs of the economy.

Minister Muyingo noted that the reforms align with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), covering the 2025/2026–2029/2030 period, which prioritises sustainable industrialisation, inclusive growth, employment and wealth creation. He added that universities have a critical role in supporting the Government’s Ten-Fold Economic Growth Strategy by preparing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and enterprise development.

 

 

He urged institutions to strengthen practical training, modernise assessment methods and invest in research that addresses challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education, renewable energy, environmental management and digital technology. He also challenged universities to ensure research findings translate into practical innovations that benefit communities and stimulate economic growth.

Addressing the graduates under the theme “Beyond Graduation: Thriving in a World of Artificial Intelligence,” Minister Muyingo described the changing technological landscape as both an opportunity and a challenge, calling on graduates to embrace innovation responsibly while protecting human creativity, integrity and sound judgement.

 

 

He reminded the Class of 2026 that graduation marks the beginning of a new responsibility rather than the end of learning, urging them to measure success not only by salaries and job titles but also by the problems they solve, lives they improve and opportunities they create for others.

“Uganda needs graduates who are not only competent but also compassionate; not only ambitious but also ethical; not only innovative but also responsible,” he said, encouraging them to use their knowledge to advance the common good.

 

Minister Muyingo also paid tribute to Nkumba University’s founders for establishing an institution founded on the belief that education can transform communities and advance national aspirations. He commended the university leadership, parents, guardians, sponsors, lecturers and mentors for their contribution to the graduates’ academic journeys.

Nkumba University Chancellor, Emmanuel Katongole, challenged the graduates to become responsible leaders who understand the opportunities and limitations of Artificial Intelligence, translate knowledge into practical solutions and create opportunities for others.

 

Katongole outlined three pillars of an impactful graduate: understanding the global dynamics of Artificial Intelligence, becoming a person of impact and upholding integrity. He cautioned that professional success must be accompanied by honesty, humility and service, urging graduates to protect the reputation of the institution through their conduct.

He further encouraged them to become agents of positive change in their workplaces and communities, emphasising that their achievements should contribute to the progress of others.

 

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jude T. Lubega, congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and determination, acknowledging the financial difficulties, personal setbacks and other challenges some had overcome to complete their studies.

Prof. Lubega urged them not to fear Artificial Intelligence but to learn how to use it responsibly to enhance productivity, creativity and problem-solving. He emphasised the importance of continually updating their knowledge and skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

 

He also encouraged graduates to cultivate essential human qualities, including integrity, empathy, communication, collaboration, leadership and sound judgement, while remaining open to new opportunities and learning from their mistakes.

 

 

The 28th graduation ceremony reaffirmed the shared responsibility of government and higher education institutions to develop a competent, ethical and innovative workforce capable of responding to technological change and supporting Uganda’s national development priorities.

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