More than 300 students have graduated with vocational certificates during the first-ever graduation ceremony of Bamunanika Vocational Training Institute in Mulajje, Luweero District.
The graduates completed hands-on training in various technical disciplines, including motor vehicle mechanics, welding and metal fabrication, building and construction, electrical installation, tailoring and garment design, hairdressing and cosmetology, among other vocational courses aimed at equipping learners with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
The day’s celebrations began with a Holy Mass led by Rev. Fr. Ambrose Gombya of Mulajje Parish, assisted by other clergy. The ceremony attracted parents, officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports, local leaders and other invited guests. The chief guest was Acting Minister of Education and Sports and Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. JC Muyingo.
During the Mass, Fr. Gombya congratulated Dr. Muyingo upon his appointment as Acting Minister of Education and Sports, commending his continued contribution to the growth of Uganda’s education sector.
He also thanked the Government for expanding access to education across the country.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the institute’s Principal, John Ronald Muwambo, expressed gratitude to Dr. Muyingo for his continued support towards vocational education. He also thanked the Catholic Church for donating 12 acres of land on which the Government established the institute, while highlighting some of the institution’s achievements and ongoing challenges.
The Chairperson of the Governing Council, Dr. Robert Kiyini, also appreciated the Catholic Church for donating the land and appealed for an additional eight acres to facilitate the expansion of agricultural training programmes at the institute.
In their remarks, instructors
encouraged the graduates to put the knowledge and practical skills they had acquired into productive use and become ambassadors of vocational education in their communities.
The Vicar General of Mulajje Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Gerald Wamala, applauded Dr. Muyingo for championing the establishment of Bamunanika Vocational Training Institute as a Government institution. During the event, he presented the minister with an award originally bestowed by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa in recognition of his outstanding service to education.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Muyingo expressed concern over individuals who are reluctant to donate land for the construction of Government schools and vocational institutions. He commended the Kasana-Luweero Diocese for donating 12 acres that enabled the Government to establish Bamunanika Vocational Training Institute.
Dr. Muyingo also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with the additional responsibility of serving as Acting Minister of Education and Sports, pledging to continue working diligently to strengthen Uganda’s education sector.
He urged the graduates to make good use of the practical skills they had acquired by creating jobs and serving their communities professionally. He also encouraged parents to continue embracing vocational education as a pathway to tackling unemployment and improving household incomes.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Muyingo awarding certificates to the graduates and receiving appreciation gifts in recognition of his contribution to education.
