President Museveni has advised universities to teach courses that are relevant for creation of jobs especially in the private sector.
President Museveni’s speech was read by Vice President Jessica Alupo at Lira University 4th graduation ceremony where 337 students graduated in various disciplines. .
“The problem of unemployment among the young graduates can be easily solved if all the Institutions of Higher Learning teach relevant courses that satisfy the job market in the private sector. The public sector has only 469,216 jobs. This is absolutely incomparable, in relation to a population of 45 million Ugandans”, remarked President Museveni.
He stated that graduates must seek employment in the private sector, where more opportunities are. He thanked the leadership of Lira University for staying on course to deliver on the vision of being a Centre for Applied Science and Technology in Uganda.
The NRM Government, said the President, remains committed to the promotion of science and technology as a major lever to development and sustainability of our economy, adding that he was optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce. “This will spur Uganda’s industrialisation and technological advancement”, he added.
He commended the University for teaching relevant academic courses and for equipping students with skills that give them a better standing in the job market.
“This is the only way Government and parents will gain value from the enormous investment in our children’s education”, said the President.
“When we import these items, we donate both money and jobs to foreigners leaving our own children unemployed. More industries in Uganda means more jobs for the population and taxes to the government to carry out development projects”, he added.
In her brief remarks before, the Vice President said she had taken note of the various issues raised, like more resources for exapansion, recruitment of staff, technical issues for the teaching hospital among others.
She thanked the cultural leader Won Nyaci for his interest in establishing the University, recounting His Highness’ preferance for its establishment as an Independent University. At the time, Lira University was an affiliate college to Gulu University.
“Indeed, the President established the University as a public University amidst all the challenges. I thank the Vice Chancellor who has been absorbing all the challenges” as she congratulated the people of Lango and Acholi for their peaceful co-existence.
Further, the VP remarked, Government had initiated a number of successful programs, seeing most of them to fruition. Therefore, the Vice President appealed, “support President Museveni’s election bid in 2026”.
Mr Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education who was representing the first lady and Minister of Education welcomed the Vice President to what he called “her baby”, reminiscing of her dedication to the University since its inception, when she served as Education Minister.
