Kabale-The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Can. Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, has expressed concern over the high number of learners dropping out of school before completing their education cycle.
Speaking during Kabale University’s 10th Graduation Ceremony held today at the university’s main campus on Kikungiri Hill, Kabale Municipality, Can. Turyagyenda revealed that despite 1.5 to 2 million children being born annually, only about 800,000 eventually sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations, while a mere 7 percent proceed to tertiary education.She urged parents and government stakeholders to strengthen the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program by providing lunch for learners and ensuring every child has access to education.
A total of 1,673 students graduated in various academic disciplines, including 7 PhDs, 151 Master’s degrees, 1,001 Bachelor’s degrees, 41 Postgraduate Diplomas, 319 Diplomas, one Certificate, and 149 Higher Education Bridging Certificates.
In her remarks, Prof. Joy C. Kwesiga, the University Vice Chancellor, said the institution is focused on improving its staffing levels and infrastructure — both physical and ICT —through enhanced resource mobilization. She advised graduates to continue upgrading academically and not to settle for their current qualifications.
Hon. Henry Musasizi, the State Minister for Finance, Planning, and General Duties, urged graduates to pursue income-generating ventures rather than waiting for formal employment.
He highlighted the government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, emphasizing four priority areas under the acronym ATMS-Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral-based Industrial Development (including Oil and Gas), and Science, Technology, and Innovation (including ICT).
Hon. Musasizi praised Kabale University for its tremendous growth, noting that student enrollment had surpassed 7,500, a milestone he attributed to the dedication of Prof. Kwesiga and her management team.
He pledged to act as the university’s “ambassador” at the Ministry of Finance, ensuring its needs are prioritized in government funding.
Meanwhile, Justice Ssemogerere Karoli Lwanga, the Resident Judge of Kabale High Court Circuit, urged the university’s management to uphold its core mandate while minimizing unnecessary expenditure.
Adson Kakuru, Chairperson of the University Council, appealed to the Kabale District Local Government to allocate additional land to the university to support its continued expansion and accommodate the growing student population.
