Kampala, Uganda — Former Nigerian President and Chancellor of Cavendish University Uganda, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Ebele, yesterday presided over the institution’s 14th graduation ceremony, where more than 900 students were awarded certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The colourful event, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, was themed “Empowering Futures: Cultivating Leaders for a Global Tomorrow.”
In his keynote, Dr. Jonathan urged graduates to embrace resilience, responsibility, relevance and relentless service, stressing that the world needs ethical and innovative leaders.
“Cavendish has equipped you with employable skills, the mindset to innovate and the values to lead ethically,” he said.
The Guest of Honour, Bernard Paul Mono, Acting Director General of the East African Development Bank, challenged graduates to benchmark themselves against global best practices, particularly in technology-driven industries. Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu reminded them that values remain central in career building:
“Employers love honest workers. Never trade integrity for corruption,” he cautioned.
Among the graduands was Hon. Isabirye David Aga, Jinja North MP, who earned a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication, a boost analysts say strengthens his political profile ahead of the next elections.
AI and the Future of Work
Vice Chancellor Prof. Olive Sabiiti noted that universities must urgently adjust curricula to prepare students for a workforce dominated by artificial intelligence and automation, warning that nearly 60% of current jobs could vanish in the next decade. She stressed that Cavendish’s strategy includes career centres, mentorships and partnerships with employers to link graduates to real job opportunities locally and abroad.
Awards and Top Performers
The ceremony also recognised outstanding achievers.
Duku Robert Kenyi received the Tanya Innovation Africa Award with UGX 1 million. Nakaweesi Shakira Mercy won the Prof. John Mugisha & Family Award for Best Health Sciences Student, taking UGX 500,000. Falu Sey was named Best Law Student, winning UGX 1 million plus a full set of law volumes from Anguria & Co. Advocates.
Mirriam Gladys Lawoko scooped the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga Award for Best Female Law Student, earning UGX 2 million. The overall best student was Robert Adupa, a Bachelor of Information Technology graduate with a GPA of 4.8. This year also saw 46 scholarship beneficiaries graduate, bringing the university’s total scholarship alumni to over.
