President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for the prioritization of research and innovation amongst institutions of higher learning to meet the country’s development aspirations.
The president said this during the 15th graduation ceremony at Mountains of the Moon University in Fort portal.
In the message read to the graduates by the Vice president Maj. Jesca Arupo who represented him at the function, the president challenged universities to put more emphasis on technological research to make an effective contribution to the country’s development.
Museveni said the country has the chance to equip individuals with the knowledge that will help in the development of the country.
According to the president this is being done through providing more scholarships and supporting students in science for the current job market.
Before graduating the students, the function started off by installing the university’s first Chancellor Prof. Edward Rugumayo two years after it was elevated as the public university.
In July 2022, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Prof. Edward Bitanywaine Rugumayo as the new chancellor of the institution just a month after it was elevated to a public university.
Rugumayo was appointed on a four-year term; subject to recommendation by the university council.
A total of 642 students graduated in different disciplines including 305 females and 337 males.
Janet Kataha Museveni, the minister of Education and Sports who was represented by the state minister of education in charge of Primary Education Dr.Moriku Kaducu highlighted the achievements of the university from the time it became a public university.
Janet however said the institution still faces a number of challenges that range from infrastructure to support teaching and learning.
Prof. Edward Rugumayo, the university’s chancellor praised the president for appointing him as the chancellor saying their main task ahead is to shape the minds of students to be ready for the current job market.