Vice President Jessica Alupo has hailed Soroti University’s maiden graduation ceremony as a historic milestone for the institution and Uganda at large, urging graduates to live disciplined lives and apply their skills to national development.
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Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni during the ceremony, Alupo congratulated the pioneer cohort and warned them against reckless lifestyles, saying such behaviour could undermine their health and productivity.
“You should avoid drunkenness, smoking and sexual promiscuity because these expose you to many diseases and complications,” Alupo said, encouraging the graduates to adopt healthy habits so they can meaningfully serve their families and the country.
A total of 118 students graduated with degrees and diplomas in disciplines including Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Sciences, Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering.
The event also marked the commissioning of a Sh14.6 billion anatomy building by the Vice President and the NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Calvin Echodu. The facility is expected to significantly enhance medical training and research by offering hands-on learning in human anatomy.
Construction of the building had stalled for more than five years after the original contractor, RUP Engineering Ltd, abandoned the project. It was later completed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Established in 2015 by the Government of Uganda, Soroti University is the first public university in the Teso sub-region. It trains professionals in medicine and allied health sciences, engineering, science teacher education and other fields critical to national development.
Alupo praised the graduating class for persevering through challenges as the institution took shape, noting that they will forever hold a special place in the university’s history.
“You are the pioneering graduands of this institution. I commend you for overcoming the many challenges and distractions you faced during your studies,” she said.
She added that the country is eagerly awaiting their contribution in various sectors and thanked parents and guardians for supporting the students throughout their academic journey.
The Vice President also commended the university’s leadership, headed by Vice Chancellor Prof. John R. Ikoja Odongo, for their patriotic role in developing Uganda’s human resource capacity.
Reaffirming the National Resistance Movement’s commitment to education, Alupo described learning as a catalyst for development, particularly in science and technology.
“This is why the NRM prioritises investment in education. I am pleased that Soroti University’s curriculum aligns with the national goal of promoting science, innovation and technology,” she said.
She stressed that Uganda still needs more engineers, doctors, nurses and science teachers to harness the country’s natural resources and compete globally, especially amid the rapid changes driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Europe, America and Asia are advancing through intelligent machines. Africa must not remain a spectator,” Alupo said, urging learners to pursue science-based careers and advising humanities graduates to acquire practical, market-relevant skills.
University Chancellor Prof. Francis Omaswa thanked President Museveni for his vision and continued support, noting government investment in infrastructure, teaching, research, staff welfare and student sponsorship.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Ikoja Odongo appealed for an increase in the university’s wage bill to enable recruitment of additional staff ahead of the introduction of new academic programmes in the 2026/2027 academic year.
The graduation marked a significant step forward for Soroti University as it positions itself as a centre for science, innovation and regional transformation.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.