The Bishop of Soroti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has called on university graduates to harness the skills and knowledge they have gained to make a positive impact on society.
Speaking at a thanksgiving mass at Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) Nkozi ahead of the institution’s 31st graduation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, Bishop Eciru reminded students that every individual is uniquely gifted.
He urged them not to bury their talents but to use them to transform the world.
This year’s graduation ceremony, themed “Innovation for Socio-Economic Transformation through Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship,” will see over 3,000 students graduating across various disciplines.
The bishop also warned graduates against wasting their education through alcoholism and drug abuse, describing such habits as signs of personal failure.
He encouraged them to maintain a positive mindset and be sources of hope for those who are hopeless.
The Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, encouraged the youth and students to be creative and to embrace innovation.
She emphasized that innovation could shape a brighter future for young graduates and is a key solution to Uganda’s high unemployment rates.
She further observed that young people are energetic and talented and have the potential to transform society.
The ambassador made these remarks during the UMU Commencement Lecture held at the Nkozi Main Campus.
The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, Prof. Patrick Kyamaywa, acknowledged that the current job market demands a wide range of skills that are difficult to acquire, contributing to graduate unemployment.
The graduation ceremony tomorrow (Saturday), themed “Empowering the UMU Graduate to Create, Innovate, and Transform through Technology and Entrepreneurship,” will celebrate the achievements of over 2,000 students.
Among the dignitaries attending the lecture was the chairperson of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, Bishop of Soroti Diocese.
By Gideon Peter Ssebulime
18th Oct 2025
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