This year’s graduating class comprised 1,892 females and 1,269 males, reflecting a commendable achievement in gender representation. The increase in female graduates highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize the education of girls in Uganda.
The chief guest at the ceremony, Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, commended both the university and parents for their commitment to female education. “The fact that more females graduated than males demonstrates the success of the government’s call to prioritize the education of the girl child. It’s an inspiring example of progress,” Kibenge stated.
University Vice Chancellor Prof. James Samson Opolot praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for creating an enabling environment for private universities through proactive reforms. However, he also highlighted challenges such as taxation on educational technologies and high internet costs that hinder quality education delivery.
The university chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, urged graduates to apply their knowledge for community transformation. “Identify challenges and opportunities in your communities and use your education to bring change,” he advised.
Former Inspector General of Police Gen. Edward Kale Kayihura, who was the guest speaker, commended the founders of Ibanda University for their vision. The ceremony concluded with a sense of joy and pride as graduates committed to utilizing their education for the betterment of Ugandan society.