Graduates told to use brains, not beg
Our Lady of Africa parish priest Fr John Mungereza prays for beneficiaries of Muhairwe Education Trust at the weekend. PHOTO by Caesar Abangirah
Kampala.
New graduates across the country have been urged to scan the environment and make use of the best available opportunities instead of waiting for help from the government.
The call was made by former National Water and Sewerage Corporation managing director, Dr William Muhairwe, during the graduation ceremony of seven of the 10 beneficiaries of the Muhairwe Education Trust Limited (METL) last Saturday.
The Trust is a non-profit organisation that was set up to help disadvantaged but bright students from rural Uganda achieve higher education.
The beneficiaries are from the districts of Sironko, Mpigi, Kalangala, Lamwo, Mubende, and Tororo, among others.
“Now that you have graduated, do not expect life on a silver platter. Look out for the opportunities even with the little money you might have,” he told the graduands who completed degrees in Law, Engineering as well as Commerce from Makerere, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University as well as Mbarara University of Science and Technology. “I came from a very poor background so I know what it means to grow up in the village and struggle. You can make it. Everyone can make it. Do not sit there and expect jobs from the government.”
His message was echoed by Sheema South Member of Parliament Yorokamu Katwiremu Bategana, who advised Ugandan youth to change their work ethic in order to succeed in life.
“We need to stop the culture of begging. Now that you have completed university, use your brains and hands to better yourself,” he said. Dr Muhairwe also called upon well-wishers to support the fund so that more bright students are helped. Already, the second batch of beneficiaries has enrolled at different universities across the country.
“Over four years, we have spent about Shs300 million. Most of it came from the sale of my book ‘Making Public Enterprises Work’ but now that money has dwindled and we need your support,” he said.
Each of the beneficiaries is supposed to contribute 20 per cent of their salary towards the fund for two years.
Fr John Mungereza, the parish priest of Our Lady of Africa, urged the graduands to act responsibly and have generous hearts. “Go out to the world and support others like you have been supported,” he advised. Mr Katwiremu contributed Shs1 million towards the fund.
beneficiaries
Name Course
Ismael Ssali Mechanical Eng
Christopher Wuyeya Civil Eng
Kenneth Otto Software Eng
Agnes Ampaire Law
Justine Nakeyune B.Com
Janet Nayera Petroleum Eng
Felex Lumorumoe Law
Doreen Nyabuka Industrial Eng
Paul Kato Petroleum Eng
Mathias Sengendo Medicine
