Margaret Zziwa, Dr Mungherera get KIU PhDs

Margaret Zziwa and Dr. Margaret Mungherera were last week among the 4000 graduands at the 9th graduation ceremony at Kampala International University (KIU).

The two female achievers were awarded honorary PhDs recognition of their historical achievements, which have not only elevated Uganda in the region but also on the world map.
Ms Zziwa is the first Ugandan female Speaker of the East African Parliament and Mungherera is the first Ugandan female to chair the World Medical Council.

At the graduation events held on both Friday 16 and Saturday 17, 4000 students graduated with PhDs awards, Masters, Bachelor’s degrees and Diplomas, amidst loud cheers and ululations from relatives, staff, students, among others.

A total of 42 PhDs were awarded with seven in management information systems, 11 in public management, three in educational planning, 10 in educational administration, four in international business and seven in finance and accounting.

1400 female students and 2600 males from the four campuses in-Dar es Salaam, Kansanga, Western and Nairobi, graduated at the two days ceremony presided over by the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Kazenga Tibenderana, who was appointed from his previous position of the senior deputy vice-chancellor and Hassan Bassajabala, Chairman Board of trustees.
121 students graduated in Law studies, 1300 in service and regular bachelor of education students, 125 in medicine, 15 in pharmacy, among others.

With the biting hard unemployment standing at over 70%, students were urged to seek to seek alternative means of productive projects in agriculture, fishing, among others.

At least 400,000 graduate each year but projects registered by the Uganda Investment Authority indicate a potential to create only 150,000 jobs annually, leaving an estimated 350,000 on the street.

Ruth Ssentamu Nankabirwa, State Minister for Fisheries and Guest of Honour, encouraged the graduands to engage in self sustaining projects than thinking of the already existing jobs, is unemployment is to be curtailed. “Government through all means is trying to help the youth but you must also think for your selves,” Ms Nankabirwa added.

There are no accurate unemployment figures in Uganda but estimates indicate that only a fraction of graduates with some form of qualification get absorbed in the limited formal job market

The administration also announced some new changes; to deputise Tibenderana is Dr. Kassim Ssekabira was appointed deputy vice-chancellor academics while Dr. Muzamil Gulebyo will replace Ssekabira.

“Tomorrows future lies in you (the youth), so you must live up to the expectations,” Prof. John Ssebwufu, the University Chancellor said, bidding the graduands farewell. Education Understands the National Council for Higher Education has queeried the high number of PhD awards by KIU.

musisif@ug.nationmedia.com