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Universities producing ‘robbers’ in Uganda- Dr Vishal Mangalwadi
Ugandan universities are producing people who rob public funds, according to social reformer and Indian Christian philosopher Dr Vishal Mangalwadi.
"Degrees have given you opportunities to enter offices but you have become robbers," Dr Vishal who doubles as a political columnist, writer and lecturer told Uganda Christian (UCU) granduands during the university’s 20th graduation ceremony on Friday.
Dr Mangalwadi was giving his keynote address as the guest of honour at part four of the graduation ceremony.
UCU vice chancellor Dr John Senyonyi urged Ugandan youths to be careful amid rampant killings across the country.
"You are aware of the rampant killings in the country but also around the globe and most of the victims are young people of your age category. Some of these killings result from broken relationships, family feuds, financial and similar lifestyle conflicts and choices,” Dr Senyonyi said at the ceremony where a total of 1,156 students- 500 male and 656 female- were awarded in different disciplines including Bachelor of Mass communication, Bachelor of International Business, Bachelor of law, Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of divinity and others.
Among them, a total of 32 students graduated with first class degree.
The vice chancellor also cautioned them about human trafficking saying the perpetrators lure young people by promising better paying jobs abroad.
"Let not material acquisition define who you are," Dr Senyonyi said.
He said many young girls who have moved to the Middle East in particular in search for odd jobs (Kyekyo) have landed in the hands of wolves in sheep skin and therefore suffer after mistreatment.
The outgoing archbishop of Church of Uganda Rev. Stanley Ntagali said poor communities need graduands most and that it's these poor communities that support them in education but graduands tend to ignore and keep in towns without having any developments back home.
"The poor people and the deprived areas of our nations need you more," archbishop Ntagali said.
He said it is always socially and economically attractive for youth to work where they have access to amenities easily.
"I want to see your place in the larger development agenda of our country in which a university qualification means a more educated society, enhanced skills and better life,” archbishop Ntagali said.