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By Staurt Twinomujuni
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Aggrey David Kibenge, has raised concerns about the increasing number of employees who possess academic qualifications but fail to demonstrate practical skills in their workplaces.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour at Ibanda University's 8th graduation ceremony, Kibenge highlighted a worrying trend among graduates who struggle to compose professional documents like official letters.
"I have seen many incidents where employees cannot draft a proper official letter with the correct grammar and all the necessary components," he noted.
Kibenge, who is also a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, stressed the importance of universities producing competent graduates capable of applying their knowledge practically.
“We have people dressed smartly, seated in offices, but ask them to communicate through letter writing, and you’ll be surprised. This stems from a tendency where students pay others to write proposals, research papers, and application letters for them. This habit must stop,” Kibenge urged.
Some of the graduands. Kibenge highlighted a worrying trend among graduates who struggle to compose professional documents like official letters
Competence over credentials
Addressing the graduates, Kibenge emphasized the need to defend their qualifications and excel in their respective fields despite a competitive job market.
“Education is about building knowledge, developing skills, and fostering attitudes that bring permanent and lifelong change. If the education you acquire is temporary and leads to frustration, it becomes questionable,” he stated.
He outlined the four critical outcomes of education that every graduate should embody: Learning to know, Learning to do, Learning to be, and Learning to live together
“We will evaluate you, the graduates, and your teachers at every level of education based on whether you exhibit these competencies,” Kibenge explained.
Guest speaker Kayihura calls for innovation
Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rtd. Gen. Kale Kayihura, the guest speaker at the event, expressed gratitude for being invited to address graduates for the first time since his retirement.
"I’m humbled to make my first appearance as a guest speaker at none other than Ibanda University," Kayihura remarked.
Former IGP Kayihura, expressed gratitude for being invited to address graduates for the first time since his retirement
He, however, expressed disappointment that Makerere University, where he often intervened during student riots, had never invited him to its events.
"Makerere was always on my mind because of its many challenges that needed my attention. I wonder why its leaders have forgotten me and never invited me to any of their functions," he said.
Kayihura encouraged graduates to leverage the prevailing peace in Uganda to transform their lives and communities.
“By 1985, Uganda was a failed state. Today, the country is stable, providing you with an opportunity to innovate and succeed. This university, being rural-based, offers a chance to explore agribusiness and agro-industries. Let’s use the banana value chain to create wealth,” he urged.
Chancellor Baryamureeba’s message
The University Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, challenged the graduates to be agents of change in their communities.
“Academic transcripts alone are not enough. Go out there, be what you want to be, and make an impact in society,” Baryamureeba advised.
Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, challenged the graduates to be agents of change in their communities
Record graduation
A total of 3,161 students graduated during the university’s eighth graduation ceremony, the largest cohort since its establishment in 2013. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the institution’s journey of fostering academic excellence and community transformation.
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