UCU Kagando University College Graduands Tipped on Integrity, Professionalism

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Canon Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, has charged graduates of Uganda Christian University Kagando University College to exhibit a high level of professionalism, integrity, and willingness to learn.

Dr. Turyagyenda made the remarks today while presiding over the inauguration of the College as a Constituent College of Uganda Christian University and its 6th graduation at Kagando Rural Development Centre (KARUDEC) in Kasese District.

The graduation and inauguration ran under the theme: Elevating Health Training to Empower Mankind and Unlock Potentials for a Healthy Community.

"We live in a fast and continuously changing world. Consequently, the world of work demands appropriate competence, professionalism, a high level of integrity, trustworthiness, innovativeness, teamwork, communication, and willingness to learn," Dr. Turyagyenda said.

"I appeal to the young professionals who train at these institutions to know that real learning starts at graduation. Therefore, be lifelong learners—willing to admit what you don't know and to learn from those who have experience, even if they have lower qualifications than you."

She urged graduates to use every opportunity to advance their education in order to be better equipped and more skilled to perform effectively at their workplaces.

"I therefore appeal to graduates to use every opportunity to learn more, to understand the concepts you have learned better, to ask questions, and to be willing to practice—even when you don't gain much financially," Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized.

She pledged the Ministry of Education and Sports and its agencies' support to ensure sustained quality training, guided by the TVET Act 2005 and relevant policies and guidelines as issued from time to time.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who is also the Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, commended the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese and the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, for their visionary leadership and dedication to development, which made the partnership possible.

He called for responsible preservation of the environment, emphasizing that natural resources are a gift from God and it is a shared duty to ensure they are protected for future generations.

He further called for intentional empowerment of both boys and girls with knowledge and values that will strengthen the institution of marriage and family life, which are the foundation of a stable society.

According to Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Kagando University College is a brainchild of Kagando Rural Development Centre, a Church of Uganda private not-for-profit facility under the Diocese.

"The KARUDEC complex currently consists of Kagando Hospital, Kagando Primary School, Kagando School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kagando School of Allied Health Sciences, KARUDEC Community Outreach Programs, and St. Luke’s Chapel," Bishop Baluku said.

He noted that the organization currently employs a workforce of 250 people, while the school population is 802 students—240 males and 562 females. Rev. Dr. Uzziah Maate Kirianghe is the Executive Director.

He said that as the Constituent College is being rolled out, the initial programs approved by the National Council for Higher Education include Bachelor of Midwifery Science, Nursing Sciences, and Medical Laboratory Science.

He decried the actions by Kasese District Local Government in withdrawing most of the seconded staff from Kagando Hospital and other diocesan health facilities, as well as the understaffing of diocesan-founded schools that are government-aided.

According to the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the University Council in February this year approved Kagando University College to be overseen by South Rwenzori, Ruwenzori, East Ruwenzori, West Rwenzori, Bunyoro Kitara, and Masindi Kitara Dioceses.

Prof. Mushengyezi said the University leadership team oriented the Kagando University College team in management, human resource policies, governance, ICT infrastructure, student affairs, and all issues related to UCU. He added that a framework was also agreed upon for how the partnership will operate.

While leading devotion at the beginning of the graduation ceremony, renowned Professor of the New Testament and Board Chair of KARUDEC, Rev. Canon Prof. Edison Kalengyo Muhindo, called on graduands not to grow weary in doing good.

"Doing good can be exhausting when it is left to a few or when you are not noticed. But as Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, whatever you do, work at it like you are serving the Lord, not human masters. God is calling us in Galatians 6:9 not to grow weary in doing good," Prof. Kalengyo said.

Bwambale Jervezious Monday announced that Rukoki Health Centre IV will be elevated to a Community Hospital effective 1st July, while Nyabirongo Health Centre III will be elevated to Health Centre IV. He added that the government has a policy to upgrade all Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, which will help create more jobs for graduates.

Bishops, including Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka of the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Zebedee Masereka, the retired Bishop of South Rwenzori, along with UCU management and other dignitaries, attended the function.