Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) proudly held its 30th graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 1,470 graduates, comprising of 886 males and 584 females. The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, John Chrysestom Muyingo.
Minister Muyingo expressed his appreciation for the university’s dedication to producing exceptional graduates. He highlighted the outstanding performance of the MUST graduates in places they go stating, “I employ some of these graduates, and I must say they are truly extraordinary.”
The Vice Chancellor and host highlighted the developments of the University as below:
The University Council in December 2023 approved the establishment of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) Holdings Limited. The MUST Holdings company goal is to become a business hub that develops, implements, manages and governs all MUST commercial activities so as to generate income for the University through optimization of her resources and assets.
He thanked the University Partnerships both at international and national institutions that are partners and collaborators with MUST. As such he pointed out the MUST has a partnership with a charitable organization, the Lions Clubs International, District 411 B, Uganda, where through the current District Governor, Dr. Stanley K. Bubikire, the partnership aims to put up recreational facilities, establish a hub for medicinal trees for training and research purposes, and greening to mitigate climate change effects at MUST in Kihumuro Campus.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the annual recognition and award to the best graduating student in accounting. “This is perhaps the best motivator for the students to perform well, and hopefully the award translates into ready employment”.
He point out that the University has continues to experience budget cuts with severe adverse effects to our workplan. He thanked the Students’ Guild, led by Mr. Musa Kiyemba who is the current and 35th Guild President and his Deputy Ms. Daisy Arinda Kankiriho”. He congratulated the guild leadership for a cordial and engaging relationship with the University Management.
He appreciated the Parents, Guardians and Sponsors for the generosity made a difference to the lives of these young people soon to be graduates.
He gave a message to the graduate as below:
To our dear parents/guardians, thank you for the sacrifices you have made towards the success of today’s graduands. Thank you for believing in MUST, an institution where success is not an option but “A MUST”.
He thanked lecturers and staff for the dedication in mentoring these young people in to better citizens.
The chancellor too thanked the MUST Staff for the job well done. He recognized MUST achievers and thanked them for holding the MUST flag high. These included staff students and alumni for holding
He recognized and presented to the minster the achievers. He said through the Centre of Innovation and Technology Transfer, many staff and students have been groomed to stand tall in innovation. Allow me Honorable Minister to give you a few of our achievements that have raised our flag in 2023.
During the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award, held in Darkar Senegal. MUST was represented by 3 junior innovators who won the award of the year. Dr. Moses Ochora Talamoi and his team pitched “Photokabada”, an innovation to provide phototherapy of neonates born with jaundice. The innovation won Africa’s top “Young Innovators for Health’’ award, 2023. They were recommended by Young Innovators for Health Award to lead the innovation sector Uganda in the field of medical innovation.
At the same event, Ms. Nura Izath’s team secured the first runner-up position for their “Autothermo” innovation. This is an innovation of a wearable bracelet that continuously measures and transits temperature readings to a central display screen, for easy identification and timely delivery of thermal care interventions to sick admitted newborns.
Additionally, Mr. Delafrique Deogratias, a student in the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Science won the “Best Student Innovator” award for his “Pipeline” VEP antiseptic wound spray, a herbal formulation from locally sourced medicinal plants.
Honorable Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, MUST products continue to make a difference nationally as well as internationally. Allow me recognize and congratulate Professor Frank Asiimwe, a MUST alumnus, who played a pivotal role in performing the first-ever kidney transplant at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda! He led a team of Ugandan surgeons, assisted by specialists from Yashoda Hospitals in India, in successfully transplanting a kidney from a living donor to a recipient on December 20, 2023.
Likewise, nationally, Dr. Gladys Atto, a MUST alumnus, received the “Doctor of the Year award” 2023, for her exceptional service to her community, serving as a shining example of leadership.
CHANCELLORS MESSAGE TO GRADUANDS
To-day is your day. You are all reaping where you sowed. As you collect your certificates and transcripts, please endeavor to register for next courses viz, Masters and Ph.D. as I have always stressed, learning never ends. A close colleague of mine added that it actually stops two hours after death. When I asked to explain why two hours? He responded by saying, “You need two hours to determine whether you are going to heaven or to hell”. We must not forget to thank your parents, guardians and sponsors. Without their support you would not be here to-day. Finally allow me to appeal to graduands and faculty to uphold the motto of your Alma mater, viz,
The chairman council Dr. Warren Naamara pointed the university achievements and also recognized the National University Quiz, 2023 champions. “This victory, Mr. Chancellor Sir, embodies the true spirit of MUST – an institution that fosters well-rounded individuals equipped with both academic knowledge and critical thinking skills. Their hard work and dedication have not only brought immense pride to MUST but also serve as an inspiration to their fellow students. I do request our guest of honor to present them medals of honor” said Dr.Warren Naamara
To the exceptional team that brought home this win was:
- Atukwaase Vitah (Year III, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences)
The team was guided by a dedicated coaching staff:
- Solomon Agum, Principal Assistant Academic Registrar, served as the research coach.
- Angella Nakato Muyingo, MUST Public Relations Officer, acted as the lead team coach.
Additionally, Mr. Edson Nuwagaba provided invaluable support as their dedicated chauffeur throughout the quiz season.
He appointed out the achievements of Prof. Celestino Obua especially writing and wining grants promotion of Research. He said that his term of office was over and that the search committee for the new vice Chancellor was on.
