On Friday, November 14, 2025, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, through the Dean of Students Office, celebrated the successful graduation of its third cohort from the Sign Language Course. The ceremony was a vibrant reaffirmation of the University’s commitment to competence-based learning, accessibility, and breaking down communication barriers.
Emphasizing the Vital Skill of Communication
The ceremony began with warm opening remarks from Madam Maureen Kahima, the Deputy Dean of Students, who welcomed the guests and congratulated the graduating cohort. Madam Kahima stressed the societal necessity of the skills acquired by the students. “Communication is vital, so we need to be able to communicate with people in the language they understand. I congratulate you for running the race to learn Sign Language. I know your skills will benefit the community.” She specifically appreciated Brian Sande (the instructor), Madam Stella Dusabe (who led the initiative), and Eng. Anke Weisheit for their roles and urged the graduates to continue practicing the skill to retain it.
Sande Brian, the Sign Language Instructor, noted the increasing impact of the program, sharing success stories of previous cohorts securing jobs as professional Sign Language interpreters. He also highlighted the significant student interest across disciplines, noting, “We had the biggest number of students from the Faculty of Medicine.” Brian reminded the audience to respect language by using the term impairment instead of disabled and acknowledged that all learners, regardless of ability, require equal treatment.
Ms Betty Kyomuhendo Kyogabirwe (L) and Betty Kyomuhendo Kyogabirwe (R) serving as some of our Deaf Language Models to facilitate learning of sign language, who participate in every class of sign language training.
Institutional Support and Future Vision
The University’s dedication to institutionalizing inclusivity was strongly articulated by Prof. Nixon Kamukama, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Prof. Kamukama declared that Sign Language is a necessity, aligning perfectly with the national shift toward competence-based learning.
“We are in an era of competence-based learning where skills are encouraged… You are coming in to bridge the gap.”
Prof. Kamukama went on to confirm that MUST is actively promoting physical accessibility, ensuring that all upcoming buildings around Mbarara University will support inclusivity with ramps and lifts. He thanked the graduates for their efforts and assured them of the university’s continued support.
Further reinforcing the forward-looking approach, Eng. Anke presented a concept proposal for a Mbarara University Inclusion Centre. The centre’s goal is to create a supportive environment for students with diverse needs, highlighting the importance of having native language users in every class. Eng. Anke congratulated Cohort Three on their graduation and reiterated the need to institutionalize these efforts.
Eng. Anke Weisheit delivering the keynote speech on the theme of MUST Inclusion Center establishment, its importance, roles on inclusion and key service delivered.
Brian Sunday, our main Uganda Sign language Instructor has served as an Ugandan Sign language interpreter for her.
Community and Graduate Voice
The event featured strong support from community partners. A representative from the Mbarara City Council, who was also a graduate, appreciated the university’s service to the community. “Mbarara City has a hand in developing PWDs. We are much willing to support this program.”
A student representative, Sharot, spoke on behalf of the graduates, appreciating the opportunity to acquire such a vital skill and thanking the instructors. “We stand to be the voice for inclusivity,” she stated, reflecting the cohort’s commitment.
The ceremony concluded with the well-deserved awarding of certificates to the students, marking the culmination of their dedication. Stella Dusabe, in charge of Persons with Disabilities, also gave remarks, celebrating the graduates’ achievement. The Vice Chancellor, though absent due to other engagements, was noted by Prof. Kamukama to have sent her well wishes and support.
This graduation ceremony was a milestone, reinforcing MUST’s role not only as an academic institution but as a leader in social accessibility and equity.
