By Chris Mugasha
A total of 418 on Friday graduated with Post graduate diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Diplomas and Certificates in different disciplines at Ankole Western University (AWU.)
The graduation ceremony took place at the University’s grounds at Kabwohe Hill in Sheema Municipality Sheema district. AWU is one of the projects of Diocese of West Ankole.
At the 7TH graduation ceremony where Dr. Andrew Ainomugisha was installed as the 4th Vice Chancellor of the University, of the graduates, 208 were females and 210 males, with 22 graduating with first class degrees.
The Bishop of Diocese of West Ankole Rt. Rev Johnson Twinomujuni who is the University Chancellor commended Ainomugisha and his team for the tremendous work done at the university in a short period of time. Ainomugisha who joined AWU in 2023 found the University with 400 students but the numbers have increased to over 2400 students.
Twinomujuni congratulated the graduands upon the milestone registered before he cautioned them to take care of their bodies and have strategic plans for their lives and above all fear and obey God.
” Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts,” Twinomujuni said.
The Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Kahinda Otafiire represented the Vice President Jesca Alupo who was the guest of honor. Otafiire applauded the Bishop for his sermons, and teachings which he said they have changed many people’s lives. Otafiire called upon clergy to further their studies and acquire a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to keep relevant and to be able to influence the masses.
Otafiire used the opportunity to challenge Sheema Christians to keep united, and asked them to go slow on the creation of a new Diocese noting that it will disintegrate them as people of greater Bushenyi. A cross section of Christians in Sheema district has hatched the idea of working on plans of having their own Diocese called Central Ankole Diocese (CAD). However the idea has on several occasions hit a snag over a number of issues.
Otafiire implored the graduands to put what they have studied into practice to cause a positive impact in their communities, country and their lives. The Minister pledged 25millions towards the ongoing construction of the university’s science block.
AWU’s University Council chairman, Dr Nathan Karema, hailed the Diocese for supporting the University’s growth.
Karema highlighted some of AWU ‘s key achievements as; continued Charter acquisition process, increased student enrollment, purchase of 100 computers among others.
Ainomugisha saluted Bishop Twinomujuni and the University’s governing councils/stakeholders for the support rendered to AWU’s growth.
“The university is right on a path that is unstoppable, with plans to acquire a charter, continue improving the student enrollment and completion of the science block that will create enough space for student learning,” he said.
He tasked the Graduands to go and put into good use the knowledge they have acquired to change their communities, country and humanity. End.
