Ibanda University graduates 2,350, pleads for government support

IBANDA, December 13, 2025 – Ibanda University recently celebrated a major milestone, graduating 2,350 students during its 9th graduation ceremony held at the university grounds in Ibanda Municipality, Ibanda district. The event also featured the launch of a new science complex and a renewed appeal for government support in digital infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering that included graduands, parents, lecturers, and well wishers, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson James Opolot, hailed the 9th graduation as a phenomenal achievement for the university, which opened in 2014.

“We are happy to say the university has indeed been lifted and is in a good manner,” said Opolot. He thanked the government for providing an enabling policy framework that has allowed private universities to thrive.

Opolot described the private university as a centre of academic excellence not only in Uganda but across Africa, and beyond.

“I think we’ve already been a beacon of excellence by producing skilled, intelligent, hard-working and upright citizens to serve not only our country but the world. I want to state unequivocally that this university is not just an institution of higher learning; it has positioned itself as a beacon of change and a catalyst for development, transforming the lives of our communities,” he said.

He highlighted the university’s significant contribution to the district, noting that it employs 189 staff members, support, he said, that should warrant government assistance similar to that given to public universities.

Opolot underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research and community development. Among other initiatives, he mentioned a MasterCard Foundation-funded project aimed at transforming the cattle corridor through the commercialisation of dairy and livestock value chains, as well as one of the region’s largest pasture centres.

The graduation ceremony began with the commissioning of the construction of a Shs 600 million science laboratory block.

“As we’ve just launched the science block, we intend to move steadfastly in ensuring that we are science-driven, as His Excellency the President always reminds us,” Opolot said.

Minister pledges computers and digital connectivity

Speaking as Chief Guest, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, congratulated the university for contributing to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

He commended the institution’s decision to invest in science, which he described as “in line with government policy.”

He explained the government’s phased approach to enhancing scientists’ salaries as a way of demonstrating the value of science to socio-economic transformation, adding that enhancements for the arts and humanities would follow.

Responding to the university’s appeal for IT equipment, Baryomunsi pledged that the government would support the establishment of IT infrastructure at the university.

Chancellor’s challenge and transition

The University Chancellor, Prof. Venansious Baryamureeba challenged the institution to continue offering relevant courses in order to remain competitive, especially with the expected establishment of new public universities in neighbouring districts.

Baryamureeba stressed that success is not guaranteed by a first-class degree alone.

“Nobody is going to employ you because you have a first class. You must add value, work on your attitude and work on your performance. At times you have to work beyond standard hours to ensure you add value, and if you don’t, the world will leave you behind,” he said.

He also announced that the 9th graduation ceremony would be his last as Chancellor, confirming that he will hand over the role in May 2026.

In his concluding remarks to the graduands, Prof. Opolot urged them to respect all kinds of work, to be innovators, and to consider returning to Ibanda University for higher degrees to meet global demands.

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