The Class of 2020 of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU) was on Thursday 28th May, uniquely celebrated in a Scientific and Virtual Graduation Ceremony. The Virtual event was also the University's 9th Graduation and first of its kind in Uganda.
The ceremony was held at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, under the theme; ‘Research and Innovation as tools to achieve Growth and Development.' It was virtually presided over by the Chancellor and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania; H.E. Benjamin Mkapa who explained that it is the first Graduation that the University is celebrating virtually so as to balance the need for students' employability as well as preventing the spread of the Novel Corona Virus. He emphasized that success is not automatic but a gradual achievement of specific goals over a lifetime through laying the right strategies, working hard to achieve them, being both creative and innovative.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof John F. Mugisha remarked that this year's theme was carefully selected because “Innovation” and “Excellence” are some of the highly cherished institutional core values. He further supplemented that a Virtual and Scientific Graduation speaks to Cavendish University's value of Innovation.
Ms. Doris Akol, the day's Commencement Speaker and former Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority, congratulated the graduands in her speech and remarked that, “Life as we lived it before is no longer relevant now. Behavioural adaptation is therefore required in order for one to remain competitive".
The Chairperson of the University Council, Prof Olubayi Olubayi urged graduands to be lifelong learners and that “if education is to mean anything, one must use online resources to continually educate oneself on how best to become a researcher and innovator.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga who officiated as the Chief Guest of the ceremony expressed her excitement to be present at the first ever Graduation ceremony of a unique University that has managed to withstand and thrive despite the Covid 19 situation. The Rt. Hon Speaker also pledged to contribute to the University and to encourage future graduands through a ‘Rebecca Kadaga excellence Award' at the next Graduation.
H.E Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, the Governor of Kakamega County and Chairman, Council of Governors of the Republic of Kenya, was among the invited guests who virtually addressed the graduands and pledged collaboration of all Counties of Kenya whose Governors he represented. The Deputy RCC for Makindye Division, Mr. Ibrahim Kagolola also graced the event with his presence.
At the end of the day, a total of 809 students graduated with well-deserved degrees, diplomas and certificates in their respective disciplines. 69 students graduated with Master’s Degrees, 4 with Postgraduate Diplomas, 559 with Bachelor’s Degrees, 122 with Diplomas and 55 with Certificates. In order to fulfil all students' aspirations, all 2020 graduates and their parents were invited to the 10th physical Graduation Ceremony in March, 2021 to adorn the gown, "walk the graduation walk", and host parties if they so wish.
To All the Graduands, Congratulations are in order!