Makerere University Chancellor Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera has advised students to always have a positive and all-encompassing approach towards work in order to make the desired difference to community. He made the remarks while presiding over the first day of the 65^th graduation ceremony at Makerere University, scheduled to last three days 21st-23^rd January

He cautioned graduands to carefully utilize every opportunity and also avoid job discrimination between white and blue collar jobs. “You are graduating in various disciplines that you have chosen as the vehicles towards a better future. In the process, your families, your country and even the world, benefits from your knowledge. The world is expecting the best from you and with your skills and proficiency, the name of Makerere University shall be hailed,” he said.

Graduands from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), College of Health Science (CHS), College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS)  and College of Humanities and Social Sciences  (CHUSS) were awarded diplomas, degrees and PhDs at the first session of the graduation on Wednesday.

In his speech the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, briefed graduands on the desirable use of the acquired knowledge and skills. “Please be honest in what you do, for it   is such   honesty that will enable you to improve and fit in the society hereafter. Use the knowledge you have acquired not only to improve yourself but also for the positive transformation of your society.”

Prof. Ddumba-Ssentamu expressed his gratitude to all Members of Staff of Makerere University who graduated at the 65^th graduation ceremony. A total of 13,776 students graduated, with over 200 of them attaining first class degrees. The 65th graduation will also see a total of 67 graduands awarded PhDs.

At the function the Chancellor evoked the powers entrusted to him and awarded a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) of Makerere University to Ms. Ruth Morris Keesling in recognition of her distinguished and selfless contribution to Makerere University, Uganda, East and central region of Africa and the world at large. “For the last 28 years since 1986, Ruth has dedicated her energies, finances and time to carry on the gorilla conservation legacy of the late Primatologist Dian Fossey; and has made major contribution to the recovery of the Mountain Gorilla population from 248 at the time to the current estimate of 880. Both the Makerere University Senate and Council found her unreservedly deserving of the award of an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree of Makerere University for her selfless contributions to Makerere University; to Uganda; to the Eastern and Central Africa region and to global communities,” said Prof. John David Kabasa, Principal College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB) while presenting her citation.

The doctorate award to Ruth Keesling was highly colourful and unique with people wearing gorilla masks moving around as the citation was read. The ‘gorillas’ were being watched over by a team of highly alert officials from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The graduation ceremony proceeds to day two.

By  Prossy Nabatte