KAMPALA — A total of 200 students examined by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) have been awarded National Diplomas and Certificates at a colourful ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University.
The 7th graduation ceremony, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, was organised by the Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) under the College of Education and External Studies (CEES).
The partnership between UVTAB and Makerere University was praised as a critical step in advancing lifelong learning and strengthening technical and vocational education across Uganda.
“Skills Are the New Currency”
In a speech delivered on behalf of CEES Principal Anthony Mugagga, Prof. Paul Birevu Muyinda, Director of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning, congratulated the graduates and urged them to value competence above credentials.
“These qualifications do not only certify your knowledge — they affirm your competence,” he said. “They demonstrate not merely what you know, but what you can do.”
Prof. Muyinda reminded graduates that technical education is grounded in practical ability.
“You are entering society at a time when skills are the new currency,” he noted. “Uganda needs practical problem solvers — technicians, innovators, builders, designers and entrepreneurs.”
He described graduation as “the beginning of responsibility,” encouraging students to master their craft, build professional identity, strengthen networks and embrace entrepreneurship.
“Be the graduate who confidently says, ‘Give me the task, and I will deliver,’” he advised. “Go out and seek jobs with confidence — you have the skills. Create jobs with courage — you have the innovation.”
Call for Integrity and Lifelong Learning
Dr Oscar Mugula, National Coordinator of the Centre for Lifelong Learning, thanked parents and guardians for their sacrifice and described the graduates as “designers of change and leaders of tomorrow.”
“You are not just recipients of diplomas and certificates,” Dr Mugula said. “The skills and knowledge you have acquired will help you shape communities and solve real-world problems.”
He urged graduates to pursue further studies, noting that their qualifications are nationally and internationally recognised under the Government of Uganda framework.
“Do not stop at this stage. A new journey begins today. Plan to pursue your dream degree and take yourself to the next level,” he said.
Graduates were also encouraged to live responsibly, remain disciplined and uphold values of respect, empathy and integrity.
First-Class Graduates Recognised
The ceremony honoured outstanding academic performers who attained First-Class Diplomas (GPA 4.4–5.0).
In the Diploma in Public Administration, the top graduates were Giibwa Dennise Kivumbi (4.63), Hussein Omar (4.41) and Ssentale Peter (4.5).
For the National Diploma in Business Management, Oyella Vivian Mildred scored 4.48.
In the National Diploma in Accountancy, Nakiboneka Ritah (4.43), Nabaasa Annah (4.65), Olupot Jorem Dominic (4.42) and Mulindwa Ashraf (4.53) excelled.
The National Diploma in Civil Engineering recognised Masaakate Joshua Robinson (4.53), Tamale Arafah (4.51) and Kulumba Anwar (4.59) among the top performers.
Expanding the Lifelong Learning Mandate
Established in 1953 as the Department of Extra-Mural Studies, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has evolved through several institutional transitions to become the university’s primary unit mandated to design and deliver short community training programmes and non-academic interventions.
Its motto — “Taking the University to the Communities and bringing the Communities to the University” — underscores its outreach mission.
Speakers commended the government for strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework and reaffirmed Makerere University’s commitment to expanding access to quality, skills-based education.
