A brief moment of political theatre cut through Friday’s formal proceedings at Kyambogo University when a male graduand held up a campaign-style poster of President Yoweri Museveni as he walked across the graduation podium. The poster read “Protecting the Gains,” echoing a familiar NRM slogan.
The incident drew loud murmurs from the crowd and a few cheers from one corner of the stands. Security kept a close eye but did not intervene, and the ceremony moved on without disruption. University officials later said they would review the matter but noted that graduations often attract isolated political gestures.
The display happened as Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the 21st graduation ceremony on behalf of President Museveni. Her speech focused on science, research and innovation as key drivers of national development, urging universities to place them at the centre of their work.
Alupo told the audience that Uganda’s path to socio-economic transformation depends on building a knowledge-based economy. She encouraged universities to work with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and international partners to strengthen research output.
She also restated government’s commitment to investing in higher education, including new physical and ICT infrastructure, so students can “remain interconnected and create jobs for themselves.”
Alupo outlined the NRM’s strategy for job and wealth creation through four areas: commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services and ICT. She pressed the graduands to make use of government programmes in these sectors.
According to her, Uganda’s edge lies in its people and the strength of its education system. She praised Kyambogo University for building strong science, engineering and education programmes, including special needs and inclusive education. More than 45,000 students are currently enrolled in affiliated teacher-training colleges.
On the newly created Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), Alupo assured the university that it would play a major role in mentoring its staff and shaping teacher-training standards.
She noted that new laboratories and science facilities funded by the African Development Bank should help Kyambogo expand research and manufacturing capacity. She also recognised the university’s partnership with the National Council of Sports to build a modern football facility ahead of the 2027 AFCON.
To the graduands, Alupo delivered a simple message: step into the world ready to work, innovate and keep your integrity. She warned against chasing quick money through corruption and urged them to use their skills to contribute to their communities.
Kyambogo Chancellor Prof John Yakobo Okedi applauded staff and management for maintaining a stable learning environment, while Vice Chancellor Prof Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning.
As for the student who lifted Museveni’s poster, the moment lasted only a few seconds, but it sparked quiet debate among attendees about political expression at public events. By the end of the ceremony, though, the focus had returned to the thousands of new graduates collecting their degrees, ready to begin the next chapter of their lives.
