Valley University of Science and Technology (VUST) has graduated 717 students during its 6th Graduation Ceremony held at the University Grounds in Bushenyi District, marking a defining moment in the institution’s growth following the attainment of a national Charter.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, Members of Parliament, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), university leaders, parents and guardians, was presided over by the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa as Guest of Honour.
BOT members with Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
Delivering his address, the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Enos Rwasheema, congratulated the graduands and underscored the University’s steady progress since its founding. He highlighted the recent award of a Charter to VUST, signed by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 3rd July 2025, describing it as a vote of confidence in the institution’s governance, academic standards and national relevance. Dr. Rwasheema reaffirmed VUST’s commitment to science, technology, innovation and community-responsive education.
Representing the National Council for Higher Education, Dr. Maria Nakacwa commended VUST for its consistent growth and determination in meeting the rigorous requirements for charter status. She urged the University to work even harder, particularly in strengthening its Graduate School by expanding Master’s programmes and initiating PhD programmes. Dr. Nakacwa further noted that, as a chartered university, VUST now qualifies for several benefits, including eligibility for students to apply under the Government Students’ Loan Scheme, a development expected to improve access to higher education.
In his address to the graduands, the Chairperson of the University Council emphasized the realities of a rapidly changing world, noting that change is now the greatest currency and that technology no longer evolves gradually but explodes. He encouraged graduates to cultivate critical thinking beyond academic knowledge, avoid intellectual isolation by engaging across disciplines and remain anchored in humanity through empathy and creativity. He reminded them that technology should remain a tool for progress, not a substitute for human values.
Members of the University Council with the Chief Guest
The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Sir Richard Kaijuka, applauded the collective efforts of management, staff and stakeholders in steering the University to maturity. He further called for the urgent adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by students, graduates and the University as a whole. He noted that AI is not here to take away people’s jobs, but warned that it will increasingly replace those who fail to adapt and use it effectively. Sir Richard urged VUST to integrate AI into teaching, learning and research, and encouraged graduates to embrace emerging technologies as essential tools for competitiveness in the modern workforce.
The newly installed Chancellor, Prof. William Bazeyo, paid tribute to the Chairperson of the Founding Body, Mzee William Mukaira, for the vision that has not only grown the University but also contributed to the transformation of Bushenyi District and the surrounding community. Prof. Bazeyo challenged the graduands to apply the skills acquired at VUST productively within Uganda and the region, cautioning against abandoning professional training for unskilled labour abroad, such as menial jobs at foreign airports. He urged them to become drivers of local and national development.
Prof. William Bazeyo receiving instruments as a new Chancellor
In his keynote address, the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament congratulated VUST on attaining a Charter within a record period of nine years, describing the achievement as exceptional for a private university. He encouraged higher education institutions to align their programmes with national development priorities and assured stakeholders of Parliament’s continued support for policies that promote science, innovation and skills development.
Left to Right; Prof Cosmas Mwikirize, H.E Prof.Joyce Kikafunda, Rt. Hon Thomas Tayebwa, Joy and William Mukaira
Founded in 2016 to expand access to practical and inclusive higher education, Valley University of Science and Technology has grown steadily in enrolment, academic programmes, research and community engagement. University leaders reiterated their commitment to producing graduates equipped with knowledge, values and innovation capacity to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
