Chief Justice Flavian Zeija arriving at the graduation ceremony recently
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s Chief Justice, Flavian Zeija, has called on graduates and scholars to contribute to the global body of knowledge through research and publication, warning that professionals who fail to continuously innovate and re-skill risk becoming irrelevant in the rapidly evolving global economy.
Zeija made the remarks while presiding as chief guest during the 22nd graduation ceremony of Uganda Management Institute in Kampala on Friday, where a total of 4,249 graduates were awarded qualifications in various academic disciplines.
The graduates included 11 recipients of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 801 master’s degree holders, 3,428 postgraduate diploma graduates and nine ordinary diploma recipients.
Addressing the graduates, Zeija emphasized that advanced education should not only focus on acquiring academic titles but also on producing meaningful research that contributes to society and global knowledge.
“To get a PhD, you must contribute to knowledge, but to advance further, you must publish. That is what distinguishes you from the rest,” Zeija said.
The Chief Justice cautioned graduates against remaining static in their careers, saying the modern world demands adaptability, innovation and continuous learning.
“You must be dynamic. If you are not, you may not be relevant in 10 years. The days of straitjacket professionals are over,” he warned.
Zeija cited findings from the 2025 World Economic Forum report, which estimates that nearly 59 percent of the global workforce will require re-skilling by 2030 in order to remain competitive amid technological disruptions and changing labour market demands.
“The question now is, how can we future-proof our workforces and adapt to these shifts?” he asked.
According to Zeija, institutions of higher learning and professionals must prepare for a future increasingly shaped by digital transformation, artificial intelligence and evolving workplace dynamics.
He challenged graduates to embrace lifelong learning and innovation as essential tools for survival and growth in the global economy.
The ceremony attracted graduates from across the country, many of whom described their academic achievements as milestones that would strengthen their professional contributions.
Among the graduates was Arthur Baguma, an editor at New Vision, who graduated with a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Baguma said the qualification had deepened his commitment to governance, accountability and national development.
“This is a milestone that deepens my commitment to public service and effective governance, even as I continue to serve as an editor at New Vision,” he said.
“Balancing academic growth with newsroom leadership has enriched my perspective on policy, accountability and the vital role of information in shaping national development. I am inspired to apply this knowledge in advancing both journalism and public administration in Uganda,” Baguma added.
Also among the graduates was Lydia Lakwonyero, a producer at Vision Group, who earned a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management.
Lakwonyero described adult education as challenging but rewarding, saying the programme equipped her with practical skills applicable in professional and community settings.
“Adult education is tough, but we made it. My studies in project planning and management equipped me with practical skills in budgeting, co-ordination, risk assessment and strategic implementation. I am optimistic about applying these skills to solve real-world challenges,” she said.
Kellen Owente, a writer with the Presidential Press Unit, also graduated with a Master’s degree in Management Studies.
Owente said her studies were inspired by the gap she observed between policy formulation and implementation in Uganda.
“I chose this field because I have long been concerned about the gap between Uganda’s well-formulated policies and their implementation on the ground. This inspired me to undertake research in this area, and I believe that, regardless of the scale, my work will contribute to improving policy implementation and governance in our country,” she said.
The Director General of UMI, James Nkata, said the institution was implementing a strategic transformation agenda focused on strengthening research, innovation and academic excellence.
Nkata revealed that UMI had recruited 15 new lecturers since the previous graduation ceremony, all of whom hold PhDs.
According to the director general, the new appointments have raised the institution’s PhD staffing level to 85 percent, significantly improving academic capacity and research potential.
He said the institute remains committed to producing graduates equipped with practical skills and research capabilities needed to address national and global challenges.
UMI Chancellor and former Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe, also urged universities to strengthen community engagement, research dissemination and public accountability.
Katureebe said universities should ensure that research findings do not remain confined to classrooms and libraries, but instead contribute directly to solving societal challenges and influencing public policy.
The graduation ceremony underscored the growing importance of postgraduate education and research in Uganda, particularly at a time when professionals are increasingly required to adapt to changing technologies, evolving industries and complex governance demands.
For many graduates, the occasion marked not only academic success, but also a renewed commitment to using knowledge, research and innovation to contribute to Uganda’s development and competitiveness in the global economy.
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