By James Alomu

Soroti University, one of the largest public universities in the Teso sub-region, has marked a historic milestone by graduating its first cohort of students since its establishment in July 2015. The institution, which is Uganda’s ninth public university funded by the Government of Uganda,  awarded  degrees to a total of 118 graduands during its maiden graduation ceremony held at the university campus in Soroti City on 13 November 2025.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. John Robert Ikoja Odongo, announced that the university successfully trained and graduated 54 students with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He further noted that 21 students from the 2019 cohort and another 21 from the 2020 cohort graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Science, while others completed the Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Computer Engineering programme. Prof. Odongo described the achievement as a testament to the university’s resilience, commitment to academic excellence and its growing contribution to Uganda’s health and technology workforce.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, congratulated the pioneer graduates and described their achievement as a historic moment not only for Soroti University but for the entire country. The President delivered his speech through the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, in which he praised the graduands for overcoming both academic and personal challenges to become the first alumni of the institution.

“The country is waiting for your contribution in the respective fields where you have ably qualified,” President Museveni said, while also commending parents and guardians for their unwavering support throughout the students’ academic journey. He further applauded the university management and staff for their patriotic role in strengthening Uganda’s human resource base.

The President reaffirmed the National Resistance Movement government’s belief that education is the foundation of national development, emphasising sustained investment in the sector, particularly in science and technology-related disciplines. He expressed satisfaction that Soroti University’s curriculum is aligned with national priorities that promote science, innovation and problem-solving skills, noting that scientific advancement enables societies to effectively harness natural resources for prosperity.

“Uganda’s resources cannot exploit themselves. Gold cannot mine itself, and electricity cannot harness itself from the river and walk to your house. We need skilled human capital,” the President remarked. He warned that Africa cannot afford to remain a spectator as the world advances into the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by intelligent machines.

President Museveni urged parents, educators and students to prioritise careers in science and technology, while encouraging graduates in the humanities to re-orient themselves towards acquiring practical and market-relevant skills. He also advised the graduands to maintain disciplined and healthy lifestyles, cautioning against excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and sexual promiscuity, which he said undermine productivity and national development.

“You can only be resourceful to your families and to Uganda if you stay healthy,” he emphasised.

In his closing remarks, the President once again congratulated the graduands and wished them success as they embark on their professional journeys, expressing confidence that the pioneer alumni of Soroti University will play a vital role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.