Victoria University graduates challenged to use AI and create jobs.

20 October 2026, 8:03 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Victoria University Chancellor Prof. John Opuda-Asibo has urged graduates to avoid unnecessary debts, put God first in whatever they do and use their knowledge and skills to succeed in a technology-driven world.

He made the remarks during the second and final graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, where 2,600 students graduated in various disciplines.

Opuda-Asibo told the graduates that the future was already here and challenged them to prepare for opportunities by combining their knowledge and skills with modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI).

“The future is here. So be ready to succeed, using your knowledge and skills together with modern technology, including artificial intelligence. I urge you to put God first in whatever you do and to avoid debts,” he said.

He challenged the graduates to consider whether they were ready to take up available jobs or create employment opportunities for others.

He added that technical skills alone, without adequate knowledge, could maintain the status quo rather than contribute to meaningful improvements and the transformation of society.

According to the chancellor, the university had equipped the graduates with experiential learning, critical thinking skills and practical knowledge to help them navigate future challenges.

Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga said the university was presenting a class of doers to Uganda and the world.

Muganga told the graduates that he had watched them grow and noted that they had not waited until graduation to put their knowledge into practice.

“Graduates, here you gained real experience. You are the first cohort at this AI-driven university. AI is not alien to you. Nobody will have to beg you to use it productively, responsibly and ethically. You already do,” he said.

Some graduates expressed gratitude to their parents and guardians for supporting them throughout their education.

They also thanked God for enabling them to complete their studies, noting that some of the people with whom they had started their educational journey had been unable to reach the same milestone because of various challenges.