DCJ Officiates 20th UPU Graduation Ceremony, Urges Graduands to Prioritize Integrity and Innovation
The Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera, representing the Chief Justice, officiated the 20th Uganda Pentecostal University (UPU) graduation ceremony last Saturday at Mucwa Campus in Fort Portal.
At the same event, the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja represented the President of Uganda. She congratulated the more than 450 graduands for completing studies in different disciplines.
In his remarks, DCJ congratulated parents and guardians for dedicating resources to educating their children and loved ones. He commended them for fulfilling a noble duty and acknowledged the challenges of effective parenting, especially in an era of technological advancement and information overload. He urged them to take pride in this milestone of seeing their children graduate.
Addressing the graduands, he recognized the effort required to earn certificates, diplomas, and degrees, emphasizing that the journey had not been easy. He praised their commitment, hard work, and discipline, extending heartfelt congratulations to them.
Reflecting on Uganda Pentecostal University (UPU), Justice Buteera acknowledged its remarkable journey over the last two decades of unwavering commitment to academic excellence, integrity, and service to society. He highlighted its transformation under the leadership of the late Prof. John Ntambirweki (Founder of UPU), whose vision turned the institution into a hub for nurturing professionals and leaders in various fields.
He noted that some of its alumni now serve as Judges, Legal Scholars, Policy Makers, and Human Rights Advocates, contributing significantly to Uganda's legal system and beyond. "The University has not only sustained but it has strengthened its reputation, particularly in the Law Program, which remain its flagship course," he stated.
The DCJ commended the University Management for organizing a memorial lecture in honor of Prof. Ntambirweki, themed "Resilience in the Rwenzori: Building Inclusive Climate Solutions." This, he noted, was a testament to the professor's enduring legacy in education, environmental protection, and community development.
Justice Buteera also reflected on the uniqueness of Gen-Z, born from 1997 to 2012, to which most of the people who were graduating belong. He noted that these have a unique culture and identity shared in the digital world. He described them as individuals who work and live through the internet and smartphones, constantly bombarded with an overload of information that keeps them glued to their gadgets, leaving little time for human-to-human interactions.
Despite these traits, the DCJ emphasized the importance of values that must transcend generations, including honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, integrity, and discipline. He urged everyone to uphold these values to make the most of their vocations and ensure their education serves its true purpose.
Looking ahead, Justice Buteera called on the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, adaptability, innovation, and ethical leadership. He reminded them that success in today's dynamic world depends not just on academic qualifications but also on critical thinking and resilience. He encouraged them to go beyond seeking jobs and strive to create opportunities that reshape society for the better.
"As we celebrate two decades of academic distinction, we must also turn our gaze toward the future. We live in an era defined by technological advancements, economic shifts, and global uncertainties. The careers of tomorrow will not merely depend on degrees but on critical thinking, adaptability, innovation, and ethical leadership," he said.
He concluded by acknowledging the sacrifices of parents, guardians, professors, and mentors, whose unwavering support had made this achievement possible. He urged the graduates to reflect on their journey with gratitude and use their acquired skills to serve humanity. As they step into the future, he challenged them to carry the values of Uganda Pentecostal University with pride and make a positive impact in all their endeavors.
Background
Uganda Pentecostal University is a private, not - profit educational institution located in Fort Portal City. It was established and founded by the Late Prof. John Ntambirweki in partnership with the United Pentecostal Churches International of Uganda to provide Christian tertiary education, training and research for the expansion of God's kingdom, human knowledge and betterment of society. Prof. John Ntambirweki was a professor, attorney, and administrator of higher education in Uganda.
Its former Chancellor was the late Justice Rubby Opio Aweri who served from 2017 to 2022.
Posted 18th, February 2025
