Message from Dean, FVDE for 2021 Graduation ceremony

My dear graduands, I am pleased and honored to congratulate you upon attaining your various diploma awards today. I know the journey was not easy but now, reflecting back, we all can agree that it was worth it. You worked very hard amidst the challenges and here you are –  a graduate of Makerere University Business School!

This particular graduation is very unique in many ways; it has been long overdue, since the first COVID 19 lockdown of March 2020. The lockdown came when we had already made preparations for the graduation ceremony in May 2020. I can imagine the pain you had to endure as you waited patiently for this day. Further, because of the pandemic we combined two cohorts in this ceremony – 2020 and 2021 cohorts.

The other unique issue about this graduation is that we are holding it online. We waited and prayed that the COVID 19 restrictions will be eased so that we graduate you physically, however, as you have seen, the pandemic is still very much active and we must remain alive in order for us to witness your success. I hope that you will still enjoy this ceremony as much as you would a physical one.

On behalf of the Faculty of Vocational and Distance Education and on my own behalf, I want to thank our dear parents and guardians for the support rendered to our celebrants today. I know it has never been easy to raise money for school fees and other requirements but you did it. May God bless your hands that toiled to see your children through to this occasion.

My appeal to you, dear graduands, is that you embrace technology in your life. The theme of this graduation ceremony has been crafted in such a way to provoke your creativity as a business graduate. As you join the world of work, you will need to apply innovative approaches to work. The COVID 19 pandemic has exposed many of our weaknesses. For example, previously, we used to hold physical graduation ceremonies but now we are virtual. Likewise, you should use technology to work from wherever you will be. Do not be afraid of technology as it is your enabler. Soon, you will be applying for jobs and doing interviews online. In some cases, you may be required to work remotely. You may see this as a challenge initially, but overtime there will be numerous opportunities ushered in by technology. You will not have to travel to a foreign country to study or do work that you can do remotely from the comfort of your home.

As you leave today, MUBS should remain your university of choice. You should come back and enroll on the various degree and masters programmes available in all our campuses. Our programmes are market driven and very practical in entrepreneurship, information technology and business management. For the first class holders, we have some meritorious scholarships for you. Please apply for them.

Lastly, do not despise jobs. Learn to start small and grow your business or career with time. Service should be your cardinal call. Be good citizens and avoid corruption in whatever you do. Lift the MUBS flag high.  Congratulations once again!