Uganda Management Institute’s Chancellor, Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Katureebe, emphasized that academia’s significance lies in its ability to influence and transform communities.
He criticized the prevailing trend of lavish celebrations thrown by families post-graduation, stressing that the true value of education lies not in festivities but in its tangible impact on society.
Speaking at the 21st graduation ceremony held at the Gulu branch, where 314 students received postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees across various disciplines, Katureebe urged both the institute’s academia and graduates to translate their acquired knowledge into meaningful service for their respective communities.
He questioned the efficacy of meticulously crafted research papers that fail to address real-world issues affecting people’s lives.
Katureebe urged UMI professors to offer pro bono classes to engage with their communities directly. He advocated for community service to be integrated into the institute’s criteria for staff recruitment and promotion, particularly for research-oriented academics. Emphasizing the importance of measurable impact, he encouraged graduates to undertake projects that benefit their communities, especially those still grappling with the aftermath of conflict, like in Northern Uganda.
Highlighting the need for empathy and effective communication, Katureebe envisioned UMI professors collaborating with local community members, such as a woman in Lacor preserving traditional dishes like Malakwang vegetable.
He emphasized the potential for transformative change when experts engage with communities on practical solutions, such as exploring sustainable energy alternatives with charcoal burners.
Katureebe expressed willingness to participate in such community initiatives, underscoring the importance of bridging academic knowledge with grassroots realities.
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