St. Lawrence University’s 15th graduation ceremony was held on February 20, 2025, at the institution’s main campus in Rubaga, Kampala. The event served as a platform to highlight the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern education and its critical role in socio-economic development. With the theme “Embracing AI in Contemporary Higher Education,” leaders, graduates, and stakeholders reflected on the importance of technology in shaping the future.
The grand occasion celebrated the achievements of 436 students who had excelled in their respective academic fields and underscored the university’s commitment to equipping its students with the tools needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
The Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo, Uganda’s Vice President and Chancellor of St. Lawrence University, delivered a powerful address encouraging the graduates to embrace AI as a tool to solve community challenges. She emphasized that AI is no longer an optional luxury but a necessity for success in today’s rapidly evolving world.
“Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries and reshaping communities. I urge you to adopt this technology as a means of addressing the pressing needs of society,” said Vice President Alupo.
She also commended President Yoweri Museveni for fostering an enabling environment that has allowed private universities to thrive and grow in Uganda. Alupo praised St. Lawrence University for being at the forefront of technological innovation in higher education and urged other institutions to follow suit.
The keynote speaker, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), provided a compelling case for prioritizing Artificial Intelligence in education and the workplace.
He noted that the government is working tirelessly to ensure affordable and reliable internet access, which is a critical enabler of technology-driven development. “AI has the potential to provide solutions to our most pressing challenges. To harness its full potential, the young generation must actively pursue skills in data science, machine learning, and coding,” Thembo said.
He called on the graduates to not only embrace AI but to actively seek opportunities to apply it in areas such as agriculture, health care, and business to create innovative solutions for Uganda’s development.
The ceremony saw a total of 436 students graduate, with 52% being male and 48% female, showcasing a strong balance in gender representation. Ruth Marimbe Sseninde, the Academic Registrar, proudly announced the top performers who set the bar for excellence:
Ms. Patricia Nakiranda, a Bachelor’s of Business Administration graduate, emerged as the best overall performer with an impressive CGPA of 4.99.
Mr. Sentamu Alvin Yawe, from the College of Science and Technology, was recognized as the best male graduate with a CGPA of 4.78.
Both top performers were awarded a cash prize of 500,000 UGX each in appreciation of their outstanding academic achievements. Their success symbolized the institution’s dedication to nurturing excellence and innovation in its students.
Dr. Charles Masaaba, the Vice Chancellor of St. Lawrence University, emphasized the significance of embracing Artificial Intelligence in higher education. He noted that AI has drastically changed the landscape of academic research and professional practices, making it essential for students to adapt to these advancements.
“AI is not just the future; it is the present. It is redefining how we conduct research, solve problems, and engage with the world. As a university, we are committed to preparing our students to thrive in this new reality,” Dr. Masaaba said.
Dr. Masaaba also shared the university’s plans to integrate AI-focused courses into the curriculum and strengthen infrastructure to support technology-based learning.
The event drew several notable personalities, highlighting the importance of the occasion. Among the key attendees were:
Rt. Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Uganda’s former Vice President.
Mr. Mugalu Augustin, Dean of Students at Kampala University, who applauded the event as a milestone in advancing education in Uganda.
Pastor Wilson Bugembe, a renowned gospel artist, who led prayers for the graduates and offered words of encouragement for their future endeavors.
The guest list reflected the strong support from various sectors, including education, politics, and religion, for the advancement of higher education in Uganda.
The theme, “Embracing AI in Contemporary Higher Education,” resonated deeply with the audience. It was a rallying cry for institutions, students, and policymakers to prioritize technology adoption in all spheres of education.
St. Lawrence University has positioned itself as a leader in fostering innovation, ensuring that its graduates leave not just with degrees but with skills to thrive in a competitive, technology-driven global workforce.
As the graduates of St. Lawrence University’s class of 2025 stepped forward to receive their degrees, they carried not only academic accolades but also a clear vision for their role in Uganda’s development. With the guidance of leaders like Vice President Alupo and Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the future is bright for these young professionals poised to lead in a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence and technological innovation.
The graduation was a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence and its focus on producing graduates who are not just job seekers but also creators of opportunities.
