Uganda Institute of Information and Communication and Technology (UiCT) has asked to be included on the list of government institutions that receive state sponsorship for its students.
Speaking at the institution’s 10th graduation ceremony held in Nakawa Kampala last week, UiCT acting executive principal Irene Nakiyimba said the support would increase the institution’s student enrolment.
“As an institution, UICT is planning to transform into a centre of excellence, we also need to increase the numbers,” she said.
“To position the institute into a centre of excellence, a 10-year master plan (2016-2025) and a five-year strategic plan have been finalized. This is premised in skills-based training, research and Innovation and partnerships.”
At the ceremony, 496 students received diplomas and certificates. Of these, 39 per cent were female while 61 per cent were male. Nakiyimba reported that the corresponding figures for the 9th graduation were 564 graduands, indicating a shortfall of 68 students.
In his remarks, the chief guest and minister for ICT, Frank Tumwebaze, said the government was keen to improve labour value addition through practical training under ‘Skilling Uganda’.
“As government, we are doing all we can to skill our labour force with the right skills,” he said. Companies like Samsung or Hyundai will be induced to invest in Uganda if they are sure that we have the right skills… it is unfortunate that Uganda still imports expatriates.”
Tumwebaze explained that government is ready to give start-up capital to young innovators and urged the graduates not to stop their innovations after graduation.
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