Universities, alumni key to Uganda’s human capital drive – Alupo

By Ahmed Idriss

The Vice President, Maj. Jessica Alupo has called on universities and their alumni to play a more deliberate role in advancing Uganda’s human capital development, describing education as central to the country’s socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at the 7th Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Alumni Dinner held on April 4, at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Alupo said institutions of higher learning must go beyond academic instruction and actively align with national development priorities.

“As a country, we continue to prioritise education and human capital development as key drivers of national transformation,” she said, further noting that government programmes, particularly under the national development framework, emphasise equipping citizens with the skills, knowledge and values necessary for effective economic participation.

“Emphasis is placed on equipping our people with skills, knowledge and values to participate effectively in the socio-economic transformation of our country,” she added.

Alupo challenged the IUIU alumni to complement these efforts by supporting their university and communities through mentorship, innovation and resource mobilisation.

“Your knowledge, experience and networks are essential in driving innovation and service delivery across sectors,” she said.

She emphasised that alumni associations should not merely serve social or networking purposes but should also function as strategic platforms for national development.

She commended the IUIU alumni association for its welfare initiatives, including scholarship programmes for disadvantaged students and support extended to families of deceased alumni.

“This requires a strong sense of responsibility and compassion,” she said. The vice president also underscored the importance of collective action, reminding graduates that success is built on collaboration rather than individual effort.

“Success is not achieved in isolation; it is built on relationships, collaboration and shared purpose,” she noted.

She urged alumni to remain actively engaged with their alma mater and to mobilise others to participate in future activities, saying stronger networks would enhance their impact.

“Stay connected not only for your personal success but for the collective success of your communities and the nation,” she said.

Alupo further commended IUIU for its contribution to Uganda’s workforce, noting that the university has produced tens of thousands of graduates serving in key sectors, including government, education, health and business.
IUIU rector, Prof. Ismail Ssimbwa

Gyagenda, echoed the vice president’s remarks, noting that universities remain critical in preparing a skilled workforce to meet national demands.

He said the institution continues to expand its programmes and infrastructure to match the country’s development needs, including investments in science and technology training.

“With this development, we believe that IUIU continues to be a major institution training young people to contribute to society,” he said.

Prof. Gyagenda also called for stronger alumni participation, urging graduates to actively recruit others into the association to widen its impact.

“It is not an easy task, but it is necessary if we are to grow,” he said.