20th Graduation Ceremony at Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education Mengo: A Celebration of Achievement and Vision for Uganda’s Future
The 20th graduation ceremony of the Buganda Royal Institute of Business and Technical Education Mengo was held on 30th January 2026, presided over by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. The event saw 1,261 graduates awarded diplomas and certificates, of which 736 were female, and the remaining 525 were male. A breakdown of the graduates reveals that 420 received diplomas, 637 received certificates, and 204 were awarded Informally Acquired Skills. The percentage distribution is as follows:
- Diplomas: 33.3%
- Certificates: 50.4%
- Informally Acquired Skills: 16.2%
In his address, Katikkiro Mayiga urged the graduates to first seek mentorship by working under experienced technicians, rather than rushing into self-employment immediately after completing their studies. He emphasized that Uganda’s most valuable resource is not its recently exploited gold or oil, but its youth, who make up the largest portion of the population. He expressed confidence that if the youth are well harnessed, both Buganda Kingdom and Uganda will undergo profound transformation.
The Katikkiro also challenged parents and guardians, stressing that they carry the primary responsibility for educating their children and should not expect gratitude for fulfilling this basic duty. Nonetheless, he congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to work hard, remain transparent, and be honest, as success would surely follow. He then presented a plaque to Ms. Babirye Angel, who graduated with a Diploma in Fashion Design and was the top-performing student with a CGPA of 4.8 out of 5.0. Mr. Ssekweyama Exoedito who graduated with a Diploma in Tourism came second with a CGPA of 4.76. Both students received a cash prize of 500,000 UGX each.
The Minister of Social Services in Buganda Kingdom, Oweek. Choltilda Nakate Kikomeko, highlighted a concerning statistic from Uganda’s 2024 National Population and Housing Census Report, which revealed that approximately 40% of Uganda’s youth are neither in education, employment, nor training. She emphasized the urgent need for educational reforms to address this gap. However, the Minister also commended the government for its renewed focus on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and for reviewing Uganda’s educational curricula to focus on problem-oriented education and training. She further challenged the graduates to remember and support their friends who may still be struggling, emphasizing that Buganda Kingdom was built on the principle of helping one another.
The Principal of the Institute, Oweek. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssenkusu, thanked Ssaabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II for his visionary leadership in establishing the institution, which has positively impacted the lives of many young men and women across Uganda. He personally expressed his gratitude to the Kabaka for entrusting him with the leadership of such an important institution, stating that his only option was to serve diligently and fulfill the vision upon which the Institute was founded. He also thanked his colleagues for their teamwork and commitment.
The Principal shared that 83% of the institute’s total enrolment had sat for national exams administered by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), which enhances the credibility of their graduates and improves their chances of post-school employment and further studies. He informed the audience that the Institute was also working on implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to improve efficiency and service delivery. Additionally, several infrastructural improvements were underway, including upgrades to workshops, laboratories, and hostel facilities. He also mentioned that the development of a new strategic plan for the Institute, covering 2026-2031, was in progress and would be launched soon.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from Buganda Kingdom, including the Speaker of the Great Buganda Lukiiko, Oweek. Luwaga Mugumbule, along with other Kingdom ministers, Bajjaja Abataka, Abakulu, Abobusolya led by Omutaka Augustine Kizito Mutumba. Other notable attendees included Buganda Lukiiko members, CEOs of Buganda Kingdom institutions, County Chiefs, Hon. Nassolo Eugenia, the Area MP-elect for Lubaga Division, the Deputy Supreme Mufti, representatives from Central and Local Governments, Governing Council members led by Dr. Kasozi Mulindwa and various development partners.
The event was broadcast live on CBS FM and BBS TV, as well as on the Institute online platforms.