UMI Main Campus in Kampala celebrated its 22nd graduation ceremony on March 14, 2025, awarding degrees and diplomas to 3,294 graduates. Chancellor Bart Katureebe presided over the ceremony, while Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa served as the chief guest, urging graduates to become problem solvers and uphold integrity. He praised UMI for training credible and capable managers who have contributed to the country’s development. The graduates received qualifications in various academic disciplines, including:

• Ordinary Diplomas: in fields like Public Administration and Community Development
• Postgraduate Diplomas: in areas like Management and Public Administration
• Master’s Degrees: in various fields
• PhDs: in specialized areas like Management and Public Administration

Among the graduates was Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, who received her PhD in Management and Public Administration.

Other branches of UMI also held separate graduation ceremonies with Mbarara on the 21^st of March, Gulu on the 28^th of March and Mbale on the 4^th of April 2025, all with momentous occasions celebrating the achievements of students who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. The events were graced by distinguished leaders who shared words of wisdom, urging graduates to embrace leadership, innovation, and continuous learning as they step into the next phase of their lives.

“Leadership is not merely about personal success but about the ability to inspire, uplift, and transform communities.” The Director General, Dr. James. L. Nkata’s words resonate deeply, emphasizing the power of collaboration and unity in shaping a better future. True leaders are those who recognize that their roles extend beyond career achievements; they are called upon to serve and make meaningful contributions to society.

As graduates step into their new journeys, they must remember that education is a continuous process—one of inquiry, research, and innovation. The lessons learned at Uganda Management Institute (UMI) are not just for personal growth but for creating ripples of progress that benefit many others. Staying connected to those who walked the journey with them and fostering strong networks will amplify their impact. A UMI alumni does not take a passive role in life but sits in the driver’s seat, leading through excellence and exemplary conduct.

Similarly, the Chancellor, His lordship Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Magunda Katureebe, urged graduates to embrace leadership with a mindset that understands and responds to societal needs. Leadership is about determining not just what people need but also what they truly want. It requires an open mind, adaptability, and a commitment to unity. Uganda’s progress depends on leaders who do not shy away from challenges but step forward with solutions that make a lasting difference. He also emphasized the importance of research, community engagement, and alternative justice systems. He called for increased investment in research to tackle Uganda’s governance challenges and advocated for formalizing alternative justice mechanisms.

The challenge is clear: to go out and become leaders whose impact is seen and felt. Graduates must apply their knowledge with integrity and purpose, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to their communities. By doing so, they will not only build successful careers but also shape a Uganda that thrives on unity, progress, and shared prosperity.

All days were crowned with pride and achievements, the graduates of UMI stood not only with certificates in hand but with a renewed sense of responsibility. Their time at the institution had equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and be the change their communities needed. The learning that began within the walls of UMI did not end at graduation; it evolved into a journey of impact, where each graduate became a beacon of resilience and purpose. With a commitment to shaping a future defined by progress and unity, they walked forward, ready to make their mark on the world.