Educationists have urged Ugandans studying abroad to return home after completing their education, warning that the country continues to lose valuable talent when young people settle overseas instead of reinvesting their skills in national development.
Speaking at Kabojja International School’s 18th graduation ceremony for Year 11 and Year 13 students in Kampala on November 15, the school’s director, Mr Ahmed Lwasa, said international education offers world-class exposure and strong professional values, but these gains become meaningful only when applied to Uganda’s needs.
‘Studying abroad is one of the best things, learners pick real life values, integrity, discipline and work ethic, but these values should be brought back to build our country. When the children stay outside, Uganda loses energy and innovation it requires,’ Mr Lwasa said.
He added: ‘Let them get master’s degrees and PhDs but encourage them to come back. When these values are integrated in our communities, we all benefit.’
Guest of honour Justice Tom Chemutai, the Resident Judge of the Moroto circuit, told graduates that the future is defined by the choices they make and the values they uphold.
‘The future is not something that simply happens. It is built by decisions one step at a time. You plant commitment and you harvest excellence, you plant integrity and you harvest trust,’ Justice Chemutai said.
He urged young people to embrace responsibility and accountability, saying they hold the potential to uplift their communities and shape a country anchored on fairness and integrity.
‘Your talent becomes meaningful only when you share it with the world,’ Justice Chemutai said.
The school’s principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sam Turya, said academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with communication, creativity, collaboration and critical-thinking skills. He warned graduates against isolating themselves from others as they navigate their careers.
‘You must learn how to collaborate with others for you to be successful, as you move out, know that the basic principles of life are what life gives. That you must be able to collaborate with others, independent of their backgrounds or their faith,’ Mr Turya said.
He added: ‘When you face a situation, you must think out of the box. We have given you values to get out of here, to be an ambassador of Kabojja, raise our flag high but please, and reflect the values you have learnt from here.’
Mr Turya highlighted recent milestones at the school, including participation in the World Scholars Cup finals in the United States and the establishment of a wellness centre to improve learner wellbeing.
‘We know the world is changing now but we are keen at promoting the mental health in this institution. We have a department of counseling and we are keen on the wellness of learners and our staff as well,’ he said.