Kigenyi challenges Monaco Institute Graduates to turn knowledge into practical solutions

By Our Reporter

Graduates have been challenged to transform their academic achievements into practical solutions that improve people’s lives, create employment opportunities and address Kampala’s growing urban challenges.

Benon Kigenyi, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Deputy Executive Director, delivered the message on Thursday while presiding as chief guest at the graduation ceremony of Monaco Institute of Business and Computer Science (MIBCS) in Kibuli, Makindye Division.

Addressing the graduates, Kigenyi reminded them that receiving their academic certificates should not mark the end of their learning journey but rather the beginning of a greater responsibility to society.

“Today is not the end of your academic journey. It is the beginning of your responsibility to society,” he said.

He urged the graduates to translate their newly acquired skills into meaningful contributions, particularly in technology, business and information management, which he described as critical drivers of development, efficiency, problem-solving and employment creation in Uganda and across Africa.

“Uganda and Africa need exactly what Monaco is offering, technology to drive efficiency, business to create jobs and information to make better decisions,” Kigenyi said.

However, he cautioned that academic qualifications alone were not enough to guarantee success, challenging the graduates to distinguish themselves through competence, integrity, discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“The quality is not an act; it is a habit. It is about continuously improving and being better today than you were yesterday,” he said.

Kigenyi emphasised that the true value of education should be measured by how knowledge is applied to improve the lives of others rather than the qualifications one acquires.

“The highest use of knowledge is service,” he told the graduates.

He challenged them to become innovators and problem-solvers capable of developing practical interventions to address some of Kampala’s pressing urban challenges, including traffic congestion and poor waste management.

According to Kigenyi, the city needs skilled young people who can move beyond identifying challenges to designing and implementing workable solutions that improve service delivery, enhance efficiency and make urban life better.

He noted that graduates in business and computer science should not limit their ambitions to seeking employment but should also explore opportunities to establish enterprises, develop innovative products and create jobs for other people.

Kigenyi further observed that the changing workplace, particularly with the growing influence of artificial intelligence, requires graduates to possess more than technical knowledge to remain relevant and competitive.

He said emotional intelligence was equally important in enabling individuals to manage themselves, while social intelligence would help them build relationships, work effectively with others and navigate professional environments.

He encouraged the graduates to combine their technical expertise with sound judgement, teamwork, adaptability and the ability to respond to emerging demands in the workplace.

As Uganda prepares to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Kigenyi said young people equipped with relevant skills, innovation and a practical mindset would play a critical role in driving the country’s social and economic transformation.

The graduation ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of the students, with Kigenyi also recognising parents and guardians for their sacrifices, financial support and commitment towards ensuring that the graduates completed their studies.