Summary:

• Ankole Diocese Bishop and Vice Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, Rt Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, urged graduates during the 19th ceremony to undergo HIV medical check-ups, emphasizing responsible living, while Information Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi expressed doubt about Uganda achieving the global AIDS-ending target by 2030 and stressed the importance of individual behavior and integrity.

During the 19th graduation ceremony at Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara City, Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, who also serves as the university’s vice chancellor, encouraged the graduating students to undergo HIV medical check-ups to be aware of their status and adopt a positive lifestyle.

Addressing the attendees at the university’s Riverside grounds on Friday, Bishop Mwesigwa expressed concern about the rising cases of HIV infections among individuals aged 14 to 24. He urged the students to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of getting tested for HIV and knowing their status. Bishop Mwesigwa highlighted that some individuals have lived with HIV for three decades, yet they lead positive lives, underscoring the significance of education and enlightenment in making informed choices.

Information minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi, officiating at the ceremony, echoed the call for responsible living among the youth, emphasizing the continued existence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. Dr Baryomunsi referred to government statistics indicating high prevalence rates in certain urban areas, including Mbarara City. He urged the graduating students to behave responsibly as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

Expressing doubt about Uganda’s ability to achieve the global target of ending AIDS by 2030, Dr Baryomunsi emphasized that individual behavior will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. He encouraged graduates to maintain high levels of integrity and honesty as they enter the workforce, responding to Bishop Mwesigwa’s observation that corruption and lack of integrity are significant challenges facing the country.

The graduation ceremony saw the awarding of degrees, diplomas, and certificates to 1,512 students across various disciplines. Of these, 48 percent were female, and the remainder were male.

Source: Daily Monitor Edited by Busiinge Aggrey