‘Your Degree is a Passport’: Prof. Maggie Kigozi Urges Makerere Grads to Become Solution Providers

KAMPALA — Prof. Margaret Blick Kigozi, Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund, has urged graduands to pivot from being job seekers to becoming “solution providers,” emphasising that financial literacy and business acumen are now as vital as academic credentials.

Delivering the commencement address at Day Two of Makerere University’s 76th Graduation Ceremony held at Freedom Square, Prof. Kigozi challenged the Class of 2026 to embrace responsibility, entrepreneurship and character-driven leadership.

“Power doesn’t make you important. It makes you responsible,” Prof. Kigozi told the graduands. “Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humility should guide the answers.”

‘Start Your Own Business’

Prof. Kigozi advised the graduates from the College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, College of Health Sciences and the School of Public Health to cultivate business acumen and financial literacy.

“I learned this practical skillset: business savviness and financial literacy. Cultivate these basics. You don’t have to become an accountant. Be able to read the essentials,” she said. “I encourage you to start your business in your area of training. Provide services and create jobs.”

Reflecting on her own journey, the Makerere alumna who earned her MBChB in 1976 said she had to return to the university to acquire entrepreneurship skills after transitioning into the private sector.

“When I moved into a business organisation, I found I did not have these skills. I came back to my home, Makerere. I did short courses in the Department of Commerce. I learned entrepreneurship that enabled me to thrive in the private sector,” she said.

‘Makerere Is a Passport to the World’

Prof. Kigozi, who began her medical career serving communities in Uganda, Kenya and Zambia before rising to national and international leadership roles, emphasised the global weight of a Makerere degree.

“This Makerere degree spoke before I opened my mouth. I immediately got a job. That is still the case today,” she said. “Makerere is a passport to the world. Don’t take Makerere’s training lightly. Don’t let yourselves down.”

She encouraged the graduates to embrace failure as part of growth. “Failure is not the opposite of excellence. It is the tuition,” she noted. “Growth often begins where confidence ends. You will grow. Excellence isn’t a straight line. Confidence isn’t permanent. Pay tuition humbly and learn from it.”

Balancing Success and Life

The former investment promotion leader cautioned against unrealistic expectations of excelling in every area of life. “You can’t have it all. Fake expectations can fail. Do your best and try not to fail often,” she said. “It is rare to see someone excel at everything. When one area thrives, another can suffer.”

Character Over Power

In a powerful closing message, Prof. Kigozi reminded the graduates that professional authority must be guided by integrity and compassion.

“Your degree gives you power, but your character makes the world a better place in how you use it,” she said. “Go out and build lives, not just careers.” “Serve your patients with skill. Question boldly. Keep learning. Use knowledge generously. Build other people’s capacity.”

Call to Stay Connected

Prof. Kigozi also rallied alumni to support the Endowment Fund, noting its significant growth in recent years and its commitment to supporting female students and disability initiatives.

“Join our Endowment Fund system. Stay in touch. Continue to be part of this as our alumni,” she urged.

The ceremony was presided over by Chancellor Dr Crispus Kiyonga and attended by the State Minister for Primary Education, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu, representing the Minister of Education and Sports.