The Soroti Catholic Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, has urged graduates of Uganda Martyrs Polytechnic Vocational College Soroti to continue striving higher, dreaming big, and working hard to achieve greater milestones in life.
Bishop Eciru made the call while presiding over the college’s first ever graduation ceremony since its establishment in 1996.
The historic event held at the college’s premises, attracted hundreds of graduates, parents, clergy, and dignitaries where he was the guest of honour and main celebrant.
In his address, Bishop Eciru congratulated the graduates upon completing their studies and achieving academic success.
He reminded them to uphold the institution’s values in their workplaces and communities.
“Go out and shine, make the institution shine too, avoid doing shoddy work instead do your best for the betterment of yourself and the institution, be our ambassadors and represent us well wherever you go.” Bishop Eciru said
He encouraged the graduates to continuously promote the institution by supporting it and encouraging others to join. “Let us keep branding our school wherever we go,” he said.
Bishop Eciru also advised the graduates never to forget their roots and to support their parents who nurtured them through education.
“When you start earning, don’t forget your parents, remember the sacrifices they made for you to make sure you make it in order to support them,” he emphasized.
He commended the school management for producing skilled individuals equipped with practical knowledge to sustain themselves in life, and appreciated the parents for their commitment and support throughout the academic journey of their children.
Addressing the continuing students, Bishop Eciru encouraged them to be inspired by the graduation and set targets to be among the next cohort of graduates.
He warned them not to be distracted by external influences that may destroy their academic goals.
The Bishop concluded the ceremony with prayers, officially dissolving the first graduation ceremony and praying for more blessings upon Uganda Martyrs Polytechnic, its alumni, Soroti Catholic Diocese, and the people of Uganda.
In his remarks, the Principal of Uganda Martyrs Polytechnic Vocational College Soroti, Mr. Nicky Akol, expressed his gratitude to all who participated in the celebration of the college’s milestone.
“This is a very important day, let us enjoy what we have achieved, count yourselves lucky because many desire to be in this position but fail due to unavoidable circumstance, celebrate this day don’t let good things happen to you without appreciating them.” he said
While responding to a request from alumni, Mr. Akol announced the introduction of national diploma programs in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Fashion and Design.
He confirmed that the institution had been accredited by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), enabling students to sit for their exams within the college premises.
“We now train students from skills to diploma level and are already hosting the first cohort of diploma students in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering,” he noted.
He thanked the parents for ensuring students remained in class and the Soroti Catholic Diocese for initiating and continuing to support the institution.
However, Akol also highlighted the challenges the college is facing, including the need for well equipped laboratories, adequate tools for practical training, and enough capital to enhance service delivery.
The graduation marked a new chapter for Uganda Martyrs Polytechnic Vocational College Soroti as it positions itself to provide both skills based and academic training to empower youth across the region.
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