By Karim Were
At the 23rd graduation ceremony of Kampala University in Ggaba, the spotlight turned to the often-unseen power of mentorship and early support in shaping successful journeys.
Hadijjah Namyalo, a Senior Presidential Advisor to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, used the occasion to reflect on her personal growth and the individuals who helped shape her path. Central to her remarks was Badru Kateregga, whom she praised as both a job creator and a key figure in advancing education in Uganda.
Rather than focusing solely on institutional achievements, Namyalo shared a personal story—revealing that Prof. Kateregga was among the first to support her financially during her early days as a marketeer at the university. She described that moment as a turning point that laid the groundwork for her future.
Addressing the graduates, she shifted the message toward responsibility and vision, urging them to stay grounded, make wise decisions, and actively shape better futures for themselves and their communities.
In a gesture symbolizing continued support and belief in the institution, Namyalo purchased 100 magazines for graduating students, reinforcing her commitment to promoting the university’s growth.
The ceremony ultimately underscored a broader theme: that behind every success story lies a network of support, and that today’s graduates have both the opportunity—and responsibility—to extend that same support to others.
