260 STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM EAST AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

Grandaunts during the 12th Graduation Ceremony of East African Institute for Management Science at its Pece Vanguard campus in Gulu City.

By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu City

East African Institute for Management Science on May 8, 2026, held its 12th Graduation Ceremony at its Main Campus in Pece Vanguard, Gulu City, where 260 students were officially awarded academic qualifications in various disciplines at both Diploma and National Certificate levels.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Principal, David Okot Pikony, commended the graduates for their resilience, discipline, and commitment to academic excellence. He urged them to use the knowledge and practical skills acquired during their studies to contribute meaningfully to community transformation and national development.

Pikony further revealed that the institute is in the process of attaining accreditation to become a degree-awarding institution, beginning with four academic programmes. He encouraged parents and guardians to enroll their children once the programmes are officially launched, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education and professional training in Northern Uganda.

The Academic Registrar, Ronald Oyoo, disclosed that out of the 260 graduates, 123 attained National Certificates while 137 graduated with Diplomas. Among the certificate graduates, 71 were female and 52 were male, while the diploma category comprised of 79 females and 58 males.

Oyoo noted that the higher number of female graduates reflects the growing participation of women in higher education, attributing the progress to government efforts aimed at promoting and supporting girls’ education in Uganda.

Among the grandaunts, 18 attained first class honors in National Certificate, with 15 Diploma students attaining First Class distinctions.

The Chief Guest, Dr David Onen Otto, who also serves as Director of Gulu Central High School, encouraged the graduates to continue upgrading their academic qualifications and professional skills.

“If opportunities arise wherever you are, continue upgrading through advanced diplomas, degrees, and professional courses. The more skilled and knowledgeable you become, the more productive and competitive you will be,” Dr Onen Otto advised.

He further encouraged the graduates not to underestimate humble academic beginnings, emphasizing that persistence and continuous learning can eventually lead to higher academic achievements, including doctoral qualifications.

Among the graduands was Winnie Amongi, who completed a National Certificate in Accounting and Finance. She described her graduation as a major milestone in her academic journey and expressed determination to continue pursuing higher qualifications.

Amongi revealed that she plans to enroll for a diploma programme next year as she seeks broader academic and career opportunities.

Another graduate, Junior Johnson Otim, who earned a Diploma in Records and Management, said he intends to continue advancing academically with the long-term goal of attaining a Master’s degree within the next decade.

George Ebine, a Senior Higher Education Officer at the National Council for Higher Education, noted that there remains a strong demand for higher education within the Acholi sub-region. He urged graduates to position themselves as agents of positive change in their communities, encouraging them to embrace innovation, pursue continuous career growth, and focus on creating employment opportunities rather than solely seeking jobs.

In honor of the late Director of East African Institute for Management Science, Abel Apuuli, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Lydia Kyomugisha, announced the introduction of an annual scholarship programme that will benefit the institution’s two best-performing students each year as a way of preserving Apuuli’s legacy and promoting academic excellence among learners.

Established in 2007, East African Institute for Management Science currently has an enrollment of over 630 students pursuing Diploma and National Certificate programmes across various disciplines.