Uganda Christian University (UCU) is set to make a statement this Friday at its upcoming graduation ceremony.
The university is to introduce new gowns that replace the old, traditional black ones.
This change comes just in time for the university’s 25th graduation event, where over 1,000 students will celebrate their academic achievements.
At the unveiling ceremony, Rev. Dr. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics, expressed his concerns about the old black gowns.
He believes these gowns have been overused and misrepresented by many institutions, including kindergartens and those offering short-term courses.
“A graduation is a significant milestone for students who have dedicated years to their studies,” Dr. Kitayimbwa stated.
“It’s not right for someone who has spent four years earning a degree to wear a gown that resembles that of a kindergarten student. The gown has become a misused symbol of education in Uganda,” he said.
Dr. Kitayimbwa also raised questions about the growing trend of kindergartens holding graduation ceremonies, suggesting it undermines the hard work of students in higher education.
He urged parents and schools to encourage children to focus on their studies, reserving gowns for appropriate academic milestones.
The new gowns, designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate graduates, feature a striking blue color, with various accents to represent different faculties.
UCU has kept the gown rental prices the same, but the new gowns will only be available on campus.
Agira Birungi, the UCU Guild President, praised this initiative, calling it timely and well-conceived.
“The new gowns symbolise a fresh start and a commitment to honoring academic achievement,” Birungi stated.
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