Top surgeon and former VP Specioza Kazibwe on why she went back to school

The 67-year-old was among the scores of graduates that received diplomas in law, diplomas in human rights and diplomas and legal practice at the Law Development Center (LDC) on Friday, June 23.

The law school held its 50th graduation ceremony at its main campus in Kampala.

The former VP could not hide her excitement as she joined fellow graduates on the dance floor to celebrate.

Commenting about her decision to take the course, Kazibwe said she felt deficient in her knowledge of law.

“In your life, you never stop learning,” she said.

“Law touches every aspect of life; there are many Ugandans who are troubled because they don't understand the law.”

“In my current role as an elder, I continue to educate Ugandans on things that touch every aspect of their lives. I felt that I was deficient in my knowledge of the law. Now I have an idea on what to do when a Ugandan asks for my advice,” she said. 

Dr Kazibwe served as Uganda and Africa’s first female Vice President from 1994 to 2003. She also held several top positions in Cabinet, in parliament and in the ruling NRM party.

Kazibwe is a trained medical surgeon with an undergraduate degree in human medicine and surgery, and a Masters Degree in Medicine from Makerere University; as well as Doctorate of Science from Harvard.