Financial Literacy Coach and CEO – House of Wealth, Mr. Newton Buteraba has appealed to Nkumba University graduands to embrace resilience, purpose, and service as they step into the world beyond academia.
Mr. Buteraba said this while delivering a keynote speech at the 25th Commencement Lecture of Nkumba University, today 22nd October 2025.
“This University has a unique legacy,” Mr. Buteraba began. “When I spoke to the Vice Chancellor about the University’s motto, ‘I owe you,’ I realized that Nkumba University is not just an institution, it is a community founded on the principle of mutual support and academic growth.”
He applauded the University for fostering an environment where education is not merely transactional but transformational. “Nkumba teaches you to give back, to let your knowledge and success lift others. That’s the essence of ‘I owe you’ it’s a call to responsibility,” he said.
Turning to life lessons, Buteraba shared a deeply reflective analogy. “Life is like a motorist who narrowly survives an accident; it gives you a second chance to steer better. But if you fail to learn from the experience, life has a way of giving you retakes.” He noted that every challenge in life is a disguised opportunity for growth, urging students to treat setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
Buteraba also acknowledged that the entire world is built on teachers, “Every profession, every innovation, and every success story begins with a teacher. The world moves forward because someone took time to teach.”
In his keynote, Buteraba outlined ten guiding principles for success, encouraging graduands to live beyond self and redefine how they measure achievement.
1. The world rewards usefulness, not titles.
He cautioned students against chasing positions and accolades at the expense of relevance. “Don’t be obsessed with titles,” he said. “The world pays for solutions, not labels.”
2. Your network is your net worth.
Buteraba underscored the value of relationships, reminding students that opportunities often flow through people. “Invest in people who challenge and inspire you, your future depends on the company you keep,” he noted.
3. Character is the currency of trust.
“Your reputation is more valuable than your resume,” he advised. “Integrity sustains what talent and education begin.”
4. Solve problems, don’t chase positions.
He urged the graduands to approach life as solution-providers. “The greatest leaders are not those who hold positions, but those who solve real problems.”
5. Money follows mastery.
“Don’t run after money; master your craft and money will find you,” he said, stressing the importance of excellence and discipline in one’s chosen field.
6. Choose purpose over pay.
He challenged students to align their careers with meaning, not just income. “Purpose is what keeps you going when the salary delays,” he remarked, drawing applause.
7. Failure is the tuition of success.
“Every mistake is a lesson in disguise,” he said. “Don’t fear failure, learn from it and refine your path.”
8. Ownership is greater than employment
Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking, Buteraba reminded graduates that true freedom comes from creating value. “Even as you seek jobs, think like an owner. Innovate where you are.”
9. Save towards a goal.
He emphasized financial discipline, urging students to plan for the future. “Saving without a goal is like running without direction, save with purpose.”
10. While in leadership, push others.
Closing his lecture, he called on those in leadership to mentor and empower others. “Leadership is not about power, but about creating room for others to shine,” he concluded to a standing ovation.
Mr. Buteraba’s address set a reflective and empowering tone for Nkumba University’s 25th Commencement Lecture, reminding graduands that true success lies not in what one gains, but in what one gives back.
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