By Eric Yiga
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has commended the leadership of Uganda Christian University (UCU) for its efforts in transforming the learning experience into a meaningful and memorable journey.
Speaking at the first part of UCU’s 26th graduation ceremony held today at the university’s main campus in Mukono, the Archbishop encouraged graduates to carry with them not only academic knowledge but also the values of faith, integrity, and compassion.
“You leave the gates of UCU as ambassadors of faith, knowledge, and service,” he said. “Carry forward what you have received here—not just academic excellence, but the character shaped by faith. As the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:9–10, Let us not become weary in doing good…”
He further urged the graduates to serve humanity selflessly and reminded them of the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
“Let us continue to serve with love, lead with integrity, and work towards building a better Uganda and a better world for future generations,” he added. “Congratulations once again, and may God bless you all.”
Bishop Olwa: “Don’t Trade Integrity for Personal Gain”
The Bishop of Lango Diocese and Chairperson of the UCU Council, Dr. Alfred Olwa, also addressed the graduates. He emphasized the need to uphold integrity in a world increasingly plagued by moral decay.
“Our prayer is that as you go out, your strength will be renewed—not just by ambition, but by your hope in the Lord,” he said. “To explore greater heights is to accept greater responsibility.”
He encouraged graduates to be distinct in their values, serving as Christian leaders with courage, conviction, and compassion in all sectors—be it business, ministry, healthcare, governance, or the arts.
“You are the light of the world,” he reminded them, quoting Matthew 5:14. “Let your education shine, not just in your careers, but in your character.”
Bishop Olwa praised the resilience demonstrated by the students throughout their academic journey and encouraged them to pursue further studies for the advancement of their communities.
Faith as a Guiding Light
Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, reiterated the importance of faith in solving real-world problems.
“We must be people of solutions, not spectators,” he said.
A Call Against Corruption
The guest of honor, Dr. Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College (USA), challenged the graduates to reject corruption and remain faithful servants of God in a world that is already deeply compromised.
Graduation Statistics
A total of 1,524 students graduated in various disciplines. Among them, 49 earned First Class degrees.
Prominent among the graduates was Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, who earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Management. He emphasized the importance of continuous self-improvement:
“It’s important to always add value,” he said. “Sometimes that might not mean enrolling in a formal course reading a book is also learning. Keep growing, keep improving. I encourage colleagues in Parliament and everyone else let’s keep adding value.”
