By Eric Yiga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) will on Friday, October 25, 2025, hold the second part of its 24th Graduation Ceremony, marking a major milestone as 568 students are conferred degrees and diplomas in various academic disciplines.
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, described the upcoming ceremony as “a moment of pride, thanksgiving, and celebration” for both the university and the graduates’ families.
“We want to welcome you once again to Uganda Christian University — a center of excellence in the heart of Africa,” Dr. Kitayimbwa said. “Tomorrow, we shall be celebrating our 24th graduation ceremony, part two. This follows part one that was held in July, and we shall have part three in Kabale on November 14 and part four in Mbale on November 28.”
Among the graduates are nine PhD recipients, including prominent education leaders and clergy. They include Grace Nantaja, Head Teacher of Mengo Senior School, an Archbishop from Zambia, and another Archbishop from South Sudan — all completing their doctoral studies at UCU.
Dr. Kitayimbwa emphasized that such academic achievements reflect UCU’s steady growth as a regional hub of intellectual and spiritual excellence.
The overall best student, Ms. NazIwa Shabrina, emerged with an exceptional Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.76 in Bachelor of Business Administration — equivalent to 95.6%.
“This means that 95% of her coursework was graded above 80%, which is an extraordinary achievement,” Dr. Kitayimbwa noted.
The best male student, Mr. Odinand Elim Joshua, who has been undergoing formation for ordination, scored a CGPA of 4.62 in Bachelor of Divinity, averaging 92.4%.
In total, 22 students will graduate with First Class Honours — 12 female and 10 male. Despite women representing 44% of the graduating cohort (248 females versus 320 males), they continue to outperform their male counterparts academically.
“The girl child is emerging stronger,” Dr. Kitayimbwa said. “UCU provides a safe and supportive environment where female students can thrive.”
The ceremony will also pay tribute to Right Reverend Elifaz Maari, the first Acting Vice Chancellor of UCU and former Principal of Bishop Tucker Theological College, which evolved into Uganda Christian University in 1997.
“Bishop Mali played a foundational role in transitioning the institution from Bishop Tucker College to UCU,” Dr. Kitayimbwa said. “Tomorrow, we celebrate him for his lasting contribution to the UCU story.”
Dr. Kitayimbwa attributed the slightly smaller number of graduates this year to the “lost year” — when Uganda had no Senior Six examinations due to disruptions in the national education calendar.
“That decision had a ripple effect on the entire education system,” he said. “We are glad that this ‘empty year’ is finally exiting the university system, and from next year, we expect full numbers again.”
The DVC also reflected on the broader social factors influencing academic outcomes, urging parents to support both girls and boys equally.
“We should not reduce support for the girl child — we should maintain it — but we must also uplift the boy child,” he advised. “Otherwise, we risk creating a seesaw effect every few decades.”
Professor Angel Napakol Ahimbisibwe, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs, said the graduation theme — “Excellence in Learning, Faith, and Service” — underscores UCU’s mission to shape not just intellectual minds, but also upright character.
“Behind every statistic is a story — stories of hard work, struggle, and faith,” Prof. Ahimbisibwe said. “We are not just celebrating academic achievement but character formation. Our goal is to produce graduates who will positively transform their communities.”
She commended the teaching and non-teaching staff for their role in mentoring and guiding students, emphasizing that UCU’s continued excellence stems from teamwork and faith-centered education.
For Ms. Nazi wa Shabrina, the best overall graduate, the journey to success has been one of faith, illness, and resilience. Living with sickle cell disease, Nazwa shared that there were times she missed classes for weeks due to hospitalization.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God, because He is the overlord of everything. If it wasn’t Him, I wouldn’t have made it,” she said emotionally.
“There were weeks I couldn’t be on campus because I was sick. It wasn’t easy, but by the grace of God, I’ve been able to make it.”
Despite facing food and tuition challenges, Naziwa persevered through mentorship from the UCU Honors College and the support of friends and her aunt.
“Sometimes I didn’t even have food, but friends and mentors helped me. I’ve learned that no matter your condition, never give up. Have confidence and trust God — everything can be okay.”
Her dream now is to become a self-employed accountant so she can manage her health while contributing meaningfully to society.
At 38, Rev. Joshua Elimu, a father of four from Soroti, emerged as UCU’s best male graduate. His path from a market vendor to a theologian embodies grit and divine purpose.
“This moment is not just a personal achievement. It’s a celebration of faith, hard work, and commitment,” he said. “I give glory to God, because without His strength and wisdom, none of this would be possible.”
Before joining UCU, Elimu sold potatoes in Soroti market to support his family. Sponsored by the Diocese of Soroti, he later pursued his theological calling at UCU.
“They paid my tuition in full — even before I left home for school. Their love and trust gave me the strength to focus on my studies,” he said.
With deep gratitude, he credited his wife for managing their household during his three-year study period.
“My wife became the leader of the home,” he said. “She understood the mission and trusted that I was doing God’s work.”
Now, Elimu says his mission is to give back to his community and use his education to “serve, uplift, and transform society.”
As the university prepares to confer degrees on Friday, Dr. Kitayimbwa summed up the essence of the occasion:
“This graduation is a moment to honor excellence, resilience, and God’s faithfulness. The stories of students like Naziwa and Joshua reflect the heart of UCU’s mission — to equip students for thoughtful, faith-based service.”
The ceremony will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono and conclude at 11:30 a.m.
As graduates toss their caps into the air, one message will echo across the UCU lawns — success is not defined by circumstance, but by faith, hard work, and the courage to keep going.
