By Kefa Senoga
Any meeting of alums is often a convergence of memories of school days gone by. Sometimes, the sharing at such an event includes reliving the mischief committed during the younger years as students try to find a footing in the world as young adults.

All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, in the heart of Kampala, Uganda, hosted one such Uganda Christian University (UCU) Alumni Association breakfast meeting in December. In addition to the usual catching up and reliving memories of their time as students at UCU, the event, according to the alumni association, was to provide a space for prayer and reflection, acknowledging that individuals may seek spiritual guidance and solace in their personal and professional lives. 

UCU Alumni Eyes Annual Gatherings for Spiritual Renewal

The Rev. Moses Senyonyi, Secretary Religious Affairs at the UCU Alumni Association, said events like such gatherings promote friendship among the alums, in addition to strengthening their bond as they seek spiritual renewal. According to Senyonyi, the alumni association is looking forward to organizing such a reunion every year.

At the December event, UCU staff members such as Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Partnership, Innovation and Research, and Mrs. Bridget Mugume, the former UCU Director of Students Affairs, were present. Mugume led the “intercession” during the prayer time.

The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, the manager in charge of UCU Church Relations, represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. He thanked the alumni for what he referred to as “marketing the university”and urged alums to partner with the university administrators in order to develop their alma mater.  

In 2021, UCU alumni launched a project in Mukono district, where members can buy land and settle in the same area. Twenty-seven members of an association of older students of the UCU Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Design bought 4.25 acres of land 20 miles away from Mukono town in central Uganda for the purpose of establishing settlement. 

That launch was followed by a similar one in Budaka district, eastern Uganda, where the association bought more than three acres that were subdivided for members to acquire smaller plots of 50 feet by 100 feet at a cost of sh1.5million (about $406). The grand vision of the project is to turn the area into an estate, with all the social services that the residents would need. Initiatives like these have helped to market the university before the community. 

Giving a keynote address at the December event, Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, the chairperson of the Anglican Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association, demonstrated the relevance of alumni in the growth and development of their alma mater.

“As alumni, we should align ourselves with the university’s master plan and strategic plan in terms of development,” Kahigiriza beseeched the people present.

He suggested collaboration with the administration in capital projects, research, and grants to improve the university’s ranking. Kahigiriza also tasked the alumni with organizing occasional career mentorship and guidance sessions for all students, participate in community engagement and advocacy on behalf of the alumni association.

In response to Kahigiriza’s request, Emmanuel Wabwire, the president of the UCU Alumni Association, said they would take the lead in organizing support for the UCU sports department. A total of 10 million shillings ($2,631) was pledged to kick start the cause.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, the provost of All Saints Cathedral who gave a sermon at the reunion, based her message on a passage in Psalm 86: “Revive us, oh Lord.” She encouraged the UCU alums to embody their alma mater’s identity in every aspect of their lives, urging them to live as missionaries, upholding a standard of ethics and integrity that sets them apart from others in the job market.