November 21, 2024

Day

UCU

Third Part of UCU’s 25th Graduation: Celebrating Over 500 BBUC Graduates in Kabale

On November 15, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) convened the third part of the UCU’s 25th graduation at Uganda Christian University- Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) at Cathedral Grounds in Rugarama, Kabale.

The event saw a total of 561 students being conferred with diplomas, bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees. Among the graduates were 274 females and 287 males, with three exceptional students achieving first-class honors.

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Some of the graduands at BBUC

Allen Tayebwa emerged as the overall best performer, with a cumulative grade point of 4.73 in the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration program. Notably, Rev. Tumuhimbise Jasper, the Group CEO – Church Commissioners Holding Company Ltd was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration and Management.

The Archbishop, Rev. Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, who also serves as the Chancellor of the college, emphasized the importance of integrity and service to humanity, calling on the graduates to use their education for the betterment of society.

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Joyous graduates during their graduation at BBUC

Dr. Samuel Mugasi, the Executive Director of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), graced the graduation ceremony as the chief guest. He commended the graduates for their hard work in his address but cautioned them against pursuing quick wealth. In addition, he urged them to embrace patience, resilience, and diligence as they enter the competitive job market.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Gadi Akanjuna, the Chairman of the Local Governing Council, encouraged the graduates to place their trust in God and prioritize Him in all their endeavors. “God has everything in store for you,” he reminded them, urging them to pursue their dreams with faith and dedication.

The graduation followed a commissioning service that happened a day before the graduation. During the service, the first-class students received academic excellence awards from the university chancellor.

Compiled by: Simon Turyakira, BBUC Public Relations Assistant

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)
UCU

African Aeropagus Society Hosts a Seminar on Infertility, related Challenges and the Christian Response

Mukono, Uganda (November 20, 2024) – Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation at UCU hosted a seminar today focused on the pressing issue of infertility challenges and what responses or views Christian’s present.  It featured a keynote address by renowned Professor Miriam Nakalembe. The seminar highlighted the importance of balancing medical interventions with spiritual guidance and support.

By fostering dialogue and critical thinking, the African Aeropagus Society aims to create a platform for exploring pressing social and ethical issues from a Christian worldview. This seminar on infertility challenges exemplifies the society’s commitment to leading discussions in relevant topics and promoting informed discourse.

The seminar explored the complex interplay and ethical dilemmas between faith and medical advancements in addressing infertility challenges. Professor Nakalembe’s insightful keynote address provided a comprehensive overview of the topic. She discussed the different types of infertility, including primary and secondary infertility, and their underlying causes.

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Professor Nakalembe explaining to the congregation at UCU the balance of medicine and divine guidance in overcoming infertility.

Professor Nakalembe’s presentation shed light on the delicate balance between medical interventions and spiritual guidance in navigating the challenges associated with infertility. As a result, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, examining the role of Christian values in navigating the challenges associated with infertility. 

She emphasized that God, the originator of science, has entrusted us with a limited understanding to extend His healing hand to one another. While medical advancements offer hope, she reminded the audience that God’s divine intervention can transcend the limitations of science, especially in matters of fertility adding that there are things medicine can remedy but also there are things only God can remedy.

Professor Nakalembe extended her heartfelt sympathies to couples navigating the challenging journey of infertility. She highlighted the alarming statistic that six out of every hundred couples face infertility issues. Emphasizing the importance of unity, she urged couples to make decisions together, supporting each other through this difficult period. Moreover, she called upon the audience to exhibit compassion and avoid placing undue pressure on those struggling with infertility.

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Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro addressing the students and staff during the seminar.

The University Chaplain, Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, offered a balanced perspective on the complex issue of infertility and its challenges. He reminded the audience that God is the ultimate giver of life and that human life is sacred. As such, when considering treatments like surrogacy, it is essential to reflect on God’s original design for the family and the inherent role of parents in nurturing their children. He emphasized that science and faith are not mutually exclusive and can complement each other in addressing these challenges.

The University Chaplain, Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, expressed gratitude to UCU and the Directorate fof Research, Partnerships and Innovation for initiating important conversations about infertility challenges. He emphasized the need for greater theological understanding of infertility within the Church, urging men of God and preachers to be more informed and empathetic towards those struggling with this issue. The Chaplain also cautioned against commercializing childbearing, advocating for a return to respecting the natural process of conception rather than treating it as a business opportunity.

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Mrs. Harriet Adong Ekallam Atuyambe addressed the congreagation during the seminar at UCU’s Nkoyoy Hall.

The seminar was concluded with a vote of thanks from UCU’s Director of Communication and Public Relations Mrs. Harriet Adong Ekallam Atuyambe, who expressed gratitude to all participants, the keynote speaker, and organizers for their contributions to the insightful and thought-provoking discussion on infertility challenges. Mrs. Atuyambe said, “Thank you very much Prof. Nakalembe for using relatable examples while simplifying our understanding of fertility and infertility. You are part of the UCU family, please keep your telephone contact (s) open so that we can all engage in further discussing and fleshing out the infertility challenge.”



Compiled by: Blessing Twiine

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)