Mukono, September 10, 2026

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially launched the 2026 Guild Run, an initiative organised by the university’s Guild Government to raise funds that will directly cover examination and tuition balances for students who cannot afford them.

The run, themed “Keeping Students in Class, Building Futures,” was launched by the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Adminstration, Mr. David Mugawe, who oversees the office responsible for student scholarships at the university.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mugawe said his office regularly deals with cases of students who are unable to sit their examinations because they have not cleared their fees.

“When we come to examination time, we receive a number of students who are in need, and they fail to find somebody to help them,” Mr. Mugawe said.

He commended the 28th Guild Government for starting the initiative and called on members of the university community to contribute according to their means.

“Let us contribute with the little that you have, because the Lord has blessed us,” he said.

Mr. Mugawe encouraged staff, students and friends of the university to purchase run merchandise both for themselves and on behalf of others.

“You can buy one for yourself. You can buy one for your friend, your neighbour, and also for those who need support,” he said.

Fundraising Target Set at Shs500 Million

The Guild Prime Minister, Ms. Namugaya Brenda Phionah, said the organisers are targeting to raise Shs500 million through the run, with the funds going directly toward clearing examination and tuition balances so that affected students are not blocked from sitting their exams or continuing their studies.

She outlined the pricing for run merchandise as follows:

• A vest will cost Shs25,000
• A T shirt will cost Shs30,000
• A full kit will cost Shs50,000

Ms. Namugaya said the proceeds will be channelled into direct financial support for students struggling to clear their fees.

“If we hit this goal, we expect to provide a top up of Shs500,000, depending on how much we collect,” she said.

Community Mobilisation Underway

According to the Guild, the initiative is designed to bring together students, staff, alumni and other friends of the university around a shared goal: keeping financially vulnerable students enrolled and able to complete their examinations without interruption.

Thursday’s launch marked the official start of mobilisation activities ahead of the run, which is scheduled for October 17, 2026. Both the Guild leadership and Mr. Mugawe have called on the wider UCU community and well wishers to take part and contribute toward the cause.