MUKONO, Uganda – Uganda Christian University (UCU) has commissioned graduands ahead of the second part of its 27th graduation ceremony, urging them to uphold Christian values, pursue excellence and become agents of transformation in their professions and communities.

The commissioning service, held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the university’s Main Campus in Mukono, brought together university leaders, clergy, faculty members and graduands for prayers, professional oaths and a charge to serve God and humanity as they prepare to graduate on Friday, October 23.

The service included the administration of professional oaths to two graduands from the School of Medicine, Bikala Mercy and Kasirivu Daniel Joel, who are completing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees.

The two medical graduands pledged to serve humanity, care for patients without prejudice, protect patient confidentiality and practise medicine with integrity, humility, honesty and compassion.

They also committed to respecting human life, recognising their professional limitations, continuously developing their medical knowledge and opposing policies that violate human rights.

 The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayiimbwa, congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to put their training to work in service of the people.

The service also featured prayers and a commissioning pledge in which graduands affirmed their commitment to serve God and His people faithfully, uphold the university’s reputation in their workplaces and seek God’s guidance in their professional responsibilities. The congregation was equally called upon to support them as they embark on their respective careers.

Graduates Urged to Become Agents of Transformation

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, challenged the graduands to protect UCU’s reputation by demonstrating academic competence, strong work ethics, positive interpersonal relationships and a balance between intellectual ability and spiritual maturity.

Recalling his own university experience, when he earned a First Class degree, Prof. Mushengyezi said UCU graduates are widely recognised for their brilliance and ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired.

He added that employers value UCU graduates for their commitment to work, the quality of their output and their ability to relate well with others.

“Your conduct, the way you treat people matters a lot,” he said, describing interpersonal relationships as essential soft skills that prepare graduates to succeed in their workplaces and communities.

Prof. Mushengyezi urged the graduands to embrace the graduation theme, A Renewed and Transformational Mindset, by allowing God to renew their minds and deliberately choosing to make a positive difference wherever they are deployed.

“The problem we have in this country and in the world is not a shortage of intellectuals. It is not a shortage of learned people. It is a shortage of people with a transformed mind and a transformational mindset,” he said.

He challenged them to pursue excellence in every assignment, whether working in a school, parish, department or other institution, and to become examples of quality, efficiency and integrity.

“Wherever God deploys you, go and be an agent of transformation,” he said, encouraging the graduands to live up to UCU’s motto of being agents of excellence.

Graduates Called to Be Servants of the Great Commission

Preaching at the service, Rev. Prof. Stephen Noll, UCU’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, challenged the graduands to understand commissioning as more than a ceremonial farewell, describing it as a call to carry out the Great Commission through their lives and professions.

Prof. Noll speaking to the graduands.

Drawing from Matthew 28:19-20, he reminded the graduands of Jesus Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations and His promise to remain with them always.

“Being a servant of the Great Commission begins with the converting presence of Jesus Christ,” Prof. Noll said, explaining that Christians are called to respond to God’s word and bear witness wherever He leads them.

He also drew lessons from the biblical account of Gideon, who was called by God despite questioning his own qualifications for the task. Prof. Noll encouraged the graduands to trust in God’s presence and provision as they face uncertainties in their future careers.

Reflecting on his own experience, Prof. Noll recalled arriving in Uganda 26 years ago to become the university’s first Vice Chancellor. He noted that UCU’s growth reflects the contribution of generations of Christians who have served through faith, education and leadership.

He also acknowledged the university’s leadership succession, from his tenure to that of Rev. Canon Dr John Senyonyi and the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mushengyezi.

Prof. Noll urged the graduands to recommit themselves to Christ and embrace their responsibility to serve others wherever their careers take them.

“I charge you today to recommit yourself to the Lord Jesus as servants of this Great Commission,’” he said.

He emphasised that fulfilling the Great Commission requires not only those who go out to serve but also those who pray for and support others in their mission.

The service concluded with prayers asking God to grant the graduands wisdom, strength, good health and humility as they serve their communities faithfully.

UCU will hold the second part of its 27th graduation ceremony on Friday, October 23, 2026, at its Main Campus in Mukono, where 670 students are expected to graduate, including seven Doctor of Philosophy graduands and 22 students earning First Class degrees.