Uganda Christian University (UCU) today held its October 2025 Annual Public Lecture in Nkoyoyo Hall, organized by the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations (DRPI). The lecture provided an enriching platform for intellectual and spiritual engagement, centered on the theme:  “Toward a Christ-Centered, Hope-Filled, Spirit-Transformed Christian Learning Community.”

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Felix Theonugraha, the President of Western Theological Seminary (WTS) in Michigan, USA.

In his inspiring address, Dr. Theonugraha expressed deep appreciation to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, for his continued leadership of the Church and UCU, and extended gratitude to the university community for the warm welcome he received.

“The rise of Uganda Christian University is a testimony to the strength of the Church here in Uganda,” Dr. Felix Theonugraha noted.

Speaking on how UCU can remain grounded in its mission and Christian identity, Dr. Theonugraha emphasized the need for regular institutional reflection.

“Conduct regular reviews to ensure that all aspects of the university remain aligned with its mission fidelity, convictional commitments, and a hopeful reliance on the Holy Spirit. Review areas such as hiring practices, academics, and co-curricular activities to remain true to the mission,” he said.

He further underscored the importance of genuine collaboration between Christian institutions:

“True partnership does not begin with a folder of plans to implement. True partnership begins with friendship, listening and understanding the felt needs of one another.”

In his remarks, UCU Vice Chancellor,  Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, highlighted the long-standing bond between UCU and Western Theological Seminary.

“Western Theological Seminary is special to UCU because our Chancellor, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, is a two-time graduate of the seminary. He earned his Master of Theology in 2003 and Doctor of Ministry in 2007, both from WTS,” Prof. Mushengyezi noted.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed UCU’s commitment to holistic education rooted in faith and character:

“As UCU, we are determined to create a Christ-centered, hope-filled, and Spirit-filled community. We believe that if you train intellectuals without nurturing their sense of God, they can be dangerous to the world. We have seen intellectuals do terrible things when they are not subject to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s why our training addresses the intellectual, spiritual, and social dimensions to shape balanced human beings.”

Among those in attendance was Dr. Henry Semakula, Senior Education Officer at the Uganda Ministry of Education and Sports, who commended UCU’s consistent excellence and moral foundation.

“Whenever I am in the corridors of the Ministry of Education and Sports, I hear people ranking universities and UCU is always among the best. I am a proud parent of this university,” he said, adding that First Lady and Minister of Education, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, is a strong advocate for value-based education and would be pleased with UCU’s steadfast mission.

The lecture also drew members of the UCU community, including Deputy Vice Chancellors, Directors, Deans, faculty, and students, as well as distinguished guests such as Prof. Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, Vice Chancellor of Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, and Bishop Emeritus Dunstan Kopoliano Bukenya, one of UCU’s founding members and the university’s first Secretary appointed in 1997.

In his reflections, Bishop Bukenya expressed gratitude for the university’s continued growth:

“Vice Chancellor, thank you for keeping the vision and mission of UCU alive. The partnerships and collaborations you have forged both locally and internationally have sustained this vision,” he said.

Bishop Bukenya’s legacy continues to be celebrated through the Dunstan Bukenya Library at UCU, named in his honor.

The UCU Annual Public Lecture continues to serve as a vibrant space for reflection, learning, and collaboration fostering the university’s mission to build a community that is truly Christ-centered, hope-filled, and Spirit-transformed.

To watch the full lecture, tap the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/fovDe21NQpU?si=eD36-WwKd-YcvvCd