By Irene Best Nyapendi
Tomorrow Vicent Eyoku, a Bachelor of Divinity student, will graduate with a First-Class degree at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
When asked how he feels about graduating with a CGPA of 4.61 , he said, “I really feel very, very happy,” he added. “I didn’t know I would get a First-Class, but through the good environment, the resources at the university, the dedicated lecturers, and the inspiring friends I built here, this dream has become reality.”
For Eyoku, the UCU experience was much more than academic achievement. It was about growth, both spiritually and intellectually. And, choosing to study Divinity was not a random decision; it came from his desire to impact lives positively.
“The Bible transforms, and in Divinity, we learn not just to inform but to transform others in the body of Christ,” he explained what sets his program apart from other courses.
His appreciation for UCU extends beyond the spiritual aspect of his education. Academically, he found the university to be both broad and practical. “UCU is a universal university,” he noted. “Even as a Divinity student, I learned counseling skills, writing and study skills that I didn’t know before. The university prepared me for life, not just for exams.” This interdisciplinary approach, he says, is one of the defining features that make UCU a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded education.
However, the road to excellence was not without challenges. After completing his diploma in 2014, he returned to academia to pursue his degree, only to face a world transformed by technology.
When he first came to UCU, he struggled with e-learning and computer-based systems, it was very challenging at the beginning because he was not used to these tools. Yet, with persistence and guidance, he quickly adapted. Today, he regards the digital learning systems at UCU as an asset that made his academic journey smoother and more efficient. “Once I learned, the system became very easy to work with, and it really paved my way to this First-Class achievement,” he says.
Eyoku attributes his success to God, friends and the UCU staff. Among them, Reverend Alex Kamoga stands out as a mentor and guide. As Eyoku’s research supervisor, Reverend Kamoga provided not only academic guidance but also life lessons that extended beyond the classroom.
Looking back, he reflects on the broader lessons his time at UCU has taught him. Beyond academic knowledge and spiritual grounding, he has learned the value of discipline, perseverance, and adaptability. The experience has also sparked aspirations for further study. After graduation, he hopes to return for a Master’s program, and for this he is motivated by the desire to deepen his understanding of Divinity and continue contributing meaningfully to society.
UCU’s reputation for excellence is not just in its facilities or programs, it is reflected in the success stories of graduates like Vicent, who leave the university equipped to transform lives and lead with purpose.
“Through UCU, I have grown academically, spiritually, and personally,” Vicent concludes. “I am grateful to the lecturers, staff, and friends who supported me every step of the way. This First-Class degree is not just mine, it belongs to all of us.”