The 26th Graduation Ceremony (Part II) of Uganda Christian University (UCU) was held today, October 24, 2025, at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono, marking another milestone in the university’s commitment to producing graduates of integrity, faith, and excellence.

The colorful event, which took place at the university’s main pitch, brought together parents, guardians, staff, and friends of the graduates to celebrate their achievements. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest and President of Western Theological Seminary, Dr. Felix Theonugraha, who inspired the graduates with a message of faith, purpose, and perseverance.

“Friends and family of the graduating class, welcome to this Commencement Ceremony as we celebrate this remarkable milestone in the lives of these graduates,” Dr. Theonugraha began. “Class of 2025, the day that you have been waiting for! All those late nights, all those hours spent studying, doing homework, juggling extracurricular activities, life demands, family responsibilities, professional obligations, every sacrifice, and every moment of perseverance have all led to this joyful moment.”

He also reminded the graduates of the realities awaiting them in the world beyond UCU. “At the same time, as you step into a world filled with promise and potential, you are also graduating into a world marked with uncertainty. The world seems increasingly polarized. Hostility toward Christianity continues to rise. And the very technology that have expanded human possibilities are now calling into question the essence of what it means to be human at the most fundamental level.”

Dr. Theonugraha urged the graduands to live out their faith with courage and conviction: “You are stepping into a world where our vast intellectual achievements and ever-deepening understanding of the world that our Father has created have not led to a greater appreciation of the love that our Creator has demonstrated to us. Instead, they have produced a more divisive and fragmented society where we view one another not through the eyes of our heavenly Father but through an increasingly deforming prism that obscures, distorts, and violates the image of God in which each and every one of us has been created.”

“So on this special day,” he continued, “I speak to you not simply as someone from another country, but as your friend, your brother in Christ, as your fellow companion on this faith journey, seeking to bring glory and honor to the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

“As you commence the next chapter of your life today, I plead with you: make it your magnificent obsession to follow Christ wherever you are, whatever you do, with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind. Remember who you are. Remember to whom you belong. Remember to what you have been called. Make it your magnificent obsession to follow the God who loves you and to whom you belong. And now, graduates of Uganda Christian University, as you go forth from this place — into classrooms and clinics, into businesses and parishes, into communities near and far, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go before you, above you, and beneath you.”

Delivering his message, the Chancellor and Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, described UCU as a beacon of truth, integrity, and godly wisdom. “Uganda Christian University stands as a beacon of truth, integrity, and godly wisdom,” he said. “In times of national decision-making, we must remember that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the active presence of justice, respect, and love for one another.”

He called on graduates and members of the UCU community to be agents of peace and reconciliation in society. “Let us, therefore, as graduates and members of the wider UCU community, be ambassadors of peace wherever we go. Let our words heal, not wound; let our actions unite, not divide. I urge all Ugandans, especially our young people, many of whom we graduate today—to exercise their civic responsibilities with dignity, respect, and a commitment to national harmony. The future of our nation depends not only on who leads, but on how we, as citizens, choose to live together in peace.”

“To our dear graduands,” he added, “today you leave the gates of UCU as ambassadors of faith, knowledge, and service. I urge you to carry forward what you have received here, not just the academic knowledge, but the values of faith, integrity, and compassion. As the Apostle Paul exhorted in Galatians 6:9–10, may you, dear graduands, rise to build and rebuild wherever God sends you, guided by faith, excellence, and the vision to serve others for His glory.”

Representing the Chairperson of the University Council, Bishop Prof. Alfred Olwa, the Vice Chairperson of the Council, Mrs. Barbara Senkatuka, congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and faith. “To our dear graduands, You have reached this milestone through dedication, perseverance, prayer, and faith. Today, your dreams take flight. You have endured long nights of study, demanding assignments, and at times, uncertainty about the future. Yet, by God’s grace, you have triumphed. We also celebrate our parents, guardians, and sponsors, who have stood beside you with love, sacrifice, and prayer. Their joy today is as deep as yours.”

She reaffirmed UCU’s mission to shape both intellect and character. “As a Christian university, we are called to educate not only the mind but also the heart. Our mission is to produce graduates who are academically excellent, morally upright, and spiritually grounded; men and women who will distinguish themselves in their professions and communities. In a world marked by moral compromise, corruption, and indifference, may you, our graduates, shine as examples of integrity, compassion, and servant leadership wherever God places you.”

Mrs. Senkatuka also reminded the graduands that learning never ends. “Remember that education does not end today. It is a lifelong journey. Continue to learn, to innovate, and to lead. Let your success not be measured only by wealth or titles, but by the difference you make in people’s lives. As a UCU graduate, be agents of transformation in your families, churches, workplaces, and communities.”

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the 568 students who received degrees and diplomas in various fields. “Today, 568 students will receive academic degrees and diplomas in various fields of study. 320 are males (56%), 248 females (44%), and 22 students have obtained First Class degrees (sum cum laude) with 12 females and 10 males. The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, will graduate today with a Master of Divinity degree. We congratulate him.”

He further announced the top-performing students: “The following were the best-performing students: Nazziwa Shablinah: Overall best student with a CGPA of 4.76 (Bachelor of Business Administration). Elimu Joshua: Second-best student and best male student with a CGPA of 4.62 (Bachelor of Divinity).”

Prof. Mushengyezi emphasized that the graduation theme reflected the core of UCU’s vision for holistic education. “This year’s graduation theme reflects the very heart of UCU’s vision for our graduates. You have received a complete education; you have been formed in character, grounded in your faith, and equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to serve. In your workplaces, homes, and communities, let others see your integrity, courage, and dedicated service. Be a light in dark places and a voice of hope and optimism wherever you go.”

The day ended in celebration, joy, and thanksgiving as graduates, their families, and the university community marked the successful completion of another chapter in UCU’s legacy of faith-based excellence.