Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Canon. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, was on Saturday, January 25, 2025, installed as a Lay Canon to serve Bukedi Diocese at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Tororo, Uganda. This follows his appointment at the end of 2024, by the Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Samuel George Egesa Bogere.

The Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda, His Grace The Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu was represented by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Jackson Baalwa, 5th Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese, commended the Church in Bukedi for their positive impact on the community and notable effort for grooming more labourers in the Lord’s vineyard.

“We have a bountiful harvest today, ten ordinands and eight canons (Clergy and Lay Canons), among whom is the UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, we give God all the glory” Bishop Baalwa said.  

The UCU community delegation to Bukedi diocese to witness the ceremony included: Mama Patience Mushengyezi; Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, UCU Staff and student representatives.

The service was hosted and officiated by Rt. Rev. Samuel George Bogere Egesa, Bishop of Bukedi Diocese. He welcomed all the Christians and proceeded to preach on the theme “Imitating God’s goodness by doing good” – Galatians 6:9-10. 

A Highlight of the role of a Lay Canon: 6 Things You need to know

The role of a Lay Canon in the Anglican Church of Uganda is rooted in the church’s tradition of involving lay people in leadership and ministry. A Lay Canon is typically a non-ordained individual who is recognized for their significant contributions to the life and work of the church. Here are some key aspects of their role:

• Advisor to the Cathedral Chapter: Lay Canons are part of the cathedral chapter, which is responsible for the administration of the cathedral. They bring a lay perspective to discussions and decisions on church matters, ensuring a broader representation of the church community.
• Promoter of the Church Mission and Ministry: Lay Canons play a role in promoting the mission and ministry of the church. They may use their professional expertise and community connections to advance the church’s goals in areas such as education, healthcare, or social justice.
• Advocacy and Representation: Lay Canons often act as a bridge between the clergy and the laity, representing the concerns, needs, and contributions of lay members within the church hierarchy.
• Support for Clergy: Lay Canons work closely with the clergy, offering support and advice, and contributing to the overall health of the church community.
• Spiritual Leadership and Mentorship: While not ordained, Lay Canons are expected to be spiritually mature and exemplary in their faith. They may provide mentorship and spiritual guidance to others within the church.
• Honorary Recognition: The title of Lay Canon is also an acknowledgment of an individual’s long-standing service and commitment to the church, often recognizing their unique gifts and dedication.

By: Harriet Adong Atuyambe, Director Communication and Public Relations

Edited by Jimmy Siyasa

The spirit of Christmas remains vibrant at Uganda Christian University (UCU) as the Directorate of Human Resource and Administration officially launched the annual Christmas gift hamper distribution, at the ICMI Building, UCU Main Campus, Mukono. This activity, which signifies UCU’s dedication to staff appreciation and care, was flagged off by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe.

This thoughtful tradition by the UCU management is a statement of gratitude toward its hardworking staff who dedicate themselves to advancing the university’s mission throughout the year. The hampers, brimming with festive goodies, are therefore, a heavy thank-you-note highlighting the importance UCU places on every member of the UCU staff community.

In November 2024, the administrations also launched the inaugural staff excellence awards to recognize and appreciate those who have performed excellently in various areas.

Uganda Christian University extends heartfelt wishes all her esteemed stakeholders a merry Christmas season 2024.

Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) October 2024 Annual Public Lecture was a success, drawing a packed audience to Nkoyoyo Hall on October 23, 2024. The lecture, guided by the theme “The Hidden Curriculum: Inescapable Biases in Education Curricula,” featured Mr. Graham Yoko, CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises, as the Keynote Speaker.

Mr. Yoko emphasized the importance of a biblical-based curriculum in fostering holistic development, personal and social responsibility in addition to developing and maintaining strong communities. He highlighted that such a curriculum provides a coherent and consistent moral and ethical framework.

He further challenged the notion that curricular can be neutral, arguing that there’s always an underlying interest. “The idea of a neutral curriculum is a myth! There’s no such thing as a neutral education curriculum. It is always biased, either positively or negatively,” he said adding that “Every curriculum is shaped by underlying biases that reflect the values and assumptions of the designer.

Prof. Mushengyezi, advocating for and commending the integration of bible-based curricula with the competency-based ones, noted that UCU lawyers are respected for their professionalism and values. “We often tell our students, ‘Go out and serve God’s people as ministers sent by God,’” he said, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing professionals with values.

“It’s no surprise that many have noted how UCU lawyers stand out—they carry Christian values with them wherever they go.”

The event was graced by UCU’s Vice-Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Chairperson of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa who was also representing UCU’s Chancellor, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Mr. David Mugawe the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration and Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs among others.

This year’s lecture drew notable guests such as Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, and representatives from Uganda’s ministries including Ministry of Education and Sports, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, National Curriculum Development Centre, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, Uganda Partners – USA, Ministry of Water and Sewerage Corporation, National Social Security Fund, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Review Uganda Initiative, Several Banks, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Ndejje University, and other universities, and schools among others.

About the Graham Yoko- CEO Of Accelerated Education Enterprise

Graham Yoko is a Ministry Insights Certified Practitioner and CEO of Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) South Africa, which provides educational materials and services to schools and home schoolers. As a motivational speaker Graham has addressed audiences at conferences and seminars on four continents. His book, Get Out of Your Rut and Into Your Groove (CMP, 2010) addresses finding a personal niche in life and career. He lives with his wife Pam and their three children in Durban, South Africa.

Today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has signed a partnership agreement with Universite Chretienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC).

UCBC is a private, non-denominational Christian university chartered in 2010 under the Higher Education Ministry Act 078. The university office premises are located at Kasali Hope Campus, Beni, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In this partnership agreement, both universities aim to enrich their teaching, learning, research, and innovation. They also seek to provide various collaborative opportunities for faculty and students.

This Agreement commemorates the parties’ intent to engage in short and long-term faculty exchange, undergraduate and graduate student exchange, collaborative research and discovery, learning and teaching, and other mutually beneficial projects and mutually agreed educational or research programs.

The MOU was signed by Prof. Honore Bunduki KWWANY, the UCBC Rector, and Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the UCU Vice Chancellor, who hosted the Congolese delegation at the UCU Main Campus ahead of the second partner of the 25th UCU graduation ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024.

The guest of honour at the graduation will be Mr. Graham Yoko, CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises Group.

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By Blessing Twiine

In an exciting initiative to promote sustainable energy and waste management, the Bingo Project team, under the Integration of Energy and Resource Recovery System research group, recently hosted a biogas technology training for Uganda Christian University (UCU) staff and Mukono-based farmers. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Miria Agunyo, the training covered a broad range of topics, including organic waste management, biogas production, and bio-slurry utilization, offering participants hands-on experience at UCU’s biogas Plant.

Earlier today, over 12 farmers from Mukono received training from the UCU Department of Engineering and Environment, led by Dr. Agunyo, who also serves as Dean of the department. The session took place at the UCU Biogas Plant, installed in 2023 with support from Bingo Projektförderung. Since its installation, the plant has become a hub for research, training both staff and students in critical areas such as organic waste management, biogas production, and the safe use of bio-slurry as fertilizer.

During the training, Prof. Eleanor Wozei, encouraged participants to start sorting waste at the source, stressing the importance of proper waste management. “It’s not just about the disposal unit,” she explained, “it starts with how we collect and manage waste at every stage.” UCU’s commitment to sustainability includes transforming organic waste into cleaner-burning fuel, while using the resulting sludge in agricultural projects across campus.

In addition to a live demonstration on feeding the university’s biogas digester, participants toured the UCU wastewater treatment plant, where they learned about the potential of wastewater for biogas production. As the only university-based biogas plant in Uganda, UCU is using this facility not only for research but also for training Mukono farmers in adopting biogas technology as part of sustainable farming practices.

The training highlighted how biogas can be an accessible renewable energy source for rural communities, with the added benefit of bio-slurry as a nutrient-rich byproduct for agriculture. The Bingo Project has emphasized the motto, “Waste is Gold,” by providing both research opportunities for UCU engineering students and practical skills for local farmers.

As part of the ongoing community outreach, participants were awarded certificates and urged to view waste not as a nuisance but as a resource. The initiative continues to inspire both students and local residents to embrace sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions, transforming the way waste is managed and utilized within the university and surrounding communities.

The supreme governing council of the Church of Uganda, the Provincial Assembly, has convened once again at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Main Campus in Mukono. According to a statement from the Provincial Secretariat, the assembly aims “to deliberate on critical matters concerning the church and to strategize for its development and sustainability.”

A delegation of 39 bishops from all dioceses of the Church of Uganda began arriving at UCU on the evening of Monday, August 19, 2024, in preparation for the opening ceremony of the assembly, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Mr. John Musinguzi Rujoki, will grace the gathering as the Chief Guest.

Day One: Engagement of Bishops with UCU Management

Today, August 20, 2024, bishops of the Church of Uganda, who also serve as trustees of UCU, engaged in a strategic meeting with the university’s management. During the gathering, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of UCU, presented a status report reflecting the continuous and multifaceted development at the university. “We are committed to championing the vision of making UCU a true centre of excellence in the heart of Africa, in line with the original vision of the founders,” Mushengyezi said.

“To achieve this, the management has launched a seven-year Campus Transformation Initiative,” he added, outlining a 5-Point Plan to be achieved by 2030. The plan includes renovating buildings and constructing new ones, digitising campus services to improve efficiency and service delivery, paving roads and walkways, beautifying and landscaping the campus environment, and training and re-tooling UCU staff while improving their welfare to ensure they can deliver excellent services to key UCU stakeholders.

Additionally, the Vice Chancellor applauded the bishops for their support through their dioceses toward the “UCU Sunday 2023,” where UGX 297,224,648 was raised to support various causes at UCU, including infrastructural development, clergy training, and tuition support for students in need.

UCU Sunday is an annual Thanksgiving Day, established in 2017 when the House of Bishops resolved to deliberately support UCU by designating the last Sunday of September for churches to pray for and fundraise for “the provincial university”—UCU. This year, the celebration will take place on September 29, 2024.

Remarks from the Chairperson of the Governing Council

The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, who also serves as Chairperson of the UCU Governing Council, applauded UCU’s management for ensuring the university maintains a competitive edge among institutions in the country, noting that it even outclasses many. He urged them to stay the course.

“Our graduates are competitive in the job market, our student discipline is commendable, our diligent and committed staff members are remarkable, and the advancement in infrastructural development across all our campuses is commendable,” noted Professor Olwa.

“UCU is now graduating an increasing number of PhDs. Indeed, UCU is on the path to becoming a ‘centre of excellence in the heart of Africa,’” he added.

Remarks from the Archbishop/ UCU Chancellor

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who also doubles as Chancellor of UCU, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, called upon the university management and staff to mentor younger leaders, noting that young people are eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. His Grace’s remarks come in the wake of the national census conducted in May 2024, which once again established Uganda as one of the countries with the youngest population in the world, with 22.7% youth and over 50% of the population under 17 years old, according to statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.

“One of the greatest legacies we can leave is the nurturing and mentoring of the next generation of scholars and leaders,” Archbishop Kaziimba said, challenging university management to identify, retain, and support excellent-performing students.

“Many of our promising students and young lecturers face financial challenges that hinder them from pursuing further studies. As leaders in academia, I encourage you to help identify these individuals and assist them in finding scholarships or other opportunities for further education.”

The official opening of the assembly will be broadcast on Family TV, and updates about the occasion will be published on the digital platforms of both UCU and the Church of Uganda.