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

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.

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 Rev. Assoc. Prof. David Andrew Omona, a scholar at Uganda Christian University (UCU) and three other academics have co-edited a book that was recently published under Springer Nature’s inaugural Sustainable Development Goals Series.

The book titled Religion, Climate Change and Food Security in Africa examines how and the extent to which religion in Africa serves a resource in responding to the Sustainable Development Goals 13 (action on climate change) and 2 (achieve zero hunger, food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture).

The other editors of the book include Loreen Maseno ( Senior Lecturer, Department of Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Maseno University, Kenya), Ezra Chitando ( University of Zimbabwe) and Sophia Chirongoma ( Midland State University, Zimbabwe).

Abstract

There is a growing realization that the earth is clearly warming at a worrying pace. Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicates that climate change is an existential crisis, while Goal 2 seeks to achieve Zero Hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Climate change has far-reaching effects for agriculture and other livelihood activities which ensure the availability, suitability, distribution, and accessibility of food.

In the midst of the war in Ukraine and its ripple effect on food prices, it is therefore urgent to interrogate how and to what extent religion in Africa serves as a resource (or confounding factor) in responding to Sustainable Development Goals 13 (action on climate change) and 2 (achieve Zero Hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture).

The themes in this book are approached from diverse disciplinary and methodological angles to cover four main aspects: first, to probe the potential role of religion in Africa in accelerating the achievement of these two SDGs. Second, to problematize the influence of religion and the challenges it poses toward responding to the climate emergency and the elimination of hunger in Africa.

Third, to approach the religions of Africa in their plurality, guaging their strategic significance in light of the two emergencies. Fourth, to probe religious teachings, practices, personalities, and institutions in Africa in the wake of SDGs 13 and 2 as they wrestle with the interplay among religion, climate change, and the dimensions of food security in Africa.

About the Sustainable Development Goals Series

The Sustainable Development Goal Series is Springer Nature’s inaugu­ral cross-imprint book series that addresses and supports the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.

The series fosters comprehensive research focused on these global targets and endeavours to address some of society’s greatest grand challenges. The SDGs are inher­ently multidisciplinary, and they bring people working across different fields together and working towards a common goal.

In this spirit, the Sustainable Development Goals series is the first at Springer Nature to publish books under both the Springer and Palgrave Macmillan imprints, bringing the strengths of our imprints together.

The Sustainable Development Goals Series is organized into eighteen subseries: one subseries based around each of the seventeen respective Sustainable Development Goals, and an eighteenth subseries, “Connecting the Goals”, which serves as a home for volumes addressing multiple goals or studying the SDGs as a whole. Each subseries is guided by an expert Subseries Advisor with years or decades of experience studying and addressing core components of their respective Goal.

About Prof. Omona

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. David Andrew Omona is Dean of the UCU School of Social Sciences and an Associate Professor of Ethics and International Relations at Uganda Christian Christian University. His research interests are in Ethics and International Relations. Currently he is engaged in researching on climate change, as an ethical issue that has affected humanity globally. He has done substantial work on peace and security at international level. He therefore, looks forward to get people of like minds for collaborative research experience in his area of expertise.(More About Assoc. Prof. Omona)