At the recently concluded 16th Annual General Meeting of Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), Uganda Christian University (UCU) was recognized for promoting seamless and secure campus connectivity and awarded “Top Eduroam User 2024”. The award was received by UCU’s Director of University ICT Services (UIS) Mrs. Rebecca Kangabe.

This recognition reflects UCU’s commitment to digitization, which is the first pillar of the UCU “Campus Transformation Initiative- 2024-2025”. We strive to enable world-class connectivity for research, learning, and collaboration.

What is eduroam?
Eduroam (education roaming) is a global Wi-Fi service that allows students, researchers, and staff to access secure, high-speed internet at thousands of participating institutions worldwide—using a single sign-on (your UCU credentials).

Key Benefits of eduroam for You:

1. Seamless Access – Use one sign-in (your UCU email and password) across all eduroam-enabled campuses globally.
2. High Security – Enterprise-grade encryption ensures your data remains safe and protected.
3. Academic Mobility – Stay connected to research tools and educational platforms wherever eduroam is available.
4. No Extra Cost – Just connect using your existing UCU credentials—no additional fees required.

Uganda Christian University is pleased to introduce the first edition of The Spotlight—our new institutional newsletter under the Department of Communication and Public Relations. This Easter 2025 edition captures powerful highlights from across the university: from the launch of Kagando University College to international student exchanges, sports triumphs, and inclusive faith engagements.

The newsletter showcases UCU’s dedication to academic excellence, community impact, student development, and transformative Christian leadership.

We invite all members of the UCU community—students, staff, alumni, and partners—to explore the stories, celebrate the achievements, and share in our collective vision.

Read the full newsletter here:

Easter 2025 Newsletter – Volume 1, Issue 1 (PDF)

Uganda Christian University (UCU) proudly celebrated a landmark academic moment on Friday, May 2, 2025, as Prof. Eleanor Wozei, a Professor of Environmental Quality Management, delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture at Nkoyoyo Hall under the theme “Engineering Our Environmental Wellbeing.”

The event was attended by a wide cross-section of the university community, including deans, professors, heads of department, faculty members, students, and administrative staff. Among the notable attendees was Prof. Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, who introduced and accompanied the new full professor during the lecture.

Representing the UCU Vice Chancellor, Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, emphasized the significance of the event in his remarks.

“This is a proud moment for us as an institution,” Mr. Mugawe said. “This event not only marks a formal conferment of the title of professor but also provides an opportunity for the academic community and the broader public to hear directly from a scholar about the journey, the ideas, and the impact of the work she has done.”

He commended Prof. Wozei for her academic leadership and dedicated service to the university since 2009, during which she has served in multiple roles including Senior Lecturer, Head of Department, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology.

“We are proud that we have gained a lot from her distinguished scholarship. Your attainment of professorship is a call for academic mentorship,” Mr. Mugawe added. “It is our hope that you will support other young academicians to reach the level of professor and help grow academic excellence in this institution.”

Prof. Wozei currently teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in waste management and sanitation, integrated water resources management, and scientific and technical writing in the Department of Engineering and Environment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Makerere University, and both Master’s of Science and PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

She has worked in academia and research for over 30 years, producing significant research, publishing widely, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams both nationally and internationally. A registered engineer with the Uganda Engineers Registration Board (on which she served two terms), Prof. Wozei is also a member of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda.

In her lecture, Prof. Wozei highlighted key lessons from her engineering research in water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“Often, engineering solutions may not last as we expect,” she noted. “Many times, there is a disconnect between the knowledge we have, our attitudes, behaviours, and practices.” She stressed that successful environmental engineering goes beyond technical knowledge.

“Environmental engineers must not only be grounded in mathematics and physics but also understand biology, chemistry, and living organisms,” she said. “The human aspect in the design, implementation, and sustainable use of solutions is significant.”

She called for engineering solutions to be designed, built, operated, and maintained in partnership with stakeholders, especially the communities they are meant to serve.

“Each one of us has a part to play in engineering our environmental wellbeing through our knowledge, attitudes, and practices,” she added.

Prof. Wozei also expressed her gratitude to UCU, particularly the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations, and the Directorate of Facilities and Capital Projects, for their support throughout her academic journey.

The Inaugural Professorial Lecture served not only as a formal celebration of Prof. Wozei’s achievement but also as an inspirational session for the entire academic community.

Watch the full lecture here: https://youtu.be/K0w8kNWPJWE

KAGANDO – KASESE, 4th April 2025: The Permanent Secretary in Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, Canon Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, has charged graduates of  Kagando Rural Development Centre (KARUDEC) in Kasese District to exhibit a high level of professionalism, integrity, and willingness to learn.

Dr. Turyagyenda made the remarks while presiding over the inauguration of Uganda Christian University Kagando University College and the 6th KARUDEC graduation.  

Execution of the graduation and inauguration was guided by the theme: Elevating Health Training to Empower Mankind and Unlock Potentials for a Healthy Community.

“We live in a fast and continuously changing world. Consequently, the world of work demands appropriate competence, professionalism, a high level of integrity, trustworthiness, innovativeness, teamwork, communication, and willingness to learn,” Dr. Turyagyenda said.

She added, “I appeal to the young professionals who train in these institutions to know that real learning starts at graduation. Therefore, be lifelong learners—willing to admit what you do not know and to learn from those who have experience, even if they have lower qualifications than you.”

She urged graduates to use every opportunity to advance their education in order to be better equipped and more skilled to perform effectively at their workplaces.

“I therefore appeal to graduates to use every opportunity to learn more, to understand the concepts you have learned better, to ask questions, and to be willing to practice—even when you do not gain much financially,” Dr. Turyagyenda emphasized.

She pledged Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports and its agencies’ support to ensure sustained quality training, guided by the TVET Act 2005 and relevant policies and guidelines as issued from time to time.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who is also the Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, commended the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese and the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, for their visionary leadership and dedication to development, which made the partnership possible.

He called for responsible preservation of the environment, emphasizing that natural resources are a gift from God and it is a shared duty to ensure they are protected for future generations.

He further called for intentional empowerment of both boys and girls with knowledge and values that will strengthen the institution of marriage and family life, which are the foundation of a stable society.

According to Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, the Bishop of South Rwenzori Diocese, Kagando University College is a brainchild of Kagando Rural Development Centre, a Church of Uganda private not-for-profit facility under the Diocese.

“The KARUDEC complex currently consists of Kagando Hospital, Kagando Primary School, Kagando School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kagando School of Allied Health Sciences, KARUDEC Community Outreach Programs, and St. Luke’s Chapel,” Bishop Baluku said.

He noted that the organization currently employs a workforce of 250 people, while the school population is 802 students—240 males and 562 females. Rev. Dr. Uzziah Maate Kirianghe is the Executive Director.

He said that as the University College is being rolled out, the initial programs approved by the National Council for Higher Education include Bachelor of Midwifery Science, Nursing Sciences, and Medical Laboratory Science.

He decried the actions by Kasese District Local Government in withdrawing most of the seconded staff from Kagando Hospital and other diocesan health facilities, as well as the understaffing of diocesan-founded schools that are government-aided.

According to the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, University Council in February this year approved Kagando University College to be overseen by South Rwenzoriy, East Ruwenzori, West Rwenzori, Bunyoro Kitara, and Masindi Kitara Dioceses.

Prof. Mushengyezi said the University leadership team oriented the Kagando University College team in management, human resource policies, governance, ICT infrastructure, student affairs, and all issues related to UCU. He added that a framework was also agreed upon for how the partnership will operate.

While leading devotion at the beginning of the graduation ceremony, renowned Professor of the New Testament and Board Chair of KARUDEC, Rev. Canon Prof. Edison Kalengyo Muhindo, called on graduands not to grow weary in doing good.

“Doing good can be exhausting when it is left to a few or when you are not noticed. But as Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, whatever you do, work at it like you are serving the Lord, not human masters. God is calling us in Galatians 6:9 not to grow weary in doing good,” Prof. Kalengyo said.

Bwambale Jervezious Monday announced that Rukoki Health Centre IV will be elevated to a Community Hospital effective 1st July, while Nyabirongo Health Centre III will be elevated to Health Centre IV. He added that the government has a policy to upgrade all Health Centre IIs to Health Centre IIIs, which will help create more jobs for graduates.

Bishops, including Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka of the Diocese of Kinkiizi, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Zebedee Masereka, the retired Bishop of South Rwenzori, along with UCU management and other dignitaries, attended the function.

The Anglican Church of Uganda was overjoyed when the Diocese of West Buganda, based in Kako, Masaka City, officially installed its new bishop, Rt. Rev. Gaster Nsereko, during a historic occasion.

He is the seventh bishop of the diocese, succeeding Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale, who retired at 66 after eight years of service.

The grand event took place at St. Paul’s Church in Kako, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, Masaka City, and was attended by a big number of christians, religious leaders, government officials among others.

The installation ceremony began with a service led by the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa. During his sermon, Bishop Egesa spoke out against the ever growing corruption habits in Uganda, calling leaders to serve with honesty while prioritizing the needs of their people.

“Some people have climbed the trees of corruption, and this is eating away our nation. It is our responsibility as leaders to stand firm against this. Let us serve with honesty and dedication,” he stated. 

Bishop Egesa drew inspiration from the biblical narrative of Zacchaeus, likening Uganda’s current predicament to people climbing various “trees” of corruption, hypocrisy, immorality, unkindness, and drunkenness.

“What kind of tree are you climbing?” he challenged the congregation.

Bishop Egesa also cautioned Anglicans in West Buganda not to compare Bishop Nsereko to his predecessor, pointing out that each leader is individually gifted for their service of the people of God in the church and community. 

The ceremony was presided over by His Grace The Most Rev. Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. 

Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged the incoming bishop to lead the diocese with diligence, ensuring his flock’s spiritual growth.

“I want to remind you, Bishop Nsereko, that the purpose of this position is to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ, not to become a boss. You are called to serve, not to boss around. Continue preaching and preparing God’s people for change,” the Archbishop stated. 

Archbishop Kaziimba also complimented retiring Bishop Katumba Tamale for his dedicated work, encouraging the next bishop to carry on all the projects started and ongoing in the diocese and beyond.

“We appreciate Bishop Katumba’s leadership. Despite numerous hurdles, his work has encouraged hard effort and progress. Bishop Nsereko, embrace the ongoing projects left by Bishop Katumba, completing them will bring joy to you and your diocese,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. 

In his first message as bishop, Rt. Rev. Gaster Nsereko promised to devote his life to God and the people of West Buganda.

He also urged the government to help communities by providing clean water, better markets for farmers, and other basic amenities.

Bishop Nsereko, formerly Archdeacon of Kakoma Archdeaconry in West Buganda diocese, expressed gratitude for the faith entrusted in him and promised to work hard to improve the diocese and its people.

Retiring Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale reminisced on his experience as bishop and thanked God for guiding him throughout his term. Despite the hurdles, he celebrated the accomplishments registered under his leadership. 

“It has been an honor to serve as bishop. I am grateful to God for allowing me to complete my mission,” he said.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented at the event by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Canon Ruth Nankabirwa, who delivered the President’s message. Hon. Nankabirwa urged Christians to actively participate in government development projects to enhance their livelihoods.

“The scriptures tell us that even our Lord Jesus Christ prioritized working alongside his father, Joseph, a carpenter. I congratulate religious leaders for embracing our message of social and economic development and passing it on to God’s followers who they lead. We will ensure that businesses have access to good roads, electricity, security and policies that favor the private sector,” she stated. 

To commemorate the event, President Museveni offered Bishop Nsereko a new vehicle to aid his pastoral work. This vehicle was delivered by Hon. Nankabirwa.

Representing the Vice Chancellor Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi at the consecration ceremony, Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration delivered a package and a message from the Vice Chancellor to the newly installed Bishop of West Buganda, Rt. Rev Gaster Nsereko. 

Mr Mugawe emphasized that UCU is eager to collaborate with the new bishop and noted that the university played a role in organizing the consecration ceremony. 

This marks a continued commitment to strengthening ties between UCU and the Anglican Church of Uganda fostering collaboration in education, community development, and spiritual growth across the church’s dioceses.

Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, who represented Vice Chancellor Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi at the consecration ceremony.

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Uganda Christian University (UCU) has been recognized as the first runner-up at the just concluded National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) exhibition held in Kamukuuzi, Mbarara Uganda from 26 – 28 March 2025.

The three-day exhibition event  was guided by the theme “Challenges, Best Practices, and Strategies for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Higher Education in Uganda”. The exhibition concluded with an awards ceremony. 

The awards were presented in three categories: The first category was tertiary institutions, the second was provisional licenced universities and other degree-awarding institutions, and finally, the public and chartered universities where UCU was categorised. 

This result has paused a five-year streak in which UCU consistently ranked first in these exhibitions, having been recognized as the best university in the competitions  for five consecutive editions. UCU secured second place, ranking behind Mountains of the Moon University, which took the top position, and ahead of the University of Kisubi, which finished third.

According to one of the judges, Denis Omvia, the awards were made in line with seven different guidelines. These were in alignment to the theme, the level of creativity, the level of participation of both staff and students, knowledge of the subject matter, the level of articulation, the number of stalls and the display set up in the stalls. While these factors did not carry equal weight, the judges expected exhibitors to demonstrate an understanding of all of them.

During his remarks, the chief judge, Edward Kanyesigye, praised the exhibitors’ displays. “Almost half of the exhibitions had innovations, some of them very high-ingenious.” He did, however, highlight some difficulties that needed to be identified for improvement. “There were obvious problems with internet connectivity and insufficient infrastructure,” he said. 

Speaking to the exhibitors, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports  who also graced the event as Guest of Honour, stated that the age of AI has arrived and that it must be embraced in order for learners to remain competitive in the job market. “The world is now smaller, but that means it is more complex,” she stated.

In his closing remarks to the team, Mr. David Mugawe, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, complimented both the staff and students who represented the university. “The feedback from the judges was very good; we are taking a trophy back home. To God be the glory.” His remarks were followed by a chorus from the team, reciting the very last words of his speech as they sang the university anthem.

UCU was represented by projects across there different faculties, schools and departments including the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Computing and Technology, Department of Visual Arts and Design, School of Law, Department of Engineering and Environment, School of Social Sciences, School of Education, School of Business and School of Journalism, Media and Communication. 

The exhibition not only showcased academic excellence and innovation but also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in shaping higher education. UCU’s strong performance reaffirmed its commitment to quality education and research. As the university looks ahead, it remains dedicated to fostering creativity and preparing students for the evolving global landscape.

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Call for Applications for May/ Trinity Intake 2025

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