By Irene Best Nyapendi
Unlike public universities that get financial support from the central government, private universities in Uganda, in which category Uganda Christian University (UCU) falls, are run on tuition fees paid by students. This places a heavy task on private institutions to source for resources through various avenues including partnerships, projects, fundraising initiatives, among others.
Such was the state of affairs that prompted a resolution by the House of Bishops of the Province of the Church of Uganda, in 2017, to support UCU- the Provincial University- by designating every last Sunday of September as UCU SUNDAY.
On UCU Sunday, which fell on September 29 this year, every church under the church of Uganda took time off to pray for the institution but also mobilize support and resources for various activities at UCU; as well as create awareness about developments at the institution.
Speaking during the UCU Sunday launch on September 9, 2024, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, shared that the objectives are three-fold. “Our objectives include; praying for UCU; mobilizing financial resources to support UCU projects, especially infrastructural development; and to raise awareness about the university,” Professor Mushengyezi said.
Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Waswa Ssembiro, the University Chaplain, represented the University at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, where he delivered a profound message centered on the theme, “Conforming to the truth of God’s word and not the patterns of this world” (Romans 12:1-2). During the service, the UCU Sunday report was presented to the congregation, highlighting the vital work and mission made possible through the UCU Sunday funds.
Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, also presented UCU at St. Luke’s Church of Uganda Ntinda where he was also the preacher of the day. During the service, he testified about the great impact of UCU Sunday financial contributions toward UCU’s mandate of training clergy.
“Through your UCU Sunday contributions, we have so far supported the education of over 40 children of our clergy until their graduation.” He also mentioned that several infrastructural development projects are ongoing on all UCU campuses, courtesy of church support through UCU Sunday.
UCU is deeply grateful to the members of Church of Uganda for their warm reception, love for the Lord, and generous support to UCU during this year’s UCU Sunday 2024.
UCU also extends gratitude to its dedicated UCU Sunday ambassadors for their tireless efforts in promoting the university’s vision and mission across various churches.
Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, the university head of Church Relations Department on behalf of UCU extended gratitude to all who participated and represented the university in various churches during UCU Sunday.
“We deeply appreciate the time, energy, and funds you invested in making UCU Sunday engagements a success,” Rev. Mulindwa said. “Your efforts have brought immeasurable value to the university and helped create lasting connections with the church.”
This annual event is crucial for UCU’s growth and sustainability.
Collections from the UCU Sunday is used to implement a number of projects at the institution. For instance, 15% of the collection goes to capacity-building programs for clergy, 20%: tuition support for clergy children and 65%: infrastructure development projects at the main campus and our regional colleges.
Through UCU Sunday collections, tuition support has been provided to over 43 clergy children from various dioceses
Here is a breakdown of the 65% contributions from UCU Sunday 2023 allocated towards enhancing infrastructure across Uganda Christian University’s campuses:
- Mbale University College (MUC) received UGX 19,264,180.
- Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) received UGX 31,819,651
- UCU Arua Campus received UGX 12,698,400.
These investments significantly improve the learning environment and facilities for students across the university’s campuses.
Below are UCU Sunday collections from 2017 when UCU Sunday first took place to 2023.
| 2017 | 67,256,250 |
| 2018 | 243,262,336 |
| 2019 | 257,133,805 |
| 2020 | 25,078,854 |
| 2021 | 35,740,200 |
| 2022 2023 | 240,203,260 297,224,648 |
UCU Sunday Donations can be made through;
EQUITY BANK: Uganda Christian University -UCU Sunday Collections A/C No: 1006201583777 UGX
POST BANK: UCU Sunday Collections A/C No: 1630037000131 UGX
MTN Money: *165*80# (A20000)
Airtel Money *185*6*2*1# (A20000)
