Uganda Christian University (UCU) actively participated in the International Network for Christian Higher Education (INCHE) 50th Anniversary Conference 2025, held from July 7-9, 2025, at CORAT Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Hosted by Daystar University, the conference brought together representatives from various countries including Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and the United States of America.

The conference theme, “Strengthening Christian Fabric in African Higher Education,” guided insightful discussions aimed at integrating a Biblical worldview and principles into the core of higher education across the continent.

UCU’s delegation was led by Prof. Canon Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor, and included Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, Rev. Julius Izza Tabi, Counsel Samson Wanambuko, CPA Halima Nassanga Mutabazi, Mrs. Veronica Kitonsa, and Mrs. Harriet Adong Atuyambe.

Key discussions on Day 1 focused on:

Challenges faced in strengthening Christian fabric in African university education over 37 years.

“BiblioTech: Quality Digital Resources for Theological Education.”

The holistic learning environment of a university, specifically the challenges of integrating faith and learning to foster character, ethics, and societal impact.

“Curating for Impact: Designing Your School’s Digital Library with BiblioTech.”

Moving “Beyond Conversation: Reconciling Faith, Tradition and Decolonizing Christian Education in Africa.”

As the conference progressed, discussions evolved to emphasize the necessity of integrating faith into all aspects of learning to foster character development, ethical leadership, mental well-being, and societal transformation.

Highlights of lessons shared during the conference included:

The importance of integrating faith not only in academic curricula but also in all university extra-curricular activities, such as sports, moots, and debates.

A call to move beyond simply setting and monitoring dress codes for staff, faculty, and students when considering faith and learning, recognizing the need to engage with the current generation.

Exploring the integration of faith and learning aspects on social media, acknowledging its significant engagement among students as a potential target for impact.

Leveraging intentionality in all endeavors to achieve greater impact, including potentially making Foundational Courses compulsory for all learners in all institutions.

The crucial need to integrate technology into faith and learning, given the rapid advancements in technology.

Recognizing the power of collaboration and meaningful friendships to propagate a unified cause and forge strong partnerships.

Furthermore, valuable insights were shared regarding effective leadership:

A leader does not always require a formal title.

Leaders should avoid blame-shifting in their work.

The importance of self-reflection and “getting one’s own house in order” before assuming a leadership role.

The necessity of thinking before acting and establishing personal guidelines for safety and direction.

The importance of prioritizing aspects of life, such as God, spouse, children, family, and work.

A shift in focus from merely increasing institutional enrollments to achieving holistic transformation.

The vision of wholeness, moving from talking about ideals to becoming the change.

UCU’s participation underscored its commitment to strengthening Christian higher education in Africa and fostering holistic development among its students, faculty and staff.