By Andrew Bugembe

Uganda Christian University (UCU), through its Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), held a Commissioning Service on Thursday, November 13, 2025, ahead of the 26th Graduation Ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 14, at the Kabale Campus.

Delivering the sermon drawn from Daniel 6:1–5 and Matthew 5:13–16, Rev. Canon Newton Baryaija urged the graduands to remain steadfast in their faith and values as they  embark on undertaking new chapters of service.

“I commission you that even when I am not around, let your candles continue burning,” he said. “We are not commissioning you to go and spoil UCU’s legacy but to multiply it, expand it, and impart it in people’s lives.”

He challenged the graduates not to conform to worldly ways but to influence society positively.

“Go and be the salt of the world, because salt preserves what might go bad. The community we serve is corrupt, but go out and be different—transform the world just as Jesus, Daniel, and Joseph did, they preserved the economy of their times,” Rev. Baryaija added.

Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi, UCU-BBUC Principal encouraged the graduands to pursue excellence both in word and action, quoting Matthew 5:16.

“Let your light shine before others so that you give glory to your Father in heaven and uplift the image and brand of Uganda Christian University.” She said.

She commended both the teaching and non-teaching staff for their dedication and commitment to producing graduates who embody UCU’s mission of providing holistic, Christian-based education.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, congratulated the graduands and reminded them to uphold UCU’s values wherever they go.

“People who have gone ahead of you have done us proud. When you walk into an interview room, employers know UCU produces quality graduates,” he said. “The Bank of Uganda, for example, offers special internship placements for our students because they have seen something different in UCU graduates.”

He emphasized that employers prioritize character and competence over grades.

“What employers care about is what you are good for—not just your first-class degree. Go out and be admirable ambassadors of Uganda Christian University,” he added.

During the service, Rev. Assoc. Prof. Kitayimbwa presented awards to outstanding students on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.

Ordinand William Birungi, a Bachelor of Divinity student, was recognized as the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.87, while Pamela Kiden Simon, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, emerged as the best female student with a CGPA of 4.67.

The six first-class graduates were honored for their outstanding academic performance;

1. Birungi William – Bachelor of Divinity (4.87)
2. Pamela Kiden Simon – Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (4.67)
3. Musinguzi Besigye Ronald – Bachelor of Education (4.64)
4. Musinguzi Moses Bashaija – Bachelor of Divinity (4.50)
5. Akatuhurira Frank Bindeba – Bachelor of Divinity (4.47)
6. Kanyesigye Bosco – Bachelor of Education (4.43)

In addition, the UCU Alumni Association presented awards to the overall best male and female students in recognition of their exceptional performance and contribution to the university community. They also welcome the graduands to the UCU Alumni Association open to them immediately after graduation.

In his remarks, Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, applauded the graduands for their resilience and dedication throughout their studies.

“It is a joy for us to be here celebrating your achievements,” he said. “Thank you to the BBUC team for preparing these students, to the UCU Main Campus for the  continued support, and to the parents for the sacrifices made to see these learners succeed.”

Referencing Mark 8, Mr. Mugawe encouraged the graduands to remain intentional about their identity and purpose.

“In the world, if they ask, ‘Who do people say you are?’ it is you who will define who you are,” he said.

Edited by: Harriet Adong Atuyambe, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations