Grace Kesande will graduate with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Uganda Christian University (UCU) on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking the culmination of years of determination to advance her education while serving her family and workplace.

An Administrative Assistant in UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department, Kesande pursued her postgraduate studies while balancing the demands of her job, motherhood and family life. Her achievement reflects a commitment to personal growth despite the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities.

For Kesande, the qualification is an opportunity to apply her expanded knowledge in business management to her work, support students and colleagues, and inspire others to pursue their ambitions despite life’s challenges.

“I want to encourage someone never to give up. When you want something, please go for it,” she says.

Kesande began her MBA studies in January 2023, building on her background in business administration. She chose the programme to strengthen her management skills and deepen her understanding of the business world.

“Business administration is broad. It tackles administration and helps you acquire management, accounting and marketing skills,” she says.

Her research examined perceptions of taxation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mukono Division, focusing on how taxes affect businesses and how government could support them.

Balancing work, family and studies

As an administrator and mother, Kesande had to carefully organise her time to meet her responsibilities at work, home and university.

Her online classes began at 5:00pm, shortly after work, while she was also caring for her children. She was breastfeeding when she started the programme, sometimes attending lectures while feeding her baby.

After putting her children to bed, she would return to her books and complete assignments.

“I would do the reading at night when everyone is asleep,” she says.

She credits her husband for supporting her by caring for their children whenever she needed to attend classes or study. She also ensured that her office duties were completed on time and that household responsibilities were organised.

Her experience, she says, taught her the importance of determination, hard work and planning.

Support that made a difference

Kesande appreciates the role of UCU, family, friends and colleagues in helping her complete her studies.

She received a tuition waiver from the University, while Uganda Partners, through Mark Bartel, contributed towards the remaining tuition balance. Colleagues also contributed towards her education.

She says the assistance enabled her to continue with her studies and achieve her goal.

Kesande also credits her parents, relatives, friends and colleagues, for their encouragement and support.

Above all, she attributes her achievement to God.

“I attribute my victory to God first, because He took care of everything,” she says.

Looking ahead

With her MBA, Kesande hopes to strengthen her contribution at work, support students and staff, and pursue career advancement.

She says the programme has equipped her with additional skills that she intends to put to practical use.

Her message to other aspiring students is to remain focused on their goals, even when circumstances are difficult.

Drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11, she encourages others to maintain their faith and persevere.

“God cannot take you to a place where His grace will not sustain you,” she says.

UCU to graduate 670 students

Kesande is among 670 students expected to graduate during the second part of UCU’s 27th graduation ceremony at its Main Campus in Mukono on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The graduands include seven Doctor of Philosophy candidates and 22 students earning First Class degrees.

The graduation list includes 233 master’s graduands, among them 43 MBA candidates.

As she prepares to receive her transcript, Kesande looks forward to using her education to make a greater contribution to her profession and community, while encouraging others to remain committed to their own educational journeys.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Photos by: Andrew Bugembe