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By Irene Best Nyapendi
As the sun arose on July 28, a joyous atmosphere settled over Uganda Christian University
(UCU) as it celebrated its 24th graduation at Mukono Campus. Among the 1006 graduates that
were celebrated, 56% were females. Of the 29 First Class students registered, 18 of them
were female and only 11 were male. And seven of them topped the list leaving the best male
on the 8th position.
The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu acknowledged that this day is significant as
they witness the graduation of the 44 pioneer students of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of
Dentistry and 9 of Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
He noted that this is a landmark achievement for UCU as it marks a significant step forward in
its pursuit of excellence in healthcare education. “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates who have successfully completed their program in these disciplines your determination and commitment,” Kaziimba said.
With great joy, he said the pioneer students have paved the way for future generations of
medical and dental professionals who will go on to make a profound impact on the health of
this nation.
Kaziimba also announced the expansion of UCU’s facilities, upgraded laboratories which have
enhanced the university’s technological infrastructure to enable learners excel in their
academic pursuit.
“I am proud to say that UCU has achieved remarkable progress in infrastructure development
across our various colleges and campuses this investment has created a conducive learning
environment. We will continue to strive for excellence and further enhance our standing
among the top universities in the world,” he said.
He urged the graduands to continue embracing the UCU core values of integrity, servant
hood, Christ- centeredness, stewardship and diligence as they go forth and make positive
impact in the world.
“May you continue to embrace the values of integrity, servant hood, Christ centeredness,
stewardship, diligence and integrity. Put your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior and mentor
as you pursue your career, keeping in mind that the thing behind the thing is the real thing
and the thing is Jesus Christ,” he said.
UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, commended the UCU School of
Dentistry, Medicine and Dental Surgery for harking back to the pioneering spirit of the Church
of Uganda that laid the foundation for medical education in the country in 1877.
“This is exciting news for us as we send out our first crop of doctors, dentists and surgeons in
the medical field. Unlike some doctors in the country known for engaging in strikes, these
UCU graduates have vowed to uphold the sanctity of human life,” Mushengyezi said.
Mushegyenzi extended special recognition to the partners who played a pivotal role in shaping
the future of these aspiring doctors and dentists.
Among them are; Dr. Edward Kanyesigye for the great work he did as the pioneer Dean, Dr.
Rose Mutumba the Director of Mengo Hospital together with her team of administrators and
specialists who supported the school. Uganda Partners (USA) for mobilizing funds and
equipment’s for both schools, the former UCU Council ad Administration for the vision.
Together with the current Deans; Dr. Gerald Tumusiime and Dr. James Magara for nurturing
these schools into formidable centers of excellence. He encouraged the graduates to put to use the knowledge, skills, competencies, attitudes,
and values they have acquired at UCU.
Major successes from the university colleges, faculties and schools
Mushengyezi unveiled the recent major successes from the university colleges, faculties and schools. These included:
- UCU was this year ranked third best university in Uganda by UniRank
- School of Journalism, Media and Communication is part of a consortium of 6 African universities that are implementing a project worth 3.3 Billion funded by the European Commission. The project is focusing on building capacity for reporting migration and mobility across boarders in Sub- Saharan Africa.
- School of Education in partnership with Edify trained 600 Head Teachers and school proprietors in areas of competence-based curriculum development, financial literacy, customer care and integration of ICT in education from at least 10 districts of Uganda.
- 20 UCU School of Law alumni graduated at the Law Development Center (LDC) with First Class degrees. Of these, 10 appeared on the Director’s List. The overall best performing student was a UCU alumnus, Emmanuel Okia. Still, the top four First Class LDC graduates were all from UCU: Emmanuel Okia, Shamira Kitimbo, Reagan Ahumuza and Jemimah Jehopio.
- The Department of Engineering and Environment in collaboration with Aksaray University in Turkey obtained an Erasmus+ grant of Euro 15,600 to support student and staff mobility for three years.
- UCU sports teams have maintained stellar permanent in various games. It won 20 medals: 8 Gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze.
- Ongoing fundraising campaign for Arua campus plans to construct an academic building, the
- Bishop Orombi ICT Complex to house several facilities including the campus innovation hub, e learning center, lecture rooms and conference hall.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Dunstan Kopoliano Bukenya, Former University Secretary UCU and retired Bishop of Mityana Diocese.
In his address, he lauded the extraordinary achievements of the university and acknowledged its landmark in the School of Medicine, Dentistry and dental surgery. “I am happy to see that our original vision has come true and continued to shine with added vigour to A Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa now with a population of over 12,000 students, 7 Schools and 4 Faculties,” Bukenya said.
About Yohana Eyob Ghebrekristos, the overall best student
Yohana Eyob Ghebrekristos is one of the 44 pioneer students of Bachelor of Medicine and
Bachelor of Surgery. She emerged as the overall best student, best female student and also
the best science student with a CGPA of 4.71.
Since arriving in Uganda in 2018, Yohana considered herself fortunate to be admitted to UCU.
Reflecting on her UCU experience, she shared, that she has enjoyed the privilege of being
taught by highly trained professionals.
“I’m so excited and extremely honored to be the best performing student. UCU has been
amazing and I was very fortunate to join this esteemed institution. It’s reputation of
producing well-rounded professionals really attracted me to UCU.” Yohana said with sheer
delight.
She appreciates the University for equipping her with both academic knowledge and spiritual
values that she believes will guide her as she ventures into the working world.
Looking ahead, Yohana aspires to specialize in orthodontics and dental surgery, with hope of
opening up a dental clinic to serve underprivileged in communities.
To her fellow students in the medical field, Yohana offered valuable advice, emphasizing that
the medical profession requires unwavering hard work, determination, and sacrifice.
“Don’t underestimate the course; it’s a journey that demands your best effort. And in the end,
the rewards will be worth it,” she urged.
As Yohana eagerly awaits her internship, her father, Eyob Ghebrekristos, expressed
immeasurable joy and excitement upon her accomplishment.
“We are so excited and proud of Yohana, and we all came from the United States to be here
and celebrate Yohana’s graduation,” he said a beaming smile.
He believes this was possible because of Yohana’s nature of hard work and discipline together
with the support from family.
Wilson Wanyama, best Arts student
Wilson Wanyama of Bachelor of Development and Social Entrepreneurship emerged as the best male student and also best arts student with a CGPA of 4.64.
Wanyama notes that 2020 brought unique challenges, as the pandemic disrupted in-person learning. However, Wanyama appreciates the university administration for immediately adapting to the online learning mode, continuing their pursuit of knowledge despite the
physical distance.
“I’m so excited that I’m graduating from UCU, the center of excellence in the heart of Africa.
UCU has prepared me well to develop my career and interact with all sorts of people in the
field,” Wanyama said.
He noted that the university’s core values, particularly diligence and Christ-centeredness,
have become integral to his character, guiding him in his future endeavors.
One of the challenges Wanyama faced during his university life was the frequent movement
from Kampala to Mukono for classes.
Despite the distance, he displayed remarkable dedication by never missing a single lecture or
arriving late to any class. His commitment to punctuality and discipline earned him
recognition as the best in his class consistently.
Wanyama attributes his victory to God, family and friends recognizing divine guidance in his
academic journey.
“God enabled me be the best in my class, from the first year to the final year, and I also don’t
remember ever falling sick” he acknowledged.
The chairperson of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa congratulated and
inspired the graduates as they move on to the next phase of their lives.
“My brothers and sisters as you go out of UCU to start a new life and a new career I would like
to remind you that your life and service is not about you but is about him who created, do not
be preoccupied with other people’s opinions, worrying about pleasing everyone but rather
have a sense for what God wants to say to you in the situations that you go through,” Olwa
said.
He assured the graduates of God’s blessing upon them in the different roles they will be in for a season and for a reason.
The 1006 students graduating with diploma, degrees and Masters came from disciplines that include: Law, Journalism, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Industrial and Fine Art, Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery.
