By Abraham Hadoto

On the evening of Tuesday 11th November 2025, I attended a funeral service at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono Campus. The occasion was sombre, a farewell to a young secondary school girl whose life was tragically cut short by malaria, a disease that still claims lives even in the 21st century.

Yet amid the sorrow, I found a moment of pride and deep admiration for what I saw around me. The environment, the order, and the discipline within the UCU campus spoke volumes about the institution’s commitment to excellence, not only in academics but also in stewardship, aesthetics, and human dignity.

From the moment we drove through the main gate, it was clear that UCU stands apart. The security personnel were not stationed there to intimidate or block entry, but rather to guide, a refreshing symbol of servant leadership. Their role was to direct visitors respectfully, ensuring that everyone reached their destination safely and efficiently. This alone reflected a culture of grace and order that mirrors the Christian values on which the university was founded.

As we moved deeper into the campus, I was struck by the immaculate neatness that defines the entire landscape. There were no rat routes those unsightly footpaths that often cut across lawns in most institutions. Every space was thoughtfully designed and maintained. The roads and walkways are fully paved with high-quality materials, giving an impression of durability and intentionality.

Even more impressive, each paved path bears a red guiding line, directing pedestrians safely while preserving the aesthetic symmetry of the surroundings. These are not just pavements; they are silent instructors in discipline and orderliness.

Further still, the road lighting system impressed me deeply. It is both functional and elegant, subtly indicating to drivers and pedestrians alike when one is veering off the path or entering a crossing. The red-lit markers where zebra crossings appear ensure safety and direction, small but significant touches that reflect thoughtful design and care for human life.

Not once did I see litter or disorder. Every corner of the campus reflected meticulous maintenance and environmental consciousness. It is a place where beauty, order, and cleanliness meet, quietly preaching a sermon on excellence without words.

It is hard to believe that when the idea of a private university under the Church of Uganda was first conceived, there were no local models to follow. It was an act of faith and vision. Alongside the Catholic Church’s effort that birthed Nkozi University, the Anglican initiative that led to the founding of UCU has matured into a beacon of excellence, not just for Uganda, but for Africa at large.

Today, Uganda Christian University can stand shoulder to shoulder with world-class institutions like Cambridge, Cranfield, and Harvard—not because of its wealth or age, but because of its dedication to nurturing a holistic learning environment rooted in Christian values.

As an eyewitness to this exemplary infrastructural layout and maintenance, I wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to Canon Professor Aaron Mushengyezi and his management team. You have built not only a university but a model of what Christian leadership, discipline, and vision can achieve in Africa.

To prospective students, parents, and guardians: UCU is not just a place to study, it is a place to grow, to be shaped, and to prepare for global impact. If you seek a university where faith meets excellence, where learning is guided by integrity, and where the environment itself inspires greatness, then Uganda Christian University is your destination, the true centre of excellence in the heart of Africa.

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