The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lay Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has challenged graduates to define success not by career achievements alone, but by the values they uphold and the positive impact they make in society as they leave the institution to join the global community.
Speaking during the first part of the University's 27th Graduation Ceremony at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono on Friday, Prof. Mushengyezi urged the 1,274 graduates to embrace integrity, humility and servant leadership in every sphere of life.
"As you join the global community, remember that true success is measured by your service to others, your integrity in leadership, and your faithfulness in every endeavour you pursue. Go forth as torchbearers of these noble virtues," he said.
The Vice Chancellor said the graduating class comprised 1,274 students, including 698 females (55 percent) and 576 males (45 percent). Of these, 102 students attained First Class honours.
Prof. Mushengyezi commended the graduates for their academic achievement, particularly female students, who dominated the First Class honours list.
"Out of the 102 graduates who attained First Class degrees, 62 are women, and the overall best graduating student is also a woman. This is a testament to the dedication and excellence our students continue to demonstrate," he said.
Prof. Mushengyezi encouraged graduates to use the education they had received for the benefit of society, stressing that success should not be measured solely by personal accomplishments.
"Success should not only be measured by your personal achievements but by your commitment to serving others and the positive impact you make in your communities," he said.
The overall best graduating student was Acen Dawn, who graduated with a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management after attaining an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.91.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, urged graduates to remain disciplined and uphold the University's Christian values wherever they go.
"As you leave the gates of Uganda Christian University today, I urge you to keep discipline and to represent well the name of the institution that has made you who you are. Wherever life takes you, never forget that Uganda Christian University will remain your Alma Mater forever," he said.
Archbishop Kaziimba said the choices graduates make would either adorn or tarnish the University's name and urged them to guard both their personal reputation and that of their alma mater with great care.
Archbishop Kaziimba further encouraged graduates to build lives, careers and families founded on values that endure beyond earthly success and to let their light shine before others through good works that glorify God.
He also commended the University administration for its financial discipline, noting that prudent management had enabled the institution to become loan-free while maintaining clean audit reports over the years.
The Guest of Honour, Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, reminded graduates that the education they had received at Uganda Christian University extends beyond academic excellence to the formation of Christian character.
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:58, Orombi encouraged graduates to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to serving God.
"As you leave this place today, carry with you the foundation this University has laid in you. Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour in Him is not in vain," he said.
Bishop Orombi further challenged graduates to become agents of positive transformation wherever they go.
"Serve people with dignity, reject corruption, and become leaders who create opportunities for others rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you," he said.
Orombi also encouraged graduates to embrace innovation and use research to develop solutions that address society's challenges and bring hope to communities.
Among the graduates was Next Media business reporter Victor Tayebwa, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. He described balancing work and studies as challenging but rewarding.
"I am grateful to my bosses and editors for assigning me to early news stories, which gave me enough time to attend lectures and complete my studies. Their support made it possible for me to balance work and academics successfully," Tayebwa said.
Uganda Christian University's Communications Officer, Jimmy Siasa, graduated with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication.
He said the programme had equipped him with the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful contribution to the media industry and national development.
"We are committed to practicing responsible journalism, promoting Uganda positively, and using the knowledge and skills we have acquired to contribute to national development," he said.
Siasa added that the master's programme is particularly relevant in an era of information overload, explaining that it had equipped him to ethically and strategically curate information, enabling him to present accurate, well-structured and meaningful content that is useful and accessible to target audiences.
