By Elton Mwidu
Uganda Christian University (UCU) on October 24, 2025, awarded PhDs, master’s degrees, and undergraduate qualifications to 568 students during the second session of its 26th graduation ceremony held at the university’s Mukono main campus.
Among the second cohort were 22 first-class graduates, 12 women and 10 men, and nine PhD recipients. The group comprised 320 men and 248 women, many of whom began their academic journeys during the pandemic when classes were conducted online. Shablinah Nazziwa stood out as the overall best student and top female graduate with a CGPA of 4.76.
Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu led the congregation in prayer and remembrance and asked the university and wider community to grieve with the families.
“I ask the congregation to join me in mourning those who have been lost,” he said.
He also urged greater caution from both boda-boda riders and passengers on Uganda’s roads.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor Canon Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi thanked patrons, workers, and families for their support and publicly praised his wife for assisting students during difficult times.
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” he added.
A particularly symbolic moment came when Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), crossed the stage as a graduand, receiving a Master of Divinity.
His dual role as a university leader and graduate underscored UCU’s commitment to formation that integrates faith, scholarship and service. In his remarks he called on the community to extend equal support to both girls and boys in education.
During the ceremony, Retired Bishop Eliphaz Mari, one of UCU’s founders and a former principal and acting vice-chancellor of Bishop Tucker Theological College, was presented with a recognition award for his decades of service. Humbled by the tribute, Bishop Mari reflected on stewardship and the blessing of “ending well”.
Academic excellence featured across faculties. Journalism student and film director Brian Kabogoza was highlighted out for distinction after winning several awards in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, and also the law students who won the National Unwanted Witness Moot competitions.
Chief guest Dr. Felix Theonugraha of Western Theological Seminary (Michigan) congratulated the graduands for enduring long nights of study and also encouraged them to remain faithful and service-orientated as they step into new roles.
