By Victor Turinawe & Slivia Nakituuka
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has honoured the first University Secretary, Rt. Rev. Bishop Emeritus Dunstan Bukenya for his tremendous contribution towards the growth and development of the institution, and for pioneering the start of the law department.
Following various engagements among the university’s top management, a decision was made to honour Bukenya by naming the university’s old library after him. It is now known as Bishop Dunstan Bukenya Library.
While presiding over the function which took place at the library in the university’s main campus premises in Mukono, Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU described Bukenya as a foundational figure in the history and development of UCU. Bukenya was appointed the inaugural University Secretary in 1997.
“He established the reverence and administrative structures that continue to sustain the institution to this day. His clarity of purpose, diligence, and unwavering commitment ensured that the Union of the Church of Uganda was translated practically into a functional and credible university that we see we have become today,” said Prof. Mushengyenzi.
He further stated, “One of Bishop Bukenya’s most significant contributions was his far more purposeful establishment of a law program at UCU grounded in Christianity. At a time of uncertain and limited resources, he personally led a board of the Bishop’s Curriculum and mobilized support from leading legal scholars drawn from the Law Centre in Uganda and Makerere University. He then took a bold and forward-looking initiative to create a foundation that has grown into one of the region’s most respected and largest law schools.”
Bukenya thanked UCU for always remembering him and the contribution he made as an active servant of the institution. “We extended this place. Remember this place, it was smaller, but we made it big. Thank you for protecting the old people because the nation is built by old people,” he said.
Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration said, “Honouring people like Bishop Dunstan Bukenya is not because we are measuring their efforts while serving here, because we are not sure of the sacrifices they made, but rather to acknowledge it.”
The function was also attended by many dignitaries including the former Dean of the Bishop Tucker school of Theology, Rev Canon Professor Christopher Byaruhanga; the Associate Dean of Bishop Tucker school of Theology, and Rev. Brian Muhereza. Bukenya’s family, including his wife Canon Phoebe Bukenya and his son, Mr David Bukenya, UCU’s Librarian, were also in attendance.
Earlier, the School of Law honoured Bukenya for laying a strong foundation for the department’s existence today. This took place at at the School of Law department offices.
The Dean of School of Law, Dr Peter Davis Mutesasira appreciated Bishop Bukenya for working hard towards establishment of the law department at UCU. “If it were not for him, we would not be here, all of us. Actually, I think your battles were twofold. One, you fought to turn this into a university. Then, you also fought to have the School of Law. At times, the law is saying, yes, evidence may be admissible, but we heard, at that time, the management had reservations about having law, that it will contaminate the other units. But we thank God you stood your ground,” said Dr Mutesasira.
