By Eriah Lule
Uganda Christian University (UCU), aluni have been beseeched to support their university. The former graduates of UCU were in attendance at the UCU alumni homecoming at Nkoyoyo Hall.
David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, and the Alumni Patron commended the university administration for its effectiveness and efficiency but called upon alumni to further engage in university programs of development.
“An institution is as strong as its alumni; the projects you embark on will not only help the university grow but have a vibrant alumni family,” he said. “You’re the leading ambassadors of this institution; whatever you’re doing, you’re reflecting us.”
He further noted that the university’s aim is to now have different colleges in the different parts of the country so as to champion higher education all over the country.
Rev. Canon. Dr. John Senyonyi, argued to the Executive to use such times to carry out thorough mobilisation by establishing chapters in different professions and work environments; this would help to create a sense of belonging and facilitate mobilization for other homecomings.
“It’s always hard to mobilize all alumni at once, but if you establish chapters, they can locate themselves,” he said. “It’s easier to mobilize organised people than fragmented individuals.”
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor, praised the alumni’s conduct in their work places, where they have lighted the institution’s name all over the world, but urged them to increase their vibrancy among the university fraternity through different development projects.
“American Universities run largely on alumni donations; how about we establish ourselves to fund different projects within the university?” he said. “A challenge to the alumni family is to think of projects that will help this institution aim higher and lead in the region.”
Rev. Prof. Stephen Noll stressed the importance of being an alumnus. He recounted when he was vice chancellor how he told students that being an alumnus is more than just a one-time event but a lifelong attachment, and in whatever they did, they should reflect “alma mater.”
“We also take pride in our alumni due to the strong Christian background we have given you,” he said. “With such strong principles, it’s what distinguishes you from other graduates in the world.”
Emmanuel Wabwire, the president of the UCU Alumni Association, noted that as UCU celebrates 25 years, the association has embarked on mobilizing its alumni. “We are finding ways of how best we can champion our Alma Mater’s interests,” he said.
Kitayimbwa gave an overview of what the university was like from its inception to the current state it is in.
“In 1997, we only had one school and one dean; as of now, we have eight schools and three faculties,” he said. “We even have three campuses and two regional colleges.”
Mbale Constituent College also held its Homecoming, spearheaded by the Eastern Representative Katto Paulo, as well as Arua Campus, spearheaded by the Northern Chapter.
All activities ended with sports activities as well as alumni networking with the students.
