By Gift Kalikulali
Uganda Christian University (UCU) students have been urged to look beyond academic success, wealth and social status and turn to Jesus Christ as the source of salvation.
Rev. Gerald Ayebale made the call during the opening service of UCU Mission Week at the university’s Main Campus, where he challenged students, staff and the wider university community to place their trust in Christ.
The Mission Week, held under the theme “The Saviour Par Excellence”, draws its message from Isaiah 45:22, which says: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is no other.”
The week-long programme, which opened on September 13, 2026, is intended to encourage members of the university community to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Preaching from Luke 19, with reflections from Isaiah 45, Rev. Ayebale said human achievements cannot replace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
He cautioned students against placing their hope in education, wealth, influence, religion or personal effort while neglecting their relationship with God.
“Your degree cannot save you. Your academic prestige cannot save you,” he said.
The pastor also reminded the congregation that the pursuit of success can leave people struggling with fear, guilt, rejection, hopelessness and disappointment.
He said the experience of the people of Judah, who suffered the consequences of turning away from God, offers a lesson to Christians facing difficult circumstances today.
“Sometimes God’s work seems hidden in your life,” Rev. Ayebale said, encouraging those who may feel forgotten or disappointed despite their efforts.
He urged the congregation to remain hopeful, saying God’s salvation is everlasting even when His work may not immediately be visible.
Rev. Ayebale further told the congregation that salvation requires a personal response to God’s invitation.
He said although the call to salvation is extended to everyone, each individual must make a decision to accept Christ.
“Turn to me and be saved,” he repeated, urging students and staff facing failure, fear, guilt and rejection to look to Christ rather than depend on human approval.
The preacher also shared his personal experience with rejection and the pressure to prove himself through academic success and football.
He said his life changed after encountering Christ, a transformation that eventually led him into pastoral ministry.
“I have also been in a situation where everything seems to be complex,” he recalled, explaining how he once felt that nobody could help him.
He said the experience helped him recognise Jesus as the one who could truly save him.
As the service ended, Rev. Ayebale urged members of the congregation to examine their lives and respond to Christ’s call.
He cautioned them against allowing the opinions of friends, family and society to control their decisions, instead encouraging them to recognise their need for God.
“Today is the day of salvation. Come to Jesus. Come to the Saviour par excellence,” he said.
The Mission Week continues with services, community worship and other activities aimed at encouraging the UCU community to grow in faith and deepen its relationship with Christ.
