By Aulah Najjuuka & Valereen Mwahulwa
In a grand display of achievement, Uganda Christian University (UCU) marked its 25th graduation ceremony on Friday October 25, drawing hundreds of family members, friends, and university dignitaries to celebrate the accomplishments of 1,189 students who completed their studies. This year’s ceremony was conducted under the theme “The Hidden Curriculum: Inescapable Biases in Education Curricula,” encouraging both introspection and conversation about the issues seen and unseen within educational systems that may shape students’ perspectives and biases.
The event was presided over by Mr. Graham Yoko, CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises (AEE), who delivered a powerful keynote address to the graduates. Reflecting on the significance of the day, he urged the young men and women to seize the moment and step confidently into the next chapter of their lives. “Now is the time to venture into the world that you have prepared for almost 20 years just to get into,” he advised. Yoko’s words struck a chord with many graduates, who sat in their caps and gowns, eyes bright with excitement and anticipation.
The Vice-Chancellor of UCU, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, also addressed the graduates with heartfelt words of gratitude to the families, guardians, and sponsors who had supported the students throughout their academic journeys. “We thank our parents, guardians, and sponsors who have carried the financial burden to see you through this long journey. As you start your career journey, do not forget these heroes and heroines who sacrificed so much that you achieve this dream,” he stated. Prof. Mushengyezi also urged the graduates to embrace the courage and boldness needed to make a meaningful impact in the world, reminding them that they now carry a responsibility to live with vision and purpose.
This year’s graduating class with male 561 males, representing 43% of the graduates and 673 females, representing 53%. Among them, a remarkable 60 students were awarded first-class degrees. Two students stood out as the best performers: Christy Asiimwe, the top female student, graduated with an outstanding CGPA of 4.80 in Bachelor of Arts with Education, while Dismas Nuwaine emerged as the top male student with a CGPA of 4.78 in Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
The event, held on the beautiful university grounds, was filled with joy, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of pride. The atmosphere was charged with a spirit of accomplishment and fulfillment for both graduates and their guardians. As each graduate’s name was called, the air rang with cheers and clapping, and some proud family members shed tears of joy.
One of the parents, visibly moved by the day’s events, shared her pride in her daughter’s achievement. “I am so proud that my daughter didn’t embarrass me and kept her promise to bring the degree home,” said the mother of Abigaba Connet, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education.
Another parent stood proudly by the graduate, as she finally tasted the fruits of efforts to see him through. “Ocen Jimmy is my nephew and I raised him like my own. I really can’t believe my little boy is done with his studies.” Jimmy Ocen graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship and his aunt hopes the sky is the limit for him.
Speaking with some of the graduates revealed the range of emotions they were experiencing, from excitement and gratitude to hope for the future. Irene Odongo Aweng, who graduated with a Master of Public Health, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I can’t thank the Lord enough for this master’s degree because without Him, all this wouldn’t come to life.” Aweng’s journey, like that of many others, had been marked by hard work, perseverance, and faith. For her, this degree symbolised not just academic success but also personal growth and resilience.
Yusuf Nuwagira Yusuf, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a CGPA of 4.25, shared his thoughts on what contributed to his success. “Reading and knowing what brought you here in the first place and obviously trusting God,” he said, reflecting on the focus and dedication that had carried him through his studies. Both Aweng and Nuwagira spoke about the hopes they have for the future. Aweng plans to focus on her professional career now that she has her master’s degree, while Nuwagira aspires to further his education, noting, “A degree is something that almost everyone can offer, but not a master’s or dual degrees.”.
Reflecting on the theme, Mr. Yoko pointed out that biases in education are often subtle and deeply ingrained, and he challenged graduates to be mindful of their own perspectives and assumptions as they embark on their careers. “Education is not only what you learn in the classroom,” he stated, “but also what you learn about yourself and others, the biases that shape us, and the choices we make to confront or accept these influences.”
