By Victor Turinawe
The District Governor of Rotary District 9213, Mr Geoffrey M. Kitakule, has commended Uganda Christian University (UCU) for championing community outreach and hospice initiatives, saying the programmes reflect the true spirit of service to humanity.
Mr Kitakule made the remarks during the university’s annual Tuition Run, an event aimed at raising funds to support students struggling to pay their tuition.
Reflecting on emotional testimonies shared at the event, Mr Kitakule said the acts of service demonstrated by the UCU community have a transformative impact.
“As Rotarians, we live this every day,” he said. “We go into communities and meet people with different needs—those without food, the sick, children who can’t afford school fees, families without access to clean water, and victims of gender-based violence and conflict. All these align with Rotary’s seven areas of focus.”
The Rotary leader also shared a personal story about his family’s community foundation, which set up a local library to promote literacy. “Some of the children who used to read there are now doctors,” he said. “They often come back to say, ‘If it weren’t for that library, I wouldn’t be here.’ You never know—your act of kindness today might transform someone’s life tomorrow.”
In his address, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof Aaron Mushengyenzi drew parallels between his own life and the struggles of students who benefit from the tuition support fund.
“The children you see here today remind me of my own journey—a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of dropping out of school and finding my way back again,” Prof Mushengyenzi said. “At one point, I even wore rubber shoes, locally known as *Lugabire*, made from car tyres.”
He thanked the chief runner and all participants for contributing to the cause, citing an example of a student who nearly dropped out during his final semester because of financial hardship. “We stepped in and offered him support,” he said. “He not only graduated but also became the best student in his class. That is the power of compassion.”
The event organisers, Ms Dorothy Tushemereirwe and Mr Dickson Tumuramye, said the Tuition Run was initiated to assist students who risk missing exams due to unpaid balances.
In the five-kilometre race, Mr Naturinda J. J. emerged winner, finishing in 12 minutes, followed by Mr Frank Okello in 14 minutes and Mr Ismail Alungi in 15 minutes.
In a gesture of solidarity, Mr Kitakule announced a Shs5 million contribution from Rotarians present, while the Office of the Vice Chancellor pledged Shs20 million to support more students to complete their education.
The Tuition Run forms part of UCU’s wider efforts to promote compassion and community service, values that the university says lie at the heart of its Christian mission.
