By Agatha N. Biira and Asenath Were
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, made his second pastoral visit to the university on June 14, which was coincidentally the first time he was actively participating in the UCU mission week.
The Mission Week is an event that happens each semester. During this week, students are reminded of their faith in Jesus Christ. Members of the UCU community were asked about how beneficial the chancellor’s visit was to them, and this is what they said.
Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro- the University Chaplain
His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Mugalu’s visit during the mission week is an affirmation that the university takes mission seriously. The chancellor of UCU and the archbishop of the Church of Uganda taking up an assignment to preach during the mission week is an affirmation that the mission to the university is important. It also shows support for the chaplaincy that the chancillor approves the intervations of the chaplaincy does to reach out to students for renewal of their faith in Christ.
Malual Nyanchieu- HEC (Bridging Program)
His visit to the university gives us space to air our issues as international students. He met with us international students, which was a good move. The students raised issues concerning tuition. International students pay more than the nationals here and yet some of us are refugees, which is a bit unfair.
Jonathan Kivuna (Vice President, Guild)- BBA 3
The last time we met with him (last semester), we presented student issues to him. At the time, students wanted the semester to be postponed because of certain issues. We had requested a two-week extension but we were given one.
So, his visit is really important to us because we get to present to him students’ grievances and the projects that we, the guild, are working on. This time round, we had several issues presented to him; for example, insecurity, mainly because of the lack of street lights on the roads to students’ hostels; delay in procurement, which slows down guild activities; dusty roads; and students’ need for a shorter route to Ankrah.
When we meet with him, we tell him our concerns as students and he sees to it that they are addressed. He promised to provide a guild van, which could work in case the ambulance is not around and also ease the guild work.
Anitah Kembabazi- BBA 3
Generally, his visit to the university was good. He was present at the community worship, and I must say that his preaching was excellent and very relatable.
He told us that as students, we should not waste any time because there will come a time where we have to reap what we sow. So, what will happen when all we’ve done is just waste time on things that didn’t matter? He said we came to the university to study, and wasting time here would not really have any impact on our lives.
Joshua Mwesigwa- BAMC 2
Personally, I was happy to see him for the first time. I feel like what he did was remarkable as a leader to check on his students and inspire them, not only by his presence but also by the word that he shared with us during community worship.
He told us that as young Christians, we should not carry our burdens but instead cast them to the Lord, for he loves and cares for us. His visit was father-like. He is the father (chancellor), and we students are his children.
Barbra Tukamushaba- BBA 3
The chancellor’s teachings are really good and comforting. During community worship, he preached about giving our burdens to God instead of carrying them all by ourselves. To us as students, this is comforting knowing that we don’t have to suffer in silence.
But, I think it would be good if he engaged more with the students on a personal level. Maybe interacting with them in classes and not stopping at community worship.
