By Gift Kalikulali
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Professor Aaron Mushengyezi has urged first year students to pursue excellence while remaining humble and committed to serving others. He made the call during UCU’s First Year Induction Service in Mukono, where new students were formally welcomed into the university community and admitted into their respective programmes.
The Vice Chancellor based his message on Colossians 3:24, which calls Christians to work wholeheartedly as serving the Lord. He challenged students to see their studies, relationships and daily responsibilities as opportunities to serve God and make a difference in the lives of others.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” he said, quoting Colossians 3:23.
He explained that excellence means going beyond the ordinary and giving one’s best even when faced with difficulties. He urged students to make excellence visible not only in their academic work but also in their communication, dressing, discipline, relationships, and involvement in university activities.
“We are also inducting you into the spirit of excellence,” he said, referring to what he described as “UCU-ness” doing things the UCU way.
However, the Vice Chancellor stressed that excellence should be accompanied by humility and a spirit of service. He encouraged students and staff to serve without always expecting praise, gifts or recognition. He said small acts such as welcoming someone, listening to their concerns or directing them to the right office can make a difference.
“Welcome to my office. What can I do for you?” he said, describing the simple words as an important part of serving others.
Mushengyezi shared his personal experience of serving at St Francis Chapel, where he said he helped start a financial institution and led it for six years without receiving a salary. He said he continued because of his passion for service and, when his term ended, declined efforts to change the constitution so he could remain in leadership.
He said the experience later became part of his professional journey when he was being considered for the UCU Vice Chancellor position. People remembered the institution he had helped establish, which he said had since grown significantly.
“I’m here to serve. I’m here to touch life,” he said, encouraging the university community to see their positions as opportunities to serve others.
During the induction, students from the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology; Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery; School of Journalism, Media and Communication; School of Social Sciences; School of Education; School of Business; and Faculty of Agricultural Sciences were presented for admission.
The students pledged to seek truth, study diligently, observe university regulations, exercise discipline and promote Christian moral and spiritual principles in line with UCU’s motto, “Alpha and Omega, God, the beginning and the end.”
The Vice Chancellor reminded the new students that their university journey should produce more than academic certificates. He urged them to develop character, integrity and a willingness to serve.
“Let us strive for excellence as we serve in the centre of excellence in the heart of Africa,” he said.
As the first year students begin their studies, the message from the induction service was clear: excellence is not only about standing out, but also about using one’s abilities to serve others with humility.
