By Racheal Atuhaire
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has recognized outstanding members of staff at its Annual Staff Excellence Awards, celebrating individuals whose work continues to advance the institution’s vision of being a Centre of Excellence in the heart of Africa.
The awards ceremony, held on September 30, 2025, at Nkoyoyo Hall, was attended by senior administrators, faculty, and staff. The event underscored the university’s commitment to rewarding excellence in research, grant writing, administration, and service delivery. After the ceremony, guests gathered for a luncheon at Principal’s Hall in the Bishop Tucker Building.
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the honorees, reminding staff that excellence must be practiced daily.
“Excellence is not something to talk about but something to live,” he said. “This event would not have been possible without your contributions in grant writing, research, administration, customer care, and security. Let this recognition be a call to raise your standards even higher.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs, Mr. David Mugawe, underscored the value of recognition in motivating staff.
“At the end of every year, we pause to honor those who have gone above and beyond,” he said. “This is how we sustain the spirit of excellence.”
His counterpart, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, praised the initiative, noting that acknowledging staff achievements strengthens the academic community.
From a human resource perspective, Director of Human Resource, Ms. Florence Nakiyingi, explained that the awards followed a rigorous evaluation process by the Human Resource Board.
“We have placed emphasis on grants and research, and we are proud to have such a hardworking team,” she said.
Awardees expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold UCU’s standards. Mr. Joh Livingstone Mutyaba, a lecturer in Natural Resource Economics and Agribusiness, said the honor motivates him to work harder.
“This recognition inspires us to double our efforts so that we maintain the standards expected of us,” he remarked.
Prof. Robert Basaza, a senior academic in the Faculty of Public Health with 25 years of service, described the award as a highlight of his career.
“I have published 12 papers and intend to publish another 12. We are also developing a PhD program to further strengthen our academic output,” he revealed.
At UCU Kampala Campus, librarian Ms. Eva Ainebyoona reflected on the value of diligence.
“Excellence is a work of the heart. The ordinary becomes extraordinary when we pay attention to detail,” she said.
Dean of Students, Ms. Nancy Kobusingye, expressed appreciation for the support of both colleagues and leadership, describing UCU as a community bound by shared purpose and faith.
Closing the event, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed that excellence is foundational to the university’s identity.
“Let excellence start with you, then extend to your colleagues and your students. That is the heart of being a Centre of Excellence,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.
