By Andrew Bugembe
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially named one of its major buildings at the Kampala Campus after former Vice Chancellor, Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the growth of the institution.
The newly named John Senyonyi Building was unveiled during a ceremony held on Friday, May 2, 2025. The event was graced by several university officials, including the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, members of staff, students, and guests from within and outside the university community.
Dr. Senyonyi, who served as Vice Chancellor from 2010 to 2020, attended the ceremony with his wife, Canon Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, and other family members. The day’s activities began with the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially mark the naming of the building, followed by a dinner and a symbolic tree-planting session in honour of Dr. Senyonyi’s service.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Mushengyezi said the university council resolved to honour Dr. Senyonyi on December 2, 2024, and that Friday’s ceremony marked the formal unveiling.
“It is my honour to join Dr. Senyonyi and his family to unveil the John Senyonyi Building,” Prof. Mushengyezi said. He commended his predecessor for laying a strong foundation for UCU’s expansion and innovation.
In his remarks, a visibly moved Dr. Senyonyi thanked the university for the recognition and recounted the challenges faced in establishing the Kampala Campus.
“We had only three months to vacate the previous premises, and the rent at the new location was 40 million shillings per month,” he recalled. “It was not easy, but we made it work so that students wouldn’t miss their classes. Students are the joy of my heart.”
He narrated how UCU acquired the current land from the Buganda Kingdom after negotiations and overcame various hurdles to purchase a nearby property known as Eagles Nest for Shs2.5 billion, which later helped in expanding the campus.
Dr. Senyonyi also praised the current administration for continuing to build on his vision, including acquiring additional land for further development.
Canon Rev. Dr. Ruth Senyonyi, his wife, expressed her excitement at seeing their name honoured in such a visible way. “It is wonderful to see our name up there,” she said, smiling.
The event marked not only a tribute to a past leader but also a moment of institutional pride and reflection on the journey of UCU’s Kampala Campus.
