By Gertrude Ainembabazi
Students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) on Tuesday embraced a new era of leadership transformation as the institution officially launched the FUEL Leadership Programme at Nkoyoyo Hall. The event, held on May 13 from 2:37pm to 4:57pm, attracted student leaders and members of the university community, signalling a shift in how leadership is perceived and practised on campus.
FUEL, an acronym interpreted by the organisers as “Fuelling Leadership Excellence”, is designed to equip students with practical leadership skills, values, and the mindset to lead with responsibility and purpose.
Presiding over the launch, UCU Vice President Mr Elton David Mwindu challenged students to see leadership not as a title but as a responsibility. “Leadership is not a position; it is a call to serve and influence positively,” Mr Mwindu said during his opening remarks.
The ceremony, moderated by Martha Katusiime, began with a word of prayer before the stage was opened to a series of inspirational speakers, all of whom have benefited from the FUEL programme.
Among them was Timothy Ddumba, the 25th Guild President of UCU and the best overall male graduate at a recent graduation ceremony. He described leadership as a gift rooted in love and selflessness. “This programme is about transforming the leadership paradigm across the world,” he said. “It’s about learning to love one another, solve problems, and create lasting impact.”
Also in attendance was Miss Christy Ainembabazi, the current leader of the FUEL Programme and best overall female graduate of the 2024 cohort. She underscored the programme’s role in developing student leaders who are solutions-oriented. “FUEL is about preparing leaders who conduct themselves with excellence, train others, and build sustainable change,” she noted.
A quarter of the student population reportedly attended the launch, with those present encouraged to sign the FUEL commitment form a document meant to formalise students’ dedication to the values of integrity, service, and innovation.
The patron of First House, who joined the programme in 2023, testified to its impact, stating it helped him become a better problem-solver in leadership spaces.
The launch concluded with a prayer and official declaration by Pastor Rogers, formally opening the programme to the student body.
As UCU continues to nurture holistic graduates, the FUEL Leadership Programme is expected to become a cornerstone in grooming the next generation of servant leaders, not just within the university but across Uganda and beyond.
