By Victor Turinawe
The Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), Prof Aaron Mushengyenzi has cautioned first-year students against irresponsible gambling and risky financial decisions.
Professor Mushengyenzi issued the warning this afternoon during the Induction Service for the Class of 2026, while addressing the congregation as the presiding officer and the preacher for the induction service.
He was specific and emphatic, especially on the use of tuition money for betting activities.
“Your tuition is your tuition,” he warned. “There will be time for investment later in life, but do not destroy your future through gambling,” said Prof Mushengyenzi.
Preaching under the theme “Running the Race with Purpose: Aiming High and Starting Now”, Prof. Mushengyenzi compared the academic and Christian journey to a race that requires focus, discipline, and determination.
Drawing lessons from the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, he urged students to run their academic race intentionally and with purpose. He further warned students against “running aimlessly” by engaging in destructive behaviours such as excessive partying, gambling, alcoholism, prostitution, drug abuse, and peer pressure.
He recalled incidents where students lost their lives or future opportunities because of reckless decisions influenced by friends and social pressure.
“There are many things that will distract you because university life comes with a lot of freedom,” he said. “No one will force you to read or check whether you are studying. You must discipline yourself.”
The newly inducted students are from the School of Business, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology (FEDT), School of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, School of Law, School of Social Sciences, School of Education, and Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology.
During the Induction Service, the Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor John Kitayimbwa Mulindwa, Director of Academic Affairs at UCU, Associate Professor Angella Napakol and Deans from the respective schools and faculties.
