Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College on Friday graduated 580 students during its 26th Graduation Ceremony (Part 3) held in Mbale City, with a strong call to the graduands to uphold integrity, courage and value-driven leadership in a world increasingly troubled by corruption and moral decay.
Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, who was the Chief Guest, praised UCU for its consistent record in producing outstanding lawyers, clergy, educators and professionals across various sectors.
She warned the graduands against shortcuts and unethical conduct, particularly workplace sexual harassment and corruption.
“There are workplaces today where some people cannot recruit without making sexual demands. Fight corruption. Go out with value-laden leadership, integrity, courage, humility, service above self and self-discipline, so that when your name is mentioned, people proudly say, ‘That is a student of UCU’,” Justice Bamugemereire said.
She further encouraged the graduands to embrace hard work and resist the lure of instant wealth, urging them to tap into opportunities in agriculture, especially coffee farming, which she described as central to Uganda’s emerging agrarian revolution.
The University Chancellor and Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, presided over the ceremony. He commended the Vice Chancellor and the University Management for upholding UCU’s core pillars of excellence in teaching, research, moral formation and character development.
Archbishop Kaziimba reminded the graduands that UCU was founded on a strong partnership with the Church, a commitment to service, and the formation of leaders grounded in Faith, Integrity and Excellence.
He noted that the graduation was taking place at a time when Uganda faces serious political, social and economic challenges, and called on the graduands to become ambassadors of peace, justice and reconciliation.
“Do not be afraid of new beginnings; they are God’s invitations to rise higher,” he said, urging the graduands to wear the UCU identity with pride wherever they serve.
Rt. Rev. Samuel George Bogere Egesa, Bishop of Bukedi Diocese and Chairperson of the College Governing Council, announced that beginning January 2026, UCU will expand its practical training through the East African Project on Sustainable Development.
According to Bishop Egesa, the initiative will provide students with internships, hands-on training and multi-disciplinary real-world experiences. He urged the graduands to root their careers in Christ and to represent both the college and the university honourably.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research, academic excellence and staff development.
He revealed that UCU continues to invest in equipping and training its academic staff, with many pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees both locally and abroad, efforts that strengthen the university’s capacity to deliver high-quality teaching and impactful scholarship.
Rev. Prof. Kitayimbwa also highlighted UCU’s growing continental reputation, noting that Time Magazine recently listed the institution among the most beautiful campuses in Africa, ranking it 7th on the continent.
The College Principal, Vincent Kisenyi, reported that of the 580 graduands, 291 were male (51%) and 289 female (49%), with seven students attaining First Class degrees.
Miss Masette Elsie Wokuri, who completed a Bachelor of Public Health and Social Administration, emerged as the overall best student with a CGPA of 4.68. She was also recognised as the best female graduand. Abdul Nasser Majid Majete, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, was named the best male student with a CGPA of 4.62.
Sports Excellence and Infrastructure Development
Kisenyi also celebrated the college’s strong performance in sports during 2025. The men’s rugby team won the Jinja 7s trophy at Kakindu on 6 July, while the women’s rugby side dominated the Uganda Women’s Rugby Sevens on 14 July. The men’s team further clinched the Pefer Africa (Kampala) 19s tournament, its fourth title since 2021.
Volleyball teams from Mbale Campus had an impressive season, and the football team put up a strong performance in the 2025/26 Regional Tier Third League. Special recognition was given to Nambozo Maida, who was named among the best defenders in the 2025 National Games women’s team.
Despite prevailing economic challenges, Kisenyi noted that UCU Mbale University College continues to invest in infrastructure development. Hostels are currently under renovation, and a modern science laboratory has been constructed to support the college’s expanding science programmes, including the Bachelor of Science in Education.
The colourful ceremony was attended by bishops, university council members, staff, students, parents and other dignitaries, all joining in celebration as UCU Mbale University College released another cohort of graduates into service for church and nation.
