Uganda Christian University (UCU) has launched the 2025 edition of its annual Tuition Run, an initiative designed to raise funds for students struggling to pay tuition fees.
With an ambitious target of UGX 500 million, the university hopes to support more than 100 learners to complete their education.
Unlike previous years when the event was spearheaded by individual departments, the 2025 run is a collective effort involving the Scholarships Office, the Guild Government, the Honours College, and other arms of the university.
“We do not want to spread ourselves thin because the cause is one and the community is one,” said Dorothy Tushemererwe, UCU’s Fundraising Officer. “Last year we raised UGX 40 million; this year, we believe 500 million will come to pass.”
Tushemererwe explained that while some students require millions to pursue professional courses such as medicine, law, and nursing, others are unable to raise even modest sums.
“We once had a diploma student sent out of an exam room because of a 30,000-shilling balance. That shows just how desperate the situation can get,” she said.
The 2025 Tuition Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, and will, for the first time, take place simultaneously across all UCU campuses.
Dickson Tumurumye, Manager of the Honours College, noted that the run has attracted strong partnerships.
“Our chief runner this year is Mr. Joseph Kitakule, District Governor of Rotary District 9213. We call on the public, alumni, friends, partners, and well-wishers to join us,” he said.
Corporate sponsors including Stanbic Bank, Housing Finance Bank, and Tropical Bank have already pledged support.
“These activities are very impactful. They create real change in people’s lives,” said Joseph Mabonga, Team Leader at Housing Finance.
Student testimonies illustrate the impact of the initiative. Deborah Nakaddu, a third-year Nursing student, said the Tuition Run restored her hope when her father could no longer meet tuition costs.
“Before I got help, every exam season was filled with fear and uncertainty. The Tuition Run allowed me to focus on my studies,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Joshua Kisakye, added: “When someone has a dream and it gets shattered, it’s very hard. The Tuition Run gave me hope again.”
Alumni and Student Leadership Support
Gift Katusiime, UCU’s Alumni Administrator, said the alumni body is mobilizing support through branded merchandise and financial contributions.
“We often see students in tears at exam time because they cannot clear their fees. This run is our way of calling upon everyone to stand with them,” she said.
From the student leadership, Patricia Atim, Deputy Prime Minister of the 27th Guild Government, praised the university for balancing academic excellence with inclusivity.
She revealed that the Guild has pledged 100 free bibs for struggling students. “Even a small contribution goes a long way,” she said.
Dr. David Mugawe, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, urged the community to rally behind the cause.
“We have seen the tears of our students, but through this run, we can cause smiles. Each contribution — whether through buying a t-shirt, sponsoring a bib, or making a donation — brings hope,” he said.
Rooted in UCU’s mission of nurturing “a complete person” academically, spiritually, and socially, the Tuition Run has become more than a fundraiser.
Through the Omega Scholarship Fund, which has already raised UGX 300 million to support over 100 students in the past years, the university is building a legacy of hope and opportunity.
As October 18 approaches, UCU’s message remains clear: every step counts toward transforming lives.
English 