Uganda Christian University (UCU) will this Friday hold the second session of its 26th Graduation Ceremony, marking yet another milestone in the institution’s pursuit of academic and spiritual excellence.
A total of 568 students will receive degrees and diplomas in various disciplines at the Main Campus in Mukono.
Addressing journalists ahead of the event, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, described the ceremony as “a moment of pride, thanksgiving, and celebration” for both the university and the graduates’ families.
“Tomorrow, we shall be celebrating Part Two of our 26th Graduation Ceremony, following Part One held in July. Part Three will take place in Kabale on November 14, and Part Four in Mbale on November 28,” Dr. Kitayimbwa said.
Among those graduating are nine PhD recipients, including education leaders and clergy from across the region. The group features Grace Nantaja, Head Teacher of Mengo Senior School, and two Archbishops — one from Zambia and another from South Sudan — all completing their doctoral studies at UCU.
Dr. Kitayimbwa said the growing number of doctoral candidates from across East and Southern Africa demonstrates UCU’s rising reputation as a regional hub for academic excellence and Christian leadership formation.
The overall best student, Ms. Naziwa Shabrina, attained a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.76 in Bachelor of Business Administration, equivalent to 95.6%.
“This means that 95% of her coursework was graded above 80%, which is an extraordinary achievement,” Dr. Kitayimbwa noted.
The best male graduate, Mr. Odinand Elim Joshua, a theology student preparing for ordination, scored a CGPA of 4.62 in Bachelor of Divinity, averaging 92.4%.
In total, 22 students will graduate with First Class Honours — 12 female and 10 male. Despite women constituting 44% of the graduating class (248 females and 320 males), they continue to outperform their male counterparts academically.
“The girl child is emerging stronger,” Dr. Kitayimbwa said. “UCU provides a safe and supportive environment where female students can thrive.”
This year’s ceremony will also pay tribute to Right Rev. Elifaz Maari, the first Acting Vice Chancellor of UCU and former Principal of Bishop Tucker Theological College, which later evolved into UCU in 1997.
Professor Angel Napakol, the Director of Academic Affairs, said this year’s theme — “Excellence in Learning, Faith, and Service” — captures UCU’s mission to nurture both intellect and integrity.
“Behind every statistic is a story — stories of hard work, struggle, and faith,” she said. “We are not just celebrating academic achievement but character formation.”
For Ms. Shabrina Naziwa, the top graduate, the journey was defined by resilience and faith. Living with sickle cell disease, she said she often missed classes for weeks due to hospitalizations.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God, because He is the overlord of everything. If it wasn’t Him, I wouldn’t have made it,” she said emotionally.
Despite financial and health challenges, Naziwa persevered through with help from friends, mentors, and her aunt.
“Sometimes I didn’t even have food, but friends and mentors helped me. I’ve learned that no matter your condition, never give up. Have confidence and trust God — everything can be okay,” she said.
She hopes to become a self-employed accountant, balancing her career with her health while contributing to her community.
At 38, Rev. Joshua Elimu, a father of four from Soroti, emerged as UCU’s best male graduate. His journey — from selling potatoes in a market to earning a theology degree — reflects determination, faith, and divine purpose.
“This moment is not just a personal achievement. It’s a celebration of faith, hard work, and commitment,” he said.
Sponsored by the Diocese of Soroti, Elimu pursued his studies without financial strain and credited his wife for holding the family together during his three-year program.
“My wife became the leader of the home,” he said. “She understood the mission and trusted that I was doing God’s work.”
Elimu now plans to use his education to serve and transform his community.
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