Uganda Christian University graduated 670 students, with university leaders and the chief guest urging them to reject corruption, uphold ethical values and apply their knowledge to solving Uganda’s social and economic challenges.
Uganda Christian University (UCU) graduates have been challenged to reject corruption, uphold integrity and use their professional skills to address Uganda’s challenges rather than pursue personal gain at the expense of public service.
The call was made by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and UCU Chancellor, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, during the university’s graduation ceremony, where 670 students received qualifications in various academic disciplines.
Kaziimba urged the graduands to remain grounded in their values and use their knowledge to serve others as they embark on their professional journeys.
He cautioned them against compromising their principles in pursuit of wealth, recognition and influential positions, urging them to demonstrate integrity in their workplaces, homes, businesses and churches.
“Go out with integrity. Be the same person in the office, the home, the market, and the church, especially when no one is watching,” Kaziimba said.
He reminded the graduates that their conduct would reflect on the university, urging them to protect its reputation through responsible behaviour and faithful service.
Quoting Proverbs 22:1, which emphasises the value of a good name over great riches, Kaziimba encouraged the graduates to build their careers and families on enduring values rather than the pursuit of fame or material wealth.
UCU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi challenged the graduates to become agents of positive change in schools, health facilities, religious institutions, businesses and public service.
“Our country and the world are not short of learned people; what we need most are transformational people that critically reflect on challenges before them and innovate solutions,” Mushengyezi said.
According to his report, 670 students graduated as the university celebrated academic achievement, research and innovation. The graduating class included seven PhD holders.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese and UCU Council Chairperson, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, said academic qualifications alone were insufficient without good character, critical thinking and a commitment to serving others.
Olwa challenged the graduates to reject attitudes that normalise corruption, dishonesty and mediocrity, saying Uganda needed professionals who could stand firm on their principles even when pressured to conform.
“A degree may open a door, but it is your thinking, character and conduct that decide what you do once you are inside. Do not ask only, ‘What can I gain?’ Ask, ‘What can I contribute?’” he said.
He urged the graduands to view leadership as a responsibility to improve people's lives rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
Olwa said Uganda needed professionals willing to create jobs, strengthen institutions, improve healthcare, educate children, uphold justice and develop practical solutions to challenges in agriculture, industry and technology.
The guest of honour, Uganda Development Bank Managing Director Patricia Adongo Ojangole, also warned graduates against taking shortcuts for personal gain, saying corruption and dishonesty could undermine careers and erode public trust.
Ojangole emphasised that professional competence must be accompanied by ethical conduct and accountability, particularly among those entrusted with leadership and public resources.
“Intelligence without integrity is dangerous. Knowledge without responsibility is destructive,” she said.
She urged the graduates to apply their knowledge to solving problems in their communities and workplaces, adding that Uganda needed qualified professionals who could be trusted to act responsibly and deliver results.
Among the graduates was Next Media journalist Dalton Kaweesa, who earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He highlighted the importance of continuous learning and leadership, saying professional advancement went beyond acquiring degrees and certificates to include the ability to guide teams and lead organisations.
Of the 670 graduates, 390 were male and 280 female. The figures provided show that 233 students received master's degrees, 333 undergraduate degrees, 10 postgraduate diplomas and 87 diplomas.
Twenty-two graduates attained first-class degrees, comprising 14 females and eight males.