MBALE- The Archbishop of Church of Uganda who is also the Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has called for the integration of faith and education, to have a generation of responsible leaders.
He made the call while presiding over Uganda Christian University’s fourth part of its 25th Graduation Ceremony today November 29th at Mbale University College in Mbale City, where 774 students graduated, including 414 females and 330 males.
“Our education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about shaping character, fostering integrity, and nurturing a spirit of service. Let us continue to do the right thing as reflected in James 4:17: ‘If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He expressed displeasure about disparities in salary increment by the government favouring Science teachers and sidelining Arts teachers.
“As you can see, we have many graduates of Education, meaning that teachers are upgrading. Whereas the government has increased teachers’ salaries, the unfair increments of increasing the salaries of Science teachers and not considering the Arts teachers must be revised. They should get equal pay because all are equally important.” Archbishop Kaziimba, said.
The Archbishop reiterated his call for supporting and mentoring the boy child to have responsible husbands in the future and a morally upright generation.
“The best Graduands at this function are girls. They are well mentored, well cultured and trained. But then, where are their future husbands? We must mentor the boy child to prepare a better future for our girls.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The Minister of State for Kampala Metropolitan Affairs who represented Hon Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation as the Chief Guest, Hon Kabuye Kyofatogabye commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for creating an enabling environment for affordable University education and bringing it closer to the ordinary Ugandan.
He thanked UCU for pioneering online education during the COVID-19 pandemic which made access to quality education easy, a model that has been copied by several other Universities.
“UCU has always worked so hard to offer high-quality education even during the tough times of COVID 19, they innovatively and creatively embraced virtual learning which has been adopted by many Universities and has transformed the education sector in Uganda.” Hon Kyofatogabye said.
He added, “There is no wrong or right degree. What matters is your thinking and attitude towards achieving your goal. I also encourage you not to be comfortable with your achievement today. Go back to School and upgrade.”
The Uganda Christian University Vice Chancellor Prof Aaron Mushengyezi highlighted the ongoing infrastructure transformation, which he said is to ensure that students receive an education that is both impactful and relevant to the needs of the modern-day student.
According to Prof Mushengyezi, this is intended to enhance the learning environment and overall experience of the UCU students.
He detailed the seven-year Campus Transformation Initiative (CTI), which includes digitized campus services, refurbished facilities, improved walkways and roads, landscaped campuses, and a trained team to lead the transformation and charged Graduands to uphold Uganda Christian University core values and be good Ambassadors in the market place.
“As you step forward into the marketplace, know that you carry with you our blessing and prayers. We hope that you will go and make a difference in your communities, the nation, and the world.” Prof Mushengyezi said.
The Principal of Uganda Christian University Mbale University College, Dr Kigenyi Erisa Mazaki urged graduands to maintain the values they have acquired, noting that these determine their character.
“People with good character are one of the scarcest resources in the world today. While at UCU, you have acquired knowledge, skills, values, and friends. We urge you to maintain the values that you have acquired because these determine your character.” Dr. Kigenyi said.
The Chairperson of the College Governing Council, Bishop George Bogere Egesa called on graduates to embrace servant leadership, remain uncorruptible, and be humble while serving.
He advised them not to despise days of humble beginnings and not despise the available jobs decrying the scarcity of formal jobs and the bureaucracies in getting them.
According to the Church of Uganda Communications Officer Sadiiki Adams Mugume, the colorful event was attended by the Church of Uganda Bishops that included Rt Rev John Wilson Nandaah of Mbale Diocese, Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu of North Karamoja, Rt Rev Hannington Ssubi of East Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Micheal Okwii Esarkan of Kumi and Rt Rev Patrick Gidudu who is the Retired Bishop of Mbale.
