UCU Graduates Urged to Reject Corruption and Uphold Integrity

What the report says

Uganda Christian University marked its graduation ceremony by sending a strong anti-corruption message to the 670 students who received qualifications in different disciplines. According to Nile Post, university leaders and the guest of honour urged the new graduates to uphold integrity, avoid shortcuts and use their training to serve communities rather than seek personal gain. The class included seven PhD recipients, along with students awarded master’s degrees, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas and diplomas.

The call to ethical leadership was led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and UCU Chancellor, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who encouraged the graduands to remain consistent in character across work, home, business and church life. He also reminded them that their conduct would reflect on the university and should help protect its reputation. UCU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi told the graduates that Uganda needs people who can think critically and generate solutions to social and economic problems.

The Bishop of Lango Diocese and UCU Council Chairperson, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, said academic credentials alone are not enough without good character and a commitment to public service. He urged the graduates to reject corruption, dishonesty and mediocrity, and to think about what they can contribute to society. Uganda Development Bank Managing Director Patricia Adongo Ojangole gave similar advice, stressing that competence must be matched by accountability and ethical conduct.

The report also noted that Next Media journalist Dalton Kaweesa was among the graduates, receiving an MBA. The broader message from the ceremony was that UCU wants its alumni to become trustworthy professionals who can strengthen institutions, improve services and help address Uganda’s development challenges.