By Jessica Sabano
More than 1,200 students graduated from Uganda Christian University (UCU) on Friday during the first session of the institution’s 27th Graduation Ceremony, with women emerging as the top performers in both numbers and academic excellence.
The ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Mukono, was the first of four graduation sessions introduced to enable students to graduate promptly after completing their studies.
A total of 1,274 students graduated, including 698 women (55 percent) and 576 men (45 percent), reflecting the continued rise in female participation and success in higher education.
The university also recorded its highest-ever number of First Class honours graduates, with 102 students attaining the distinction. Women accounted for 60 of the First Class graduates, while 42 were men, further highlighting their strong academic performance.
Don Acheng emerged as the overall best student, graduating with a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management and an outstanding Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.91. Marvin Tumusiime was the best-performing male graduate, earning a GPA of 4.85 in Bachelor of Business Administration, while Emmanuel Nsubuga was the top science student with a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics and a GPA of 4.79.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the chief guest, Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, a former UCU Chancellor who served from 2004 to 2012, and was streamed live on the university’s YouTube channel.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the graduates and reminded them that success extends beyond academic achievement.
“We celebrate 1,274 graduates today, comprising 698 women (55 percent) and 576 men (45 percent). Among them are 102 First Class graduates,” he said.
“As you join the global community, remember that true success is measured by your service to others, your integrity in leadership, and your faithfulness in every endeavour you pursue.”
The Chairperson of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, said graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter that comes with greater responsibility.
“Graduation is much more than the conferral of degrees and diplomas. It is a celebration of resilience, sacrifice and determination. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter that requires moral courage, ethical leadership and integrity,” he said.
The Archbishop of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, urged the graduates to remain disciplined and uphold the values and reputation of the university wherever they go.
The outstanding performance by women at UCU reflects a broader trend within Uganda’s higher education sector, where female students continue to register higher enrolment and stronger academic outcomes.
For the Class of 2026, and especially the 698 women graduates, the occasion marked not only the successful completion of their academic journey but also a demonstration of leadership in academic excellence.