By Eriah Lule
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Alumni Association ushered in a new era of leadership during a three-year term, swearing-in ceremony at Nkoyoyo Hall on the Mukono campus.
On August 18, 2024, the university community witnessed the 2024-2027 swearing-in of the new committee, with Emmanuel Wabwire re-elected as Chairman for a second term. Wabwire, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from UCU and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Milan, is the Executive Director of Faraja Africa Foundation, a Social Enterprise in Kampala.
Amponda Agaba Kenneth, a 2021 UCU School of Law graduate who is pursuing his career at Agaba Muhairwe and Company Advocates, assumed the advocacy role of Speakership.
The election was held at a time when the Association was reflecting on significant achievements made over the last three years. Under the outgoing leadership of Wabwire as Chairman and Oboth Julius as the General Secretary, the Association worked to maintain a strong connection between the university and its alumni, both locally and internationally.
Some of the key achievements highlighted during the ceremony was the Association’s donation of $2,657 (sh10 million) towards the construction of the Bishop Orombi Information Technology Centre complex for the Arua Campus, which will be a one-stop tech center to positively impact the education system in Uganda’s West Nile region.
The previous Executive group also donated a training kit for the UCU Canons, the University’s male basketball team. The kit was a symbol showing the association’s support towards the struggling department.
The purchase of an Alumni van was another major milestone, significantly improving the Association’s ability to conduct its different engagements as well as generating a surplus income.
The digital era brought about by the pandemic saw the Association embracing online platforms to engage alumni through virtual events and regular updates like the General Assembly in 2021, while physical engagements, like the Homecoming events in 2022, to mark the university’s 25th anniversary, and Prayer Breakfast in 2023, were well received.
“We try to establish different projects to earn some income but also support our alma mater in its capital project developments,” said Wabwire. “This helps us to increase our relevance and influence among the Alumni community and entire University body.”
Joshua Mukisa, a 2014 UCU graduate of a Bachelor of Education, is one alumna who sees the Association’s embrace of technology as necessary and unique. The Association held an online election and peaceful transition, a mark that set the bar for other institutions.
“There has never been a peaceful alumni election in University history in Uganda, having one online is something new,” he said “We have set a bar that other institutions can benchmark and learn.”
Despite successes, the Association faces persistent challenges like low alumni participation in its activities, limiting alumni engagement and the growth of regional chapters, prompting it to call for greater involvement from alumni leadership.
As the new committee takes charge, the focus is on strengthening the Association’s financial base, expanding its international chapters, and enhancing alumni engagement across all regions. With a strategic work plan in the pipeline, the Association remains optimistic about its future, hoping to build on past achievements to make an even greater impact on the UCU community.
Wabwire acknowledged obstacles but emphasized the importance of unity and commitment to the Association’s goals.
“We must all work together to ensure that UCU continues to be a place of excellence, not just for current students but for alumni as well,” he said.
As the new leadership embarks on its mandate, the Association remains committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive alumni network with hopes of a brighter and more connected future for all its members.
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