By Pauline Luba
Under the warm lights of Fairway Hotel in Kampala, the Honours College of Uganda Christian University (UCU) brought together students, alumni and well-wishers for an evening of inspiration, reflection and renewed commitment to building lasting bonds.
The Meet-and-Greet Dinner, held on June 26, 2025, was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of what it means to belong to a community grounded in leadership, legacy and lifelong connections.
The theme for the evening, Leadership, Legacy, and Life-long Connections, could not have been more fitting. The dinner, informally dubbed “meet and eat” by attendees, was a chance for the past and the present at UCU’s Honours College to share a meal and exchange stories that tie their bonds together.
At the heart of the evening’s programme was a keynote address by the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, former UCU vice chancellor. Senyonyi reminded the audience of the true meaning of leadership and networking in an ever-changing world.
“If you want something to be done, give it to a busy person,” Senyonyi told the gathering, alluding to the determination and the drive he sees in UCU students who balance tight schedules with academic demands and community responsibilities.
Some students and alumni at the dinner
His words resonated deeply with people like Victor Enoch Masiga, a third-year Bachelor of Laws student, who joined the Honours College in May last year. Masiga said he was particularly inspired by one of the alumni, Patinson Arinaitwe, who shared his professional journey at the event.
The event drew some of the university’s key leadership figures. The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. Kitayimbwa reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating spaces where students and alumni can exchange ideas and strengthen their networks. Also present were Tumuramye Dickson, the Head of the Honours College; Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, the Director of Academic Affairs; and Harriet Adong, the Director of Communication and Public Relations.
From the testimonies shared, it was clear that UCU’s Honours College continues to stand out as a unique space for nurturing exceptional students. The diverse experiences of alumni, now working in government, banks, law firms and other sectors, demonstrated the far-reaching impact of UCU’s emphasis on academic excellence, integrity and service. The students who attended were not just listeners but active contributors, eager to learn how to use their time at the university to lay foundations for future leadership.
One of the memorable aspects of the dinner was the spirit of mentorship that flowed freely through conversations. Alumni offered practical advice on navigating the challenges of professional life while upholding UCU’s core values. Students in turn expressed gratitude for the chance to meet those who once walked the same paths and faced similar struggles.
The dinner also sparked conversations about how to formalize connections into stronger alumni networks.
“There is power in leveraging the experience, expertise and goodwill of the alumni,” Kitayimbwa said, underscoring the plan to create more opportunities for alumni to mentor students, collaborate on projects and keep UCU’s legacy alive in their respective sectors of work.
For many students, the evening did not conclude with the food. New contacts were saved, promises were made to follow up on internship opportunities and groups formed to plan the next gathering. The dinner served as a powerful reminder that university life does not end at graduation, but evolves into an ever-growing family that can stand together to tackle challenges in the wider world.
As the night wound down and guests exchanged goodbyes, a sense of belonging lingered in the air. Leadership, legacy and lifelong connections are not just words to Masiga and his peers. They are daily commitments that continue to shape the future of UCU, one conversation, one handshake and one dinner at a time.
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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.
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