Uganda Christian University (UCU) has awarded First Class degrees to 22 students, including 14 females, out of 670 graduates at its 27th graduation ceremony, with Jane Namunana emerging as the best overall student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.7.

The First Class graduates comprised 14 females and eight males, while the overall graduating class included 390 males and 280 females.

David Kuteesa emerged as the best male student with a CGPA of 4.63.

According to Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the graduates included seven PhD holders, 233 master's degree recipients, 333 undergraduate degree recipients, 10 postgraduate diploma recipients and 87 diploma recipients.

The graduation ceremony also featured calls from university and Church of Uganda leaders for the graduates to use their qualifications to address societal challenges, fight corruption and uphold integrity in their professional and personal lives.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and UCU Chancellor, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, challenged the graduands to prioritise faithfulness, character and service over personal advancement and recognition.

He said education should go beyond academic achievement to produce individuals capable of bringing positive change to society through service to God, the Church and the nation.

Kaziimba commended UCU for supporting the Church of Uganda's mission through theological education, clergy formation and continued professional development for church leaders.

He also recognised the university's Church Relations Department for strengthening ties between the institution and dioceses and parishes.

The Archbishop urged dioceses to remit their contributions from UCU Sunday promptly to support the university's development, describing the contributions as a practical expression of the Church's shared responsibility for the institution.

He further called on leaders in the Church, university and government to embrace the Church of Uganda's 2027 theme, “Focused Leadership and Integrity in Service,” saying leadership should be measured by faithfulness, transparency and commitment to the needs of the people.

Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of the Diocese of Lango and Chairperson of the UCU Council, said university education should transform how people think, make decisions and treat others rather than merely equip them with information.

The guest of honour, Dr. Patricia Adong Ojangole, Managing Director of Uganda Development Bank, challenged the graduates to choose purpose over entitlement, discernment over conformity, integrity over convenience, service over status and growth over fear.

She urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at university with a sense of purpose and responsibility, making meaningful contributions to their communities and the country.