Sacred Heart Gulu graduands urged to use skills to better themselves, communities

GULU - Graduates of the University of the Sacred Heart Gulu have been urged to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

The Rev. Fr. Prof. Odubuker Picho Epiphany, the chairperson of the university’s Governing Council, made the remarks on November 22, 2025, during the institution’s 4th graduation ceremony at its premises in Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, where 63 students graduated.

A total of 63 students (38 males and 25 females) graduated in four disciplines: 25 with a bachelor's degree in counselling psychology, 19 with a postgraduate diploma in strategic management and leadership, 15 with a postgraduate diploma in business intelligence and data analytics, and four with a bachelor of commerce.

Of the four bachelor's degree of commerce graduates, three achieved first-class degrees, including Jackline Alimocan, who told New Vision Online that teamwork and co-operation were key to their success:

"What helped us excel was working together, discussing and sharing ideas. We weren’t here to compete; we were here to succeed together. That approach helped three of us achieve first-class degrees, while the fourth earned a second-class upper."

The private university, established by the Archdiocese of Gulu under the founding vision of Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama to promote healing, reconciliation, and development, particularly in post-conflict Northern Uganda, held its first graduation on October 2, 2021, with 22 students completing two academic programmes. However, the university has since expanded its academic offerings.

Alimocan is one of the four graduates who obtained a First-Class degree during the 4th graduation held on Saturday. (Credit: Rosemary Anena)

Odubuker advised the graduates to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the university’s mission and vision: Behave like people who have not just passed through the university, but whom the university has passed through.

You cannot spend your time here and emerge unchanged. Be creative, be responsible, and be entrepreneurial. The university has taught you how to think critically, use the skills to prepare yourselves to become better persons, so that the world can see that the university has truly shaped you.

He added: Education does not end here; continue to grow intellectually in today’s demanding world. Always seek to expand your knowledge and make a positive impact wherever you go.

Fr. Odubuker also encouraged the public to consider the university for quality education, noting: Do not ignore this university. Send your children here for quality education. Bigger universities may seem attractive, but often the larger the institution, the harder it is to receive the individual attention needed for true transformation.

Vice-chancellor Fr. Jino Mwaka expressed gratitude for the community’s trust and commitment. He highlighted the university’s growth:

"In 2017, total enrolment was only 40 students across two academic programs. Today, we have seven programs with a total enrollment of 141 students."

This year, Fr. Mwaka thanked both the community and the lecturers for their continued support and commitment to the students’ success.