UCU announces sh20m towards tuition fund for needy students

___________________

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has announced a contribution of sh20 million toward a tuition fund aimed at supporting students struggling to pay fees, as part of its continued effort to make higher education more accessible.

The announcement was made by UCU Vice Chancellor, Canon Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, during the Annual Tuition Run 2025 held at the university’s main campus in Mukono on Saturday, under the theme “Hope in Every Stride.”

The event drew more than 500 participants, including students, staff, alumni, and well-wishers, who gathered to raise awareness and funds for financially disadvantaged students.

George M. Kitaakule (District Rotary Governor 9213) (right), delivers his speech during the UCU Tuition Run 2025, as Vice Chancellor Canon Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (left) and Director of Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol (centre) look on. (Credit: UCU)

Prof. Mushengyezi said the university was moved by the plight of students who risk discontinuing their studies due to financial constraints, emphasising that UCU is committed to offering practical help where possible.

“We are not running away from something; we are running for a good cause — supporting students who have challenges with tuition,” he said. “Such students usually become useful members of society; one day, one of them could return as a Member of Parliament.”

He revealed that the sh20 million contribution marks the start of a larger, long-term initiative by UCU to strengthen its student financial aid system, with the goal of ensuring that no student’s dream is cut short due to lack of fees.

The Tuition Run, which combines earlier university initiatives such as the Mental Health Awareness Run, Guild Run, and Global 5K Run, served as the main fundraising platform for the tuition support effort.

According to a 2019 report citing the 2016 Africa Higher Education Survey, about 30% of university entrants in Uganda drop out before completing their studies due to financial challenges — a problem that the UCU tuition fund seeks to address.

The event attracted a wide range of sponsors, including Mercury Computers Limited, Peno Events Uganda, Unifreight Cargo Handling Limited Kampala, Alpha & Omega Hostels, Café Pora Restaurant Mukono, MTN Momo, Family TV, Spirit Media UG, Housing Finance Bank’s Chief Business Officer Peace Ayebazibwe, Jibu Uganda – Mukono, Queshunga Initiative Limited, UCU Alumni Office, and the UCU Students’ Guild Government.

Chief runner George Kitaakule (DRG 9213) praised the initiative, saying he was proud to run for a cause that brings hope to struggling students.

“I am not running for myself, but for every student who dreams of completing their education despite financial hurdles,” he said. “This run is about hope, faith, and opportunity.”

One of the participants pushes toward the finish line during the UCU Tuition Run 2025, showing determination to support students struggling with tuition. (Credit: UCU)

Elomaboni Abraham, a third-year law student, also expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the cause.

“Thank you for being fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters to students you may never meet,” he said. “Because of you, many of us can still believe in our dreams.”

The day ended in high spirits with a tug-of-war between students and staff — won by the students — symbolising teamwork and shared purpose.

As the sun set over the Mukono hill, the message remained clear: through generosity and unity, the UCU community is determined to ensure that no student is left behind because of financial hardship.