Just moments ago, you joined campus and now… it’s time to leave. University is an opportunity to put a lens and focus on our true purpose, passions and missions in life. It is an opportunity not only to act on your interests but also to build or strengthen principles to guide you in your career path.  It’s time to use the concepts you have learnt at school to guide you in solving problems in your communities. The networks you have built and friends you have made, keep and grow them. Ideas and bunning passions you had, act on them. Embrace their ugly first form, eventually, they turn out to be marvellous with constant effort and innovation.

On behalf of the Alumni Association of Uganda Christian University, I congratulate you upon reaching your finish line of one of many academic races and your graduation. Note the word finish line!

From today, your family, community and the world at large is counting on you to be part of the solution to the problems they face. You now are the face of hope, your presence today as a graduate, commands their faith in you. So don’t watch things happen but rather participate and most importantly make a difference for the better. You had an opportunity to be trained at the centre of excellence in Africa, no the great expectation begins. Don’t let it intimidate you but rather let it inspire you to draw out the great you. It’s not pressure, even if it may feel that way!! it’s a divine responsibility. One that your academic results, points, or even grades don’t define, but rather your actions, discipline and focused passion.

So go be the change you want to see in the world. Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

Always put 100% in everything you do, and victory is yours. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skilful and experienced in his work? He will stand [in honour] before kings; He will not stand before obscure men.” Be faithful in the little, great is on your way so don’t worry about how humble the beginnings are, don’t underestimate them either, choose to make them your greatest lessons & firm foundation for building your future.

For God and My Country

By Emmanuel Wabwire President, UCU Alumni Association