If there was one story that stood out at Uganda Christian University’s 27th Graduation Ceremony, it wasn’t just the pomp, the prayers, or the celebrations — it was the women. Ladies didn’t just show up at the Mukono ceremony; they dominated it, outnumbering their male counterparts and claiming the majority of the coveted First Class honours.
Held on Friday, 3rd July 2026 at the Recreation Ground, Main Campus in Mukono, under the theme “Celebrating Divine Milestones,” the ceremony saw 1,274 graduates conferred with degrees and diplomas. The event was graced by Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, who served as UCU Chancellor from 2004 to 2012, and was streamed live on the university’s YouTube channel.
The Women Ran the Show
The numbers tell a clear story of female excellence. Of the 1,274 graduates, 698 were women — a commanding 55% — compared to 576 men at 45%.
But the women didn’t stop at simply outnumbering the men. When it came to academic excellence, they pulled ahead there too. Of the 102 graduates who earned First Class honours, 60 were women and just 52 were men. In other words, ladies walked away with both the bigger crowd and the bigger share of the top grades.
It’s a result that adds to a growing national conversation about the rising academic dominance of women in Uganda’s universities — and one that’s bound to spark plenty of debate across campus WhatsApp groups and social media.
The VC’s Charge to the Class
Addressing the graduands, Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi celebrated the achievement while reminding the new graduates that their success would ultimately be measured by character, not just certificates.
“We celebrate 1,274 graduates today, comprising 698 women (55%) and 576 men (45%). Among them are 102 First Class graduates, 60 women and 52 men,” he said.
“As you join the global community, remember that true success is measured by your service to others, your integrity in leadership, and your faithfulness in every endeavour you pursue. Go forth as torchbearers of these noble virtues. Congratulations and best wishes,” he added.
“Not the Final Destination”
The Chairman of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa — who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Lango — reminded the graduands that the ceremony marked a beginning, not an end.
“Graduation is much more than the conferral of degrees and diplomas. It is a celebration of countless hours of study, sacrifice, resilience, and determination. It is also a testament to God’s faithfulness, whose grace has sustained each graduand throughout this academic journey,” he said.
He challenged them to prepare for a demanding world.
“To our graduands, you have reached an important stage in your life, but not the final destination. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges. The world you enter is dynamic and complex. It requires not only intellectual competence but also moral courage, ethical leadership, compassion, and unwavering integrity,” he said.
A Sign of the Times
The dominance of women at UCU’s 27th Graduation is more than a one-day headline — it reflects a wider shift being seen across Ugandan higher education, where female students are increasingly leading in both enrolment and performance. For years, the narrative around girls’ education focused on access; ceremonies like this one show the conversation has moved firmly to achievement.
For the class of 2026, and especially for the 698 women who graduated, the message is one of pride and possibility. They didn’t just make up the numbers — they set the pace.
CampusBee congratulates all UCU graduates on reaching this remarkable milestone.
