UCU to Spearhead Virtual Uganda Martyrs' Day Celebrations

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is preparing to host the upcoming virtual Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, scheduled for June 3rd at the Anglican site in Namugongo, Wakiso District. This year’s observance will revolve around the theme, ‘Christ Our Peace: Breaking walls, healing the Nations,’ a message drawn from Ephesians 2:14.

The chosen theme aims to address pressing contemporary issues within Uganda, including fractured families, pervasive corruption, economic struggles, and instances of injustice, seeking spiritual solutions through the tenets of peace.

UCU’s involvement underscores its deep historical connections to the spread of Christianity and education in Uganda. The university’s roots trace back to 1877, with the arrival of missionaries invited by Kabaka Mutesa I, whose initial focus was on literacy.

Over time, the necessity for formal theological education became apparent, supported by figures like Bishop Alfred Tucker, who envisioned a self-sufficient African church. This led to the training of catechists and teachers, initially at Namirembe Hill and later relocating to Mukono on land donated by Hamu Mukasa, establishing Bishop Tucker Memorial College in 1913.

Affiliated with Makerere University for several decades, Bishop Tucker Theological College transitioned into Uganda Christian University in 1997. This transformation, spearheaded by Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, aimed to create a comprehensive institution serving the entire nation, not solely the Church of Uganda. Today, UCU stands as a diverse university with faculties spanning law, medicine, engineering, journalism, business, and social sciences.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ucu-to-lead-anglican-martyrs-day-celebrations-5480648