By KT Reporter
Uganda Christian University -UCU has launched the 2025 Tuition Run, an annual fundraising drive aimed at keeping financially struggling students in school.
This year, the university has set an ambitious target of raising UGX 500 million to help more than 100 students complete their education. Unlike previous editions, which were spearheaded by different departments, this year’s run is a collective effort involving the Scholarships Office, the Guild Government, the Honours College, and other UCU institutions.
“We do not want to spread ourselves thin because the cause is one and the community is one,” said Dorothy Tushemererwe, UCU’s Fundraising Officer. “Last year we raised 40 million; this year, we believe 500 million will come to pass.”
For the first time, the Tuition Run will be held simultaneously across all UCU campuses — Kampala, Mbale, Kagando, and Arua — on Saturday, October 18.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Dickson Tumurumye, Manager of UCU’s Honours College, announced that this year’s chief runner will be Mr. Joseph Kitakule, District Governor of Rotary District 9213. He called on the public, alumni, friends, partners, and well-wishers to rally behind the cause:
“Together, we can make sure our students complete their education.”
The run has already attracted strong corporate backing, with Stanbic Bank, Housing Finance Bank, and Tropical Bank pledging support. Joseph Mabonga, Team Leader at Housing Finance, lauded UCU’s vision:
“These activities are very impactful. They create real change in people’s lives.”
The impact of the Tuition Run is evident in the lives of beneficiaries. Deborah Nakaddu, a third-year Nursing student, said the initiative saved her education when her father could no longer afford fees.
“Before I got help, every exam season was filled with fear and uncertainty. The Tuition Run restored my hope and allowed me to focus on my studies,” she said.
Another student, Joshua Kisakye, shared: “When someone has a dream and it gets shattered, it’s very hard. The Tuition Run gave me hope again.”
Gift Katusime, the UCU Alumni Administrator, stressed the urgency of supporting learners, saying: “We often see students in tears at exam time as they cannot clear their fees. Policy requires full payment, unfortunately, some miss their first papers. This run is our way of calling upon everyone to stand with such students.”
The alumni office has pledged to contribute by purchasing branded T-shirts and vests, while also mobilizing support through alumni platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
Adding her voice, Atim Patricia, Deputy Prime Minister of the 27th Guild Government, praised UCU for maintaining academic excellence while prioritizing inclusivity. She noted that the Guild had already pledged 100 free bibs to help students sit for exams.
“Even a small contribution goes a long way,” she said, urging other stakeholders to match the effort.
With the UGX 500 million goal in sight, UCU leadership is mobilizing all sectors of the community. Dr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, urged everyone to take part:
“We have seen our students’ tears, but through this run, we can cause smiles. Each contribution — whether through buying a t-shirt, sponsoring a bib, or making a donation — brings hope and helps our students achieve their dreams.”
The Tuition Run is anchored in UCU’s mission of nurturing “a complete person” — academically, spiritually, and socially. Through the Omega Scholarship Fund, which has already raised over UGX 300 million to support more than 100 students, the university aims to make the impact of this initiative long-lasting.
As the October 18 date approaches, UCU’s message remains clear: every step counts towards transforming lives.
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