Prof. Laban  P. Ayiro the Vice Chancellor Daystar University (Right) and Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi the Vice Chancellor Uganda Christian University (Left) signing a memoranda of understanding to formalize institutional collaboration.

By Ashley Muratha

[July 9, 2025], Daystar University hosted a delegation from Uganda Christian University (UCU) at its Main Campus Athi River. The delegation was part of the participants who attended the International Network for Christian Higher Education (INCHE) conference that was held at CORAT from Monday July 7 to Wednesday, July9, 2025.

The UCU delegation was led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and comprised 7 other members.  They were received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance Administration and Planning, Prof. Muturi Wachira, the University Chaplain, Rev. Miano Weche, the Director, Resource Mobilization, Ms. Jacqueline Mathaga, and the VC’s Protocol Officer, Mrs. Grace Mbogo-Liyai.

In a relaxed and good-humored interaction, Prof. Ayiro shared his vision to have a School of Medicine and a School of Dentistry, an inspiration he got during his recent visit to UCU. The Vice Chancellor commended the success of the School of Medicine at UCU,  adding that he planned to send a team to benchmark with UCU before launching the Daystar University School of Medicine.

Similarly, UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mushengyezi, reflected on how Daystar University inspired the establishment of UCU in 1997, led by its Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Talitwala.  UCU, he said, set out to replicate Daystar University in setting up a faith-based institution that focused on quality education, servant leadership, and Christ-centered values that continue to influence the two institutions to this day.

The conversation quickly moved beyond history into exciting possibilities of the future. Prof. Ayiro emphasized the importance of collaborations in research, scholarships and consultancies in solidifying the collective strength and regional presence of both universities.

On his part, Prof. Mushengyezi proposed collaborative ventures such as creating a joint editorial board for academic journals, creation of an Institute of Mission as a contribution to the Church, and academic mobility programmes that allow for student and faculty exchange.

The highlight of the meeting was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions.

Later, Daystar University, represented by Ms. Jacqueline Mathaga and Ms. Grace Mbogo, gifted the UCU delegation in a gesture of friendship and goodwill.

In their closing remarks, both Vice Chancellors expressed a shared commitment to deepening collaboration through a variety of potential initiatives, ranging from academic cooperation to leadership engagement and institutional exchange.

Later, the guests were treated to an informal dinner at the Vice Chancellor’s official residence at Lukenya Village. The dinner was marked by laughter, storytelling, and the warmth of new friendships, further strengthening the bonds formed earlier in the day and cemented around the dinner table.

As the partnership between Daystar University and Uganda Christian University becomes a reality, both campuses are poised to write a new chapter in the history of higher education in East Africa, one founded on faith, shared vision, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.