Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), highlighted the importance of resilience and sustainability in institutional growth during his address at the 2025 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards.
He emphasized that excellence should be demonstrated through concrete actions, not just rhetoric.
Reflecting on UCU’s transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mushengyezi shared how the university restructured its operations, reducing its workforce and closing underperforming programs.
This strategic shift saved UCU approximately $2 billion annually, which was reinvested into enhancing infrastructure and supporting staff development.
Mushengyezi stressed that resilience requires continuous reassessment and alignment of an institution’s activities with its core mission.
He also underscored the importance of financial self-sufficiency, noting that UCU has been financially independent for the past four years.
In his remarks, ICPAU President CPA Timothy David Ediomu commended UCU for its climate-smart initiatives and student-led innovation projects, which he believes are crucial for cultivating future leaders in sustainability.
The FiRe Awards, now in its 15th year, recognized excellence in financial reporting and sustainability practices.
MTN Uganda, NSSF, and Stanbic Bank emerged as the top winners of the night.
The event also served as a platform to highlight the critical role of sustainability in financial reporting, especially amid global economic uncertainties and the challenges posed by climate change.
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