CUEA Installs New Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor Ahead of 45th Graduation
By Stephen Mbobu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) formally installed its new Chancellor, Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga, and Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, during the Thanksgiving Mass for the University’s 45th Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The ceremony marked a significant moment in the University’s leadership, with both office holders taking their respective oaths. Archbishop Nyaisonga, who also serves as Chair of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) and Archbishop of Mbeya, Tanzania, was the first to be installed.
Following his oath of office, administered by the outgoing Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, Archbishop Nyaisonga presided over the Thanksgiving Mass.
In his remarks, Bishop Kasonde congratulated his successor and wished him a “successful tenure marked by faithful service, unity, academic excellence and steadfast commitment to the mission of Catholic higher education.”
Chancellor Calls for Gratitude and Virtuous Living
In his homily, Archbishop Nyaisonga urged the University community to cultivate a spirit of gratitude to God, acknowledging divine grace in the establishment and growth of CUEA. He also gave thanks for the 2026 graduands and recognised the contribution of lecturers, administrators and other stakeholders in preparing them for graduation.
Describing gratitude as small in expression but great in value, he compared the word “thanks” to gold—“small but great in density and weight.”
Drawing from Colossians 3:17, he encouraged the community to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasising that gratitude should be accompanied by an awareness of Christ’s presence in daily life.
“Accompany gratitude with the recognition of the presence of Jesus in our lives daily,” he urged.
The Chancellor also reminded graduands that education should form the human mind to think critically, seek truth and serve others well. He challenged them to recognise the expectations placed upon them by their parents, sponsors, society and prospective employers.
While parents hope their children will give back, society expects competence, and employers seek character demonstrated through integrity, honesty and steadfastness, he said. Above all, he reminded the graduands that God calls them to live virtuous lives and bear everlasting fruit.
Prof. Opongo Takes Office as Vice-Chancellor and Rector
At exactly 11.32 a.m., Very Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, took the oath of fidelity and was formally installed as Vice-Chancellor and Rector of CUEA. He was presented with the University’s symbols of authority: the University Charter, statutes, mace and University Seal.
His predecessor, Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua, attended the ceremony and handed over the symbols of authority. Prof. Opongo’s term began on 1 September 2026 and will initially run until 31 August 2030, with the possibility of one renewal.
Congratulating the new Vice-Chancellor, the Chair of the University Council, Bishop Mark Kadima, thanked the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) for making Prof. Opongo’s services available to AMECEA and the University.
The installation reaffirmed the University’s commitment to continuity in leadership and to its mission of Catholic higher education.
Chancellor Pledges to Sustain CUEA’s Legacy
At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Nyaisonga led a select group of graduands in a candle-lighting ceremony before imparting a solemn blessing upon all the 2026 graduands.
In a brief address before the close of the Mass, the new Chancellor pledged to safeguard and strengthen CUEA’s legacy, ensuring that it remains as effective as it has been over more than four decades.
He reinforced his message by quoting Pope Leo XIV’s remarks to leaders of colleges and universities in the United States, emphasising the centrality of truth in Catholic education: