Mission Lecture 2026: A tradition that makes a difference on Campuses!

One topic uniting three Campuses: Protestant University of Rwanda (Huye), Makumira University (Arusha), and Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (Dar es Salaam).

“When was the last time you gave something to someone, and why did you give?” This question sounds banal. Yet, connected with this year's mission lecture topic: More than giving: resource mobilization as community building, Prof. Michael Vilain kindled interest and attention by questioning simple daily acts of giving and redefining them as a binding community element when the other person is considered intrinsically and respectfully. “If you want to have money, focus on building community first, try to establish connections and build trust,” said Prof. Michael Vilain.

From PUR to Makumira and finally to DarTu, the academic community was invited to rediscover resource mobilization as an academic reflection grounded in solid theoretical arguments. It also explored the practical aspects of fundraising, drawing on simple success stories around the world that offered hope and proved that, ultimately, the real purpose of giving should be to establish and enhance community.

This mission lecture broke from the traditional theological orientation of lectures. A young lady in DarTu could exclaim, “When I heard the mission lecture, I thought it was for pastors and theologians. I am so happy for the curiosity that brought me here. This lecture has shifted my perspective on giving and receiving. I now see those simple acts as ways to build community.”

A trip full of adventure, a provocative topic, visible excitement, and interest in more. This is not all the Mission Lecture has represented. As the topic suggests, a community was established. Thanks to the Mission Lecture, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Protestant University of Hessen in Germany and the three partner institutions in Africa. Yes, UEM bridges institutions, inspires partnerships, builds confidence, and links worlds. One Mission Lecture, and now a whole avenue is open. Hopefully, it will be explored to continue serving as a testament to the transformative, inspiring, binding, and empowering power of UEM's Mission Lecture!