Announcing President Emeritus
Rev. Dr. David Musiande Kasali

If there is a Scripture that captures the life of David Kasali it is this:

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19

At the turn of the millennium, between 1996-2003, the Democratic Republic of Congo was embroiled in a war that took an estimated 4 million lives and wreaked untold devastation on the country and region. At that time and into that context, God placed in David Kasali both lament and a vision — a lament for Congo’s suffering and impoverishment and a vision for transformation. This new thing would become Congo Initiative and the Christian Bilingual University of Congo (UCBC). 

In his powerful book, Born from Lament, Emmanuel Katongole recognizes Congo Initiative and UCBC as a unique sign of hope — a fresh new future — in what is still beleaguered Central Africa. He describes CI and UCBC as not only being born from lament, but a work of lament, that has turned into one of the most visible signs of hope: a new thing in the land.

David Kasali has poured his life into developing and realizing this new thing. Prayerfully and faithfully, he called, developed, led, and supported a team of dedicated and committed colleagues, partners, and friends — both Congolese and internationally. He has networked and advocated tirelessly, to create a community of individuals, churches, organizations, and foundations to accompany and support this vision. He has encouraged, mentored, and nurtured a growing community of women and men committed to transformation; and he has taught, witnessed, and drawn upon God’s faithfulness, provision and blessing.

And at this time, and for a new season, the General Assembly of Congo Initiative and UCBC at its October 2024 meeting, unanimously and with resounding affirmation, named and honored Founder, Rev. Dr. David Musiande Kasali, as President Emeritus of Congo Initiative and the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC). 

In their proclamation, the General Assembly lauded Dr. Kasali for his outstanding and distinguished service as its Founding President and Legal Representative and as First Rector of Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo. 

Making particular note of his exceptional commitment and contribution to CI and UCBC, together with his Christian character, personal and professional integrity, and civic responsibility, the GA affirmed that his service has far exceeded the normal duties and responsibilities of his position, having an extraordinary impact not only on CI and UCBC, but as well the broader community in Congo and globally. 

As President Emeritus, and as the organization’s original visionary and carrier of its history, values, and objectives, Dr. Kasali will continue as a key representative of the organization and will provide counsel, advocacy, and service in various roles and capacities in support of UCBC’s on-field and global Congo Initiative entities.We celebrate this personal and organizational milestone. With the conferring of the rank of President Emeritus to Rev. Dr. David Musiande Kasali, we bless and commission him as he contributes in this new role to the growth and development of CI and UCBC.