By Nicole Nankya
The first time I met Steven Kisenge he shared briefly about his passion for human rights while seated in the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Honors College office of Pamela Tumwebaze. The second time was to learn more about Steven, who was this time dressed in black and accompanied by his friend Julius Lubangangeyo, also a student in the Honors College dressed in white coat and black trouser. Both had broad welcoming smiles.
Kisenge, a third-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human rights, peace and humanitarian intervention at UCU, had emailed a research paper immediately after that first meeting. It was 22 pages focused on abuse and challenges of refugees in Kampala.
Kisenge believes his Honors College experience has helped shape him in service delivery to others whose human rights have been violated.
Any UCU student qualifies to join Honors College upon completion of first year at the university with 4.O GPA and above. Leadership, mentorship and spiritual growth are the programs’ emphasis through workshops, research and various outreaches.
Kisenge’s assigned mentor is the Rev Dr. John Kitiyimbwa who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs who, in Kisenge’s words, “has been kind and humble to me.”
“He has guided me on different perceptions of life on how best I can maneuver without compromising on my standards as a leader and a Christian,” Kisenge said.
Steven believes that Honors college has improved his knowledge of how to do research, write compelling essays, and develop and implement project plans.
One of his projects focused on “sensitization about gender-based violence” that he implemented for four months in partnership with the Red Cross Uganda, Mukono branch.
“Going out in the community and interacting with people helps you know what kind of challenges they face and how best a person can solve them,” Kisenge said.
He also noted that with the connections he obtained through the college has exposed him to different people that he had never thought of meeting like being able to go to parliament and present a paper on human rights abuse.
Kisenge’s UCU leadership positions have included Millennium fellowship cohort director, vice president for para-counseling, chapel leader and class coordinator. In secondary school, he was assistant chaplain and a literature and history facilitator.
Once completing his undergraduate degree in July 2022, Kisenge hopes to pursue a master’s degree in human rights and to advocate for vulnerable people.
WEDNESDAY: Words of virtual mentor Peggy Noll of Pennsylvania, USA.
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