By Muduku Derrick Brian
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tokyo Christian University, Inzai, Chiba, Japan, to conduct joint research and exchange programs.
UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi signed on behalf of his institution, while Dr. Randall Short signed on behalf of Tokyo Christian University. Dr. Short is the Vice President for International Affairs at his institution.
Previously, UCU selected six students for a six-month exchange program with Hanze University of Applied Sciences Foundation in the Netherlands.
Mushengyezi said UCU has prioritized exchange programs because they “expose our students to new challenging environments and ways of doing things and cultures.”
He noted that UCU intends to extend the partnerships to other universities in different parts of the world so that students get as much exposure as possible.
According to the MoU, UCU and Tokyo Christian University will run an exchange program for students and staff, conduct joint research activities and publications, participate in joint seminars and academic meetings and also share academic materials and other information.
Frank Obonyo, UCU’s Communications Manager, said UCU found it easy to partner with Tokyo Christian University because of the latter’s Christian foundation.
“Tokyo Christian University evolved from theological development,” Obonyo said of Japan’s only evangelical university fully accredited by the Japanese government. “Their strong belief in Christ centeredness made it is easy for us to partner with them since we are similar in many ways. Our students and staff will benefit from the global network and international space, which will ultimately widen their scope and view of things.”
Tokyo Christian University is a premier evangelical institution with a protestant history that spans up to 140 years. The university aims to provide a Christ-centered liberal arts in education for both men and women in Asia, focusing on educating the heart and the mind for leadership, service, evangelism and mission. UCU’s mission is to equip students for productive, holistic lives of Christian faith and service.
Pamela Tumwebaze, the Head of Department of the Honors College, said UCU has a lot to benefit from the partnership.
“Through the exchange program, some of our students will get the opportunity to travel and study in Japan in the same way Japanese students will come and study at UCU,” she said.
Tumwebaze added that UCU intends to help students from Tokyo particularly in the English language.
“We are working closely with the head of languages and literature at UCU, Dr. James Taabu Busimba, to help the Japanese to master the English language,” she said.
Muzahura Owen Ivan, one of the leaders in the UCU Guild Government, said students are excited by the partnerships.
“Some students see this as a golden chance to travel and get to experience the new academic cultures and lifestyle,” he said. “The Guild Government fully supports the partnerships and will help in raising awareness among students so they can embrace the opportunity.”
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