All posts by Patty Huston-Holm

About Patty Huston-Holm

Author, professor, communications consultant in Ohio, USA; and Mukono, Uganda, Africa. View all posts by Patty Huston-Holm →

Alumni Association welcomes new leadership, celebrates milestones

November 20, 2024News, UCU AlumniUCU, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

The new UCU alumni executive team is sworn in during Community Worship in Nkoyoyo Hall. Terms run for three years, ending in 2027.

By Eriah Lule
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Alumni Association ushered in a new era of leadership during a three-year term, swearing-in ceremony at Nkoyoyo Hall on the Mukono campus.

The Executive hands over a “check” of sh10 million ($2,657) to management towards the construction of the Bishop Orombi ICT Complex at Arua Campus. UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi is at right.

On August 18, 2024, the university community witnessed the 2024-2027 swearing-in of the new committee, with Emmanuel Wabwire re-elected as Chairman for a second term. Wabwire, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies from UCU and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Milan, is the Executive Director of Faraja Africa Foundation, a Social Enterprise in Kampala.

Amponda Agaba Kenneth, a 2021 UCU School of Law graduate who is pursuing his career at Agaba Muhairwe and Company Advocates, assumed the advocacy role of Speakership.

The election was held at a time when the Association was reflecting on significant achievements made over the last three years. Under the outgoing leadership of Wabwire as Chairman and Oboth Julius as the General Secretary, the Association worked to maintain a strong connection between the university and its alumni, both locally and internationally.

Some of the key achievements highlighted during the ceremony was the Association’s donation of $2,657 (sh10 million) towards the construction of the Bishop Orombi Information Technology Centre complex for the Arua Campus, which will be a one-stop tech center to positively impact the education system in Uganda’s West Nile region.

The previous Executive group also donated a training kit for the UCU Canons, the University’s male basketball team. The kit was a symbol showing the association’s support towards the struggling department.

The purchase of an Alumni van was another major milestone, significantly improving the Association’s ability to conduct its different engagements as well as generating a surplus income.

The digital era brought about by the pandemic saw the Association embracing online platforms to engage alumni through virtual events and regular updates like the General Assembly in 2021, while physical engagements, like the Homecoming events in 2022, to mark the university’s 25th anniversary, and Prayer Breakfast in 2023, were well received.

“We try to establish different projects to earn some income but also support our alma mater in its capital project developments,” said Wabwire. “This helps us to increase our relevance and influence among the Alumni community and entire University body.”

Joshua Mukisa, a 2014 UCU graduate of a Bachelor of Education, is one alumna who sees the Association’s embrace of technology as necessary and unique. The Association held an online election and peaceful transition, a mark that set the bar for other institutions.

“There has never been a peaceful alumni election in University history in Uganda, having one online is something new,” he said “We have set a bar that other institutions can benchmark and learn.”

Despite successes, the Association faces persistent challenges like low alumni participation in its activities, limiting alumni engagement and the growth of regional chapters, prompting it to call for greater involvement from alumni leadership.

As the new committee takes charge, the focus is on strengthening the Association’s financial base, expanding its international chapters, and enhancing alumni engagement across all regions. With a strategic work plan in the pipeline, the Association remains optimistic about its future, hoping to build on past achievements to make an even greater impact on the UCU community.

Wabwire acknowledged obstacles but emphasized the importance of unity and commitment to the Association’s goals.

“We must all work together to ensure that UCU continues to be a place of excellence, not just for current students but for alumni as well,” he said.

As the new leadership embarks on its mandate, the Association remains committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive alumni network with hopes of a brighter and more connected future for all its members.

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To support UCU programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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Regional law moot competition unearths talent at UCU

November 18, 2024News, Students, UCU School of Law#Kenya, #Moot, #News, #students, School of Law, UCU, UgandaPatty Huston-Holm

Stacy Angel Ndawula and Jude Mulumbye at the moot competition

By Pauline Luba
Personal data is a key driver of an election cycle in any country. From the time of registration, voters leave personal information that becomes useful during the campaigns, as well as during the elections. The data provided by the voters is useful in determining where the rallies are organized and how the campaign messages are tailored.

The theme of personal data during elections was the subject of a recent law moot (simulated) competition in Kenya, where students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) not only participated, but also returned with honors.

Stacy Angel Ndawula and Jude Mulumbye showcased their debate prowess in the competition, both relevant and timely, given the rise in the use of biometric technology in developing countries, including Uganda, and its implications on privacy of the data of the voters. Biometric technology is the science of using automated methods to recognize people based on their biological and behavioral characteristics.

Ndawula and Mulumbye are year-three students pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at UCU.

The moot focused on a hypothetical case involving the East African Civil Liberties Union against the Electoral Commission of Umoja. The case touched on issues of data privacy in elections, specifically addressing concerns about the security and the use of personal data collected through biometric systems.

According to Ndawula, the challenge was to find a balance between ensuring electoral integrity and protecting individual privacy rights.

“Moots expose you to what to expect in the legal field,” Ndawula noted, adding: “They help you grow skills in research, speech and analysis.”

For four months, Ndawula and Mulumbye worked on their memorials (written arguments), researching extensively and preparing for the oral rounds.

“You sacrifice a lot for the moot,” Ndawula said, emphasizing the long hours and the pressure to perform well at the regional stage. Despite never having participated in a moot before, she was determined to challenge herself and improve her confidence.

The path to Kenya was no easy feat for Ndawula and Mulumbye. They were among a select few chosen from class moots held at UCU in their second year. The students were then evaluated and encouraged to apply for various moot competitions. Ndawula had qualified for the Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot, and Mulumbye had his eyes set on an international platform to test his skills. After four months of preparation, they both stepped up to represent Uganda in one of East Africa’s most competitive moot events. Daystar University of Kenya won the competition, beating Africa Nazarene University, also from Kenya.

One of the unforgettable moments for Mulumbye was the impact of their team work. He credits Ndawula for keeping him aligned during the arguments.

“There were moments where I would forget a provision or a case, and Ndawula would write it on a sticky note, and vice versa” Mulumbye recalled. This didn’t go unnoticed by the judges, who commended their seamless teamwork and legal knowledge.

The competition wasn’t without its challenges, though. The team often stayed up all night, reading through cases and legal provisions as they prepared for each round.

“The stress was overwhelming,” Mulumbye admitted.

The draws for the semifinals again pitted UCU against Daystar University. This time, however, the UCU team was edged out, with a narrow score of 58 to 57. While they didn’t make it to the finals, the performance of Ndawula and Mulumbye earned them the title of the best Ugandan team in the competition.

Ndawula, who was ranked the best oralist in the overall competition, encouraged her fellow students to participate in moots, adding that though the preparation is time-consuming, the skills one gains, from research to time management, make it worthwhile.

Mulumbye highlighted how the moot sharpened his oratory skills and gave him invaluable insight into court procedures.

“Now I know how to submit and raise preliminary questions in court,” he said. “This experience has also taught me time management and the importance of teamwork.”

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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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UCU launches PhD in business management

November 6, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business#News, PhD, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, UCU studentsPatty Huston-Holm

The pioneer students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management program with some School of Business administrators

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has introduced a new PhD program — the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management. The program, which is the first PhD in the UCU School of Business, started with four modules. The module leaders are professors carefully sourced from some of the world’s best universities.

By benchmarking against world-class universities worldwide, such as the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and the University of Agder in Norway, UCU aims to generate a new model of PhD training and elevate the standard of PhD education in the East African region.

Rev. Assoc. Prof. John M. Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs, addresses the pioneer PhD students during orientation.

The Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, commended the Dean and the administration of the School of Business for developing the program, noting that the university conducted extensive research and market analysis, which revealed the need for innovative business education.

Kitayimbwa explained that unlike historical PhD training models, where African scholars are often paired with retiring professors, limiting exposure to cutting-edge ideas, this program brings together experienced and young professors.

“Traditional PhD models tie scholars to retiring professors, limiting them to outdated ideas,” Kitayimbwa said. “Pairing students with seasoned and young professors ensures they receive up-to-date research training to tackle challenges and provide relevant solutions for the next 30-40 years.”

This unique approach ensures research relevance, fostering innovative ideas. The ultimate goal is to unlock research potential for sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.

Kitayimbwa urged the pioneer students to strive for excellence and aspire to do work that can appear in well-respected journals.

“The PhD is as short or as long as the quality of the student,” Kitayimbwa said. “The students are given a maximum of seven years to complete the PhD, but you can also complete it in two-and-a-half years.”

Dr. Henry Mugisha, the Head of the Department of Post-Graduate Programs in the School of Business, led the team that developed the program. He said that the program was inspired by the need to initiate a new way of PhD training that focuses on generation or research content worthy of publication in well-respected academic journals during the training. This is a shift from the monograph PhD model that characterizes PhD training, at least in Uganda at the moment.

(From left to right) Professor Danson Kimani from the University of Sheffield;Dr. Henry Mugisha, the Head of the Department for Postgraduate Programmes; Mrs Elsie Mirembe Nsiyona, the Associate Dean of the School of Business; and Winnie Thakker Kasujja, one of the pioneer students. — (From left to right) Professor Danson Kimani from the University of Sheffield;
Dr. Henry Mugisha, the Head of the Department for Postgraduate Programmes; Mrs Elsie Mirembe Nsiyona, the Associate Dean of the School of Business; and Winnie Thakker Kasujja, one of the pioneer students.

He noticed that the School of Business did not have a PhD program, yet UCU needed to engage in and contribute to knowledge creation in business at an advanced level.

Mugisha said his inspiration was to debunk the misconception in Uganda that you cannot have a PhD if you are not subjected to periodic sit-in examinations. This makes this PhD unique because the mode of delivery is new in the country.

“We are using a practice-relevant approach, focusing on writing, disseminating research findings, and solving societal problems,” Mugisha explained. “Unlike traditional coursework and examination methods, our program yields a paper addressing a specific concern at the end of each module.”

This program aims to generate knowledge, address business-related problems, and equip students with first-class research, writing and dissertation writing skills.

The first cohort was welcomed with an October 10, 2024, orientation session. With 30 enrolled students, the first class commenced on October 19, 2024

The program has specialized tracks in Finance, Strategic Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Accounting — all of which are critical areas for driving positive change in business ecosystems in Africa and beyond.

Participants in the program are expected to benefit from a collaborative learning environment that offers mentorship. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with distinguished faculty on research projects, publications, and teaching opportunities.

The program has two options to accommodate the candidates’ backgrounds and goals. First, there is a PhD in Management by Coursework and Research, and a PhD in Management by Publications.

The PhD in Management by Publications is a tailored program that examines the foundational principles and evolutionary dynamics of the management field, alongside key catalysts driving change within the discipline. It requires a minimum of three years and a maximum of seven years to complete.

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Music cements focus on God at UCU

November 1, 2024Faculty, News, Students, UCU AlumniAlumni, Church of Uganda, Music, Mustard Seed, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Some students from the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication lead a song during a recent main campus community worship.

By Christine Mirembe
From the majestic sounds of the Umoja choir to the vibrant rhythms of the African beats, streams of melodies flow from the Mukono Nkoyoyo Hall, a symphony of faith and talent that engulfs the ambiance at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Music is the universal language that bridges cultural and linguistic divides, a powerful force that holds the UCU community in a shared experience of worship, comfort and joy.

Under the leadership of Mr. Omiel Nathan, the overall Music Director at UCU since 2009, the Mustard Seed choir, the Chapel choir or the Umoja choir unite every Tuesday and Thursday at midday (12 Noon to 1 p.m. East Africa Time) to lead the UCU community in worship and prayer for an hour, aside from the Sunday worship services.

“There is a lot of diversity that is shown in the uniqueness of song choices, from the songs in regular church worship to church hymns that define the Anglican communion,” Mr. Nathan said. “We are serving God with the uniqueness that every person brings from wherever they come.”

Audience during community worship music in Nkoyoyo

The director noted that the music groups are non-denominational but that members are expected to adhere to Anglican ministry as the Church of Uganda has oversight for UCU.

The university-led groups also lead the larger UCU community in worship and prayer in two services on Sunday morning. Occasionally, groups like the Uganda Mother’s Union are invited on the stage to lead songs.

The Umoja choir, whose name originates from the Swahili word “umoja” meaning “one,” is a vibrant combination of the Chapel and the Mustard Seed choirs. The Mustard Seed choir gets its name from the biblical Mark 4:31 reference to the seed as “the smallest of all seeds of earth,” but “when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants.” When the chapel and seed choirs come together, often during special functions, they form a united voice, aptly named Umoja choir, blending their hearts and voices as one.

The choirs’ repertoire is a global musical journey, featuring songs from every corner of the world. The type and content of music used during prayer gatherings is usually aligned to themes of the respective services. In some cases, the UCU Chaplaincy is engaged with selections. Most songs are in English, but sometimes Luganda and other mother tongue translations are engaged with words on screens to help the congregation join in.

A recent service featured “Jesus paid it all” and “Forever,” the latter of which reminded church-goers that God’s “love endures forever.”

The choirs practice at least once a week with instrumentalists (drums, keyboard, guitar). The practice includes music, fellowship and prayer.

“Music is generally loved by everyone,” said Treasure Jemima, a music director for the 27-year-old Mustard Seed choir. “You find that some people come to church for only praise and worship, so music is what draws them to church.”

Aside from a commitment to practice and dedication to serve God through songs, there are no requirements to join a choir at UCU.

In addition to directors, each choir has a chairperson informally called “Papa” and a vice chairperson, casually called “Mama” or vice versa depending on the gender of the person in the roles. The chairpersons are in charge of uniforms or designating colors for members to wear and focused on instrumental accompaniment.

While vocalists may practice only once a week, instrumentalists could rehearse more. At that, some feel it’s not enough.

Joel Namonyo, a bass guitarist and a UCU student in the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, feels his rehearsal isn’t enough, but he is nevertheless committed to his role.

“I think music is an important aspect that helps bring an environment of praise and worship,” he said. “It is a form of ministry.”

Kalule George, a student in UCU’s School of Law, says gathering as a community under the umbrella of music is effective for keeping up spiritual nourishment, as well as being updated about university activities as most of them are announced during services.

Music, which has been part of UCU almost from its inception in 1997, transcends mere co-curricular activities. It is the needle that stitches the UCU community under a blanket of unity and the universal language that resonates with students, faculty members and staff, creating a shared experience beyond academics.

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Uganda Christian University has many stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Alum at Ugandan refugee settlement: ‘a faith-driven ministry’

October 30, 2024News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Social Sciences, USPPatty Huston-Holm

UCU alum Catherine Nafula, right, interacts with Rhino settlement resident, Rose Night, who uses a tailoring skill to support herself and her family.

By Patty Huston-Holm
Catherine Nafula knows a lot about refugee settlements in Uganda, which, with 1.5 million immigrants, is one of the largest evacuee-hosting nations in the world. Her knowledge is greatest about the two largest areas in Northern Uganda – Bidi Bidi and Rhino, the latter of which she has set foot in more times than she can count.

As the Arua-area district coordinator for an Italian-based, non-profit called Association of Volunteers in International Service (AVIS), she assesses Rhino camp services, needs and progress and recommends improvements. Rhino, established in 1980 with refugees from multiple countries, strives to make residents self-supporting through jobs such as baking, tailoring, raising goats or producing crops.

Catherine Nafula works to help immigrants escaping violence and food insecurity through Uganda settlements like Rhino in northern Uganda.

Nafula comes to her position armed with a Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Social Sciences bachelor’s degree in development studies and a UCU Honors College Diploma in Christian Leadership while currently working on a master’s degree in Public Health Leadership-Save the Mothers through the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery. Her master’s research topic is “The Association between Resilience and Perceived Pregnancy-Related Stress Among Pregnant Refugee Adolescent Girls in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, Northwestern Uganda.”

The AVSI foundation’s “graduation to resilience” focus is embedded in 355 projects in 42 countries with the single biggest emphasis in Uganda, mostly to help refugees.

“I am grateful to share my story because it’s not just mine,” Nafula said. “I believe in a strong message of hope.”

Nafula knows that the majority of the around 146,000 Rhino residents are there because of fear for their lives in a war of tribal and political differences and, in the case of women and girls, genocidal rape. Many have considered suicide and are angry after witnessing family and friends killed in a place that they called home.

Speaking in the morning of a late September weekend day off, Nafula acknowledged that the higher up the ladder she climbs, the less time she is in the settlement. These days, the 36-year-old is in one of the seven zones of the Rhino settlement of mostly South Sudanese refugees two-to-three days a week.

That said, she knows the Rhino operation well.

Experience with Arua-area refugee settlements goes back to her UCU undergraduate days. A combination of relationships within the UCU Honors College and the Uganda Studies Program (USP) for North American college students landed her an internship with The Mango Project, which emphasizes nutrition and empowerment through processing, storing, eating and selling mango products.

Map showing Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Uganda

“I remember cooking and preserving mangoes and noticing an extremely malnourished 16-year-old girl,” Nafula said. “I was told she was sick, but medication wasn’t the cure for this child’s problem. She needed food. After one month, she was back on her feet. Seeing her healthy melted my heart. She needed knowledge about nutrition. I realized then that we can make differences one person at a time.”

Nafula credits several people for that early work experience and her achievement today. Among them were her American USP roommates, including Iowan Talitha Whitt and Mary Kate LeLoux of Minnesota, for the nudging: Texan Margaret Noblin for mentoring on CV development based on childhood talents; and Dr. Micah Hughes, formerly with USP and a Mango Project co-founder and now with the Baltimore Urban Studies Program at Messiah University in Pennsylvania.

“I grew up being very social and wanting to help others,” Nafula said. “Many people helped me realize my path.”

From the onset, Nafula knew of the need and problems for those leaving South Sudan. While Sudan’s civil war strife is known worldwide in 2024, many have the perception of normalcy in South Sudan, which became the world’s newest country in 2011. The awareness of the conflict between Africa’s Dinkas and Nuer tribes in South Sudan is less familiar. One reason the two clans commit violence against each other is money – often squabbles over land and cattle. Such disputes cause people to run and hide until, in hunger and anguish, they end up crossing the border to a Ugandan settlement.

Once in the camp, the tribes are separated until they are able to coexist. They are helped to resolve the hate, to put violent acts seen and known behind them and understand they share a reason to be there for a better life than they had back home.

One success story Nafula recounted from Rhino involves Rose Night of South Sudan. Suffering from a disability, Rose has been nevertheless successful because of a tailoring skill she learned in an AVSI-rural employment services project funded by the International Labour Organisation PROSPECTS program. She received a startup kit to start her journey to self-reliance. Now Rose has her own business and four goats while training five youths and supporting three children.

‘’Rose is a true reflection of hope to the world,” Nafula said. “Seeing her excel puts a smile to my soul.’’

Nafula understands a life without perfection. She was born in eastern Uganda’s Busia area, grew up in nearby Mbale and attended primary and secondary school in Iganga, another district in eastern Uganda. Her father died in 2015, leaving her mom, Agnes Auma, to support her children as a peasant farmer, selling timber for building and for firewood.

Despite finances, Nafula and her eight siblings all received a university education.

“My family saw a nurse in me, but my biology and chemistry marks weren’t high,” Nafula recalled. “I was late in completing S6, late to enrolling in a university, partly because my father was ill, may his soul rest in peace.”

Nafula is grateful to many, including her mother “for not giving up on me,” and all her siblings, especially a brother, Prof. Moses Okumu of Illinoi University, for “their love and support,” and AVSI Foundation, especially an AVSI mentor, John Makoha.

As Nafula earlier struggled with knowing her career plans, a woman named “Carol” from North Carolina, USA, visited Uganda with a Hope for Kids mission team.

“She encouraged me to be creative and make African crafts from paper, beans and seeds,” Nafula said. “She took them back to the United States and sold my items, sending me the money.”

With those funds and after some volunteer evangelical work, Nafula met a World Vision affiliate who suggested she get a counselor certificate from Nsamizi Training Institute for Social Development. She got that and a social work diploma before enrolling at UCU.

“When you find your passion, you excel,” she said. “Many people helped me to re-discover myself. I want to give back and do that for others.”

“The people of concern (i.e. settlement residents) suffer from trauma and anxiety,” Nafula continued. “With our skills and mentorship, we work to build their resilience to become self-reliant…we’re part of them. Unfortunately, there are not enough of us to support all of them fully.”

Nafula is daily driven by her Christian faith with special emphasis on the Bible’s Romans 5 referencing that suffering produces perseverance and character with hope.

“Hope does not disappoint,” she said. “I’m grateful to God. I look at this job not as work but as a faith-driven ministry.”

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Uganda Christian University has many student and alumni stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

UCU launches computing and technology peer mentorship

October 28, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students#News, #students, Computer Science, Design and Technology, UCU Faculty of EngineeringPatty Huston-Holm

UCU Code Buddy mentors and mentees share a joyful moment at the official launch of the program

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Whenever Peace Mercy Mirembe was assigned a task, she wished she had a machine to simplify most of the work. This desire for efficiency drove her to dream of inventing machines that could ease the workload. And it could possibly be the reason she opted for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Her fascination with technology began during childhood, upon hearing stories of inventors who created life-changing devices.

Now in her first year studying in the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology at UCU, Mirembe believes coding holds endless possibilities.

UCU Code Buddy members engage in a tug-of-war during the program’s launch

“I can create whatever I need, it’s just a matter of time,” said the 20-year-old who aspires to be an inventor and software engineer.

A week into the course, reality dawned on Mirembe that the journey would not be all rosy. When she was introduced to Discrete Mathematics, a course unit offered in the first year, she found the subject difficult to comprehend. She wanted to give up on the course.

Opportunely, at the Department of Computing and Technology at UCU, through a program named “Code Buddy,” every new student is assigned a mentor to walk the journey with them. That is how Mirembe met Daniel Wavamuno as her mentor. Fortunately, Wavamuno, a second-year Computer Science student, scored an A in Discrete Mathematics during his first year, which gave Mirembe reason to believe that it was possible to excel in the discipline.

While executing his mentor role, Wavamuno helped simplify concepts for Mirembe. He also provided her with resources and tutorials.

“I could have failed Mathematics if I had not met Wavamuno as my mentor,” Mirembe said. In addition to teaching her, he also guided Mirembe on which areas to pay more attention.

Tirzah Atwine receives a mentorship certificate from Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, the Director of Academic Affairs, and the chief guest at the program launch.

UCU’s Department of Computing and Technology launched its Code Buddy Mentorship Program on September 20, 2024, at the main campus. During the launch, attended by the Director of Academic Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Angela Napakol and the Director of Human Resources, Ms Florence Nakiyingi, students played fun games with their mentors, creating meaningful relationships and networking opportunities.

Dr. Innocent Ndibatya, the Head of the Computing and Technology Department, said: “We have found that students typically excel in their second and third years, but some are let down by poor grades acquired during the first year.”

The mentorship program, Ndibatya noted, will ensure a strong foundation from the start and quicken the transition from high school to campus life.

The Code Buddy mentors are selected based on their character and academic performance.

Tirzah Atwine, a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Computational Science at UCU, knows firsthand the challenges of navigating university life alone as a new student. To prevent others from facing similar struggles, she dedicated herself to mentor six students through the code buddy program.

“I don’t want new students to make the mistakes I did,” Atwine explains, noting that she has been able to learn more, by teaching others. “I’ve discovered that when I explain concepts to my mentees, I find it hard to forget the same concepts.”

Nathaniel Mugenyi, a first-year student pursuing Bachelor of Computer Science, testifies to the impact of the mentorship program. He noted that having someone to walk the journey with smoothened his transition into campus life.

Paired with Tobit (Tobby) Bushenyula Kabuya, a third-year student, Mugenyi found not only a mentor, but also a friend.

Kabuya helped Mugenyi simplify difficult concepts, taught him effective time management and helped him avoid pitfalls like missing classes.

“I wasn’t planning to miss class, but when Tobby told me not to, I knew it was something I shouldn’t think of,” Mugenyi said.

Theophile Shebakanga Bushenyula receives a mentorship certificate from Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol.

Mugenyi initially planned to keep a low profile on campus, focusing solely on classes and his room. However, the mentorship program changed that.

“If not for the program, I would have engaged less,” Mugenyi said. “I’m glad my campus life didn’t turn out as I had envisioned. Without Code Buddy, I would have missed out on valuable resources and opportunities.”

As a mentor, Theophile Shebakanga Bushenyula, a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Information Technology at UCU, has developed strong leadership and communication skills.

“My goal is to equip new students, get them academically on track, and make them independent,” he said. “It is rewarding to see mentees older than me become self-sufficient.”

Bushenyula’s passion for mentorship stems from his desire to share knowledge and become a teacher. “I enjoy guiding my mentees and seeing them succeed independently,” he said.

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‘Perhaps for the first time, he smiled’

October 23, 2024News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Social Sciences#Masaka, #social work, Alumni, Kyotera, malnutrition, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Eve Namugera, left, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alumna and a development facilitator with Act International Mission (AIM), with some students at ACT High School, Kyotera, Uganda. At right, second row, is Stephen Bisatu, AIM sponsorship coordinator.

By Patty Huston-Holm
Eve Namugera uses the word “hope” a lot.

In one story she shared during a rainy morning within Kyotera, Uganda – the place where she was born, where she got much of her education and now is employed – Eve recounted a forlorn mother with her 10-month-old, 4 kilogram (8 pounds), expressionless child.

“The boy was nearly dying,” Eve recalled. “He was panting hard, his ribs and spinal cord were out, with little hair on his head. In tears, the mother was hopeless, explaining how the father removed the boy from her, robbing the infant of her breastmilk for months.”

The boy was suffering from Marasmus, a disease marked by severe malnutrition resulting from lack of calories and often seen in severe cases of starvation and poverty.

Eve noted that the knowledge she has, including from her studies a decade ago at Uganda Christian University and “the gifts I have from God,” enabled her to provide nutritional advice and support, giving hope to that mother and child. The boy who arrived more than a dozen pounds underweight, gained weight within six weeks and, said Eve, “Perhaps for the first time, he smiled.”

Eve Namugera, UCU School of Health Sciences graduate

Today, the almost-six-year-old is a healthy student in a school with the Act International Mission (AIM) Uganda, a community-based organization where Eve works. The boy’s mom has employability skills possible for her and 100 women because of a “Hope Again Women” program through AIM.

“We provided them with healthy living advice, of course, but we also gave both some hope,” Eve said as she concluded this one of many stories on a sunless October 2024 day. “Proving that hope is the joy I feel. What I do is not just work. It’s a ministry.”

For that mother and son, like many, the mission involved teaching the woman how to make sellable baskets and placemats from dried banana leaf stalks, fiber and raffia and about good nutrition beyond the nutrient-rich foods through MannaPack Rice that she was initially provided.

While Eve carries the AIM title of development facilitator, her role is multifaceted, often crossing all six of the non-profit’s programs – two designed to help women and youth have a sustainable income, two targeting good health and diet and two connected to Child education and funding for a school and its students. Of the 1,112 students (626 junior school and 486 high school) ranging from ages 4 to 20, at AIM schools, half have sponsors with most of those supporters in the United States.

Eve knows the economic challenges of the 13,000 residents in her village, that the Kyotera area still carries the 1980s label of “ground zero of AIDS,” that alcoholism is an issue, especially among men, and that many children are raised by elderly relatives who want them to work as laborers rather than attend school. She also knows that most of the current secondary students – even ones with sponsors – may fail to join university because of the cost. She knows she is fortunate to have parents who nudged her to higher education.

“Neither of my parents had a full-time job,” Eve, the oldest of 10 children, said. “They sold fish maws and agricultural products such as beans and maize. They wanted me to have a good education.”

She attended Christ the King Secondary School locally before finishing high school roughly nine miles away in Kalisizo. With a love of science, her initial goal to become a doctor was switched to social work because of the medical school cost. She quickly realized her place in social work as she completed her UCU bachelor’s degree in community health in 2015.

AIM, formerly called Rakai Orphans Development Initiative (RODI), first honed Eve’s talents as a volunteer, then as an administrative assistant and then to a development facilitator. She has worked for AIM for seven years.

Eve, age 30, married and expecting her second child, sees her time at UCU as critical to her Christ-centeredness. Now identifying as a “Pentecostal Christian,” she in particular points to her undergraduate studies in the Old Testament and New Testament as cementing her understanding of the Bible. She continues to be driven by 1 John 4:7.

“We are designed to love one another,” she said. “Everything we do should be about love.”

According to Richard R. Mutaawe, AIM Director of Programs, the CBO’s mission is “to raise action-oriented God-fearing leaders; well nurtured and equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to serve beyond self.” For that to happen, he added, “You need committed people, beyond just being employees, and that is what Eve brings to this organization. She is a mother to our adolescents.”

According to Eve, the most fulfilling part of her job is making a positive impact in the lives of others and helping them reach their full potential. These growth areas, she says, involve compassion, patience, integrity “but most of all hope.”

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Uganda Christian University has many alumni stories like this one. To support programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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UCU opens doors to disc golf sport

October 21, 2024News, Sports, Students#News, #students, disc golf, Eagles Wings Disc Golf, sports, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

UCU Director of Students Affairs, Pamela Tumwebaze, throws a disc during the disc golf launch.

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has added a new chapter to its legacy in sports by launching disc golf as the latest addition to the university’s diverse games lineup. Disc golf brings fresh opportunities for competition and the pursuit of sporting excellence at the university.

UCU sports tutor Samuel Lukaire said the university’s collaboration with Disc Golf Uganda to introduce the sport at UCU was driven by the opportunities it presents for students. Among these is participating in international competitions, which would expand their sporting experience.

UCU's Sam Lukaire (extreme left) cuts the ribbon with other partners during the launch. — UCU’s Sam Lukaire (extreme left) cuts the ribbon with other partners during the launch.

According to Lukaire, the future plans for this game at UCU involve improving the recently created disc golf course at Besania (Ankrah) Hill. The improvements are not only to upgrade the playing experience but also to attract both national and international events to the university.

“We will organize many training camps to help develop the skills of those interested,” Lukaire said, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing talent and growing the sport at UCU.

The Federation of Disc Golf Uganda has provided a few instructors and equipment to support the training, helping to ensure a smooth introduction of the sport to the university community since the Oct.5 launch with the USA-based, Christian-focused Eagles Wings Disc Golf group.

Israel Muwanguzi, the coordinator of Disc Golf in Uganda, said as a federation, they will continue to monitor progress and provide support whenever needed.

“When we organize tournaments, the UCU disc golf course will be one of the venues,” he said. “This will keep players active and engaged throughout.”

He says disc golf is a simple sport to learn and play. Instead of hitting a ball with a club as is the case with golf, in disc golf, players toss a plastic disc at a basket rather than a hole.

Muwanguzi notes that disc golf has significant environmental benefits, making it an asset to any community. Unlike traditional sports, which frequently require substantial infrastructure, disc golf can be played in natural settings with little damage. The courses make use of existing landscapes, helping to preserve green spaces.

Muwanguzi adds that while disc golf has been played for over 50 years in the world, it will celebrate its second anniversary in Uganda in December this year. UCU is now the fourth site in the country to have a disc golf course, following courses at Ndejje University and other locations in Katosi and Bundibugyo.

Muwanguzi said that as more universities join, the next big step will be to compete in inter-university games.

US-based Eagles Wings Disc Golf Club members were present at the launch.

In their attempts to promote the sport to various institutions and communities, Muwanguzi acknowledges their collaboration with several partners, including the Professional Disc Golf Association, the global governing body for the sport, the Paul McBeth Foundation and the USA-based Eagles Disc Golf Club.

These organizations have all supported Disc Golf Uganda in developing courses, including at the UCU main campus.

Sam Welikhe, a second-year ICT student at UCU, expressed eagerness to explore and learn about the new sport, stating that he would like to participate in the game once the activities get underway.

Bimbona Sulphina, a first-year mass communication student at UCU, also expressed interest in participating in the new sport, saying, “If I start learning this game now, I could become an expert in the future.”

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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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Ahabwe Amon, the comedian engineering student

October 18, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students#News, #students, comedy, engineering, TikTokPatty Huston-Holm

Ahabwe Amon doing civil engineering practical work

By Pauline Luba
Whenever the elder brother of Ahabwe Amon went to school, he would leave Amon lonely at home. As a result, Amon resorted to the Internet to occupy his time. That solitude led him to watching multiple comedy skits online.

What started as a search for entertainment online eventually turned into a passion. Today, Amon is well known in Uganda comedy circles. Balancing the demands of an engineering course and a flourishing career as a comedian has made Amon’s journey unique, remarkable and inspiring.

Amon (left) and Abbey, a dynamic duo in the Uganda content creation industry

The 22-year-old is a final-year student pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering course at Uganda Christian University. Amon first showcased his talent in comedy during his O’level studies at St. Mary’s College Kisubi, one of the elite secondary schools in Uganda. The school had organized a social event, where Amon participated in a category named Comedy King. That experience propelled him to believe that he could pursue this passion, alongside his academic career.

Amon took advantage of the Covid-19 lockdown during which he collaborated with a fellow creative, Abbey Tumusiime. The two designed skits that they shared with their audience online.

By the time the lockdown ended, Amon was a recognizable face on social media in Uganda. His new TikTok account quickly gained more followers, reaching 5,000. Today, he has 118,000 followers on TikTok and 88,000 on Instagram and close to 800 YouTube subscribers under “Sir. Amon.”

“I never thought my content would grow this fast,” Amon admits. His videos now reach a global audience, with many viewers in the USA and the UK. His success isn’t just limited to social media; Amon also now hosts a comedy show on a Ugandan television station, Galaxy TV.

Managing the rapid growth of his content creation career while balancing the rigors of his engineering course has not been without challenges.

“Balancing schedules between studies and creating content was hard,” Amon noted. “Sometimes, it would be time to shoot the skit, but there would be no ready script.”

Over time, he has learned to respect deadlines and time management, skills that have also helped him academically. While he has comedy fans, Amon has been a recipient of negative criticism and online trolls. But he says the only solution is to develop a thick skin because you cannot be the darling of everyone.

He believes that creativity depends on public opinion, so resilience in the face of criticism is crucial.

“Do what makes you happy,” he urges, adding that the impact he has on people, especially those who watch his content during difficult times, is what makes it all worthwhile.

One of the turning points in Amon’s journey in content creation was signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Next 5 General Company, a management firm that has helped him negotiate deals and balance his life as a student and content creator.

“They provide equipment, manage deals, and handle all the requests from potential clients,” he said.

With their support, Amon has been able to focus on creating high-quality content without being bogged down by administrative work.

Amon’s faith plays a central role in his life.

“Jesus Christ’s life inspires me the most,” he said. “Even if things aren’t working out the way I anticipated, I know Christ suffered too, so it won’t be easy.”

He envisions a future where his content creation and civil engineering skills converge.

“I want my online platforms to be a hub for the growth of brands,” he says. He hopes to create a bridge between producers and consumers, using his engineering expertise to bring more value to projects, especially in the arts and entertainment industry.

His advice to fellow students is simple, but profound: “There’s nothing like the right time. If you love something, start now.”

Ultimately, Amon’s goal is to leave a lasting legacy both in the entertainment industry and in civil engineering.

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Organization elevates African youth through brass music

October 16, 2024UCU Alumni, UCU School of EducationAlumni, Brass for Africa, Music, School of Education, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Some members of the All-Star Band at the October gala concert marking 15 years for the Brass for Africa NGO

By Patty Huston-Holm
Saturday night at one venue in central Kampala, Uganda, found a tuba in a wheelbarrow, young women moving with pots on their heads, a comedy skit on how a man should treat a woman and brass instrumentalists playing songs while dancing.

Brass? Yes. In Uganda? Yes.

Twenty-nine youth with seven types of brass—horn, cornet, baritone, trombone, tuba and the less familiar euphonium and flugelhorn—took center stage in an instrumental, dance and vocal performance on Saturday, Oct. 5. The mostly Ugandan performers were the focus of a two-hour gala celebration of 15 years for Brass for Africa.

Bwambale Bernard Molho with Jim Trott, Brass for Africa founder

“When people think of African music, they don’t think of brass,” said Bwambale Bernard Molho. “But maybe they should.”

Molho, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Education graduate, is the Partner Relations Officer for the British-based, brass-focused NGO and Executive Assistant to Lizzie Burrowes, the non-profit director of music education. Molho, also a former UCU graduate assistant and honours college coordinator, explained how it started with the idea of one British man, Jim Trott.

“He’s a pilot and passionate about music,” Molho said. “He happened to visit the slums in Kampala during one layover and saw the poor condition of some musical instruments. At the same time, his son’s school in London was discarding brass that was in better shape than what children here had.”

Trott, who plays the cornet and piano, transported those discarded instruments to Uganda as a start. From that small beginning in 2009, Brass for Africa has blossomed to 2,000 mostly age 9-24 brass students in Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia. From that pool of music students, around 30 are selected every year to join the inspirational All-Star Band that was chosen for the gala for the second consecutive year. Before a dedication song, Burrowes tearfully talked about two band members who died—one in 2022 and another in 2023.

Bernard, left, with some All-Star Band members performing at the gala

In addition to Trott, roughly 50 current and potential Brass for Africa supporters from Uganda, England, the United States, the Netherlands and Switzerland listened on Oct. 5 to the band’s 12 selections, heard testimonies about the band’s positive impact on the youthful performers and were reminded of how the NGO started and how it operates. The charity has partnered with over 20 organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Plan International, Mercury Phoenix Trust, Oxfam and The Elton John AIDS Foundation to deliver programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Harps and drums have African origins. Brass is traced to the early 19th century in Britain. From “Eye of the Tiger” to the Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and “Baba Yetu,” the sound and feel of music at the gala was a blend of European and African tunes with a spattering of African dance in place of traditional band marching.

“I love music, but I’m not a musician,” Molho, a 2018 UCU Bachelor of Arts alum, said.

He has a guitar, a violin and a small trumpet that he is trying to learn. A hearing impairment—possibly at birth but noticed when he was 13—renders him deaf in his left ear but does not hinder his music enjoyment.

“I’m an artist, mostly visual art,” he said. “Art is about music, dance, writing and more.”

At that, Brass for Africa, like many art-connected programs, is about more than music. In addition to tapping into fulfilling individual music potential, the self-esteem focus areas are gender equality, disability inclusion, workforce readiness and community empowerment.

“Nobody ever said they loved me until Brass for Africa,” one performer told the Oct. 5 audience.

“People discouraged me,” another ensemble member said. “Brass encouraged me.”

While expats may come in to help with instrument teaching, Brass for Africa is 95% African and operated with counselors and mentors for music as well as for skills such as problem solving, teamwork and leadership. In addition to Molho, other UCU alumni engaged with the NGO are Kabuye Ronald, Kasule Daniel and Amanya Annah.

With its origin and largest reach in Uganda, the demand for the non-academic social change program spans to Rwanda, Liberia, South Sudan, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Kenya, among others.

For Molho, the Brass for Africa mission of esteem-building fits with his philosophy and everything else he’s been doing. In addition to his full-time position with Brass, he is a virtual mentor in visual art with a young person in France; he helps review grant applications by changemakers with US-based The Pollination Project; and he has managed a Usanii Village Africa art initiative in Kasese since July 2020. The Kasese project that Molho started involves sewing, carpentry and making art from discarded items.

“We call it eco-artistry,” he said of the art component. “Both Brass and Usanii are about empowerment and transforming marginalised communities.

Due to Molho’s focus with Brass for Africa over the past three years, the Kasese effort, possible because of a Pollination Project grant, has occupied less of his time but is still growing.

Molho points to UCU’s emphasis on Christian faith, leadership and development as playing a large part in his career success.

“What leads you?” he asked rhetorically. “God shows me a source of direction. I put in the effort.”

He credits his father, a pastor, for his skill in speaking six languages. He has been helping with interpretation since age 12.

“Most people don’t think of writing or languages as art, but it is,” Molho said. “How you present yourself is an art. How our brass ensemble students present themselves is art. For most of these youth, this is a platform they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

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Buganda princess, a UCU graduate, aspires to serve

October 14, 2024News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of BusinessAlumni, Arua, Beri Cottages, Buganda, School of Business, UCU, Uganda KingPatty Huston-Holm

Phiona Tebattagwabwe Luswata, manager of Beri Cottages in Arua

By Patty Huston-Holm
Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II is the current and 36th kabaka (aka king) of the Buganda Kingdom, which is the largest and wealthiest among Uganda’s 56 tribes. Once a prince, he has five children – two princes and three princesses.

“I’m a princess,” said Phiona Tebattagwabwe Luswata.

But she is not the daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of the present king. She’s a niece.

“I’m a great-granddaughter of His Highness Sir Daudi Chwa II,” Phiona said of the 34th kabaka who died in 1939.

In a conversation punctuated with laughter and in the courtyard of Beri Cottages, Arua, Phiona, manager of the establishment and a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum, explained some of her royal lineage.

Phiona, right, with a Beri Cottages employee, Brenda Bako

In Buganda, a ruling king on the throne is called “kabaka.” When he dies, he is called “Ssekabaka,” to mean “a deceased king.” Therefore, “Ssekabaka Daudi Chwa II” (the late King David Chwa II) produced 20 sons, among whom is Phiona’s grandfather – the late Prince Ssepiriya Daniel Luswata, who is a blood brother to Prince Edward Walugembe Muteesa II who later became king (the 35th kabaka) after succeeding their father and is the father of the 36th kabaka of Buganda Kingdom. This makes the current King Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II a first cousin to Phiona’s father, Prince Nakibinge David Luswata.

Surprisingly to some less familiar with royalty, Princess Phiona, a 2016 graduate of the UCU School of Business, is not about being served but serving.

In late September 2024, the daughter of Prince Nakibinge David Luswata of Kawaala shared her lineage, her education and her career journey to her current position as manager of Beri Cottages.

As her parents separated when Phiona was age 2, she was mostly raised by her mother, “Omuzana,” which is a title given to all wives of princes. Additionally known as Regina Nandagga, her mom was a hairdresser who also sold pigs during the Covid-19 pandemic. There are seven siblings from the father and three among the two parents.

Most of Phiona’s primary and secondary education was in Kampala. Her marks were good. While ambition to further her education wasn’t strong, Phiona had her sights on being a teacher like those she had in school or a businesswoman like her mom.

While pondering career choices, she lived and attended church with an uncle in Mukono. With minimal music experience, she played the flute and sang in the church choir, being noticed for her raw talent by Mr. Daniel Ssempereza, then the UCU Music Director.

Although she wasn’t a student at UCU, she was nurtured by Ssempereza to sometimes sing in the choir and play the flute in the main campus’ Nkoyoyo Hall. At this point, her father thought twice and decided she should become a UCU student.

At UCU, her focus was on International Business. Between classes, she applied her entrepreneurial skills through a fast-food selling project (chapatis).

Before the UCU degree, Phiona was involved in commerce, taking an accounting course at MAT ABACUS Business School. She did a short stint as a business news reporter for a “Money and Markets” show with NTV Uganda. She later served as a waitress at the four-star Hotel Africana in Kampala and had industrial training, managing the delivery of merchandise imported from Overseas through Bollore Africa Global Logistics, a shipping and clearing firm in Kampala.

Years later, as a supervisor engaged in multiple jobs at Beri Cottages, she was promoted to manager two years ago.

“A friend from UCU recommended me for this job,” Phiona said.

Laughing, she added: “Arua seemed like the end of the world. I had never been here before, but I love taking risks and trying new things, so here I am.”

Except for the valued time to visit a six-year-old daughter who lives with her mom in Kampala, Phiona generally works every day, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., managing 31 employees in an atmosphere where “they enjoy being here.” She sends a daily report to a managing director – “the best boss I’ve had” – in Kampala.

“I have a passion for serving,” she said. “I’ve created an environment where employees know how to do multiple jobs. I believe we have an atmosphere where staff members smile a lot as I do.”

She credits UCU for making her a good leader.

As for her princess status, Phiona participates in some ceremonies to respect and protect tradition and culture while believing, she said with a smile, “that the current king might not even know me.”

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This story is an example of Uganda Christian University (UCU) successes. To support UCU programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

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Alum helps people with ‘devastating life conditions’ in West Nile region

October 10, 2024News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Social Sciences#social work, Alumni, Arua, Methodist, Ohio, UCU, West NilePatty Huston-Holm

Pakwach informal netball team with (seated, left to right) Sailas Okwairwoth, Otim Moses and Ayerango Annette

By Patty Huston-Holm
In a brief break from a netball game on a dirt-surfaced court in the Uganda West Nile Pakwach District, 14-year-old Kaboth Sharon, shifting from one bare foot to the other, was asked in English how she felt.

“I am excited with energy and joy,” she responded in her native Alur (Luo) – as translated by older resident, Otim Moses. Then, under the 11 a.m. Sept. 30 sun and sweating with 13 other youth wearing blue or orange bibs, she smiled and returned to the game.

Sailas Okwairwoth, UCU graduate with vision to lift up youth in his village

Moses and Sailas Okwairwoth grinned. Kabaoh’s expression fits with a plan to give hope to unemployed, school dropout youth from teens to age 35 from their district and the nearby Zombo District, both of which are best geographically identified as near the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Albert Nile. On paper, the 55-page plan is called “Sustainable Skills and Talent Development for Socio-Economic Transformation. “

Okwairwoth, 30, who is the main driver, and his friend, Moses, 35, break the proposal down into two main parts – sports and arts.

“Self-esteem is a huge need among our youth,” Okwairwoth said, nodding to the joy evident among the outdoor netball players. “We see so much promise, knowing that through sports and engagement, we can start there and do more.”

Okwairwoth, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Uganda Christian University (UCU), knows he is more fortunate than most from the rural area where he was born and raised. While Okwairwoth has recently struggled financially to support himself and a two-year-old daughter by selling goods in a small store in Kampala, he has had the privilege of previous educational opportunities in the United States and employment with an Israeli organization.

“The youth in our village lack self-confidence and look defeated and devastated,” observed Okwairwoth’s mom, Ayerango Annette, who teaches entrepreneurship, among other subjects, at Uganda College of Commerce, Aduku. She had the mindset that her son, Sailas, would graduate from a university, and he did.

Parental mindset “against change” is an obstacle, especially in rural Uganda, according to Okwairwoth. He knows that in the area where he was born, roughly one of three residents age 10 to 30 are illiterate and for those older, the inability to read, understand and write is even more dire. He is aware of the Pakwach uphill climb for people in his village to live differently — to realize the value of team sport activities to achieving self-actualization and enabling unwed teen mothers and others to work, make money and support themselves.

But he is not giving up.

“Impossible is nothing,” Okwairwoth said, pointing to the slogan under their initiative name “Pakwach Junction.”

Sailas founded Pakwach Junction in 2017 as a community-based organization supporting Pakwach through its institutions and possibilities to achieve quality social and economic development. Moses and other youth volunteers are assisting with the effort.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics map showing Pakwach and (inset) its geographic location within the country

The word “Junction” is borrowed from the name of a United Methodist Church youth group Okwairwoth was engaged with during his Reynoldsburg, Ohio, USA, internship experience in 2015. That same three-month experience of volunteering for central Ohio organizations supplying food and clothing to the poor and listening to the volunteer efforts of church women started the germination of a plan growing in his thoughts when awarded his UCU Bachelor of Development Studies in 2016 and his Master of Public Health in 2020.

Okwairwoth became increasingly aware of problems and needs back home. As he received his postgraduate degree, for example, he learned of the water rise in Lake Albert that caused a flood displacing 100,000 Pakwach residents.

While employed as a country director for an Israeli company called Topaz International, founder and CEO KUTIC Integrated Development, directing the Junction Pakwach project, teaching in the UCU Social Sciences department, participating in the Greenheart Global Leaders Conference (GGLC) and Alumni Council in Washington, D.C. and, in Germany, and being a Purpose Earth grant recipient, Okwairwoth kept thinking he could and should do more.

“I see us making and selling arts and crafts here,” he said, pointing to an area of mostly dirt surrounded by one row of bricks near the netball activity. “We also can make reusable sanitary pads.”

Instead of youth and others sitting idle, they could be in that space selling soap, clothing and artwork from recycled materials. Okwairwoth pointed to a photo of a monkey that another group made from plastic bottles.

“We can do that here,” he said.

Efforts already accomplished include financial literacy, sex education, preschool education, community library and computer training.

“This project is driven by the needs of vulnerable people with devastating life conditions, addictive behaviors and seemingly no hope,” said Okwairwoth. “This plan is more than paper. It’s full of hope.”

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UCU student shares experience of representing Uganda at international sports event

October 8, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Sports, StudentsMind Games, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

By Pauline Luba
In Runyankole, a local dialect in Uganda, the name Ainamaani means “God has power.” It is a name that usually denotes the family’s reverence of God’s ability to accomplish His will in every situation.

That is the name Oriho Silver, an engineer and Kyokusiima Leonard, a businesswoman, chose for their daughter, Rachael. And, indeed, Ainamaani’s life is one that has demonstrated God’s will and power.

Take for instance her most recent achievement. This past July, Ainamaani and Morgan Wasswa represented Uganda at the International Mind Games that was hosted in Uganda. Both Ainamaani and Wasswa are students of Uganda Christian University (UCU), pursuing Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Ainamaani represented Uganda in this year’s Mind Games championship.

Ainamaani’s journey to an international competition is a testament to her determination and belief that with God, nothing is impossible.

Her involvement in mind games wasn’t planned. During high school, Ainamaani didn’t participate in any sports. But she gave it a try when she joined UCU.

Given the academic demands of her course, Ainamaani opted for mind games, which she thought would be easier. She believed the game would help sharpen her memory without requiring as much physical time and presence as other sports. She learned about the strategic card game they were playing in the championships from her coach, Reagan Egulwa, who introduced her to the sport.

Her decision to participate in this game led her to join university-level competitions. After rigorous training and selection, Ainamaani participated in tours of universities in Uganda, as they popularized the sport.

The tours culminated in the selection of the national team, with Ainamaani and Wasswa being among those chosen to represent Uganda at the international level. She describes the card game as one that requires silent communication between partners as they navigate a bidding process and play to win tricks and eventually a final contract. With two people forming a team and playing against another pair, the game requires players to be both strategic and mindful of the cards in their hands as they try to get to the highest number of tricks possible.

Although Ainamaani’s training was intense, she faced unexpected challenges on the journey to the championship. Her original playing partner, Awor Joy, was unable to compete, forcing her to team up with a new partner, Wasswa, just a few days before the competition. Despite the last-minute change, Ainamaani and Wasswa quickly adapted, reviewing the rules of the game with their coach and watching videos about the game on YouTube.

“We trained together for a few days before the competition,” she explains, “and we made it to the 10th position out of 14 teams and 28 players.”

Ainamaani remembers the experience as both intimidating and exciting. She met and competed against students from all over the world, including the USA and France – many of whom had more experience in the game.

“On the first day, we weren’t used to playing 48 boards a day, but we quickly adjusted to the speed of our competitors,” she says. The high-intensity nature of the competition was unlike anything she had previously experienced, but it proved to be a valuable lesson in adaptability and resilience. Considering that she started learning the sport in May 2024 and was representing the country by July, Ainamaani believes they did their best.

“Being part of the national team, especially when I had never participated in any sport before, was a huge achievement. I also felt proud to represent my university,” she says. Though the competition was tough, Ainamaani appreciates how the game has improved her memory and level of focus, skills she says are directly applicable to her studies in civil engineering.

Ainamaani wishes she had approached the competition with more confidence. The sight of students from all over the world was initially overwhelming, but once she realized that they were all playing the same game, her nerves calmed.

Looking to the future, Ainamaani plans to continue playing mind games, with the hope of returning to the national team as a stronger player.

As the third of five children — three brothers and a sister — she grew up in an environment where family values were at the forefront. She says her parents always supported her dreams, providing a stable foundation for her growth.

“I grew up in a humble and loving family, with my parents always available to guide and encourage me,” she reflected.

Ainamaani attended St. Benedict Primary School in Hoima, followed by St. Peter’s High School and later Trinity Catholic High School in Kakumiro District. All the three schools are in western Uganda.

From a young age, she showed love for physics and mathematics, which naturally led her to dream of becoming an engineer. Her childhood ambition to study at Uganda Christian University was realized in 2023 when she was accepted to pursue civil engineering, a field she had always been passionate about. Her father played a significant role in nurturing her interest in engineering, frequently taking her to construction sites to observe how things worked. “It made me confident about what I was doing,” she said.

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To www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org .

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UCU community runs for mental wellness

October 4, 2024News, Students#News, #students, exercise, mental healthPatty Huston-Holm

By Kefa Senoga
It was a race more about cause than competition. And the cause was raising awareness about mental health among the members of the community of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

On September 21, 2024, the UCU community participated in a mental health run, primarily to bring the issue of mental health to the fore.

But that was not the only reason.

Irene Nabwiire Ojiambo, UCU university counselor, explains that the other purpose of the run was to inspire people to use the opportunity of the gathering to network, as well as participate in a physical exercise with like-minded people.

“Mental health can also be affected negatively by loneliness and a lack of physical exercise,” she said. “When we are giving recommendations for challenges like anxiety or depression, we tell people to take a walk or a run, to boost their moods.”

She adds that engaging in physical exercise accelerates the level of information processing and enhances the overall cognitive function of the brain. As a result, by the time some individuals complete their workout, they often find fresh solutions emerging in their minds to address challenges.

Emmanuel Abura, President of the UCU Para Counselors Association that organized the run, in collaboration with the UCU Counseling department, says they observed that many students felt overwhelmed by academic pressures, including completing coursework and take-home assignments on time, leaving little time for relaxation. Abura said that that was one of the reasons they initiated the mental health run at the university.

However, since mental health challenges do not discriminate, the run was an all-inclusive one.

According to Abura, the mental health run was the climax of a series of mental health-related activities, such as outreaches and talks that had been organized for the UCU community.

“These activities were conducted for a week, leading up to the mental health run,” Abura said, noting that they intend to make the run an annual event.

Nabwiire conducts a para-counseling program, where they equip UCU students with skills to support their peers through counseling. She explains that the approach of the para-counseling program enables every student with a challenge in the university to get immediate assistance. The approach also enables those students who may feel more comfortable sharing their challenges with their peers than the counselors.

There was an ambulance on standby to provide immediate assistance

The para-counseling program runs for one week at the start of every semester at the UCU main campus in Mukono and in the Kampala campus. Upon completion, participants receive certificates of training.

Nabwiire states that the counseling center at UCU is open to students, staff, and their families from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday, at no cost. For those requiring immediate assistance, they also provide toll-free services, at 0800202800.

Through the Let’s Talk Online Counseling Management Application, the office of the university counselor bridges the gap in healthcare service through a confidential platform where the staff and faculty can seek support on issues related to mental health. The online platform has features such as scheduling appointments and tools that can help to track progress on the client.

According to Nabwiire, all the endeavors are to ensure mental well-being of students and staff, in line with the university’s theme of offering “A Complete Education for A Complete Person” because a complete person thrives where there is a balance of the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

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Bishop Chorey’s rise amidst Karamoja’s turmoil

October 1, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, UCU AlumniKaramoja, Theology, UCU, UCU Alumni, UgandaPatty Huston-Holm

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba of the Church of Uganda introducing Bishop Michael Chorey to the congregation.

By Kefa Senoga
Before he was ordained deacon in 2003, Bishop Michael Chorey, the newly consecrated bishop of Karamoja Diocese, was already involved in Christian ministry, serving in different capacities as a missionary and lay reader. During one of his ministry assignments while he was serving at the Church of Uganda Hospital in Amudat district, he was shot and sustained a bullet wound on the left side of his face.

“While we were transporting a patient from Amudat to Moroto, our vehicle was ambushed by an armed group,” said Bishop Chorey, an alum of Uganda Christian University (UCU). “I was shot, and the driver was also shot in the chest. Thankfully, we all survived.”

Bishop Chorey waving at the congregation

The Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda, where Bishop Chorey was born, raised, and served in Christian ministry, has long experienced tensions and rivalries among its ethnic groups.

Conflicts over resources, territory, and historical grievances in the region often escalate into violence and armed cattle raids, given its status as a nomadic pastoralist area. This has led to significant loss of life, particularly due to gun violence. Reports indicate that illegal firearms are commonly smuggled into Karamoja from neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Sudan, due to its proximity to these borders.

Bishop Chorey attributed the ambush to the insecurity and gun violence prevalent in the region at the time. Despite this, he remained undeterred, driven by a vision for Karamoja, where people would love one another, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. This vision became both his hope and constant prayer.

Bishop Chorey remained steadfast in his clerical journey, never looking back. In 2000, he joined Namugongo Seminary, where he studied for three years and was later appointed chaplain in the Church of Uganda Hospital in Amudat for two years. He was priested in 2005 and made parish priest of Christ Church in Amudat district.

Amudat District, located in the Karamoja region, is home to the Pokot, a minority tribe to which Bishop Chorey belongs. The district borders Kenya, where the Pokot community in Kenya resides on the other side. Historically, the Karimojong and the Pokot people have been traditional and cultural enemies.

Bishop Chorey recounts how difficult it was to preach about love while serving as the parish priest in the Pokot community that harbored deep enmity toward their Karimojong neighbors.

He explains that the raids carried out between the two tribes led to the loss of many loved ones, fueling deep resentment on both sides. When these attacks occurred, thoughts of revenge or counter attacks were often at the forefront. Neither tribe was free from the cycle of bloodshed.

Sections of the congregation at the consecration ceremony

Bishop Chorey notes that nearly everyone in the region owned a gun, and that each month, the church would receive groups of widows, victims of the ongoing violence between the two tribes.

The frequent raids led to a significant loss of life, making it nearly impossible to preach that their rivals, who originated from the same region, were family. The deep-seated resentment and the pain caused by the deaths of their loved ones only fueled this divide.

“Every time we would go to mourn at a home, we planted a seed of the gospel and three of our strong parishes were formed at a time of mourning; we would go and spend a week with the family that has lost its members as we preach, having overnights,” Bishop Chorey said.

He further described the intense atmosphere of that period, particularly for the clergy who continued their ministry work without any form of security. He recalls that at one time, “the government asked Bishop Lomongi whether it could offer escorts to church staff” but that the bishop and the clergy declined.

He adds that the Bishop pardoned clergy members who were unable to attend diocesan meetings, considering the difficulties they encountered as a result of the unrest in the area. He advised, “If we call a diocesan meeting and your spirit or conscience tells you not to travel that day, don’t force yourself.”

Bishop Chorey noted that crosses in memory of murdered Catholic clergy can be found along roads when entering the Karamoja region from Namalu. Locals are known to stop cars and shoot passengers. The Church of Uganda once lost six nurses and a clinical officer in a single day.

Through his work in the church, Bishop Chorey says that he has been able to reach and transform some of the wrong elements, such as cattle rustlers, who have since laid down their guns and become lay readers in the church.

“I have four of my commissioned lay readers who have been warriors and cattle rustlers and these are the guys who are preaching Christ now,” he says.

The Ugandan government also has made efforts to curb gun violence in Karamoja, including disarmament programs and increased security presence.

In 2007, Bishop Chorey joined UCU to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity, completing his studies in 2009. Before finishing his degree, he was assigned to St. Philip’s Cathedral in Moroto.

Bishop Chorey notes that some of his family members were concerned when he was posted to Moroto, where the majority of the people are Karimojong.

He explains that his family feared for his safety, believing that he might be killed because no Pokot had ever worked in Moroto. They were thinking from a traditional perspective of the feud between the Pokot and the Karimojong. However, he says that he spent his time there peacefully and made many good friends.

Bishop Chorey explains that UCU broadened his perspective beyond the narrow view of the Pokot community. As a result, he returned in 2012 to pursue a Master of Arts in Theology and Development. By 2013, before completing his program, he was appointed as Archdeacon back at home in Amudat.

“When I started ministry there, we opened churches from one traditional church that was opened up by the Church Missionary Society to six parishes,” he says.

Bishop Chorey notes that when his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Abura, announced his retirement, he had no thoughts about replacing him due to the fact that Chorey was coming from the minority tribe in the diocese. However he was nominated, winning over his mentor, Rev. Canon Joseph Aleper.

Bishop Chorey has developed a nine-point program plan for the Diocese of Karamoja, designed to address the spiritual, social, and economic needs of the region. The plan prioritizes mission and evangelism as its foremost objective.

“Mission and evangelism will transform the people of Karamoja. When that happens, so much will change in Karamoja and that’s why I put it as the first priority,” he says.

According to Bishop Chorey who grew up as a shepherd in a purely nomadic pastoralist family, his parents did not go to school or church. His father, Mudang Dokongole, has seven wives, including his mother, Cheman Mudang.

His early education at Losam Primary School in Kenya, a church-founded school, introduced him to Christ.

In 1986, after completing his primary education at Konyao Primary School in Kenya, he attended Chewoyet High School, also in Kenya, for his secondary education. He credits his uncle, a government porter to the Assistant District Commissioner, for influencing his father to send him to school in a community where education was not a priority, and the illiteracy rate is today as high as 96%.

Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Development at UCU.

A significant number of people from Kenya, including members of parliament, senators and the West Pokot Governor, attended the consecration of Bishop Chorey on August 25 in Amudat district. The Vice President of Uganda, Maj. Jessica Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni as the chief guest.

Bishop Chorey is married to the Rev. Canon Jane Chorey, with whom he has worked in the Pokot Archdeaconry. They have three children.

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Engineering faculty trains Mukono farmers on biogas technology

September 26, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, StudentsBingo! Projektförderung, Biogas, engineering, farming, UgandaPatty Huston-Holm

Dr. Miria Agunyo explains to farmers the benefits of using fresh waste to make biogas

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Waste was once defined only as something with no purpose, but this is no longer the case. The definition of waste as something useless is not accurate among a growing number of Uganda Christian University (UCU) students and staff who are informed and involved in various resource recovery initiatives.

Most recently, the Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology (FEDT) at UCU invited at least 12 farmers from within the Mukono area to learn what the institution is doing to recover resources from waste. On September 11, a training session for the dozen farmers introduced them to organic waste management approaches, biogas technology, occupational health and safety measures and application of bioslurry in agriculture. The training was facilitated by a team that included Ass. Prof. Eleanor Wozei, Ass. Prof. Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe, Mr. Arnold Mugisha, Mr. Okot Innocent, Mr. Eddy Ojara and Dr. Miria Agunyo. Agunyo is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology and the principal investigator of the project.

Farmers observe bio-slurry during the training

Farmers walked away having learned how biogas, a renewable energy fuel, is produced from biodegradation of organic waste streams, including food and animal waste. They also learned how the bio-slurry can be used as fertilizer for their crops. Through this technology, greenhouse gas emissions, such as of methane, are prevented, as well as the pollution of soil and water by the waste from landfills. The training took place at the UCU Biogas Plant, which was constructed and commissioned in September 2023, with support from Bingo Projektförderung (project funding) in Germany.

Under this project, Dr. Agunyo said UCU is working hand in hand with the Artefact Centre in Germany to train people how to make simple biogas digester systems while promoting the use of other by-products, such as bioslurry.

She added: “We want biogas technology to be something an ordinary person can do with very little support.”

Through the Bingo project grant funding of 30,000 Euros ($33,478), UCU installed a 12-cubic-meter digester tank that converts waste into biogas at the UCU water treatment plant and serves as a teaching tool for waste management and construction of digesters. Artefact Centre is doing the same in Germany, demonstrating simple do-it-yourself systems, enabling young people to appreciate the technology through traineeships.

“Recently, we fabricated our own digesters using plastic containers, which has helped us explain how simple biogas technology can be, from construction to operation,” Dr. Agunyo said.

“The biogas we produce is used in the UCU kitchen, and the bioslurry is used as fertilizer in our demonstration gardens and this component was carried out by our colleagues from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, led by Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba.”

The Bingo Project aimed to demonstrate that as a university, we can sustainably manage the organic waste streams generated from within UCU and use the biogas produced to substitute firewood use at the UCU kitchen, hence promoting the use of clean cooking fuels and enhancing farming through the use of bioslurry.

Farmers learn about the process of biogas production, from mixing feedstock to utilizing the gas

Some of the participants who attended the training indicated their interest to make changes.

“I’m tired of using charcoal, and I am excited to use waste to make biogas because it’s clean and will help me prepare meals faster,” said Prossy Birungi, one of the farmers who attended the training. “Biogas is a double blessing; I hope to use it for cooking and the residue as manure.”

She commended UCU for the hands-on training, which demystified biogas technology.

“I used to hear rumors about biogas on TV, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn how to make and use it,” Birungi said.

Another farmer, Allan Kakembo, from Bugujju in Mukono, noted that manure and animal feed have been costly. He is hopeful that the bio-slurry used in his banana and maize plantation will improve production while reducing expenses.

“Waste has been a challenge to me, and I am glad I can now benefit from it,” Kakembo said. “I look forward to using waste from my kitchen and animal waste to make biogas, instead of dumping it.”

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From student to director: Emily’s USP Journey

September 23, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni, USP#News, #students, Alumni, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Emily Entsminger (fourth from left) with some Uganda Studies Program (USP) staff

By Kefa Senoga
In 2007, Emily Entsminger left her home country, the United States (US), for the first time to come to Uganda as a student under the Uganda Studies Program (USP). In 2022, she returned to Uganda to serve on the USP staff as the Student Life Coordinator. In June 2024, she assumed the role of USP Director.

USP is a study abroad program hosted by Uganda Christian University (UCU) and under the Uganda Partners non-profit organization. It offers USA and Canadian Christian university students a chance to immerse themselves in Ugandan culture, academics and community life for a semester

Emily says that during her time as a student in the USP, she developed a deep interest in the program and kept the thought of working with USP in mind, even after she had returned to the US.

“I paid attention if there was a job open at any time but there wasn’t one that my skills particularly fit until 2022 a Student Life Coordinator position opened and my background was in student care and pastoral care,” Emily says.

She applied for the job while in the US and was successful. She loved it so much, and served in it for the past two years.

She recounts that when her predecessor, Rachel Robinson, took a sabbatical in August 2023, she stepped in to fill the role temporarily as Acting Director. Once it was confirmed that Rachel would not be returning, Emily officially assumed the position in June 2024.

Emily says that she believes in the program, which is why she is so passionate about her role as its director.

“I have personally experienced the positive effects of this program,” Emily said. “I can attest to its uniqueness, and the growth, learning and cultural engagement…as well as the way its students return changed.”

She adds that stepping into the role of Director is a privilege for her, allowing her to give back to the program that impacted her so deeply. At the same time, she notes that being involved in something as a participant is quite different from leading it, drawing a connection between her time as a USP student and her current role as director.

Emily reveals that what she loves the most about her job is seeing students grow as she did over the course of four months in the program.

“Students grow, evolve and are exposed to various aspects of life,” Emily said. “I truly enjoy witnessing their journey from day one of having no idea of how to get around to successfully navigating everything by the end of the semester.”

She points out one of the opportunities students have that stretches them is staying with a host family– local, Mukono, husbands, wives and children. Students spend two weeks or an entire semester immersed with these families to build connections and relationships with them and the surrounding community. From Emily’s experience as a student, her host family asked her to be the Godparent to their daughter, and she counts this as one of her most memorable moments in Uganda.

Emily, when a student, with her host mom

Reflecting on her experience as a student in the USP, Emily highlights that the program provided her with a foundation for thinking and engaging with the world. She says the involvement requires adapting to many unknowns and different rhythms—like knowing how to buy groceries and food back home but having to learn how to do it in Uganda. USP students adjust to navigate everyday life in a new context.

Emily continues to narrate that she first realized she wanted to study abroad, especially in Africa, while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Christian Education and Youth Ministry at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, which is part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The CCCU has more than 150 post-secondary institution members in the U.S. and Canada and more than 30, including UCU, from an additional 19 countries.

She says that the study abroad option that her school offered was with USP, so she applied, and that’s how she ended up in Uganda.

One discovery by USP participants relates to the misperception of Uganda.

“You realize that with what you have seen in the media. For instance, students may come thinking that everyone in Uganda lives in a grass-thatched hut,” Emily said. “But it’s not what you find; it’s there but that’s not everybody’s life here.”

Emily elaborates that many students enjoy their time in Uganda due to the warm personalities of its people and the pleasant weather, among other factors. As director, she emphasizes that one of her top priorities is to support students in having a good experience in Uganda.

“Helping maintain USP and make it a program of excellence is my priority, but I am passionate about increasing student support, engaging students and supporting them through their experience,” Emily says.

She adds that another initiative she’s embarking on will be addressing mental health needs among students who come for the program.

With her experience as a campus pastor in her native state of Iowa and background in religious education, including a Master of Divinity with a specialization in Spiritual Formation that she obtained from George Fox University, Oregon, Emily remains committed to upholding the values of Christianity and faith as top priorities in the program at UCU.

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UCU alum spearheads cryptocurrency in Uganda

September 19, 2024News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of BusinessBitcoin, business, Crypto, Finance, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Abel Namureba is passionate about cryptocurrency.

By Pauline Luba
At 29 years old, Abel Namureba has earned the “face of cryptocurrency” nickname in Uganda. He is a passionate fintech (short for “financial technology”) enthusiast.

Namureba’s educational journey began at Hormisdallen Primary School. He went to Seroma Christian High School for his O-Levels, and Turkish Light Academy for A-Levels. Namureba’s fluency in math led him towards a career in finance – eventually leading him to Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from 2015 – 2018.

“Finance is applied to every aspect of life,” Namureba said.

He stated that while at UCU, he was thinking about the defined success route for accountants. He wasn’t the top or worst student, but he wanted to specialize in something, eventually landing on Bitcoin.

Bitcoin, a form of digital currency, is traded globally across online platforms with a maximum supply of 21 million coins to be in existence. Despite the controversies surrounding Bitcoin, Namureba was intrigued by its potential to reshape the global finance scope, especially in Uganda. He studied it deeply.

Namureba is often dubbed the “face of cryptocurrency” in Uganda.

During his first year at UCU, Namureba was already with the Uganda Revenue Authority and later contributed to Standard Chartered Bank as a junior associate and worked on projects such as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. He then volunteered with Binance and actively worked to educate the masses about cryptocurrency. Afterwards, he joined a startup called Yellow Card as Country Manager, significantly growing its user base to over $100,000 and generating $10 million monthly for the firm. Recently, he left Yellow Card to start Itwe Solutions, a finance and technology consultancy, registered in both the United States and Uganda.

Additionally, he recently completed his MBA at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

For the past decade, Namureba has been a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency in Uganda, frequently appearing on news platforms like CNBC and NTVUganda to debate controversial issues and explain crypto’s dynamics, benefits and pitfalls. He also has participated in the country’s policy creation, the official launch of crypto in Uganda and its ever-evolving regulation by several government bodies.

“Money has evolved, and we are now in a new digital era,” Namureba explains. “Cryptocurrency represents a global currency form.”

However, he warns about the risks, noting that scammers often mislead people into believing they can quickly turn small investments into significant sums such as shs50,000($13) to shs1,000,000 ($272). He stresses that, like all investments, cryptocurrency comes with risks, including fluctuations and potential losses.

Namureba’s personal experience with scams includes losing $20,000 to a fraudster in his early days at Yellow Card. Instead of being discouraged, this experience helped him better understand the industry. He points to infamous cases like the OneCoin scam, where a fraudster embezzled €4 billion ($5.2 billion), from Ugandans, and is among one of the most wanted people in the world by the FBI. Despite the controversies, Namureba remains committed to educating Ugandans about the true potential of cryptocurrency, comparing it to investing in land — a long-term asset that when properly cared for, retained and allowed to grow in value can reap beneficial results.

“Education is key,” Namureba emphasizes. “There is no quick money in crypto.”

He is currently involved in ongoing discussions with the Bank of Uganda, fintech conferences, and blockchain meetings to ensure there are better regulation and protection policies on cryptocurrency and among its users within the country.

When he isn’t working, Namureba enjoys adventurous activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, skating and poetry. Through it all, his faith remains dominant.

A believer in Christ, his name, “Namureba,” meaning “I’ve seen Him (God),” constantly reminds him of this faith.

Born in Kampala and raised in Kanungu and from the Bakiga tribe, Namureba is the youngest son of six of Janet Baryaruha, a businesswoman, and his late father, a soldier. Despite his father’s early death, he remembers a childhood filled with love and provision.

“I live for God’s glory, and I hope to be part of people’s purpose by helping meet their needs,” Namureba said.

His advice to those interested in fintech and crypto is to get informed, volunteer, work for free if necessary and never stop learning.

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UCU master’s research focus on money laundering

September 17, 2024News, SRPGS, UCU Alumni, UCU School of LawAlumni, Law, post-graduate degrees, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Evelyn Zawedde is a Senior Associate at Ortus Advocates

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The main reason Evelyn Zawedde chose a career in law was to ensure equity and justice in the world. And for the 10 years that she has been practicing law, she has examples to illustrate her impact in that quest.

Here is one of them:

In Uganda, it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to grab property owned by the elderly. Zawedde’s grandmother fell victim to such an attempt when someone in her area laid claim to her land. Upon learning of her grandmother’s plight, Zawedde immediately took action, stepping in to represent her grandmother in mediation. She won the case, ensuring the property remained with its rightful owner — her grandmother. Although her grandmother has since passed away, Zawedde recalls that saving the property was one of her grandmother’s proudest moments, a testament to her granddaughter’s dedication.

Zawedde, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), earned a degree in Bachelor of Laws in 2011. However, she nearly abandoned her legal career after her initial application for a spot at the Law Development Center to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice was unsuccessful. In Uganda, obtaining this diploma from the Law Development Center is a requirement for practicing law.

When faced with a setback, she sought another opportunity by applying to Kenya Law School, where she was accepted to pursue her Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. After completing her studies in Kenya, she joined Kilonzo and Company Advocates, one of the leading law firms in Kenya.

A year later, she returned to Uganda and joined DN Kabugo Advocates, now Ortus Advocates, where she currently serves as a Senior Associate in the Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure department.

In July 2024, Zawedde graduated with a Master of Law in International Business Law at UCU.

She explained that the shifting dynamics of the global economy played a significant role in guiding her choice of research focus for the master’s degree. For the master’s project, Zawedde explored the role of preventive strategies in enhancing the fight against money laundering with a focus on selected financial institutions in the central business district of Kampala. The study focused on the fight against money laundering.

“I chose this research topic because money laundering is a global issue affecting financial institutions,” Zawedde said, adding: “I wanted to deeply examine the measures being used to combat money laundering in financial institutions.”

Her study found that to keep the integrity of the financial system intact, financial institutions, companies and governments must co-operate. Her study recommends enactment of laws that leverage technology to prevent and detect money laundering.

With a deep interest in the evolving financial landscape, she hopes that her advanced studies will not only broaden her expertise but also position her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the international business arena.

Born and raised in Mukono, central Uganda, Zawedde is an Advocate of the High Court of both Uganda and Kenya and all courts subordinate thereto. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, Kenya Law Society and the East African Law Society.

With over seven years of experience in structuring, negotiation and documentation of natural resource projects and related financings, Zawedde has conducted negotiations, prepared contracts and closed real estate transactions. According to the website of her current employers, Zawedde has acted for several clients in acquisitions of property for project development and developing transaction completion documents.

She attended Nakanyonyi Girls School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, for her O’level education and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in central Uganda for A’level.

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‘Education adds value to a person’

September 5, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education#News, #students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of EducationPatty Huston-Holm

Challote Mbabazi on the day she graduated with a master's degree — Challote Mbabazi on the day she graduated with a master’s degree

By Kefa Senoga
(final of four parts – UCU postgraduate focus)

By the time Challote Mbabazi completed her Bachelor of Arts with Education from Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2020, she had saved up to sh5million ($1,357) from the pocket money her parents gave her during her undergraduate studies.

This savings became her lifesaver for the next two years – especially since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the global closure of operations, including Ugandan schools where Mbabazi would be employed. Those places she planned to teach were shut down until 2022.

However, as expected, the demand for food did not wane during that two-year period. The natural choice of a business for Mbabazi was setting up a grocery shop, which she did near the UCU Main Campus in Mukono. But when the business expanded, she relocated it to Hoima, her hometown in western Uganda. That business is still located there to date.

While the food store income was sufficient, Mbabazi’s satisfaction with the work was not. She enrolled for a UCU postgraduate program in Master of Human Resource Management in Education.

“Education adds value to a person,” Mbabazi says, adding that she hopes to leverage her postgraduate knowledge to grow her business.

She is currently employed as an ICT teacher at St. Cyprian High School in Kyabakadde, Mukono district.

From her master’s course, Mbabazi says she has learned invaluable lessons on interpersonal relations, particularly in working with teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and managers within the education sector.

“I now understand better how to retain and develop talented people in any kind of organization, especially for schools,” Mbabazi says.

She also highlights mentoring as a key takeaway from her course. She had already started mentoring students, particularly those in the ICT club where she serves as the patron at her current school.

Mbabazi believes that schools must consider hiring a human resource professional within their administration, something uncommon in Ugandan schools. As a result, headteachers typically handle HR responsibilities in most schools.

Through the skills and knowledge that Mbabazi has gained in her master’s course, she says she has learned that HR managers are trained to create productive workplaces that can lead to improved outcomes.

Despite the widespread bias against a career in teaching due to low pay, Mbabazi argues that it’s important for more people to join the profession, to be able to nurture the future generation.

One of the notable challenges Mbabazi points out during her graduate studies is the struggle to balance work with school.

“Sometimes you would have work assignments to handle, with a proposal to defend and course work to hand in, and yet you also are the teacher on duty,” she noted.

And that was not the only challenge Mbabazi faced as a working student. She also had challenges with balancing school and her role as a wife and mother. The 28-year-old mother of two says that in such circumstances, it’s important to remember that you have interests and ambitions of your own, in addition to being a mother. This understanding inspires you to be determined and to make appropriate plans.

While pursuing her undergraduate studies at UCU, Mbabazi competed for guild presidency, but was unsuccessful. She, however, was appointed a leader in charge of education matters in the university’s guild government of that year.

Mbabazi explains that her aspirations for leadership didn’t end there. She remains determined to pursue leadership roles and sees herself serving in a public office later in life.

She completed her primary education at Bwikya Primary School in Hoima, then attended Jinja Secondary School for her O’level, proceeding to Mpoma Girls School, where she completed her A’level.

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