All posts by Patty Huston-Holm

About Patty Huston-Holm

Author, professor, communications consultant in Ohio, USA; and Mukono, Uganda, Africa.

Dartmouth’s Rujuta Pandit and UCU's Okot Innocent splitting a piece of wood at the site.

Second Dartmouth team enhances UCU solar-powered water system

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students


Dartmouth’s Rujuta Pandit and UCU's Okot Innocent splitting a piece of wood at the site.
Dartmouth’s Rujuta Pandit and UCU’s Okot Innocent splitting a piece of wood at the site.

By Kefa Senoga
In the summer of 2022, a team of three students from Dartmouth College in the USA state of New Hampshire were in Mukono, home of the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU), to actualize a solar water heater project designed to help the users save money, improve the health of the kitchen staff and reduce the amount of carbon output to the environment. 

The three students, with their team leader, Stephen Doig, an expert in mini-grid development and energy efficiency, were joined by a team of UCU faculty and students to set up the water heating system at the UCU kitchen. 

Again, this summer, the Dartmouth team, this time composed of five students, and again with Doig as their leader, was back in Mukono. The team that was at UCU from mid-June to mid-July, did maintenance works on the system they set up last year, as well as double its capacity and make refinements.

The UCU team, led by Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (front, third-left) with the team from Dartmouth.
The UCU team, led by Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (front, third-left) with the team from Dartmouth.

Anna Hugney led fellow students Emily Liu, Jack McMahon, Rujuta Pandit and Avery Widen. At UCU, they were joined by Okot Innocent, a UCU final-year student of engineering, to offer domestic expertise.

According to Hugney, they were mainly involved in maintenance of the system. 

“Upon arriving at UCU, we realized that the PPR (polypropylene random copolymer plastic) piping at the system was beginning to deteriorate because of the intense sun and heat, and could become dangerous for users and consumers,” Hugney said.

To solve this challenge, the 24-year-old noted that they swapped the PPR in the system with copper piping, which is far more resilient to hot temperatures and can last up to 20 years.

“While installing the new copper piping, we redid the clamp system to hold the pipes up in the shed and insulated each piece of copper,” said Hugney, who, along with her classmates, was visiting Uganda for the very first-time.

A data log-in system that was put in place to monitor temperatures and had broken down was also fixed. Hugney’s colleagues – McMahon and Widen – uploaded the new code to the system designed to monitor the temperature of the water in the tanks, and the system performance, before returning to the United States. 

Since the water heater project is a pilot venture, everyone was adjusting and learning, with some even taking lessons from mistakes made. Okot said the system’s performance was affected because the “cooks in the UCU kitchen didn’t learn how to properly use it, resulting in low temperatures and lukewarm water.” 

Some successes
Zachariah Owino, the Head Chef at the UCU dining hall, said the system has helped them save on time and the energy required to heat water to the boiling point, especially while preparing breakfast for the students. He said they also now save more than three tons of firewood per semester, meaning that sh450,000 (about $123) worth of firewood is saved.

Before the system was installed, every week, the UCU kitchen was using 10 tons of firewood, which translated to sh1.5million (about $400). In a year, firewood worth sh63million (about $16,700) was being spent on preparing meals. Now with the system, a reduction of over eight metric tons of firewood and 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere is expected to be realized.

Such success stories present good news to the global efforts to conserve the environment and mitigate effects of climate change, including the Sustainable Development Goal 7, which calls for the expansion of infrastructure and upgrade of technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries by 2030. 

According to Uganda’s environment watchdog, the National Environment Management Authority, from 1990 to 2015, Uganda lost 63% of its forests. The need for wood fuel and charcoal contributed to this rate of destruction of the forest cover.

The UCU-Dartmouth collaboration has been a two-way affair. Hugney said that they got fascinated by the biogas plant at UCU, noting that it is one project they look forward to replicating back at Dartmouth “because the United States has a lot of food waste which can be used for making biogas.” The biogas plant at UCU involves decomposing food waste, which is mostly obtained from the kitchen. The decomposed matter produces methane gas, which is used for cooking. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Different stalls at the garage sale in May

USP-sponsored sale raises $1,530 for needy students

News, Students, USP


Different stalls at the garage sale in May
Different stalls at the garage sale in May

By Kefa Senoga
When students in the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) depart for their homes and colleges in North America, they leave memories, experiences and some of their gently used items. 

Every May, USP organizes a trade fair within UCU to sell second-hand articles to raise money for financially disadvantaged students. This year, the fair included donations outside of USP.  Called a garage sale, the event raised sh5.6million (about $1,530), which was handed over to the university administration. 

According to Lydia Wankuma, the administrator at USP, the international students in the USP program donate clothes, electronics, books, shoes, kitchenware, cosmetics and gadgets, among others, which are sold at the fair. 

“We always hand over the funds we get from the sale to the scholarships office and they use them at their discretion for whoever they deem fit to receive the support; it goes into the pool for the scholarships office,” Wankuma explained. 

She said members of the UCU community, including Uganda Partners and other well-wishers, also are big donors to the sale. In 2023, according to Wankuma, the garage sale partnered with the Just For 10k campaign, another fundraising effort intended to support the education of needy students at UCU. Dorothy Tushemereirwe, the coordinator of the Just for 10K campaign, brought in items that she had mobilized from people to be sold at the fair. Clothes at the fair were priced as low as sh2,500 (about 70 cents) per item.

Dr Jonathan Tumwebaze, a USP staff member and UCU alum who recently earned a PhD in public policy at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, said he is one of the beneficiaries of the UCU scholarship through USP garage sale funds.

Madison Lowe, a USP alum who came back to work as a program assistant and one

A receipt showing the funds that were deposited on the financial aid account.
A receipt showing the funds that were deposited on the financial aid account.

of the people who donated items that were sold at the fair, said she found satisfaction in giving what she was no longer using, rather than carrying the items back home. She said it felt good to donate to support student colleagues.

Anita Nshakira, the director of UCU Kampala Campus and one of the people who donated items for the sale, said: “I love giving because I know it will make a difference in someone’s life.”

She said for the time she has spent at the university, her interactions with students have given her first-hand experience of the challenges that they go through.  

“I have witnessed tears of students who have not been allowed to sit for exams because they have a fees balance; that’s why when an opportunity comes for me to help out, I can’t resist,” she said, adding, “I offered nice clothes which I felt would raise good money for the cause.” 

Claire Kiconco, who donated kitchenware, shoes and electronics for the sale, said she did so because she also previously benefited from charity. Kiconco said in addition to donating items for sale in the fair, she also has been donating separately for the Just For 10k campaign.

USP is a study program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The US-based Christian higher education consortium is composed of more than 180 institutions around the world, including UCU. Twice a year, in the September and January semesters, the UCU community welcomes 25-30 students from North America. Since it was started 19 years ago, UCU has hosted more than 800 American students in Uganda. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Cutting cake at last year’s dinner of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) are (Right to left) UCU’s JMC Head of Undergraduate Studies John Semakula, Corporate Communications Manager at Umeme Peter Kaujju, veteran journalist and chief guest John Kakande, School of JMC Dean Monica Chibita, Managing Editor for Nation Media Group in Uganda Tabu Butagira and student leaders.

UCU student dinners offer networking platforms

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Law


Cutting cake at last year’s dinner of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) are (Right to left) UCU’s JMC Head of Undergraduate Studies John Semakula, Corporate Communications Manager at Umeme Peter Kaujju, veteran journalist and chief guest John Kakande, School of JMC Dean Monica Chibita, Managing Editor for Nation Media Group in Uganda Tabu Butagira and student leaders.
Cutting cake at last year’s dinner of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) are (Right to left) UCU’s JMC Head of Undergraduate Studies John Semakula, Corporate Communications Manager at Umeme Peter Kaujju, veteran journalist and chief guest John Kakande, School of JMC Dean Monica Chibita, Managing Editor for Nation Media Group in Uganda Tabu Butagira and student leaders.

By Pauline Luba
“People are lonely because they build walls, instead of bridges.” That timeless quote, by Joseph Fort Newton, an American 20th Century priest and author, is relevant today and fitting to social and networking opportunities at universities.  

For university students, including at Uganda Christian University (UCU), dinners among students,  faculty and professionals are among the ways of building these bridges to support and not interfere with studies. Of the 11 faculties/schools, one third usually have such dinners. 

The live band that performed at last year’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication dinner
The live band that performed at last year’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication dinner

In July last year, after a four-month preparation, the UCU community, majority from the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC), alumni and invited guests descended on Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi in Kampala, for their annual media dinner.

Held under the theme “Media Ethics under Attack,” the dinner hosted students, UCU alumni, and media and public relations practitioners. 

At the dinner, Ugandan veteran journalist, John Kakande, advised the students that to earn respect, journalists should be able to produce “believable, accurate and impactful stories.” It is such stories, Kakande argued, that will influence policy and bring the desired positive change in society. 

From a meal and networking to live jazz music and speeches, most of which were by renowned media professionals who painted for the students a picture of the kind of journalist today’s job market needs, the evening’s activities gave the students value for their time and money – at just sh100,000 (about $27) that they paid for the dinner.

“We were blessed to have a very talented team,” one of the organizers, Elsie Tukahirwa, said when asked how they managed to pull off the event. “Many students offered services, such as photography and decorations, at a subsidized fee.”

A screengrab of Uganda’s Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka (left) presenting a plaque to a student at last year’s UCU Law Dinner. Right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
A screengrab of Uganda’s Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka (left) presenting a plaque to a student at last year’s UCU Law Dinner. Right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

And several other faculties, too, hold annual dinners. The UCU School of Law, for example, also held its dinner last year, at an event where students used the opportunity to socialize. At the event, the student leaders of the UCU Law Society, an umbrella association of law students, were recognised. And this year is not any different. Students from both schools are again organizing their annual dinners.

Tukahirwa said it is the duty of the students to “push for their dinners to take place.” She adds that sometimes some students do not wish to have one, because of the level of commitment and engagement required to organize it.  

This year, the UCU School of Business will host its dinner on July 22, at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi. At the dinner, according to the organizers, there will be recognition of outgoing student leaders and introduction of new ones. 

Elsie Tukahirwa at a dinner she helped organize last year.
Elsie Tukahirwa at a dinner she helped organize last year.

Sidney Mugenyi, a third-year student pursuing Bachelors in Procurement and Logistics Management, and is one of the organizers of the July dinner, said they have faced challenges of funds and marketing of the event to the students. 

“In spite of the challenges, this dinner is important because it will provide a platform for the students to get entrepreneurship advice from sector players,” Mugenyi explained. 

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department at the School of JMC, said the dinners are a platform for students to interact with colleagues in different years of study.

The students also invite special guests from the industry who give them tips on how to be a successful professional, Semakula explained. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Erisa Kigenyi, the new principal of UCU Mbale University College.

UCU Mbale Campus gets new principal

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education


Erisa Kigenyi, the new principal of UCU Mbale University College.
Erisa Kigenyi, the new principal of UCU Mbale University College.

By Pauline Luba
Dr. Erisa Kigenyi Mazaki, the new Principal of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College, was twice “acting” in the role over the past five years.

In August 2018, he joined the institution as a full-time staff member. Just four months later, the UCU Vice Chancellor at the time, Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, shocked Kigenyi by appointing him the acting principal of the college. The position holder at the time had retired. 

“I was shocked because I thought there were more capable people than I was,”  Kigenyi, an ardent teacher, said.  “I was wondering why I had been tasked with the responsibility.”

Kigenyi was the acting principal until March 2019, when Mrs. Mary Gichuki Manana joined the college as the substantive head. Again, last year, when the position fell vacant in November, Dr. Kigenyi was appointed in acting capacity. 

In June 2023, the month when Kigenyi was celebrating 50 years of age, he received a notification that he had been appointed as the college’s substantive principal. 

For now, his eyes will be focused on ventures to improve the state of the infrastructure of the college, located in Mbale city, eastern Uganda. With improved infrastructure, there is hope that the enrollment and welfare of students at the college will improve. 

Last year, the college launched a fundraising drive to raise money for the expansion of the institution’s infrastructure. At the event, more than sh240million (over $64,000) was collected in cash and pledges. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented at the function by Mbale Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Ahamada Washaki, pledged sh200million (about $53,000).

Should any challenges surface during Kigenyi’s tenure as principal, he feels assured of victory. He says his armor is Psalm 121:1-3 “I look up to the mountains, does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth. He will not let you stumble; the One who watches over you will not slumber.” 

To deliver results in his new position, the father of three boys and one girl hopes to rely on his ever-present and supportive wife, Janet Kigenyi, in affairs of the home. Her management of family affairs enables him to have a peace of mind at work. 

Born in 1973 to Mr. Nsangi Amunoni and Annet Nasiyo, Kigenyi had 10 siblings – three boys and seven girls. He attended North Road Primary School in Mbale city for his primary education and then Bukedi College Kachonga from Senior One to Senior Five. He was unable to return to the school for Senior Six because his father faced financial hardships and could not afford to pay the tuition. Kigenyi was then enrolled at Mbale Progressive School, where he completed Senior Six, emerging as one of the best candidates in the national exams.

The top performance earned Kigenyi a government sponsorship for a Bachelor of Arts with Education at Uganda’s Makerere University. In 1988, Kigenyi graduated as a teacher. Soon after, he teamed up with two colleagues and they started their own school, Mbale Comprehensive High School, where he is still a director. He says teaching and molding students into useful citizens is a satisfying experience.

 “Students are the reason teachers like me exist,” he said.

In November 1998, he joined Mbale Secondary School, where he taught until 2012. Here, he was a classroom teacher before being promoted to the position of head of the history department. He was also appointed as the chair of the staff of the Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) and patron of student leaders in a school of over 4,000 students. 

In 2005, Kigenyi joined UCU for post-graduate studies, graduating in 2007 with a Master of Science in Human Resource Management in Education. In 2010, he enrolled for a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management at Uganda Management Institute, graduating with a first class in 2011. Two years later, Kigenyi went back to school, enrolling for a PhD in Management Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. He graduated in 2017. 

Before joining UCU as a full-time staff member in 2018, Kigenyi served the university on a part-time basis for seven years, up to July 2018. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

The Rwandan community in a traditional dance

UCU hosts cultural gala for international students

News, Students, UCU Alumni


The Rwandan community in a traditional dance
The Rwandan community in a traditional dance

By Pauline Luba
When one travels to new lands, they always leave a part of them at home. It is that part of them that has a tendency of evoking homesickness. In Yemi Alade’s song, Africa, the Nigerian singer could not have put this feeling of the allure of one’s home clearer than she did in the lyrics:

Anywhere you go
London, USA
Nowhere be like Africa
Nowhere be like home
Anywhere you go
New York, Chicago
Nowhere be like Africa
Nowhere be like home

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is aware of the impact of being away from one’s family members and friends, especially for students whose study means they spend a longer time in a foreign country. Every year, the university organizes the International Students Week to give students a chance to celebrate their culture and heritage.

South Sudan during their performance.
South Sudan during their performance.

This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Celebrating Diversity and Unity,” was held in the week leading up to June 25 with June 23 being the day a cultural gala was staged in the UCU Nkoyoyo Hall. The university is home to both national and international students from the region of East Africa and beyond.

In the culture week, organized by the student leaders, in collaboration with the Directorate of Student Affairs, activities such as community outreach, movie night and food exhibition were held. Students with the same heritage prepared their traditional cuisines, something that brought fun out of the activity, as well as to remind them of “home.”

On June 23, the day of the gala, the decorated Nkoyoyo Hall was filled to capacity by 8 p.m., the time the cultural gala started. The students, many of whom wore their cultural attires, cheered on their colleagues during the performances. After the national anthems of the participating countries, different speakers educated the audience about the unique attributes of their countries.

Guild President Timothy Ddumba with UCU students from the international community.
Guild President Timothy Ddumba with UCU students from the international community.

Justus Kashasira, a student from Tanzania, made use of a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate the beauty of his country, showcasing the Serengeti National Park, where one can see the “big five” animals – elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and the lion – and the Kilimanjaro National Park, which has the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.   

A student from South Sudan bashed the stereotype of war and famine that others label on her country.

 “I’m here to change that and show you what my country really is,” Emmanuella Morris said amidst cheers from the crowd, as she explained the beauty of the family bond that people in her country have, the “stunning food” and the hospitality of the South Sudanese. 

The groups also showcased their traditional dances and stunning attire with the crowd cheering the Rwandan students as they gracefully performed the Kinyarwanda dance. 

Speaking at the event, the acting Director of Students’ Affairs, Simon Tusubira, expressed the university’s commitment in serving the international students and ensuring that they handle their needs, such as acquisition of visas, accommodation and safety, in order to make their stay at the university a memorable one. 

The student leaders in charge of international students at UCU – Precious Kasemire and Moise Kituka – said sh1.5million (about $400) was used to purchase the costumes that the students used for the gala, banners and the food that was cooked for the exhibition, and other expenses incurred in organizing the cultural week.

UCU Guild President Timothy Ddumba said the cultural gala is intended to help build cohesiveness and a stronger association for the international students.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

The altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.

When Uganda Martyrs sowed the seed of Christian faith in the world

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU Alumni


The altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.
The altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.

By Pauline Luba
When King Mwanga, a former Ugandan traditional leader, ordered the killing of fresh Christian converts more than a century ago, he might not have known that his actions would lead to the sowing of the seed of Christianity in the country. Now, 137 years down the road, the death of the Uganda Martyrs is a reference point to the special grace that God bestowed on the 45 converts who chose death over renouncing the faith they had received.

The converts, who were pages in the palace of King Mwanga of Buganda, having learned about God, put their loyalty first before the Almighty and denounced the time’s unchristian practices such as polygamy. Mwanga was a polygamous man. However, the shift of allegiance from the king to God, the King of Kings, enraged Mwanga. He thus ordered the execution of those who did not renounce the new faith.

Every June 3 is a public holiday in Uganda, to allow a pilgrimage to Namugongo, near Kampala, to pray in remembrance of the martyrs who were killed for their faith. 

Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to attend the celebrations. In the foreground is an artist’s depiction of how the converts were killed under the orders of Mwanga
Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to attend the celebrations. In the foreground is an artist’s depiction of how the converts were killed under the orders of Mwanga

At Uganda Christian University (UCU), the theme of the week preceding June 3 is most times centered around faith, endurance and grace, taking the example of the action of the Uganda Martyrs. 

“The Martyrs help build our faith,” said the Rev. Capt. Esther Wabulo, the UCU Church Relations Officer. “And since UCU is a key center for the building of faith in our community and students, celebration of the day is important.” 

She also emphasized that as a Christian university, propagating the Gospel is its main aim hence they derive inspiration from the courageous act of the Uganda Martyrs.

Many members of the UCU community often participate in the activities of the day at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine on June 3. For instance, for this year’s event, Wabulo, Bishop Joel Obetia, Dr. Isabirye Moses, the Rev. Richard Mulindwa and the entire Church Relations Department joined the organizers at Namugongo. Theology students at UCU served as ushers at the prayers. 

The Anglican Church organized this year’s prayers under the theme “United for Service and Growth.” Dr. Foley Beach, the archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, who was the day’s guest preacher, lauded the church for sticking to the word of God. “Do not allow the devil to tempt us and lose faith,” Beach told the pilgrims, urging church leaders to “prepare people to do ministry everywhere.”

The pilgrims such as these attendees were urged to stick to the word of God, and not to allow the devil to tempt them.
The pilgrims such as these attendees were urged to stick to the word of God, and not to allow the devil to tempt them.

In UCU’s 25 years of existence, the Anglican church in Uganda has on two occasions bestowed the responsibility of organizing the Martyrs Day prayers on the institution – in 2004 and  2013 – an opportunity the university maximizes to advertise its programs to the world. In 2013, there was a double celebration for the institution as the Bishop Tucker Theological College was celebrating a century of existence.

The Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, the UCU Chaplain, said in the spirit of the faith whose seed the Uganda Martyrs sowed with their blood more than a century ago, students should follow Revelations 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”

Ssembiro said faith is not a casual affair, and that, therefore, one must be willing to show resilience, no matter the test.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Kefa Senoga during his internship at New Vision

Out-of-class experiences help prepare students for careers

UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Social Sciences


Kefa Senoga during his internship at New Vision
Kefa Senoga during his internship at New Vision

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The 11 undergraduate faculties and schools at Uganda Christian University (UCU) have classroom and hands-on learning opportunities. Students are especially encouraged to apply for internships that may be paid or unpaid and year-round or during the one of three semesters each year that students do not have classroom lectures.  These experiences reinforce the meaning of studies and make graduates more employable.   

Merick Wandera, a UCU Bachelor of Business Administration student interning with the Uganda Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, is among students reaping the advantages of applying his education in the context of the work world. He also recently was named the best intern among student workers at this government site.

“I am so glad that my internship was fruitful because after I emerged as the best intern student,” he said. “They advised me to consider going back there after graduation so that I can join their team.”

Wandera said he had a great internship experience and got new knowledge about governance and finance. He learned that the first role of the government is to provide services to the citizens and not to make profits.

“I used to wonder why the government continues to fund projects that didn’t produce any profit, but during my internship, I learnt that the government is after offering services and not making profits,” Wandera said.

As a result of the internship, he is  more conversant with the process of formulating sound economic policies and accountability for public resources aimed at achieving a sustained economic growth and development for the country.

Kefa Senoga, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism in Media and Communication, applauded one UCU lecturer for preparing him for his two internships – one with the New Vision newspaper and one with Uganda Partners. 

“I am so grateful to Mr. John Semakula, the lecturer, who taught us how to shape and write an article with a capturing introduction, good middle and end, which made me stand out amidst other intern students at New Vision,” Senoga said, adding that his writing skill was reinforced during an Economics and Business Journalism class.

At New Vision, Uganda’s biggest media house, Senoga learned more than honing his writing skill. His biggest lesson was in time management. He discovered that at school, students are given ample time to write an article, yet in the newsroom, completion deadlines were shorter.

“At campus, we were given three weeks to submit our work, but at New Vision, I was given the same article and asked to hand it in in two hours. I had to be at New Vision at 8:00 a.m. every morning, dressed professionally and ready to take on assignments,” Senoga said.

Both for Uganda Partners and New Vision, Senoga learned to apply the rules of accuracy, balance, truth and objectivity. He discovered that not all stories written are published, but was fortunate and inspired that all of his did appear in the New Vision print newspaper during his internship.

Sarah Thon Nyanachiek, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration who interned at Smile Again Africa Development Organization in Juba, South Sudan
Sarah Thon Nyanachiek, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration who interned at Smile Again Africa Development Organization in Juba, South Sudan

To Sarah Thon Nyanachiek, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, a paid internship at Smile Again Africa Development Organization in Juba, South Sudan, gave her an added opportunity to build her career skills. She said she frequently applied the theoretical knowledge she learned from class, gained a clearer view of what it meant to be in the professional world and realized the importance of teamwork. 

“I improved my communication skills by engaging with people from different walks of life since my profession is all about working with different communities,” Nyanachiek said. “During my internship,  students and staff members from the agency worked together in the implementation of the project, and this increased our productivity,” she said. Where there was no cooperation, she suffered with heavy workloads as a result of others not delivering the tasks in time as required by the supervisor. 

Doreen Nyakato, a finalist pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, who had an internship at Ahumuza Child Development Center
Doreen Nyakato, a finalist pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, who had an internship at Ahumuza Child Development Center

Doreen Nyakato, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, gained more skills on strategic planning and managing an organization’s finances during her internship with Ahumuza Child Development Center. Among her applied skills were putting vouchers in the system and paying fees using checks for this organization under the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese that looks after the vulnerable members of the community such as orphans and widows.

“Every day was a learning experience for me,” she said. “However, my major take away was the lessons I got from my office supervisor who taught me to better align an organization’s financial status to their goals and objectives.”

++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Doreen Naiga and Solomon Esadu offered career guidance and mentorship as well as tips on how to best use social media, write cover letters and create a Curriculum Vitae during a May 27 workshop at UCU.

UCU upperclassmen reinforce value of ‘soft skills’ to younger peers

Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Law


Doreen Naiga and Solomon Esadu offered career guidance and mentorship as well as tips on how to best use social media, write cover letters and create a Curriculum Vitae during a May 27 workshop at UCU.
Doreen Naiga and Solomon Esadu offered career guidance and mentorship as well as tips on how to best use social media, write cover letters and create a Curriculum Vitae during a May 27 workshop at UCU.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As she waits to graduate, Doreen Mbabazi Naiga is already giving back to Uganda Christian University (UCU) through equipping the continuing students with what most call “soft” but nevertheless vital skills. Naiga, who will receive her Bachelor of Laws degree when she graduates in July,  partnered with Solomon Esadu, also a student pursuing a Bachelor of Laws in his fourth year, to reinforce employability skills of communication, teamwork and more..

“We saw that after finishing school, students face a challenge of getting jobs because they lack some of these soft skills like perfecting their Curriculum Vitae,” Naiga said.

Some of the students who attended the May training at UCU’s Nkoyoyo hall.
Some of the students who attended the May training at UCU’s Nkoyoyo hall.

Naiga said they wanted to be proactive at offering students knowledge on some of the softer  skills they need to get a job. Along with their organization, United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU), Naiga and Esadu organized a one-day workshop on May 27, 2023, at UCU on the theme of “Career exploration and professional developing: Mapping your future.” UNAU works in conjunction with UN agencies to achieve aims and objectives of the UN.

Naiga and Esadu were among 20 delegates selected by the Africa UNAU. Naiga was inspired to join the fellowship because she wanted to be part of the solution. 

“I wanted to be in a position where I am able to help and influence communities,” she said.

Esadu joined UNAU because he is passionate about leadership and social development.

As delegates, they were offered a skilling program, mentorship, training and workshops where they learned about what they need to do in their community. At the workshop, the two passed some of this knowledge along.

“We learned that more people in society would love to obtain the same skill, so we brought it to our brothers and sisters at UCU to help them understand the skills they ought to have as they go to seek for jobs,” Esadu said.

Esadu noted that with so many graduates hunting for job opportunities in the competitive work world, soft skills make one stand out.

Esadu cautioned students about spending many hours on the internet just watching fun videos, but rather invest that time networking on the various social media platforms and learning about potential employers.

Doreen Mbabazi Naiga training students on how to stand out in a competitive job market.
Doreen Mbabazi Naiga training students on how to stand out in a competitive job market.

He also encouraged students to volunteer while they are still in school so that by the time they graduate, they would have acquired more experience needed and desired by employers. He commended the university for the soft skills it offers through the undergraduate course units of Writing and Study Skills. However, he observed that students don’t realize how important the course unit is early in their studies, necessitating that students re-study it later. 

“The students were able to learn and re-learn some of the pertinent issues they have not been paying much attention to such as resume writing,” Esadu said of the workshop. “When the speakers emphasized them, they got to understand them more.”

Eborty Ntami, a governance and peace fellow with the United Nations Development Program, taught students how to write an attractive Curriculum Vitae (a resume), how to answer interview questions, how to prepare for an interview, among other skills.

“I urge you to aim at having an attractive CV, to read about the job details and understand them before you apply and carry out research about the organization you are applying to,” Ntami said.

Ntami emphasized that having knowledge about a company before going for the interview not only increases the student’s chance of being hired, but also helps that student decide whether the company will be a good fit.

According to Ntami, knowledge, networking, empowerment, inclusiveness and persistence are key in determining what people become. She encouraged the students to be ready for opportunities when they come and to leverage on Information Technology to overcome in the dynamic world.

“Interviews are always tricky,”  said Alex Kaitale, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, after the workshop. “I am now prepared for the marketplace. I am sure I will submit the appropriate documents and respond to interview questions in the right way.”

Elijah Biimbwa, a second-year student of a Bachelor of Tourism in Hospitality Management, said he learned about the importance of networking.

“I learned that we need to network to increase our access to job opportunities, increase our visibility and advance our career. It is important for us to engage with others,” he said, adding that he also learned to make the best use of his social media platforms to network.

++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

The team from UYLC and UCU pose for a photo on the day they signed a MOU. Vice Chancellor of UCU, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi is in the center; Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, the chairperson of the board at UYLC, is at third right.

Ubuntu Leadership Centre strengthens ties with UCU

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


The team from UYLC and UCU pose for a photo on the day they signed a MOU. Vice Chancellor of UCU, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi is in the center; Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, the chairperson of the board at UYLC, is at third right.
The team from UYLC and UCU pose for a photo on the day they signed a MOU. Vice Chancellor of UCU, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi is in the center; Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, the chairperson of the board at UYLC, is at third right.

By Kefa Senoga
“Ubuntu: Humanity towards others: I am because we are” is emblazoned on the main Web page of one of Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) newest partners to help financially challenged students. Ubuntu Youth Leadership Centre (UYLC), a not-for-profit organization that supports needy students through contributing to tuition fees and mentorship, has joined the effort. 

Namiiro Benita, a soon-to-graduate UCU Bachelor of Laws student, is among the UYLC first  recipients. 

After completing Senior Six, Namiiro did not think her family was able to afford university tuition. She felt that her mother had toiled enough to get money for her school fees and wanted to leave the opportunity for her younger siblings. But Namiiro’s mother encouraged her daughter to continue her education, reasoning that once she was accepted, finances would come. 

UYLC board chairperson, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka
UYLC board chairperson, Dr. Sabrina Kitaka

“My mother wanted me to serve as a good example to my siblings, and so she encouraged me to enroll for a university education,” Namiiro, who lost her father when a young child, stated on Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) The Standard website. 

Namiiro’s journey was often filled with chance. For instance, during the first semester of her first year, Namiiro was unable to pay full tuition in time. Learning of her financial dilemma, Bulungu John, one of her lecturers, topped up the balance, so Namiiro could sit her end-of-semester exams.

From then on, her family struggled to get whatever money they could while Namiiro pursued different financial relief opportunities at UCU. She subscribed to the work and study, financial aid, saving a buddy and the guild fund, as well as moving around hostels to ask for financial contributions from student colleagues. She also is among the beneficiaries of UCU’s latest tuition relief project for needy students, the Just For 10K Campaign.

Namiiro and two other Bachelor of Law students – George Ojocheyi and Apili Peninah – are confident of meeting financial requirements to graduate after the UYLC intervention. The three are the first to get UYLC help since the center signed an MOU with UCU at the end of 2022. 

Ubuntu Leadership Centre entered into a partnership after learning about the Just For 10K Campaign. Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, the chairperson of the board at UYLC, noted that they want to go beyond just contributing to school fees to supporting students through mentorship.  

“We would like to see mindset change,” Kitaka said.  “We would like to see these young people leaving the university and adding value to our country.”

She added that  UCU’s  holistic education in both academic and Christian values made the UYLC partnership a good fit. 

“Working with UCU is just part of our moral fabric to promote Christian values and provide a holistic academic system,” Kitaka said when the team made a recent visit to UCU.

The head of partnerships and grants at UCU, Dr. Angella Napakol, said “UCU is keen on students’ mentorship and apprenticeship and fully welcomes the UYLC initiative.” 

The Vice Chancellor of UCU, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, lauded UYLC for their “good vision of touching lives,” noting that the world needs more change agents and intellectuals, and that UYLC is doing a good job in promoting such a cause.

Mushengyezi invited the UYLC team to “feel free to come and organize any seminars at the university,” as well as come and talk to the students during the UCU community gatherings that take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Dorothy Tushemereirwe, the Fundraising Consultant who is coordinating the Just For 10k Campaign, noted in mid-June that UYLC has raised a total donation of sh15,299,060 (over $4,000) in student fees.

How to donate for the ‘For Just 10k’ campaign

For direct deposits: +256774530810 in the name of Dorothy Tushemereirwe or +13344240964 in the name of Mark Bartels (Reason for giving should be “For just 10k fundraiser”)

Online donations: Use GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/needy-university-students) 

Direct cash deposits on Stanbic bank: Account name: Uganda Christian University. Account Number: 9030005916673.   

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Margaret Noblin with some of her mentored students making brownies in the kitchen of the Kingdom View Ministry House, Mukono, Uganda

Story of 600: Mentoring students to launch

News, Students, UCU Alumni


Margaret Noblin with some of her mentored students making brownies in the kitchen of the Kingdom View Ministry House, Mukono, Uganda
Margaret Noblin with some of her mentored students making brownies in the kitchen of the Kingdom View Ministry House, Mukono, Uganda

By Margaret Noblin
Like most Christ-centered, higher education entities, Uganda Christian University (UCU) exposes students to the Bible, God and Jesus along with rigorous curriculum in a choice of study and extracurricular opportunities.  

But how do these things come together helping them to know themselves and launch successful careers? Being an accomplished student nearing graduation is a scary proposition. Being a star on campus does not translate to being a professional success.  

Margaret helping students with the CV part of mentoring
Margaret helping students with the CV part of mentoring

A very bright student in social work came to me years ago. She had tremendous empathy along with strong fiscal skills but hadn’t considered a career in finance. After understanding her skills, she got her first job as a bank teller in a small city. There, she was promoted and finally ended up in a well-respected position at the main office in Kampala. She helped entrepreneurs get loans and was a creative problem-solver. When the bank restructured, they sent her to an international conference in Paris.  

She transitioned to another finance job continuing to help small businesses. Along the way human resources asked her if she would like to mentor high school students on how to manage money and open bank accounts. The bottom line, she is using all her God-given skills, including social work and business.  

This UCU graduate is one of about 600 students God placed in my path to mentor. Over 80% of the students that complete the process I designed get jobs they enjoy, and some even break the cycle of poverty in their families. These career professionals are becoming the middle-class of Uganda and changing the country one person at a time. They build houses for their moms, pay school fees for their siblings and become role models and impactful disciples.  

Humbly, I didn’t choose this mentorship role for my life.  God did.  When a youthful undergraduate at the University of Missouri, I didn’t see this coming. My husband, Mark, and I got the calling to Uganda roughly two decades ago with a belief we were to be fishers of men to teach men and women to fish.  The form that would take for me became a mentorship to university students. As we now reside in Dallas, Texas, it brings me great joy to see UCU students and alum practically empowered to be all God wants them to be. 

Students need to know their God-given practical skills to gain the confidence to be successful. 

Mentoring from a Biblical perspective is discipleship, and helps the mentee talk through the issues of life and how they fit the pieces together. There is fear of what is ahead. Most have high parental expectations that as they say “puts them on pressure.” What is ahead after university? Will I look foolish in new situations? What do I believe about the world around me? How do I live out my faith in Jesus with all the corruption and ungodly things around me? How do I handle carpet interviews (sex for jobs) or harassment? These are just a few things that have come out from years of listening to students. 

As with listening to and talking to God, the same is true for those around us on earth. Most college students don’t have that as an integral part of their education.  

As a follower of Jesus, my approach is holistic and Biblical. First, we need to understand our Biblical worldview to have a “true north” for God’s best for us. Then we need to comprehend how God wired our brains when we were created.  

A process of writing short stories reflecting things the students loved doing, that were easy for them to do and eyewitnesses telling them “You are great at this,” lets me know the heart of the student. The revelation is fascinating to the students that complete the process. They are shown with evidence throughout their life of why they are secure, unique, significant and loved by God.  

As their God-given practical skills are revealed and labeled, they begin to see the puzzle pieces fitting together.

The next step is developing their CVs(resumes), so it paints a picture of who they are on one page. It is like an interview on paper. They have shared, “I wasn’t scared in the interview. I was able to explain why I loved doing certain things.”  

The best opportunities in Uganda are companies that do business internationally. They pay their employees on time, have international standards of behavior and generally pay better salaries and benefits.

Part of the process that God led me to create is viewing two presentations I take them through. One is about the basics of who you are and understanding your identity in Christ and the other deals with what industries in Uganda have lots of jobs. Most students are totally shocked when they see the industry presentation showing pictures of different large businesses. Comments range from, “I thought I had to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer, doctor, nurse, or teacher.  I had no idea…” to “This is really cool. No one ever told me this stuff.”  

I love “aha” moments when I see the lightbulb of opportunity go on. But then fear sets in. It takes time to refine the CVs, even though the evidence is there. They see the proof of who they are as career professionals. 

Another challenging issue involves their self-image.  Many of the students on their first visit still think of themselves as high school students, not career professionals. At this point, I have to have what one of our employees called “the talk” pertaining to becoming a serious adult and professional. How you dress, present yourself and your expectation of who you are and who you want to be is key.  It is a reality check so they can make the transition.

I explain to them that I will help them, but they have to be willing to do the work and put in the time. I have found if they don’t, they don’t get good jobs. 

Discipleship is developing a holistic intentional relationship between the two people. When I first started in 2008, I mainly listened and tried to get to know the person. As a believer in Jesus, I explained to them my starting point and thanked them for opening up their minds to share our perspectives about life. As things have changed with how we communicate, WhatsApp, text and email have been valuable tools. WhatsApp has been my favorite for sharing pdf presentations, audio explanations and making video calls to have a more personal connection. Praying together, explaining challenging situations and inquiring of the Lord can be done online. 

In the past, our organization had a scholarship program, built a clinic, and started four homes for orphans. Through it all, we came to realize that mentoring youth was the most important work.  

We saw more positive change from the university students and how they changed the lives of others spiritually, emotionally and physically. 

Each time another student gets a job they hoped for, I feel like jumping for joy.  And the credit and glory go to God.  

++++

Margaret Noblin was a missionary to Uganda from 2003-2022 and continues to disciple UCU students virtually from the United States. Along with her husband, Mark, they led The Rock Outreach non-profit that funded the establishment of Kingdom View Ministry House and Pavilion donated to UCU in late 2022. More about the Texas-based Outreach can be accessed at www.rockoutreach.org.  

+++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

The Rev. Prof John Kitayimbwa is the second UCU administrator to head the RENU board

UCU’s Kitayimbwa appointed chairperson of a not-for-profit organization

News, Students, UCU Alumni


The Rev. Prof John Kitayimbwa is the second UCU administrator to head the RENU board
The Rev. Prof John Kitayimbwa is the second UCU administrator to head the RENU board

By Kefa Senoga
The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), has been appointed the chairperson of a Ugandan not-for-profit organization that facilitates research and education networking. The appointment of Kitayimbwa to the apex position of the board of the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU) happened during a recent retreat for the board of directors of the organization. 

At the same retreat, Prof. Janice Desire Busingye, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration at Kampala International University, was appointed to the position of Deputy Chairperson of the RENU board. 

The member-based organization founded in 2006 was established to end the extreme isolation of Uganda’s researchers and higher education practitioners from their national, regional and global peers, through the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.

The organization, which now has over 500 campuses connected to its network, is Uganda’s National Research and Education Network, and supports the needs of the research and education communities. Among the member organizations of RENU are schools, tertiary institutions, universities and research organizations.

Kitayimbwa said connectivity through RENU has afforded the agency access to vast information and resources, facilitated communication and collaboration and enabled the use of online education and research tools. He also mentioned the opportunity to share education and research infrastructure across Ugandan institutions, and facilitating the easier dissemination of education materials and research findings as some of the other benefits the member organizations have realized.

Kitayimbwa, a computational biologist, replaces Ugandan technologist Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello, who held the position from 2020 to 2023. During the same period, Kitayimbwa was Okello’s deputy on the RENU board. Okello is the Dean of Makerere University’s School of Engineering.

Kitayimbwa, a highly qualified professional in education and research, now becomes the second administrator from UCU to hold the position at RENU. Former Vice Chancellor, the Rev. Prof. Stephen Noll, was RENU chairperson from 2008 to 2011.  Other past RENU board chairpersons are Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba (2011-2014) and Prof. Michel Lejeune (2014-2020).

According to Kitayimbwa, who is a priest in the Anglican church in Uganda, when Vice Chancellors of universities and Chief Executive Officers of research institutions formed RENU in 2006, the initial but very important challenge that they sought to address was the provision of reliable and affordable connectivity to research and education institutions in Uganda.

And it seems some progress has been made. “In addition to the reliable connectivity, RENU has also ensured that the bandwidth unit price drops and becomes more affordable. From a bandwidth unit cost of approximately $630 ($/Mbps/Month) in 2013, RENU has ensured a steady drop in pricing as more members have joined the network,” Kitayimbwa wrote in his message to member organizations following his appointment.

He explained further: “Today, the bandwidth unit cost is only 6% of what it was in 2013. This means that if an institution spends exactly the same amount of money that they were spending in 2013 on connectivity and bandwidth, it is able to enjoy a service that is 16 times better than what it was in 2013 for the same cost.”

Kitayimbwa holds a PhD in Computational Biology, an MPhil in Computational Biology, a Master’s in Mathematical Sciences and a BSc in Science with Education. For the more than 17 years that Kitayimbwa has worked as a university lecturer and administrator, he says he has developed passion for the development of science, technology and innovation. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Some of the nearly 4,000 new and continuing students getting registered for the Trinity intake at the main campus in Mukono.

New students applaud UCU’s curriculum, technology, values, safety

UCU School of Education, UCU School of Law, UCU School of Medicine, UCU School of Social Sciences


Some of the nearly 4,000 new and continuing students getting registered for the Trinity intake at the main campus in Mukono.
Some of the nearly 4,000 new and continuing students getting registered for the Trinity intake at the main campus in Mukono.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Roughly 2,165 first-year students were enrolled at Uganda Christian University (UCU) at the start of the Trinity semester that kicked off on May 2. The freshmen, who were visibly thrilled to be accepted, joined over 1,761 continuing students at the Centre of Excellence in the heart of Africa. 

New students starting their university education at UCU and continuing students who went for holidays in April (short holiday) and January (long holiday) appeared glad to resume their academic journey. Freshmen and their parents expressed appreciation for security and safe water, among other aspects of UCU.

The programs at UCU are offered in three intakes: Easter (students report in January), Trinity (May intake) and Advent (starts September). More than 11 undergraduate programs wee available for the Trinity intake. These included schools of law, education, medicine and social sciences. Seven of these Trinity 2023 intake students provided comments. 

  • Majorine Narwambala, pursuing Bachelors of Law, hails from Kasubi-Makerere in Kampala. She selected UCU over universities closer to her home.

“I am very excited to be admitted to UCU, one of the most prestigious universities in Uganda,” she said. “I was inspired by my brother who studied from here. I am also pleased with the way UCU kept us updated online – they always updated us on Twitter.”

  • Lucky Opwonya, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and environmental engineering, is likewise following in the footsteps of his elder brother, who assured him that he would never regret studying at UCU.

“I heard a lot about UCU from my brother who was here for a bachelor of procurement and logistics in 2022, and I hope to see the good things he told me about,” said Opwonya, who is looking forward to living on campus, as is expected of

all first-year students.

  • Martina Mary Mugabi, who was admitted for a diploma in business administration, was impressed by the warm hospitality during registration. She said the staff were very helpful and friendly in ensuring her
    Martina Mary Mugabi, a first-year student admitted for a School of Business diploma in business administration.
    Martina Mary Mugabi, a first-year student admitted for a School of Business diploma in business administration.

    documents were in order. 

“I was so happy to receive calls and emails from UCU as a follow-up on my application process.,” Mugabi said.

  • Dorcus Kwagala Natabo, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, was inspired by her parents who work at UCU as well as by the university’s focus on Christian values. 

I hope to join the choir,” she said.

  • Walter Bwambale heard about how good UCU was when a lecturer visited his high school (St. Mark Senior Secondary School). He spent over six hours on the road to reach UCU to study a Bachelor of Law.

“I traveled from Kasese, western Uganda, to come to UCU, and I am glad I don’t have to suffer looking for where to sleep because I will be staying in the university hall of residents,” he said.

  • Esther Twikirize, a second-year student (Bachelor of Law) is happy to be back for Trinity semester after breaking off in November last year. “I was missing my friends and WiFi while I was at home,” she said. 

UCU’s main campus has 75 percent WiFi coverage in addition to its 10 computer laboratories mainly for teaching and research purposes. Twikirize also is happy about the opportunity to worship during Tuesday and Thursday services. 

  • Emmanuel Gerald Abura, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, from Lira, northern Uganda, praised the green and beautiful environment. “Some of us joined UCU because of its appearance,” he said.

Abura, who still stays in the university hall on campus, said the residency has made it easy for him to attend classes and save him from spending time and money on transport.

 “Unlike outside the university, where sometimes there’s no power, at campus, we always have power which helps us read even when there is a blackout,” he said.

++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Patience Ankunda, who started the Google Developer Student Club at UCU and became the first woman to hold such a position in Uganda

UCU students reap rewards from Google Developer Student Club

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Science and Technology, Students


Patience Ankunda, who started the Google Developer Student Club at UCU and became the first woman to hold such a position in Uganda
Patience Ankunda, who started the Google Developer Student Club at UCU and became the first woman to hold such a position in Uganda

By Pauline Luba
It was a simple request. Patience Ankunda was asked to help start a tech club at Uganda Christian University (UCU). At the time, she was a second-year student of Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Uganda’s Makerere University. She went to UCU and didn’t look back as she became a new UCU student, enrolling for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. 

Ankunda abandoned her Makerere, government-sponsored course, which she had already studied for two of the four years, for a privately-sponsored one at UCU. And she was at peace with the decision. 

“I saw computer science creating different opportunities for me in the future, which it is already doing now,” Ankunda, who graduated in 2021 with a First Class degree in computer science, told Uganda Partners during an interview last year.  

For her switch of programs, she says many people branded her a failure because they thought she was substituting a more prestigious course for a lesser one. And many more people prophesied that she would not go far in life with a career in computer science.  

Looking back, Ankunda believes the real spark of her love for computer science was her joining the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) at Makerere University. She says the club helped her realize her love for technology. 

“I was able to learn more about tech before I started to study it,” Ankunda said in late May 2023. “I got a number of opportunities and that boosted my confidence.” 

Google Developer Student Clubs are university-based community groups for students who are interested in technology and cutting their professional teeth in developing applications. In the GDSC clubs, the learning is usually peer-to-peer, with emphasis on creating local solutions for local challenges. There are more than 1,900 college and university chapters across more than 100 countries in the world.

When Ankunda completed her switch from Makerere to UCU, she helped to found the GDSC in the latter university and later headed it, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in Uganda. Considered the most successful story of the club at UCU, Ankunda is already implementing the knowledge she gathered from both the classroom and her peer-to-peer interaction in the club. She likely will always be found at the intersection where technology meets business, finance and fitness.

She has co-founded Culipa, a financial technology company offering digital payment solutions for individuals and businesses of all sizes. With Culipa, Ankunda believes she is keeping the GDSC slogan of innovate, inspire, and ignite alive. Culipa has a mobile application that enables individuals and businesses to send and receive money –  something that Ankunda believes is helping to make the lives of  people better. 

As part of its recruitment drive, on May 26, the GDSC UCU chapter held a sensitisation meeting, targeting the university’s fresh entrants. 

Google Club Leader Jasper Ashaba
Google Club Leader Jasper Ashaba

Jasper Ashaba, the current club lead at UCU, urged first-year students to join the club, giving himself as an example of a beneficiary of serious membership in the club. Ashaba says a Ugandan transport and tracking company hired him to build for them and help them to manage their networks. From gigs like these, Ashaba says he is able to pay for his amenities at the university. Just like it is expected for any working student, there are times when the work has clashed with Ashaba’s time for class work.

“Every night, I pray to God to give me wisdom to be able to properly manage my time well,” Ashaba says.

Arthur Yawe, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, said the session with freshers on May 26 gave him the opportunity to appreciate more the influence of technology in people’s lives. 

Hassan Bahati, a member of the club, communicating to new students
Hassan Bahati, a member of the club, communicating to new students

“I will join the club,” Yawe said. “I want to learn new skills and get opportunities.”

Hassan Bahati, a member of the club, currently in his final year at the university and a student of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, said the club offers opportunities for a diverse array of talents. 

“I’m in my third year, and I’m grateful for all I have learned from this club, as well as the opportunities that have come my way,” said Nabirye Joan, a student of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. “I advise others to join it.”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

The University of Pretoria has offered Jonathan Tumwebaze a placement for post-doctoral research

Janitor plays role in UCU alum’s academic success

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Social Sciences, USP


The University of Pretoria has offered Jonathan Tumwebaze a placement for post-doctoral research
The University of Pretoria has offered Jonathan Tumwebaze a placement for post-doctoral research

By Pauline Luba
Janitorial work increased the chances of a university getting at least one student. That’s part of the story of Dr. Jonathan Tumwebaze, who shared the role of a building custodian in his enrollment at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Tumwebaze’s father, Kaganda Bbala, was looking for a university where his son could pursue undergraduate studies, and UCU was among those on the list. During the university tour with his father in 2011, Tumwebaze said that as his dad walked into the bathrooms in the Mukono campus Nsibambi Hall, he remarked that if custodians could do their job so diligently without close supervision, then there was something special about UCU.

The university journey that Tumwebaze started 12 years ago has seen him recently earning a PhD in a record two-and-a-half years. The course usually takes up to five years. The 31-year-old received his doctorate in public policy from the University of Pretoria in South Africa on March 21, 2023. 

Titled “A Framework for Child Participation in Child-focused Policy Design in Uganda,” Tumwebaze’s research focused on inclusion of children’s voices in child-focused, policy decision-making processes. He describes a developing paradigm of thought in Uganda’s child-focused research literature. 

Tumwebaze with Patty Huston-Holm, Uganda Partners communications director, when they worked together to conduct post-graduate writing and research clinics.
Tumwebaze with Patty Huston-Holm, Uganda Partners communications director, when they worked together to conduct post-graduate writing and research clinics.

Tumwebaze has a unique passion for cross-disciplinary learning and knowledge systems, and has a breadth of experience working with students. Serving as the Interim Global Health Coordinator for Uganda Studies Program and Christian University Partnerships Manager, Tumwebaze’s doctorate meant he was the first student to graduate under the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research. The partnership is a collaborative venture in public policy and is currently offered in three universities in Africa – the University of Pretoria, University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. In 2015, Tumwebaze worked as an intern for a new UCU postgraduate thesis-assistance program.

Tumwebaze and four others enrolled for the program as full-time PhD resident fellows in February 2020 at the University of Pretoria. Even though Covid-19 affected many education systems, Tumwebaze’s PhD journey was never interrupted, which is something he attributed to the robust nature of the University of Pretoria’s academic programs. He benefited from the financial support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the University of Pretoria Doctoral Research Scholarship. The university has offered Tumwebaze a placement for post-doctoral research, an academic mentorship journey he will be embarking on soon.

Initially, he did not want to pursue a B.A. in Development Studies at UCU. He also had been accepted for the Bachelor of Laws degree, which is where his heart was. However, upon the advice of his father that the tuition fee for the law course was too expensive, Tumwebaze switched to Development Studies. 

“The first month at university was hard,” Tumwebaze recalled. “I saw myself as a lawyer and kept wondering what I was doing in another class.”

Agatha Ninsiima, a friend and an honors student, noticed Tumwebaze’s lack of ambition and encouraged him to avoid wasting three undergraduate years – to put zeal and energy into his development study. And Tumwebaze did just that.

Soon, his attitude shifted to positive and, since then, he topped his class until he completed the course. He was not just a member, but also the chairperson of the UCU Honors College, which is an interdisciplinary Christian leadership and mentorship program that empowers highly motivated and talented students to think critically and creatively about how their Christian faith influences their academic and professional goals. 

Tumwebaze is the third born of Bbala and Adyeeri Kaganda. He attended St. Jude Primary School Kyegobe in Fort Portal, western Uganda and Mengo Senior Secondary in central Uganda for his secondary school education. While at Mengo, Tumwebaze got an opportunity to spend some time in Norway as part of an exchange student program.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

At left, Gloria Laker, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), serves food to a mother of a nodding syndrome victim during a community outreach in northern Uganda. At right, a mother sits with her afflicted child at the veranda of their grass-thatch hut in Padar.

‘If I can only help a few…I would be fulfilled’ – Law student, on nodding syndrome

UCU School of Law


At left, Gloria Laker, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), serves food to a mother of a nodding syndrome victim during a community outreach in northern Uganda. At right, a mother sits with her afflicted child at the veranda of their grass-thatch hut in Padar.
At left, Gloria Laker, a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), serves food to a mother of a nodding syndrome victim during a community outreach in northern Uganda. At right, a mother sits with her afflicted child at the veranda of their grass-thatch hut in Pader.

By Olum Douglas
Gloria Laker,  a fourth-year Bachelor of Laws student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), met her first nodding syndrome patient when visiting an ailing grandfather.  It was a Thursday morning in November 2019 at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in northern Uganda. 

As she walked past the women’s ward, Laker saw a teenage patient with severe burns on much of her upper body. The girl, laying alone on the bare floor, was jerking and breathing heavily with sticky saliva flowing profusely out of her mouth.  She appeared malnourished with a protruding belly.

Pader District victims of the syndrome. (Courtesy photos from Patrick Larubi)
Pader District victims of the syndrome. (Courtesy photos from Patrick Larubi)

Concerned about the girl’s condition with seemingly solitary agony, Laker made inquiries and learned the girl was in a seizure from a debilitating neurological disease called nodding syndrome.  During one such seizure prior to hospitalization, the girl had been raped and impregnated. Laker’s subsequent research revealed the tragic helplessness of many children suffering from the condition in northern Uganda. As of December 2022, the Uganda Ministry of Health reported at least 1,700 children from northern Uganda’s Pader, Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum and Omoro districts have been diagnosed. 

Speaking in May 2023, Laker recalled the 2019 experience: “Nothing about this girl was pleasing. The skin had peeled, leaving red wounds all over. I am told she had fallen in hot oil. I developed goose bumps.  I promised myself that if I can only help one person in such a situation, if I can only help 10 percent of those victims, if I can only help a few and instill in them hope and help them carry forward, I would be fulfilled.”

Sadly, Laker learned later that the girl died in childbirth, leaving an orphaned daughter.

Laker speaks about the plight of the children suffering from the rare disease.
Laker speaks about the plight of the children suffering from the rare disease.

Laker’s compassionate exploration has since led her into the lives of several children and families affected by this mysterious, sparsely researched disease. Among them was Grace Adero, a mother of seven children suffering from nodding syndrome. Adero says she has had a life of being forced to either chain or lock her children in the house whenever she steps out to the garden, market or even to fetch water.

“Many of the victims have been bitten by snakes and killed as they wander about, burned in boiling water or cooking oil, drowned and died in water bodies or disappeared without traces,” Adero told Laker during a visit to her home in Anaggura village in Pader district, “We now tie them up or lock them inside to protect them from wandering and dying in such circumstances.”

Laker’s first-hand encounters with victims opened her eyes to their discrimination as well as inadequate, ill-informed evidence of causes and health care solutions. Some label them cursed. 

Pader District victim of the syndrome. (Courtesy photo from Patrick Larubi)
Pader District victim of the syndrome. (Courtesy photo from Patrick Larubi)

Nodding Syndrome is a debilitating neurological disease that manifests in children and youth ages of 3 to 18. The disease, occurring in clusters in sub-Saharan Africa, manifests through severe symptoms such as periodic head nodding and violent epileptic seizures, dizziness, excessive sleepiness, stunted physical growth, loss of attention, delayed puberty and depression. It is not curable but treatable with medical strategies similar to that for epilepsy. 

While the origin of the disease still remains a mystery, these are three research conjectures:

  • Its origin is traced to Mexico as far back as the 1930s, then in Liberia, and later in South Sudan and northern Uganda. 
  • It was first detected in Tanzania, an East African country south of Uganda, in the 1960s. 
  • It was discovered in the 1970s when river blindness (O. volvulus infection from a parasitic roundworm) was associated with visual impairment, severe rashes, and, rarely, swollen lymph nodes and with these victims possessing symptoms similar to nodding.

In northern Uganda, children have been identified as affected by the disease over the last 20 years. Many have succumbed to it due to lack of proper treatment and limited government interventions to address the problem.

Suzanne Gazda, a Texas-based neurologist, who started and ran a non-profit: Hope for Humans, which focused on providing care services for the nodding syndrome patients in northern Uganda between 2012 and 2017, is quoted by UNDARK, an online magazine, as saying that she was not optimistic about the future of the children.

Laker dances with schoolchildren during a sensitization outreach to advocate for the protection and respect of people with the nodding syndrome condition.
Laker dances with schoolchildren during a sensitization outreach to advocate for the protection and respect of people with the nodding syndrome condition.

Reflecting on the apparent hopelessness of the situation and what she described as “piecemeal advancements in the scientific understanding of the disease,” Gazda noted that: “We’ve got to help these children that have been abandoned and essentially left to suffer and die.”

In 2023, Laker, 22, is carrying part of that torch by leading the non-profit Atwero Child Foundation alongside four other colleagues to support the nodding syndrome-affected children and their families. Through the initiative, she has fed, clothed and spoken hope to many hearts and lives.

Coming from a humble background and being a survivor of sexual exploitation, Laker says she is especially appalled by the situation of the girls she has met, and is challenged to act and change their circumstances.

In June 2022, her organization conducted a run dubbed; “Don’t Touch Me,” to bring to light the plight of females victimized by nodding syndrome and sexual abuse without justice recourse. In November 2022, the organization spearheaded a stakeholder engagement that attracted politicians, cultural and religious leaders and others to learn about and connect with the nodding syndrome victims and their families. 

“The dialogue gave the victims and their families the platform to share their pains and experiences – something that was for long ignored as leaders would only go to make promises they never lived to fulfill to the people,” Laker said.

In December 2022, Laker’s organization collected used clothing and food, which she distributed to the victims and their families, feeding over 1,000 people in what was dubbed the  “Christmas Love Giveaway.” 

Atwero Child Foundation also conducted a legal support outreach in which at around 90 law students from UCU and other universities reached out to the affected families and counseled them on how they could seek legal redress, especially for the sexually abused daughters.

“It was sad to learn that, even when they knew the boys and men who raped their daughters, many of the families did not know that they could pursue them through legal means and get justice served to the victims,” Laker said.

With no specialized hospital care available for the nodding syndrome victims, Laker noted that oftentimes medical workers and other patients at the public hospitals look at the afflicted as trouble-makers. Among the objectives of Atwero Child Foundation is to partner with like-minded organizations and health researchers to set up a specialized hospital for the victims and for informed medical workers and for deeper research and understanding of the disease.

“Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I feel like I should give up,” Laker said. “But I also think quitting now will be letting the helpless children and families down.”

(Douglas Olum, author of this story,  is pursuing a master’s degree from the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication) 

++++

To support Uganda Christian University programs, students like this one as well as 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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

UCU alum Joyce Nakayenga earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering on March 23, 2023, at Japan’s Hiroshima University, where she has been retained as a postdoctoral researcher.

UCU alum continues academic marks at Japan university

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni


UCU alum Joyce Nakayenga earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering on March 23, 2023, at Japan’s Hiroshima University, where she has been retained as a postdoctoral researcher.
UCU alum Joyce Nakayenga earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering on March 23, 2023, at Japan’s Hiroshima University, where she has been retained as a postdoctoral researcher.

By Pauline Luba
“A name is so important. A surname connects you to your past, to your family.” This quote is attributed to Canadian author Kelley Armstrong. 

The life of Joyce Nakayenga, a new recipient of a PhD in engineering, is aligned with the writer’s assertion. Named after her paternal grandmother, Nakayenga grew up knowing that she had to uphold that matriarch’s legacy of hard work and overcoming challenges. Nakayenga’s grandmother struggled to educate her children despite having so little. 

When Nakayenga was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering – Civil and Environmental Engineering from Hiroshima University in Japan on March 23, 2023, and as other members of her family as well as friends looked on, her grandmother’s spirit was ever present. With the degree, the 31-year-old also won three prestigious university awards.  Her research earned her the Best Presentation Researcher, Academic Encouragement Award and the 2022 Hiroshima Excellent Student Award.

For many who know Nakayenga’s academic ability, the latest attainment likely isn’t surprising. In 2015, she was not only a recipient of a First-Class degree in Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Uganda Christian University (UCU), but also had the best marks in her class. For that feat, she earned an academic excellence award at UCU. Consequently, UCU’s Department of Engineering and Environment hired Nakayenga as a tutorial assistant for one year.

“I have always wanted to be an engineer,” Nakayenga told Uganda Partners. “I wanted a profession that showed where I could visibly see the fruits of my work thereafter.”

UCU’s location within her home district – Mukono – and its deep roots in Christianity were a good fit for Nakayenga’s higher education choice.

Nakayenga notes that the UCU community, including its lecturers, were instrumental in ensuring concentration in books, overall performance and continued learning. For instance, a former lecturer at UCU brought her attention to the existence of the Mext scholarship to study at Hiroshima. Nakayenga enrolled for a master’s at the university in 2017 and the scholarship was extended to doctorate studies because she had passed the first post-graduate hurdle with flying colors. 

Nakayenga describes herself as someone “keen on promoting sustainable societal development, especially for developing countries, through innovative engineering solutions.” Her PhD research, under the topic “The re-use of stone quarry waste (i.e granite and limestone powder) to improve the properties of weak clay soils,” gives her the competence to be able to develop “sturdy infrastructure that will stand the test of time and natural disasters.” The research focused on how to make naturally weak clay soil strong, by using stone powder. 

Nakayenga is the fifth born of six children of Dr. Wilson Mubiru and Specioza Nabatanzi Mubiru. Nakayenga’s family had to use resources sparingly, having at one time been an extended family of up to 18 members living under one roof.  Her parents, now retired, were public servants. Wilson was the officer in charge of health in central Uganda’s Mubende district while Specioza served as an education officer in the same district.

Nakayenga attended Mubende Parents School for her primary education and Nabisunsa Girls School for her secondary education before joining UCU. Nakayenga balanced academics and student leadership roles at every school she attended. At Mubende Parents School, she was the assistant head prefect. At UCU she represented her faculty in the UCU students’ parliament. At Hiroshima University, from 2017 to 2018, Nakayenga was the university’s Study Abroad Ambassador, where she sensitized students on the benefits of studying in the Hiroshima Prefecture (municipality). 

For now, she will remain in Hiroshima, where the university has employed her as a postdoctoral researcher in the geotechnical laboratory of Hiroshima University.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Francis Acaye (holding pen), the studio technician, checks out the donated equipment

UCU gets additional $24,000 in multimedia equipment through Norway partnership

News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication


Francis Acaye (holding pen), the studio technician, checks out the donated equipment
Francis Acaye (holding pen), the studio technician, checks out the donated equipment

By Kefa Senoga
The Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) recently donated multimedia equipment worth over sh98million (about $24,000) to the School of Journalism, Media and Communication of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

The cooperation between UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) and the Norwegian NLA University under the NORHED project is one of the partnership models that has played a role in the growth of UCU’s School of JMC.

Among the equipment received in May were still and video cameras, laptops, projectors, and other assorted accessories. Because of the partnership, there has been a positive change at the school, most especially in terms of equipment. During the first phase of the $1.3milliom NORHED project that was signed in 2013 as a collaboration between the Norwegian NLA University and the Department of Mass Communication at the time, the latter acquired equipment, such as 10 Handycam video cameras, more than 15 DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras, with their accessories like tripods and a comprehensive journalism and communication book bank.   

Some of the donated equipment
Some of the donated equipment

To build on the success registered in the first phase of the project last year, UCU signed another partnership, NORHED II, which is intended to bring more equipment support and faculty development through training, to attain doctoral degrees up to 2026.  The funds under NORHED II also are intended to help the school to start a PhD program in Journalism, Media Studies and Communication. 

The multimedia equipment that SJMC received in May is geared towards enhancing practical training in multimedia storytelling and production, a key emphasis for journalists today. 

Film making, news broadcasting, drama and documentary production are some of the many practical projects within the School of JMC. The students produce a weekly TV news bulletin through the online channel The UCU Focus and multimedia stories on the The Standard website, the university online newspaper.

Geoffrey Ssenoga, the technical instructor at the school, says that the equipment donated by NORHED consists of user-friendly devices that will enable the students to appreciate the profession that they are pursuing, noting that it will also enable a smoother, more-real world  teaching and learning experience.

Emmanuel Ilungole, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication and the head of production at the UCU Focus TV, says the new equipment will improve the quality of their production.  

“Modern equipment offers good visuals, good sound, enhanced sound effects and easier editing tools which enrich the production experience,” Ilungole says.

John Semakula, the Head of the Department of Undergraduate Studies at the School of JMC, says with the new equipment, students will be able to produce quality multimedia stories. One of the key focus areas for JMC is producing competent and multi-skilled journalism graduates who meet the demands of the current job market. Semakula believes availability of the equipment will support the objective. 

Prof. Monica Chibita, the Dean of the School of JMC, affirmed that the support from the NORHED project has played a vital role in the school’s capacity building since 2014. The support has helped build the school’s reputation as one of the top journalism, media, and communication institutions of higher learning in the region. 

The first phase of the NORHED program led to the training of five members of the faculty to acquire PhD, as well as sponsoring graduates for master’s studies. The graduates have since joined the school as members of the faculty. Cumulatively, UCU also has procured equipment and books worth over sh800 million ($214,500) for the school. This includes over 600 book titles and equipping of four training studios.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo, the Director, Directorate of Post-Graduate Studies, UCU. Dr. Bacwayo was a lead researcher on the study about treatment of working breastfeeding mothers in Uganda higher education institutions.

UCU-led research accentuates workplace hardships for new mothers

SRPGS


Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo, the Director, Directorate of Post-Graduate Studies, UCU. Dr. Bacwayo was a lead researcher on the study about treatment of working breastfeeding mothers in Uganda higher education institutions.
Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo, the Director, Directorate of Post-Graduate Studies, UCU. Dr. Bacwayo was a lead researcher on the study about treatment of working breastfeeding mothers in Uganda higher education institutions.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Within one week of giving birth by C-section, a young mother needing to heal herself and nurse her newborn was called back to work. She had no choice but to report to her job as a part-time employee at a top university in Uganda  because her livelihood depended on it. 

The experience of this new mother is one of the many hardships faced by 21 women involved in the research on the plight of breastfeeding mothers working in Uganda higher education institutions. The mothers had given birth two years preceding the study done by five lecturers at Uganda Christian University (UCU). 

The researchers – Mercy Amaniyo, Evas Kemigisha, Peter Kiwumulo and Solomon Mwije, led by Prof. Elizabeth Kukunda Bacwayo – found that the university (names withheld to comply with Research Ethics Committee guidelines) did not have a maternity protection policy or facility for breastfeeding mothers.  Bacwayo called the lack of such a policy “risky” and “stressful” for both mother and newborn. 

Bacwayo, head of the UCU Directorate of Post-Graduate Studies, observed that such experiences are a setback in the fight for gender equality. The research was inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #5 for gender equality, which emphasizes the need for equal access of employment opportunities to both males and females. However, Bacwayo noted that “a man will not experience” the barriers such as women in this study. 

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding as the most ideal food for infants in their first six months because it reduces infant morbidity. Experts say exclusive breastfeeding not only boosts babies’ health, but also ensures their optimal development because breast milk is the baby’s first immunization. 

“Our research intended to find out if institutions have facilities that enable a woman to work and also exclusively breastfeed her baby with the question ‘If I give birth, will I be able to take care of my baby and still keep my job?’” Bacwayo said. The research aimed at examining both institution practices and policies.

Bacwayo and her co-investigators urged employers to make the working environment supportive for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants. 

“These mothers would love to exclusively breastfeed their children, but their workplace doesn’t have places where they can breastfeed from. Worse still, some employers don’t give their staff maternity leave for the mother to have more time with their babies, particularly those who are part-time workers,” she said. 

Bacwayo warned that institutions risk losing staff as some mothers might be forced to quit their jobs in order to have time with their babies.  

The research found that in some workplaces, once a woman gives birth, the working environment becomes unfriendly. This makes it impossible for women and men to have equal access to employment opportunities.  

At the university under study, the institution’s policy on maternity protection only covers the provision of a three-month leave to full-time staff, but part-time women are not entitled to the leave. The mothers interviewed included the teaching and non-teaching staff, both full-time and part-time staff. 

The findings indicated that female lecturers report to work worried and stressed about leaving their babies at home. Most of the mothers then have divided attention which affects their productivity at work. 

Kiwumulo said many times such mothers miss work or sometimes find themselves having to deprive their children of breast milk. “This affects the baby’s health and also psychologically affects the lecturer because they are not happy with being away from their babies that need to be breastfed,” he said. 

Bacwayo said when she presented the findings at the Second Annual AfriChild Centre Conference in late February, she was shocked that most of the participants did not know about breastfeeding facilities and the role they play.  “If we get more funding, we would like to do further research in other workplaces aside from higher institutions of learning – for example, those working in factories and offices,” Bacwayo said. 

++++ 

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. 

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Dr. Jessica Nsungwa (left), the health ministry’s commissioner maternal and child health, with Dr. Miriam Mutabazi, dean of the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing & Midwifery, during the Save the Mothers annual conference at UCU on May 5, 2023.

UCU Save the Mothers conference calls for prioritizing of safe motherhood

Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, UCU Alumni


Dr. Jessica Nsungwa (left), the health ministry’s commissioner maternal and child health, with Dr. Miriam Mutabazi, dean of the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing & Midwifery, during the Save the Mothers annual conference at UCU on May 5, 2023.
Dr. Jessica Nsungwa (left), the health ministry’s commissioner maternal and child health, with Dr. Miriam Mutabazi, dean of the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing & Midwifery, during the Save the Mothers annual conference at UCU on May 5, 2023.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
While strides have been made in reduction of infant mortality,  prevalence of obstetric fistulas due to inadequate health care continues to be problematic, especially for developing countries and with the diminished number of health care workers since the Covid-19 pandemic. Obstetric fistula, in which there is a hole between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, is an ongoing problem in Uganda because of gaps in timely, high-quality medical care.

Prioritizing treatment for safe motherhood is critical, according to Dr. Jean Chamberlain, a Canadian obstetrician/gynecologist, who made the plea during the annual conference hosted by Save The Mothers (STM) Organisation, which Chamberlain co-founded. Under the theme, “Re-imagining Safe Motherhood Post-Pandemic,” she spoke at Uganda Christian University (UCU) on May 5.

Dr. Jean Chamberlain, founder of STM, speaks at the annual conference where she called for hiring of more health workers to support safe motherhood after suffering exits due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Jean Chamberlain, founder of STM, speaks at the annual conference where she called for hiring of more health workers to support safe motherhood after suffering exits due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chamberlain argued that among all the world’s issues, safe motherhood should come to the top, especially in light of workforce loss and fatigue as a result of the pandemic.

“In the clinic where I work in Canada, we had around nine nurses at the beginning of the pandemic, but by the end of the pandemic, there was literally no nurse because all of the nurses left during the pandemic,” she said. “The challenge we are facing now is how to build the workforce again, looking for people who are really dedicated, who understand what they are doing and are qualified.”

Chamberlain emphasized the dire need to prioritize safe motherhood aligned with the STM vision: No mother or child should die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. 

In support of the vision, STM started a Master of Public Health Leadership (MPHL) at UCU in 2005 with the aim of training multi-disciplinary professionals and improving maternal and child health in developing countries. Over 600 East African leaders have graduated to work towards overcoming preventable maternal and child death.

Chamberlain urged safe motherhood professionals to be pillar-people by being present, committed, reliable, steady and go the distance for the mothers so that when people look at them, they see people they can lean on.

“Two million people worldwide suffer from fistula, but no one hears about them because the power actors have been silent to date,” she said. “This is why as Save the Mothers, we need to be a voice for these mothers.”

Dr. Jessica Nsungwa Sabiiti, the commissioner for maternal and child health at the ministry of health, reported that most deaths registered are due to patient delays at healthcare facilities.

“Most mothers bleed a lot which is as a result of delaying to be attended to at these facilities,” Nsungwa said. “We have been pushing for four visits for antenatal care, but we want eight visits to help identify those with risks.”

According to Nsungwa, a lot of what they do depends on the number of  “champions” such as those trained through STM who can translate the information and be in the society to ensure that there is cohesion. Shesaid maternal mortality in the country has reduced from 18 to between 10 and 14 mothers a day since 2010.

Robie Kakonge, the Ambassador of Uganda to the USA and an alumnus of MPHL, appreciated her fellow alumni for the steady effort displayed towards positive change in safe motherhood. 

“At the embassy each week I get not less than two requests related to public health” with many wanting to  know how they can help, Kakonge said.

The executive director of Save the Mothers East Africa, Edward Mukooza, said their “Mother Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative” is now effective in 13 health facilities in Uganda. Under the initiative, STM graduates work with hospital administrators and staff in improving maternal and newborn services.

“We also have high dependence units currently in five hospitals to help manage complications to reduce maternity morbidity and mortality. Through such programs, we provide emergency medical funds to vulnerable mothers,” he said.

++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.

Global Anglican Conference reaffirms need for Bible conformity

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News


Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.
Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The fourth Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) brought together 1,302 delegates representing 52 countries, including 315 bishops, 456 other clergy and 531 laity.  The April 17-21 conference was held in Rwanda under the theme: “To whom shall we go?”

Delegates at GAFCON seek to guard the unchanging, transforming gospel of Jesus Christ and to proclaim Him to the world.

Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda (COU) who also doubles as the Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), said Uganda made up 16% of the delegates.

A team of delegates from UCU at the GAFCON conference pictured (L-R) are Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Mukeshimana, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, Rev. Julius Tabi Izza, Prof. Christopher Byaruhanga and Rev. Richard Mulindwa.
A team of delegates from UCU at the GAFCON conference pictured (L-R) are Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Mukeshimana, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, Rev. Julius Tabi Izza, Prof. Christopher Byaruhanga and Rev. Richard Mulindwa.

Kaziimba commended COU bishops for attending the conference in such a big number, saying it was a sign of their commitment to the Lord and His Church. The Archbishop said the three-day conference was full of inspirational worship, excellent Bible teaching and helpful background information on the current challenges in the Anglican Communion.

“We also had practical equiping to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to a world searching for answers to life’s challenges,” Kaziimba said.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the UCU Vice Chancellor, said the conference offered a wonderful time of fellowship and repentance.

“It was a very good time of worship, reflection and prayer, both individually and as country groups,” he said. “We also had time to repent on behalf of our church – the Anglican Communion.” 

In an interactive session, delegates expressed their views on the challenges facing the Church globally and the direction they would like to see it take.

On the last day of the conference, the Archbishops of all the provinces present issued the “Kigali Commitment.” In groups, the delegates went through the draft statement and gave their input in a formal statement that represents the position of the Anglican Communion.

The Kigali commitment statement, which Mushengyezi urged believers to read, recognizes the importance of confession, repenting and remaining faithful to the teachings of the Bible. It speaks against being swayed by teachings that are not in conformity with the Bible and with the orthodox doctrine of the church.

“We were pleased with the Kigali commitment because we believe it charts a way forward for global Anglicanism to reclaim its historic and Biblical faith,” Kaziimba said.

At the conference, the church leaders resolved to officially cut ties with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England.

Reverend Richard Mulindwa, the UCU church relations manager, catches up with Prof. Stephen Noll, the former UCU Vice Chancellor at GAFCON
Reverend Richard Mulindwa, the UCU church relations manager, catches up with Prof. Stephen Noll, the former UCU Vice Chancellor at GAFCON

“The view was that unless they repent and return to the faith and salvation, we can no longer walk together with the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, given their Synod resolution which allows clergy to bless same-sex unions, approved supplemental prayers and liturgies for such occasions,” Mushengyezi said.

GAFCON promised to offer support to churches including those in the Church of England that are willing to remain faithful to what God teaches.

The GAFCON and Global South Primates are expected to offer further guidance on a new structure that will give hope and a home to Anglican Christians worldwide.

Aligned with the conference resolutions, the Vice Chancellor said UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology needs to refocus its training.

“We need to be more careful now with where we send our clergy and ordinands for training, where we send our priests for teaching and what kind of teaching they go through,” Mushengyezi said. “It’s important that we train faithful church leaders who will lead us on the right path of salvation and doctrine.”

Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, UCU’s Chaplain, said UCU participated so that they experience first-hand the developments in the church and thereafter, advise and guide the COU.

“It was important for us to be part of this because UCU trains clergy for the COU and also gives counsel to the house of bishops in matters of theology,” Ssembiro said. 

Canon Ssembiro said while at GAFCON, he felt great joy to witness that the Anglican Church has many Christians who still uphold the authority of the Bible.

++++

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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.