All posts by Patty Huston-Holm

About Patty Huston-Holm

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

Sister Mary Nakitto, master’s degree in Social Work

Sister Mary’s ‘endless call’ to help abandoned children

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


Sister Mary Nakitto, master’s degree in Social Work
Sister Mary Nakitto, master’s degree in Social Work

By Christine Mirembe
(third of four parts – UCU postgraduate focus)

With a heart called to serve, Sister Mary Nakitto devotes her life to abandoned zero- to three-year-old children, providing them with love, support and a chance for a brighter future.  The recent Uganda Christian University (UCU) master’s degree graduate in Social Work sees herself as a caregiver and voice for this often-overlooked population. 

“As a religious person, my call to serve is so obvious and most expected by the community,” she said. “Therefore, my field of study was directed towards empowering my capacity to serve with expertise and confidence which merged well with what I should be as a religious person.” 

Born June 23, 1979, at Nsambya Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, Sister Mary’s journey is marked by compassion, dedication, resilience and a deep commitment to her faith. Her educational voyage from 1992 to 1997 took her through St. Pontiano Ngondwe, a humble Senior Secondary School, in Nazigo, Bugerere. From a tender age and because her school required students to perform manual labor, she learned the value of teamwork and various practical skills.

After completing her secondary education and focused on the complex needs of marginalized people, Sister Mary pursued a Bachelor of Development Studies at Makerere University. With a desire to learn and do more, she embarked in 2019 on a master’s degree at UCU. Studying from the Kampala campus, she is  among the inaugural class of 21 students to graduate in July 2024 with a master’s degree in Social Work. 

“Among my classmates were three fellow nuns from different religious institutes,” Sister Mary recounted. “We attended in person and  bonded well.”

Her postgraduate academic journey was fairly smooth until the Covid-19 pandemic sentenced all institutions of learning to a lockdown. 

“The total lockdown and many other government directives could not permit movements at any cost,” she recalled. “UCU had immediately engaged us to study online but the government interrupted and ordered them not to proceed with the online classes because other universities were not able to facilitate online programs.”

In 2021, UCU online classes commenced during the Easter semester, allowing Sister Mary and her classmates to do their examinations online under supervision. 

With all requirements but her dissertation completed, she embraced the work of research on the topic of “Push Factors Associated with Parental Child Abandonment: A Case of Kalungu District.” Her study examines why child abandonment persists despite endeavors to rescue children. She assessed the factors that sustain the prevalence of child abandonment. She looked at possible mitigation measures for this problem. 

By the end of 2022, she had successfully completed and defended her research to qualify for UCU’s July 2024 graduation.

With a master’s degree,  Sister Mary qualifies within required government guidelines to work with the probation office, police and the magistrate to help rescue the babies in dire need. Apart from helping her fellow workers with hands-on knowledge and being a consultant in the field, this advanced degree has built her confidence in community work and all issues concerning child care and other social activities like counseling, community development, donor funding activities and more.

 “I would say that service is an endless call in our society which we all ought to willfully offer to our respective communities; this is what our faith calls for,” said Sister Mary, 45, and warden at St. Francis Revival Home, a baby facility in Kalungu District. “Education is a weapon that empowers us and shields us to serve with expertise and confidence amidst the challenging world where we live so that our efforts don’t go to waste or are misallocated.” 

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

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Otim Douglas Tonny, July 2024 UCU Masters in Nursing graduate

UCU alum breaks barriers in nursing

Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, UCU Alumni


Otim Douglas Tonny, July 2024 UCU Masters in Nursing graduate
Otim Douglas Tonny, July 2024 UCU Masters in Nursing graduate

By Pauline Luba
(second of four parts – UCU postgraduate focus)

“Men are doctors, while women are nurses.”

These words were told to Otim Douglas Tonny repeatedly as he worked as a nurse in Northern Uganda, working against a stereotype and stigmatization in the field of medicine.

Today, the 41-year-old Otim is not only a married father of four, but also a registered nurse with an ardent desire to care for others. 

A July 2024 graduate with a Masters in Nursing from Uganda Christian University (UCU), Otim has a 2008 diploma from Butabika School of Psychiatric Nursing and a 2016 Bachelor of Science of Nursing Science from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). 

Otim, a member of the Lango tribe from Northern Uganda’s Lira District, has a passion for caring for those with deep-seated issues in mental health, cancer and HIV/AIDS, among other chronic and non-chronic conditions. His desire to improve the health of others stemmed from a childhood punctuated with fear of kidnapping and lack of food related to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. 

“How you grow up may not define who you will be in life,” he said. 

Such is the story of Otim, who grew up within the Joseph Kony LRA (1986-2006) insurgency as well as the widespread food insecurity from Karamojong home raids. He often found himself on the run, sleeping in bushes and trying to stay alive. This was not easy for him and his large family.  His father, now a retired accountant, had two wives who produced a total of 18 children.

Despite obstacles, Otim met university admission requirements.  He attended Te-Lala Primary School, Kangai Senior Secondary School (O’ Level) and Amuca Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School (A’ Level) in Lira town before engaging in post-secondary studies. 

After completing the nursing program at Butabika, Otim worked in a clinic before being employed a year later in the Amuru district local government as a nursing officer in psychiatry. His other employment involved St. Mary’s Lacor Hospital, Gulu, where he was engaged in learning and helping patients with chronic illness; and with local government as a mental health officer and HIV/AIDS wellness worker with Lamwo Refugee Settlement.

With a new master’s degree, he has integrated significant knowledge into his work as a nurse and as a teaching assistant in Muni University in Arua City. For his master’s research project, Otim explored the effect of clinical coaching on the health worker’s knowledge, attitudes, and practice towards the use of the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool in HIV care at Atiak Health Centre IV in Amuru District, Northern Uganda.

“I chose this topic area after realizing that clients were having several challenges such as struggling mentally and physically after consumption of a drug,” Otim said.

His research addressed the importance of not rushing healthcare by medical personnel as well as the intense mental and physical effects of HIV and how these can be resolved. He noticed that several individuals with HIV struggled to live a normal life due to mental health challenges such as depression.

“I wanted to do an interventional study that would strengthen others,” said Otim, “I realized I can get a tool that teaches and supports nurses through training (clinical coaching) that would allow them room for learning, be independent and engaged.”

With the guidance of supervisors, Prof. Karen Drake and Dr. Faith Ssebuliba, Otim engaged in his postgraduate study that included use of a tool to recognise patients of mental health illness and depression. This questionnaire (PHQ-9 Tool) allows nurses to screen, diagnose, classify and monitor patients who have depression among other mental health issues, allowing better care and treatment. According to the research, the tool deepens healthcare worker understanding of depression assessment that leads to improved knowledge, practice, and attitude. 

Otim plans to do a similar study on a larger population and longer time frame with hopes to pursue a PhD in this area.

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

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Dr. Joseph Jakisa Owor, Head, Graduate Research & Training, Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, provides guidance to Sandra Namisango, a UCU student pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.

UCU boasts 66 postgraduate programs with 3,000 alumni

News, SRPGS, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , ,


Dr. Joseph Jakisa Owor, Head, Graduate Research & Training, Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, provides guidance to Sandra Namisango, a UCU student pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.
Dr. Joseph Jakisa Owor, Head, Graduate Research & Training, Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, provides guidance to Sandra Namisango, a UCU student pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.

With 66 postgraduate degree opportunities, Uganda Christian University (UCU) provides expanded academic and professional programs to students in Uganda and beyond. The university, which started in 1997 with master’s degree offerings since 2003, has 3,000 postgraduate alumni. 

Although theory and practical application are important components of any curriculum, the UCU postgraduate research element is key to an advanced degree. The dissertation at UCU uniquely defines the graduate with an expanded body of knowledge for the research field and the researcher. While UCU postgraduate students with undergraduate degrees from UCU generally have research experience, the master’s level students coming from other higher education institutions may not. 

Thus, the Centre for Research and Academic Writing Services (CRAWS) evolved under the Postgraduate Directorate at UCU to serve both experienced and inexperienced researchers. CRAWS, launched in July 2023, addresses the significant demand for academic writing and research support – an effort previously met through one-off clinics that, while useful, were insufficient to fully meet students’ needs. 

CRAWS provides a structured and sustained system of support through regular, on-line seminars and one-on-one coaching sessions.  These services are designed to help students develop the advanced writing and research skills necessary to successfully complete their dissertations and theses. Since its inception, CRAWS has supported over 500 students, significantly contributing to improved research completion rates and the quality of research output at UCU.

The Postgraduate Directorate shares the university mission of promoting high-quality, Christ-centered graduate education. With a vision to become a leading center for graduate training in Africa, the Directorate strives to develop globally excellent scholars and professionals who embody Christian values. The core values—Christ-centeredness, diligence, integrity, stewardship, and servanthood—are aligned with all of UCU and underscore commitment to holistic education.

This approach not only sets UCU apart from other institutions but also ensures that its graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose in their respective fields.

The Directorate strides to enhance  graduate research and training capacity include training staff in research supervision, online instruction,and scientific writing. The Directorate has introduced measures to standardize postgraduate programs, monitor compliance across schools and faculties, and organize scientific writing seminars and workshops. The effective use of external examiners is also a critical component in maintaining the high standards expected of UCU graduates.

The Directorate also is focused on efforts to enrich and harmonize recruitment across the university, promote research and learning opportunities,and improve the quality of graduate student supervision to ensure timely completion. Regular reviews of graduate programs and the implementation of recommendations are key to maintaining high academic standards.

Recognizing the importance of student retention, the Directorate has implemented strategies to improve support for graduate students, foster vibrant academic communities, and streamline administrative processes. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that students have a positive and fulfilling experience at UCU, which in turn contributes to higher retention and completion rates.

To sustain and grow its postgraduate programs within all of UCU’s 11 faculties and schools, UCU has developed a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at increasing enrollment and retention. This strategy includes person-to-person marketing through alumni, lecturers and other stakeholders, as well as a focus on online offerings for many programs, which is particularly attractive to working professionals. UCU also recognizes the importance of selecting qualified and engaging facilitators to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

The university understands that to remain competitive, it must continually revisit and refine its strategies, curricula, and support systems. The Postgraduate Directorate’s ongoing initiatives, including the work of CRAWS, are central to this effort, ensuring that UCU remains at the forefront of graduate education in Africa.

The quality of UCU graduates is a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence. 

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The staff within the UCU Postgraduate Directorate are Asso. Prof. Kukunda Elizabeth Bacwayo, Dr. Joseph Jakisa Owor, Dr. Godwin Awio, Jerome Makumbi and Desire Kagaba. During the next three days, Uganda Partners will feature profiles of three students receiving master’s degrees in the July graduation. 

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

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

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (second from right) is with other UCU administrators and staff receiving completed projects, during a handover ceremony, on August 26 at the Main Campus in Mukono.

School of Journalism set to relocate to new building

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


The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (second from right) is with other UCU administrators and staff receiving completed projects, during a handover ceremony, on August 26 at the Main Campus in Mukono.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (second from right) is with other UCU administrators and staff receiving completed projects, during a handover ceremony, on August 26 at the Main Campus in Mukono.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
For 13 years, the Words of Hope building at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has housed offices of journalism and communication studies on the Mukono campus. 

From that yellow, storied building, faculty members experienced a bird’s-eye view of the university and surrounding hills. A disadvantage is that as what was once a department under the School of Education grew, staff members were scattered. 

By the end of 2024, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) at UCU is set to relocate to a new building designed to house all JMC staff and be more centrally located to administrative and other faculty/school offices. The new building, which previously housed School of Business offices, is located near the UCU Communications Office. 

The new UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building
The new UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department within the School of  JMC, said the JMC move is part of a university-wide space rationalization exercise that began two years ago. 

“The new block will be referred to as the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Office Block,” Semakula said. “We had a shortage of office space, and as a result, we have been using different office blocks on campus, which kept us scattered. The new block is an opportunity to bring all the staff of the School under one roof.”

Prof. Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of JMC, cited other advantages. 

“It is centrally located, surrounded by other faculties and schools, as well as some strategic administration offices, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships,” she said. “It also enables us (the faculty) to share office space, which eases collaboration. Many of our students have complained about the distance from the classrooms to the faculty, and we have struggled with limited office space and storage.”

Prof. Chibita noted that as the school shifts to the new location, the studios and equipment will remain at the current location, transforming it into a multimedia center, with The Standard newspaper, the UCU Focus TV, and other facilities relocating to the Words of Hope building. 

The current UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building
The current UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building

Among those who have noticed the positive growth of the School of JMC is Frank Obonyo, an alumnus and a lecturer at the school. He recalled that a journalism department was started by former journalists – Mr. Illakut Ben Bella for print media, the late Okoku Obomba for radio, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda for television. The department was later joined by other seasoned professionals, including Ben Ochan for photojournalism and Jane Gitau, a Public Relations practitioner.

Over the years, the physical identity of the school has been associated with the Hope  building, with Tech Park and with  The Standard news office located between the PR office and the Vice Chancellor’s office. Obonyo recalled some early collaboration between the Mass Communication department and Spirit FM radio. He remembered being a student when there was no media laboratory with five still-photo cameras shared by over 90 classmates. 

Today, the curriculum training is supported by highly qualified staff and practitioners in the industry and more equipment in a multimedia laboratory and three studios.

Obonyo, who joined UCU as a student in 2003, was among the first interns at The Standard student newspaper. In March 2007, an advertisement called upon Mass Communication graduates to apply for intern jobs at The Standard. The applicants went through the normal university recruitment process and four of the graduates were selected: Frank Obonyo, John Semakula, Brian Semujju and Emma Wafula. 

Obonyo says this was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their journalism skills. 

“As a result, we all got employed by the New Vision newspaper, Uganda’s leading daily English language newspaper,” he said. “ At The Standard, I was responsible for Sports news, Semakula was in charge of news and current affairs, Emma Wafula did Campus Life and Semujju was the Managing Editor.”

As the school prepares to relocate to a new building, Obonyo reflects on the journey.

“Today, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication is among the top media and communication training hubs in the country,” he said. “We have come a long way, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.”

For Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the school since 2008, the move will bring numerous benefits to both staff and students. He notes that it will be easier for students to access them since it is closer to the classrooms, compared to the current building.

“We have course units taught by people from other faculties like the Social Sciences and Education, so being close to other faculty members will allow for easier collaboration,” Ssenoga said.

As Ssenoga looks forward to the relocation, he reflects on his earlier days as a lecturer, when resources were limited. 

“I had to draw a camera on the blackboard to teach students how to operate a camera because we only had five cameras,” he notes, “But now, students have the privilege to access the camera whenever they need it to practice.”

Timothy Okurut, a student leader representing Mass Communication, said: “In the past, there have been times we failed to access the studio for production purposes because the lecturers were in a meeting,” Okurut said. “With the new building for the staff, we shall have unrestricted access to the studios.”

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

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

Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya (second from left) sensitizing a team at Marie Royal Hotel about their waste management solution

UCU champions waste management in Kampala

Faculty, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, Students, ,


Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya (second from left) sensitizing a team at Marie Royal Hotel about their waste management solution
Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya (second from left) sensitizing a team at Marie Royal Hotel about their waste management solution

By Irene Best Nyapendi
One of the biggest headaches that officials at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have had in the recent past is garbage disposal. The city authority now finds itself in a dilemma of where to dispose of its garbage after the only garbage dumpsite in Kiteezi, Kampala, collapsed, causing a landslide that left more than 30 people dead.

The collapse of the dump meant that the city authority had to seek alternative sites to dump its more than 2,500 tons of garbage produced per day. According to KCCA, of that quantity, only 40% of the garbage is collected, causing a waste management crisis. And of all the garbage produced, up to 80% is inorganic, making the garbage bulky.

Workers at Marie Royal Hotel sorting waste according to the bins
Workers at Marie Royal Hotel sorting waste according to the bins

However, scholars at Uganda Christian University (UCU) could have some answers to questions concerning the waste management crisis. UCU is working through research spearheaded by Dr. Geoffrey Ssepuuya, from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the university.

Three months ago, a team from UCU, led by Ssepuuya, launched a pilot project to convert food waste into insect and livestock feed through small-scale industrial production. The project involves collecting food waste, sorting it, processing it into feed and packaging it for distribution as animal feed.

The initiative focuses on converting food waste into animal feed, offering a sustainable solution to the city’s garbage challenge.

It also involves distributing specially-designed garbage cans to participating households, to facilitate efficient collection of organic waste. Each household receives two cans: one for cooked food waste and the other for raw food scraps.

This method not only facilitates effective waste management, but also converts waste into valuable cricket feed, providing a sustainable solution for waste disposal while promoting environmental conservation.

By converting food waste into animal feed, the project reduces organic waste in landfills, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates health risks.

The conversion process offers a dual benefit: reducing waste volume in dumpsites and producing high-protein cricket feed for animal and human consumption.

Some of the bins that were given to help in the sorting of waste
Some of the bins that were given to help in the sorting of waste

The project is being spearheaded by a team of five — Dr. Ssepuuya, the principal investigator; Patrick Mulondo from PKM Enterprises; Pamella Akwap from Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS); Jane Alowo from Makerere University and Elsie Nsiyona from UCU.

At the launch of the project at UCU in April, Ssepuuya said by converting organic waste into valuable resources, they can address waste management, food security and environmental sustainability.

He emphasized that food waste can be utilized to produce animal and insect feeds due to many unutilized nutrients in the waste.

Joshua Ssalongo, a piggery farmer, thanked UCU for the initiative. 

“We have been importing feeds for our pigs; however, this project will help us get these feeds locally made with the help of UCU,” Ssalongo said.

Vanecio Masereka, who works for Marie Royal Hotel, wants additional trash cans, emphasizing the significance of the project.

“The two cans we have are not enough, yet they serve a great purpose,” Masereka explained. “Having more cans would help us manage our waste more effectively and contribute to sustainability efforts.”

Suzan Kisaakye, who lives in Kampala, highlights potential benefits for her community and beyond.

“They increase our flexibility since the organic foods that add weight to our garbage are taken free of charge,” she noted. “It not only helps us manage our waste better, but also supports the environment.”

Patrick Kamya, a restaurant attendant, said the cans enable him to sort his garbage efficiently.

“From the cans, I am able to know how much food is being consumed or how much food is being wasted,” he noted. “This helps us reduce waste and manage our resources better.”

Ssepuuya and his team are committed to expanding the program and refining the waste-to-feed process. They aim to create a scalable model that can be implemented across the city and eventually the entire country.

The UCU research team also is collaborating with local authorities and community leaders to ensure the program’s success and scalability. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of waste management and environmental conservation, more so that the World Bank estimates that the rapid population growth is likely to increase the amount of waste generated by 70% in 2050, from the 2016 figures.

The waste management innovation is funded through UCU by the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) through the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and is expected to cost $63,700 (about sh242m). Part of the pilot will include looking at knowledge attitudes and practices of sorted food waste collection, establishing a facility to help in the processing of feeds, and sensitizing the community about the importance of sorting their waste.

Florence Agwang, a grants officer at UNCST, said the project is an example of a good problem-solving intervention.

“As researchers, we need to answer all the problems of the people,” Agwang said. “Our research should not sit on the shelves. If this project succeeds, it is going to be one of our reference points that it is possible to invest in the private sector.”

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

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

UCU Team at the TBN Summit in Nairobi (Left to Right: Rev. Andrew Agaba, Director of Household and Community Transformation at the Church of Uganda; Martin Wakabi, Director Miracle Concepts and UCU School of Business alum; Racheal Nantume, UCU alumni; Dorothy Tushemereirwe, Fundraising Consultant at UCU; Aston Aryamanya, a lecturer and facilitator at the UCU incubation hub and Martin Kabanda, the UCU eLearning manager, at the incubation hub).

Kenya summit injects more entrepreneurship energy into participants

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , ,


UCU Team at the TBN Summit in Nairobi (Left to Right: Rev. Andrew Agaba, Director of Household and Community Transformation at the Church of Uganda; Martin Wakabi, Director Miracle Concepts and UCU School of Business alum; Racheal Nantume, UCU alumni; Dorothy Tushemereirwe, Fundraising Consultant at UCU; Aston Aryamanya, a lecturer and facilitator at the UCU incubation hub and Martin Kabanda, the UCU eLearning manager, at the incubation hub).
UCU Team at the TBN Summit in Nairobi (Left to Right: Rev. Andrew Agaba, Director of Household and Community Transformation at the Church of Uganda; Martin Wakabi, Director Miracle Concepts and UCU School of Business alum; Racheal Nantume, UCU alumni; Dorothy Tushemereirwe, Fundraising Consultant at UCU; Aston Aryamanya, a lecturer and facilitator at the UCU incubation hub and Martin Kabanda, the UCU eLearning manager, at the incubation hub).

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As the Uganda Airlines flight set off to Kenya from Entebbe Airport at 9:40 p.m. July 30, one particular passenger was on a seat for the first time. It was also Racheal Nantume.

“Feeling the plane accelerate down the runway and take off was amazing,” Nantume said.

During the 75-minute flight, Nantume says she enjoyed the in-flight snacks, most especially the airline chicken sandwich. 

“Being a chef, trust me when I say the chicken sandwich was good,” Nantume said.. “I loved it.” 

She was among the six member-team from Uganda Christian University (UCU) that traveled to attend the Impact Investment Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, which took place from July 31 to August 1, brought together delegates from across the globe, including entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors. It was hosted by the Transformational Business Network Africa.

It focused on bridging the gap between funders and entrepreneurs, unlocking hidden business potential, and exploring creative solutions to Africa’s challenges, emerging market trends, untapped sectors, and strategic pathways to capitalize on new opportunities. 

Held under the theme “Enabling Business Growth Through Access to Finance,” the event aligned with TBN’s mission to empower African entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and create jobs.

For the two days, the summit participants learned from a panel of 35 experienced investors. A total of 267 beneficiaries attended the summit. An anonymous Uganda Partners donor supported the participation of the UCU team by paying for their flights.

Nantume said the summit not only transformed her business — Ranaz Snack Series, a bakery and restaurant business she started in 2020 — but also her leadership approach. She has become more empathetic, collaborative, and open to new ideas. She has also empowered her team to take ownership and drive change.

“When I returned from Nairobi, I conducted customer feedback sessions, which revealed valuable insights into their needs,” said Nantume, who graduated from UCU in 2022 with a degree in Project Planning and Entrepreneurship. “Using their feedback, I urged my team to develop new products and services that address the client’s needs.”

Upon her return, she says she noticed a positive change in her mindset about the business — she started monitoring progress in her business by tracking key performance indicators to measure success. 

Nantume also is considering conducting a post-summit workshop to share key takeaways from the summit with her team.

Despite her success in the business, Nantume says she had been stuck and unsure of how to innovate and stay competitive. However, after being inspired by a keynote speaker at the summit, she realized the need to shift her focus from internal processes to customer-centric solutions. 

Jacob Zikusooka, the Regional Director of TBN, argued that investing in entrepreneurs creates jobs and ends poverty. “Entrepreneurship is the silver bullet for Africa’s development. Beyond teaching our people how to fish, at TBN, we help them find a place at the river to fish,” Zikusooka explained.

TBN builds the capacity of entrepreneurs by enabling businesses to grow, through technical assistance and mentoring, as well as facilitating collaboration among entrepreneurs to create a platform for knowledge sharing.  

Martin Kabanda, the UCU eLearning manager, a lecturer and a facilitator at the incubation hub, went for the summit to learn how to improve the hub’s model and increase partnerships. He was also looking for ways to overcome the challenge of limited funding for students, and his business.

At the summit, he realized that money is available for businesses that have a clear plan, good governance, and a focus on impact. 

“I will encourage my students that even when they have no funds, they should ensure that they are trustworthy, and have structures in their business, and money will come,” Kabanda said.

For Dorothy Tushemereirwe, an entrepreneur, and a fundraising consultant at UCU, it was her fifth trip to Kenya. She hoped to benefit from the summit as an entrepreneur and a maker of carpets.

And she struck a chord with the message of one of the panelists who said: “Business that doesn’t leave the bedroom goes to sleep.”

She now plans to expand her marketing efforts beyond WhatsApp, targeting supermarkets and furniture shops.

“I was happy to meet people who validated my role as a resource mobilizer, and I eagerly anticipate the partnerships arising from this summit,” she said.

Aston Aryamanya, a lecturer and facilitator at the UCU incubation hub, was motivated to attend the summit to learn from entrepreneurs and gain insights to support students at the hub.

“My role at the hub motivated me to attend, as students are constantly coming to me with business ideas, as well as seeking support,” Aryamanya said. “This was an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and learn how best to support my students.”

At the summit, he learned that investment meets ready ideas and that investors look for well-prepared and refined ideas, something which will enable him to mentor students and help them perfect their pitches.

“I want to start organizing monthly pitching events for my students,” he said. “I learned that we must mentor the students, listen to their ideas, provide constructive feedback, and offer support.”

Additionally, Aryamanya aims to create a pool of potential funders for students at the incubation hub so as to get capital without immediate repayment pressure.

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

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

Alex Aturinda making a sprint with the ball during the tournament

Aturinda: UCU alum who starred for Uganda at Rugby Sevens Africa Championship

News, Sports, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , , ,


Alex Aturinda making a sprint with the ball during the tournament
Alex Aturinda making a sprint with the ball during the tournament

By Kefa Senoga
In 2014, while playing football at Ntare School located in western Uganda, Alex Aturinda, a Senior Four student at the time, fractured his tibia. That below-the-knee fracture forced him to retire from sports.

However, it was not long after, when Aturinda picked up his boots, this time switching the sport to rugby. As the now Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum headed to the rugby turf, he knew he was joining a rough sport. Earlier, while in Senior One at Ntare School, he had vowed never to play rugby after watching his first game of the sport.

Aturinda during the final game with South Africa
Aturinda during the final game with South Africa

During his recovery process from the tibia fracture, Aturinda’s friends kept wooing him to join the rugby team as they hoped to benefit from his speed and physique. He was hesitant at first, but eventually gave in.

Aturinda’s rise in the sport was so meteoric that five years later, he earned a call up to the national team. In the same year, 2019, he joined the Stanbic Black Pirates, one of the clubs in Uganda’s rugby premier league. Two years after his call up to the national team, Aturinda got a fracture for the second time, this time on his jaw, during a rugby game.

For three months, he sat out of the games, as he recovered from the injury. He eventually made it back to the pitch and vowed to lead his country to winning at least a silverware during his playing time.

He has now won two, with Uganda’s Rugby Sevens. Both trophies came this year, with Aturinda playing a remarkable role in winning the latest, which came on the weekend of July 6-7, at the Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius during the Rugby Sevens Africa championship. Uganda secured victory on July 7, the final day of the tournament, defeating South Africa 20-17.

Aturinda Alex
Aturinda Alex

In the final, Uganda gained an early advantage with tries from Alex Aturinda and Denis Etwau, pushing the score to 15-5 in Uganda’s favor.

Aturinda is a former player for the UCU rugby team, the UCU Shepherds. He joined UCU in 2017, eventually earning a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management. He noted that the two weekends of competition in Mauritius were not a walk in the park.

Before travelling to Mauritius for the Africa Sevens competition, the team competed in the Olympic Repechage tournament in Monaco on the weekend of June 22-23. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in the Repechage. This tournament was the final chance for the Uganda Rugby Sevens team to qualify for the Olympic games that were held in Paris, from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in France.

The huge loss in Monaco, Aturinda notes, gave the team great lessons, which they carried to Mauritius. He says to redeem their image at the competition in Mauritius, they had to do thorough research and study the playing styles of their would-be opponents.

He holds the championship they won in Mauritius dearly, as it marks his second gold medal with the team this year. The first came in March from the All-Africa Games in Ghana, where Uganda secured gold after an outstanding performance, with players like Aturinda, Desire Ayera, and Philip Wokorach (all UCU alumni) scoring multiple tries.

Uganda Rugby 7s team after being declared champions. Standing, third-left, is Aturinda.
Uganda Rugby 7s team after being declared champions. Standing, third-left, is Aturinda.

Winning the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship opens the door for the Uganda Sevens team to compete in the Challenger Series again next year. The Challenger Series serves as a “second-tier” tournament, where teams that have not yet made it to the main World Rugby Sevens Series (the top tier) can compete and showcase their talent. The top-performing teams in the Challenger Series have a chance to be promoted to the World Rugby Sevens Series, the premier international competition for rugby sevens.

According to Aturinda, their goal as a team is to compete in the World Rugby Sevens Series, the highest level of the rugby sevens.

Aturinda recalls that it was in 2019, as he played for the UCU Shepherds during the inter-university competitions, that he was noticed by the management of the national rugby team. As a result, he was given an opportunity to join the Sevens setup and began training with the national team in January 2020.

He says that rugby has enabled him to earn a living. However, he is also focused on advancing his career and is currently in his final year, pursuing a Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Kyambogo University. Additionally, he is involved in business, specifically selling sports attire.

“My goal is to make sure that even after rugby, I can live a healthy and quality life,” Aturinda says.

Besides Aturinda, UCU has trained many people who have ended up playing for the national rugby team, including Ivan Magomu, the captain; Conrad Wanyama, the vice-captain; Philip Wokorach, who plays professional rugby in France; Pius Ogena, Desire Ayera, William Nkore and Collin Kimbowa, among others.

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

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Joseph Lagen in a radio studio

Lagen: Lawyer with a passion for music

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law, , , ,


Joseph Lagen in a radio studio

By Pauline Luba
In Acholi, a local dialect in Uganda, the name Lagen means “the trusted one.” And that is the name that a pastor in Uganda chose for his son 30 years ago. In three decades, there are examples to illustrate that, indeed, Joseph Lagen has earned people’s trust. 

One example slightly more than 10 years ago was when his father entrusted him with the duty of heading the youth music department at Life Line Ministries, his father’s church. Five years later, Lagen’s role was to direct the production of music at the church. And this was only possible because Lagen was introduced to the church at quite a young age, hence influencing his way of life.

Lagen cover art picture for Child's praise.
Lagen cover art picture for Child’s praise.

“I loved being in the music department of my father’s church, but sometimes I did it more as something I had to do,” Lagen said. In 2014, Lagen sung a duet with his twin brother, Joshua Olara, in the church choir album. 

During his childhood, “while others got a lot of toys,” Lagen says for his family, it was “a lot of church and church visits.” He is grateful to his parents for ensuring they had a proper Christian upbringing, in line with Proverbs 22:6 that says: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

True to the scripture, even when Lagen grew older, he did not depart from the foundation that his father gave him. As soon as he joined Uganda Christian University (UCU) to pursue a Bachelor of Laws, Lagen connected other music-loving Christian students and, in 2018, formed the inaugural instrumentalist fellowship that happens at the end of every semester at UCU. He also worked with the choir members on larger projects, such as the Christmas and Easter productions.

Jimmy Siyasa, the acting Communications Officer at UCU, who was among the people at the university at the same time with Lagen, said he (Lagen) was instrumental in creating team spirit and a strong bond among the choir members, especially those who played instruments at UCU. Lagen often hosted the instrumentalists for fellowship.

“I met Lagen in the last quarter of 2018, while in my second year,” Siyasa said. “At that time, I was a worship leader in a campus choir called Mustard Seed. He was like a bolt that drew and held together the broad network of both novice and advanced Christian creatives on the campus, and beyond. He is that guy who won’t miss or waste a chance to introduce you to other creatives.”

Lagen tracklist for Child's Praise.
Lagen tracklist for Child’s Praise.

To further cement the fact that Lagen has not departed from the Christian foundation that his father gave him, in April 2024, he released a Christian Afro-Soul album, Child’s Praise. The album has 12 songs, all of which are intended to tell the gospel through a modern East-African aesthetic. The first song, Near Near Here is based on an experience he had as he visited his village in 2015 — a place he had been made to believe was near, was not actually as near because of the poor transport system. The song blends Lagen’s calm vocals with upbeat references to God.  

“My art is far from pragmatic,” he said. “It lives to create wonder in the hearts of its listeners and to cause them look at God in wonder.” The title Child’s Praise stems from Psalm 8:2: “From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.”

Born in a family of four children — two boys and two girls — Lagen attended Hillside Primary School and Namilyango College, both in central Uganda. It was while at Namilyango that he developed a love for writing.  

“I was enamoured by words and their ability to communicate emotions,” he said. Before and during his undergrad, Lagen worked as a Features writer for the Daily Monitor – Uganda’s largest private daily newspaper. Not too long ago, he was also a freelance contributor for Uganda Partners.

For his bachelor’s award in 2021, Lagen’s law dissertation research area was intellectual property and copyright, particularly in music. Uganda Performing Rights Society, the organization where he carried out the research, immediately offered him a position as legal officer in 2021. It is only recently that he left the position to join an advertising firm as a copywriter.

Lagen is also multi-tasking, working on his second album. What spurs him on is seeing everyday as an opportunity “to show and tell the exceeding beauty of Christ through art.”

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

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Mutono Brian, voted top male influencer in a new student-driven contest, graduated with a School of Business Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management

Mutono voted top male influencer

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , ,


Mutono Brian, voted top male influencer in a new student-driven contest, graduated with a School of Business Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management
Mutono Brian, voted top male influencer in a new student-driven contest, graduated with a School of Business Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management

By Kefa Senoga
From the moment Mutono Brian joined Uganda Christian University (UCU) as a student, he unknowingly began working towards an award that didn’t exist. That award, based on peer selection, was started in 2024. 

At the July 5 Mukono graduation, he was named the Most Influential Male Student.

Mutono and his mother, Bamutaraki Evelyne during the July 2024 graduation
Mutono and his mother, Bamutaraki Evelyne during the July 2024 graduation

In addition to the top male and female academic achievers – honors based on grade-point averages – UCU decided in 2024 to have a student-driven designation. Mutono was voted by fellow students on social media platform X. The students were asked to choose a final-year student who had exemplified the theme of education at UCU as “A Complete Education for a Complete Person.” The polls took three days, and Mutono says he competed against some of the most popular students at the main campus.

“This recognition came as a pleasant surprise. I never expected that I would be rewarded for the positive contributions I made during my time there,” Mutono says.

Introducing Mutono and another award recipient, Natasha Alinda, at the graduation ceremony, UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa noted that the two have been remarkable, excelling both academically and socially. At the graduation, Mutono was awarded Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, while Alinda earned Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.

Plaque given to Mutono for being voted the Most Influential Student
Plaque given to Mutono for being voted the Most Influential Student

Mutono was the publicity secretary for many associations at UCU, including the UCU Business Society, UCU Business Fellowship, and the Class Representatives Association.

He does, however, point out that his most notable role was with the UCU Business Society. Since it was a new student association at the university, he worked tirelessly to market and promote it, ensuring it gained recognition.

“That’s where I got all the networks,” he says.

Derrick Matovu, a UCU graduate, acknowledges the hard work that Mutono put in. 

“Every time I checked his Whatsapp status, I would discover something new that is happening or taking place at the university,” Matovu said “He willingly explained in case I inquired.”

From his various publicity positions in different student associations, Mutono eventually rose to become the president of the Class Representatives Association. He recounts the challenges he faced in achieving this role, which he finally secured on his second attempt.

Mutono receives influencer award from UCU Vice Chancellor.
Mutono receives influencer award from UCU Vice Chancellor.

Mutono says the experience he gained at UCU has shaped him into a person of integrity, even if it meant opposing fellow student leaders who he considered not honest. 

With the award, Mutono says his task is now to inspire and influence more people beyond UCU. 

He completed his early education at Mivule Primary School in Kampala and Hilton High School in Mukono. He is the first born of Bamutaraki Evelyn. He has a younger brother as his sibling. The two were raised without their father, who died when Mutono was just in Primary Two.

Bamutaraki says UCU has made Mutono more religious and God-fearing. 

“I always tell him that if he continues with the discipline he learned at UCU, he will definitely be successful,” Bamutaraki says.

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

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Natasha Alinda with her father on graduation day

Students pick Alinda as top female influencer

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , ,


Natasha Alinda with her father on graduation day
Natasha Alinda with her father on graduation day

By Irene Best Nyapendi
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the stage Ms. Natasha Alinda who was voted the Most Influential Student. I have interacted with her, and I can attest that she is deserving of the award.” 

These were the words of the Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University, as he announced the name on July 3, 2024, during a commissioning service at the main campus in Mukono.

Natasha Alinda with Patience Mushengyezi after one of the “Talk to Mama Pesh" sessions.
Natasha Alinda with Patience Mushengyezi after one of the “Talk to Mama Pesh” sessions.

To get this accolade, Alinda, who was among the 1,160 students who graduated on July 5, defeated four other students who had been nominated. The winner emerged via a student poll on social media platform X. The guidelines were simple: Vote for a final-year student who has exemplified the theme of education at UCU as “A Complete Education for a Complete Person.”

Kitayimbwa described Alinda as someone with “a positive influence who has added vibrancy to the UCU community.”

“She has excelled in academics, sports, social activities, and leadership,” he said.

Alinda, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance degree at the July graduation, thinks she knows why her fellow students gave her 46% of the votes that were cast. 

She believes she was voted due to her extensive leadership experience and dedication to service, both within and outside UCU. She has served as the coordinator for Talk to Mama Pesh (a program hosted at UCU by Patience Mushengyezi, the wife of the Vice Chancellor), Vice President of the School of Business, a student leader at the Honors College and a member of the East African Youth Parliament.

Her impact was particularly felt by students while she served as a leader in charge of resident students. She says she personally visited the students every fortnight to check on their well-being, understand their challenges, and suggest solutions. She also communicated with concerned parents who couldn’t reach their children.

She gets the passion for leadership from her love for people –  a gift that she believes God has bestowed. Alinda believes that leadership provides the perfect platform to make a positive impact on people’s lives, enabling her to guide and support them in meaningful ways. 

According to Alinda, her father, Gad Mugisha, is her biggest believer, always encouraging her to be a good example to others. 

Mugisha always emphasizes the importance of leadership, encouraging his daughter to lead by example. He taught her that leadership is an “effective way to reach people and make a difference.” 

Mugisha says his father had 13 wives, which was one barrier for Mugisha to attend school himself although he believes in the value of education. . Despite this, he is proud of the person his daughter has become.

“She studied, became born again,” Mugisha said of his daughter. “I’m grateful she listens to my teachings and avoids harmful habits, like drugs.”

According to Mugisha, his daughter has always been a popular student. Finding Alinda during school visits was easy because many of the students knew her. 

“She took good care of her belongings and was exceptional in relating with people,” Mugisha said of his daughter who is the third of five siblings.

To people who know Alinda, like Esther Auma, the Most Influential Student accolade was no surprise. Auma, a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, first met Alinda during campaigns for student leadership at the UCU School of Business. 

She said Alinda came across as a confident, cheerful and down-to-earth person.

 “Alinda is a lover of people, she always makes it a point to make those around her happy, even when she is going through a tough time herself,” Auma said. 

Alinda looks to the future, she hopes to continue using her leadership skills to serve people and make a difference in the world.

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

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Said Muhamod

UCU Writing Center students share experiences

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Social Sciences, , , , ,


Said Muhamod
Said Muhamod


(On October 20, 2022, the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) officially opened a writing center located at Hamu Mukasa Library.  Guided by Prof. Tom Deans, director of a writing center at the University of Connecticut, USA, the purpose was to help students improve their writing skills in all disciplines.  The model is one of personalised support to students through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and other resources.  According to Kajubi Martin, the center’s acting manager, over 200 students have been served. Michael Ainomugisha, a student in the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, interviewed a few of these students.)

Said Muhamod – School of Social Sciences
“As an international student from Somalia, I used to struggle to write essays and tasks. The Writing Center has helped me develop my skills in essay writing, research methodologies, and dissertations. They offered individual feedback on my work, including advice on proper formatting and directions. Weekly lessons aimed to improve my grammar and fluency, which greatly improved my abilities to write and speak English. Furthermore, the Center taught me how to write resumes and application letters. The Writing Center has been excellent in assisting me in adapting to my assignments and overcoming language barriers, considerably improving my academic achievement and communication skills.”

Agenorwot Daphine Amone
Agenorwot Daphine Amone

Agenorwot Daphine Amone – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
“One of the reasons I went to the Writing Centre was because I needed help to improve my writing skills in terms of essays and answering assignments. I was connected to a coach in a course unit, and I have learned a lot and improved my writing. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, so I will continue to attend the sessions at the Writing Center. Also. I have learned communication skills, particularly in public speaking. Mr. Kajubi helped us with presentations in class, and we practised talking about ourselves, which helped me gain confidence and be the best version of ourselves when speaking to a large audience. I believe that I will continue to learn from the Writing Center and continue to improve my writing skills.”

Nambuya Whitney Gladys – School of Business
“I got to know about the Writing Center after visiting the library regularly, and I saw the poster outside. I also had two of my classmates who are members of the Writing Center so I got to know more about it from them. The coaches have guided us on how to write our dissertations, which is one of the requirements as you are graduating in our final year of the course. It’s interesting, we learn more and this is a point in time where I was supposed to write something like a review which was one of the questions that we were doing in game Writing and Study skills two, so it kind of challenged me. I would rate my writing to 8.5 (out of 10) before seeking help. I would really struggle with how to write particular things like limits of the CV, the letters. I was narrowed down to some basic things but after interacting more with them, I got guidance and more things that would be beneficial for me when I move out of the university.”

Kukundakwe Hope –  School of Business
“The UCU Writing Center has been a transformative resource for me. I’ve learned how to make proper references and citations, write essays and approach my coursework with greater confidence. The guidance I’ve received on how to write my course units has been invaluable. This support has significantly elevated my coursework marks and improved my CGPA. The coaches at the Writing Centre have been helpful, providing assistance and ensuring I understand the best approaches to my coursework. They go above and beyond to help us excel in our dissertations and research work, which has greatly enhanced my overall academic performance. My experience at the Writing Centre has been exceptional, and I am grateful for the skills and knowledge gained. Their commitment to student success is evident, and I highly recommend their services to any student looking to improve their academic writing and performance.”

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

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Busobozi Ian John Baptist, right, coaches a group of students in the UCU Writing Center.

UCU Writing Center coaches share how they help others

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Education, , , , ,


Busobozi Ian John Baptist, right, coaches a group of students in the UCU Writing Center.
Busobozi Ian John Baptist, right, coaches a group of students in the UCU Writing Center.

(With a team of 29 dedicated student coaches from various schools and faculties, Uganda Christian University’s writing center, located within the Mukono campus’  Hamu Mukasa Library, plays a key role in academic enrichment. Officially opened in October 2022 and currently under the leadership of Kajubi Martin, the acting manager, the center strives to help students amplify their writing skills, scholarly voice and academic success. Christine Mirembe, a student in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, got some insights into the center through interviews with four coaches.)

Christy Asiimwe – School of Education
Christy Asiimwe, alongside Joshua Gira, is working to develop an English language program tailored specifically for international students.

Christy Asiimwe
Christy Asiimwe

“I am excited about the curriculum,” Christy, an English major in the UCU School of Education,  said. “I would love to do a masters in Education, Management and Curriculum Development using experience from the writing center as a base. I wish to have an online presence where I teach English.”

Having a background in the French language as part of her high school curriculum has accorded Christy an advantage when tutoring students from Francophone countries. While she encourages them to speak and write English, she greets them in French. 

“I am assigned students based on their needs and my competencies,” said Christy, who has been a tutor, working twice a week for 90 minutes each, since 2023. “As much as I would have loved to engage more with my students, my busy schedule does not allow more.”

She credits supportive colleagues, particularly Joshua, also an English major, for any success she has. 

“Working at the writing center has been very fruitful,” Christy said.  “I cherish the bonds I’ve built with students. Watching them grow and being part of their journey brings me immense joy and fulfillment as a teacher. Helping them fit into the society by engaging them with the English language is an opportunity the writing center has availed.”

Two improvements she suggested are more tutor trainings and stronger collaboration with the International Students Association.

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Milton Abel Opio – School of Business
“Writing should be a compulsory skill for every student; its power speaks a lot more if we go into details. Effective communication is crucial in all fields, business inclusive.”

These are the words of Milton Abel Opio, a writing center coach and student in the School of Business. He has a passion for writing and helping others share his passion. He is grateful that Martin Kajubi recruited him as a tutor in February 2023. 

“I tutor accounting in business administration because that is where my strength is channeled,” Milton said. “I find it more transparent; it is way more than just numbers, something that most people do not know. My sessions are usually two to four hours, depending on my students’ workload and their ability to grasp concepts.”

Milton Abel Opio
Milton Abel Opio

Helping others is a win-win as he has discovered improvements in his own work as he does more reading and research to have a better grasp of concepts and to share with those who he  tutors. His own writing about finance has multiplied. 

“Tutoring at the writing center has been amazing; you get to meet and interact with people from all walks of life,” Milton said. “I have hence used this space to learn, unlearn and re-learn from various people, making me better.”

He cited an example – “one of my most rewarding moments” –  of working with a student who had difficulties structuring essays and how together, they organized ideas, developed thesis statements and incorporated evidence.  

He acknowledged that time management has been difficult as he juggles his own work with time to help others with theirs. 

“I try to maintain a schedule that allocates time for my personal assignments and office duties,” Milton said. “Multitasking has become the standard practice. I would love to continue tutoring. The past year has been amazing and with unwavering support, I know there is still room for me to learn and create impact where passion lies. Learning never stops.”

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Busobozi Ian John Baptist  – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Before coming to the writing center in September 2023, Busobozi Ian John Baptist had a reputation for sharing knowledge with colleagues. He believes that teaching has rewards for both teacher and student. 

“You can teach someone; they get 90% and you get 80%,” he said. 

With average sessions running for two-to-three hours each, he guides groups of five to six students.  

“Engineering requires a lot of time and dedication,” Baptist said. “I recall conducting a study session that lasted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during which we thoroughly reviewed all the work from across all the course units in preparation for exams.”

Prior to all sessions, he gives students a heads-up on what will be discussed and when. This allows prior preparation, hence making the work more effective. Meeting and interacting with a diverse audience is an opportunity tutoring has provided.  

Baptist has been impacted by the “learning by teaching” principle, where teaching others has helped him solidify his own understanding of concepts and retention of knowledge. He grasps concepts much better and attributes his good grade-point average to this.

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Isooba Mbeiza Rachel  – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Since childhood, Isooba Mbeiza Rachel has enjoyed passing on what she knows to others. 

“Helping someone understand concepts brings me joy,” she said. 

Isooba Mbeiza Rachel
Isooba Mbeiza Rachel

Since assuming her writing center coach role in September 2023, she has met with one-to-two students for two hours each week. While helpful, she feels sessions could be more beneficial if they were longer and more frequent. 

“Mr. Martin Kajubi, our director, is amazing, helpful and very understanding,” Rachel said. “It is such a blessing to be part of the writing center. People are very kind, friendly and embrace teamwork. Generally, the atmosphere is very conducive for all.”

She also lauded the 2024 writing week that exposed students to different types of literature. 

As with other tutors, balancing their own academics with tutor duties can be challenging, according to Rachel who added that the benefits outweigh obstacles. 

“Witnessing the great academic impact the writing center has had on the student body and my passion for teaching others, I would love to continue working with the writing center,” she said. 

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

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

Some coaches wear writing center shirts outside the library. Pictured left to right are: Bidali Bosco (Economics and Statistics); Mulondo Shamiru (Accounting and Finance); Acio Rebecca (Business Administration); Opio Milton (Business Administration); Christy Assimwe (Education); Rugambwa Isaac (LLB); Kiggudde Emmanuel (Social Work and Social Administration); and Esther Nashuha (Social work and Social Administration).

UCU Writing Center: Enhancing students’ academic journey

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


Some coaches wear writing center shirts outside the library. Pictured left to right are: Bidali Bosco (Economics and Statistics); Mulondo Shamiru (Accounting and Finance); Acio Rebecca (Business Administration); Opio Milton (Business Administration); Christy Assimwe (Education); Rugambwa Isaac (LLB); Kiggudde Emmanuel (Social Work and Social Administration); and Esther Nashuha (Social work and Social Administration).
Some coaches wear writing center shirts outside the library. Pictured left to right are: Bidali Bosco (Economics and Statistics); Mulondo Shamiru (Accounting and Finance); Acio Rebecca (Business Administration); Opio Milton (Business Administration); Christy Assimwe (Education); Rugambwa Isaac (LLB); Kiggudde Emmanuel (Social Work and Social Administration); and Esther Nashuha (Social work and Social Administration).

By Yasiri J. Kasango
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has a longstanding commitment to improving student writing skills, a crucial part of the university’s academic fabric. This commitment is embodied in the UCU Writing Center, which, since its inception in 2022, has played a pivotal role in this pledge across various genres and disciplines. 

Martin Kajubi, acting manager of the Writing Center, plays a fundamental role in the pledge, overseeing coaches who help students refine their ideas and perfect their drafts. 

A 2016 UCU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in languages and literature and a student pursuing his master’s degree in strategic communications, Kajubi is a passionate advocate for writing. Prof. Tom Deans of the University of Connecticut has served as Kajubi’s mentor, helping him publish several articles with the International Writing Center Journal. Deans, director of a writing center at his American university,  has spent time on the ground and virtually to help develop a UCU model that Kajubi wished he had as an undergraduate student. 

Kajubi Martin, left, in session with some students at the writing center
Kajubi Martin, left, in session with some students at the writing center

“When I was studying, I used to struggle on how to approach writing and other assignments on my own and with friends, since we didn’t have a support system like this,”  he said. 

Kajubi, who hails from Masaka,  says his experience while studying for his bachelor’s degree is part of his inspiration to help students develop their ideas and put them into writing. Kajubi says he has zeal for academic writing.

The UCU center, housed within the Mukono campus library, is extremely important for international students, many of whom struggle with English ability.

“I’ve had challenging moments with international students, particularly those who are not fluent in English,” Kajubi noted. “However, the training we received from Professor Deans has equipped us to help these students improve their English writing skills.” 

The center, which has 29 coaches, attempts to pair students with similar ethnicity to guide them in their writing.

Prof. Deans conducted workshops on nurturing young writers and enhancing writing skills of prospective writing center staff, especially writing and study skills for lecturers in March 2022,  in preparation for the launch of the center in October 2022. The trained team led by Martin Kajubi has been  instrumental in the success of the Writing Center. The center’s creation was supported by the UCU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Bukenya David, the librarian, who designated a tutoring space within the Hamu Mukasa Library.

As of the summer of 2024, over 200 students from different UCU schools/faculties had been assisted by the Writing Center.

Despite its successes, the Writing Center faces significant challenges, primarily related to staffing and funding. Currently, the center relies heavily on student coaches who volunteer an average of three hours a week, limiting the number of students who can be helped. The Center is designed to allocate each student 30 minutes per coaching session with the reality that most sessions go longer. 

“Ideally,  each coach  can only assist about nine students per week in one-on-one sessions,” Kajubi said. “With the high demand, it’s challenging to meet all the students’ needs.”

Additionally, the Writing Center operates largely on donations, such as those from Uganda Partners. 

“We are working towards having the university formally integrate the Writing Center into its budget to ensure sustainable support,” Kajubi stated.

Looking ahead, Martin envisions a Writing Center where all students who seek help can be attended to sufficiently and promptly.

“I hope to recruit more coaches and ensure they are compensated for their time,” he said.  “This will allow us to accommodate more students and provide consistent support.” 

The Writing Center’s impact on students is profound, transforming their approach to writing from a mere academic requirement to an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

“I want students to view writing as a chance to express their ideas, not just an obligation to fulfill coursework requirements,” said Martin, who also lectures about writing in various courses at UCU. “Good writing skills enable students to communicate their ideas effectively, which can take them far in their academic and professional journeys.”

Martin’s passion for writing and dedication to the Writing Center is evident in his ability to balance his roles as a lecturer, manager, and writer. He attributes his success to meticulous planning and a strong support system.

“Proper planning and dedication are crucial,” he said. “I also rely on a team of student coaches  who play administrative roles in my absence, ensuring the center operates smoothly.”

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

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Sarah Nsereko with UCU Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

Student credits friends with work-world experience, parents and reading for ‘best’ designation

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Sarah Nsereko with UCU Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu
Sarah Nsereko with UCU Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

By Kefa Senoga
Reaching the top among 1,159 students at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was no walk in the park for Sarah Nsereko. With a Grade-Point Average of 4.72 out of 5.0, she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and beat other students’ academic standing at the July graduation.  

While other students were engaged in extracurricular activities beyond classes, she was reading – often for long hours into the night. 

“There was a lot of sacrifice,” Nsereko said during an interview with Uganda Partners. “There is nothing that comes out of being in the comfort zone; you have to put in the hours.” On weekends, it would not be a surprise to find her in the library.  

Finding energy was sometimes a struggle. 

“I always got the feeling that people were out there enjoying themselves as I was drained in books,” Nsereko says. 

Sarah Nsereko receiving award from UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi
Sarah Nsereko receiving award from UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

For her effort, she excelled. The university gave her an award on graduation day. That achievement, Nsereko says, will inspire her siblings to do well at school. Nsereko is the first born of three children.

In addition to her own efforts, Nsereko largely attributes her success to the friends she had at the university. 

“I kept the company of people who were working and many of them had industry knowledge, which they usually shared with me,” she says. 

She names her classmate, Charles Muganga, as her mentor, saying he was always available to offer advice on any academic matter. Two months ago, Muganga led the best pitching team at a national hackathon in Uganda.

“Things became increasingly difficult each semester at school, but Nsereko persisted and kept pushing forward,” Muganga said. “She spent sleepless nights, sought additional consultations, but above all, she also kept on encouraging us.”

Nsereko also attributes her success to the Robotics Club, where she says she received academic guidance, especially on the practical aspects of the course. 

Thanks to her parents — Mr. and Mrs. Hilda Nsereko — Nsereko says her tuition was always paid on time. To pay back  her parents’ hard work, she studied hardl. 

According to Mr. Nsereko, his daughter has had a positive impact by setting a good example for her younger siblings to emulate. He adds that the knowledge Nsereko has gained will be useful to the family, as well as the community.

He said his daughter, who he describes as God-fearing, always seeks clarity on anything not clear to her, in addition to seeking new knowledge. 

Now that Nsereko has completed her bachelor’s degree, she is focusing on finding employment. But that will only be after she completes her current internship at Stanbic Bank, where she says she is gaining valuable experience. 

“I hope to use my knowledge mostly to automate tasks because that’s what I specialised in,” she says.

Nsereko completed her primary education at Kampala Junior Academy and her secondary education at Nabisunsa Girls School. Both schools are in Kampala.

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

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UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, President of Millersville University, sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.

Man of two lives in two worlds urges graduates to ‘make a difference’

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UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, President of Millersville University, sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, President of Millersville University, sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding
between the two institutions.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, the keynote speaker for  Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Annual Public Lecture (July 3) and guest speaker at their 25th graduation ceremony (July 5),  leads a remarkable, diverse life in two continents.

In Africa, he is Nana Ofosu Peko III, a revered traditional leader in Ghana, his birthplace. There, he holds absolute power in his community. In North America, he is a respected academic leader at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he has served as president since 2018. Here, his authority is collaborative.

UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, presents a gift to Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah after his keynote address at the UCU Annual Public Lecture on July 3.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, presents a gift to Prof.
Daniel Asua Wubah after his keynote address at the UCU Annual Public Lecture on July 3.

In the USA, Prof. Wubah primarily resides in Millersville, Pennsylvania, but in Ghana, where he ascended to the royal family throne in 2017, he resides in his private home in the capital city (Accra) and his palace at Breman Asikuma. He skillfully bridges the distance by fulfilling his royal duties virtually, connecting with his council of elders each morning before his workday starts at Millersville. Additionally, he visits Ghana annually to connect with his people and perform essential traditional functions.

These seemingly disparate roles – traditional leader and academic – have a surprising synergy, according to Prof. Wubah.

 “The training I received as a king has been crucial for my success as a university president, and the vice versa is true,” he explains. 

Both roles emphasize active listening and thoughtful decision-making. 

Growing up in Ghana, his mother often reminded him that there is a reason why humans have two ears and one mouth. His uncle, the previous king, bluntly advised him that it was essential to “Listen carefully before speaking.” This philosophy translates well to Prof. Wubah’s approach as a university leader, where he prioritizes collaboration and input from his cabinet, the trustees and other campus leaders before formulating decisions.

Wubah’s professional accomplishments garnered him recognition as a UCU keynote speaker in July. During the graduation ceremony, he challenged graduates to become agents of positive change. He emphasized that success goes beyond personal gain; it involves using one’s talents to improve the world. 

“You have been prepared to make a difference,” he counseled.

Prof. Wubah highlighted UCU’s potential to excel due to its entrepreneurial leadership and Christian foundation. 

“The university’s focus on programs like computer science and artificial intelligence, which address real-world challenges, sets UCU apart,” he said. “This is why Millersville University partnered with them through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 3, to facilitate student, staff and faculty exchange.”

Who is Prof. Wubah?
Prof. Wubah’s story is one of resilience forged in the face of tragedy. At the tender age of seven, his life took an unexpected turn. His father, also named Daniel, typically traveled home every weekend to reunite the family. However, a twist of fate intervened.

Daniel Wubah Senior, the Chief Accountant of Ghana Sugar Products Corporation at Asutsuare, worked far from his family. He maintained a residence near his workplace and traveled home on weekends. However, unforeseen challenges on January 20, 1968, prevented him from taking the entire family. He tragically left with only his wife on a journey of no return.

A devastating car accident claimed the life of Wubah Senior. His wife, Elizabeth Appoe, endured physical and emotional trauma, requiring two years of rehabilitation before resuming normalcy.

(From Right) UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Judith Wubah; Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah; Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration; and Dr. Charity Alinda, the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services of Millersville University.
(From Right) UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Judith Wubah; Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah; Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU
Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration; and Dr. Charity Alinda, the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services of Millersville University.

Faced with this hardship, his mother, a professional seamstress, shouldered the responsibility of raising their four children. In turn, the children, including Prof. Wubah, displayed remarkable determination. They redoubled their efforts in school, vowing not to let the accident shatter their aspirations.

Prof. Wubah’s academic journey is a testament to his perseverance. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in botany and a diploma in education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, followed by a master’s degree in biology from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Georgia. He even pursued postdoctoral research at the EPA laboratory in Athens, Georgia. 

Before assuming his role at Millersville University, he served as Provost and later Senior Advisor to the President at Washington and Lee University. Prior to that, he served as a faculty member and academic administrator at Towson University, MD; James Madison University, VA; University of Florida; and Virginia Tech. Prof. Wubah has been married to Dr. Judith Wubah, a developmental biologist, for four decades, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren. 

At Millersville, this esteemed microbiologist has spearheaded initiatives that have fostered a more student-centered and values-driven learning environment.

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

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Ddumba poses with his five awards for academic excellence and leadership. The Recognition Award (for being Guild President), The Academic Excellence Award (for first class), The Pinnacle Award (for being an exceptional visionary leader) and The Overall Best Male Award.

Guild president becomes best student at July graduation

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Ddumba poses with his five awards for academic excellence and leadership. The Recognition Award (for being Guild President), The Academic Excellence Award (for first class), The Pinnacle Award (for being an exceptional visionary leader) and The Overall Best Male Award.
Ddumba poses with his four awards for academic excellence and leadership. The Recognition Award (for being Guild President), The Academic Excellence Award (for first class), The Pinnacle Award (for being an exceptional visionary leader) and The Overall Best Male Award.

By Pauline Luba
A Guild President in a university is the bridge between students and the university administration. The job holder relays any issues affecting students to the university, and this is usually done through correspondences and regular meetings. 

That was the work of Timothy Ddumba, who was the Guild President at the Uganda Christian University main campus from December 2022 to December 2023. Even with such a demanding role, in addition to attending to his studies, Ddumba has shown that he is a special student. At the July 5, 2024, graduation, where Ddumba was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, he was named the Best Male Student of UCU with a Grade Point Average of 4.64 out of 5.0.

Ddumba was the 25th Guild president and best overall male graduate at the recent graduation.
Ddumba was the 25th Guild president and best overall male graduate at the recent graduation.

How did he manage to pull off such a performance with the added responsibilities of leadership?

“I knew I didn’t have as much time as others did,” Ddumba said during the interview with Uganda Partners, adding: “So, I always made sure I sat at the front in class and paid maximum attention, to get the point. I would also be the first to do assignments.”

At that, he was shocked to learn that he was the best male student.

 “I knew I had a first class, but I didn’t know I was the best performer,” he said. “I found out during an interview when asked about how it felt to be the best.”

His parents — Mr. and Mrs. Makumbi — could not contain the excitement as they watched their son on the red carpet, going to receive his prize – a plaque — on graduation day. 

“It felt so good,” said Mrs. Makumbi, “There are so many students, but seeing yours walking down the carpet was amazing. I thank God. It has always been his dream, since he was in primary school, and we are so proud of him. I pray he gets a brighter future and achieves all his dreams.”

Mrs. Makumbi is Ddumba’s step-mother. His biological mother, Winnie Makumbi, died in 2008. In contesting for the position of Guild President in 2022, Ddumba did not have to look far for inspiration. While a student, his father was the guild president of Kyambogo University. 

Ddumba with his parents during his graduation
Ddumba with his parents during his graduation

“My mother is also a big part of who I am today,” Ddumba said. He explains that he grew up looking up to his mother and her leadership. Growing up, their home was always open to the community and they frequently walked around, talking to people about their issues and helping them to find solutions. 

As early as primary school, Ddumba was a leader at school. At Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Kampala, he was the school’s president, the apex leadership position for learners. For his secondary education, Ddumba attended the elite King’s College, Budo near Kampala, where he was again one of the student leaders. In an earlier interview with Uganda Partners, Ddumba said Budo was the cradle of his leadership growth because, through his leadership at the school, he learned to communicate, and to manage people. 

During his tenure as Guild President, Ddumba ensured the inter-faculty games competition returned to the main campus. Ddumba also led the drive for the Guild Run, where money for tuition is collected to benefit students facing financial hardships. The run, which covered six kilometers (three miles) around Mukono in central Uganda, took place on October 21, 2023. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, was the main guest at the event that collected over $6,000 in cash and hope.

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

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Somali students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.

Culture week offers opportunity to discover what unites

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Somali students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.
Somali students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Kondowole is a Malawian staple food. Made from cassava flour and water, the food is similar to the English posho and is normally eaten with fish. Because its preparation is labor-intensive, the food is not eaten often. It is eaten in Uganda but  not as frequently as the cassava bread. 

At a mid-June cultural gala held at Uganda Christian University (UCU), kondowole was among the cuisines that Malawi students exhibited.  While the Malawians exhibited the starch-rich kondowole, those from the Congo exhibited a product of the cassava leaves. Famously known as pondu in Congo, the leaves are prepared into sauce that can be eaten with food, such as rice.

Cassava leaves are rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. They are reported to contain fiber, which is a big determinant in the health of the colon.

Malawi students exhibit their traditional food.
Malawi students exhibit their traditional food.

Kondowole and pondu were among the many displays that surprised students and other exhibition-goers. They discovered that people may be from different geographical regions and cultures, but are to a great extent united, justifying the theme of the International Students Week (ISW) “Different Culture, One People.”

The ISW provided a unique platform for students to learn that the more they thought they were different, the more they discovered that they were similar. 

The week-long event, which took place from June 10 to 16, brought together students from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Liberia, Nigeria and many more.

On June 14, there was a gala, where different countries participated in activities like traditional dances. Renovat Nimbona, the First Counselor of Burundi in Uganda, who was the chief guest at the gala, said he was captivated by the event’s theme and dance performances.

Burundian students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.
Burundian students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.

“This day reminds me of our times at university, and my joy is when I see you all performing at the same place; my prayer is that this cultural gala day makes us one,” Nimbona said.

Daniel Mulengetsi, a year-four student from Congo pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, who is also the student leader in charge of international students at UCU, said the ISW is intended to unite international students and Ugandan nationals.

The ISW had a lineup of activities, including cleaning the UCU main campus, leading the community worship, participating in a movie night, and sharing a meal at UCU’s Janani Luwum dining hall.

The week concluded with a community outreach on Sunday, where students visited Bishop West Primary School in Mukono, and offered the learners career guidance and tips on how to thrive in school. 

During the ISW, Frank Zimba, a second-year student from Malawi pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, said he learned about various cultures, challenging his initial perceptions because he got the opportunity to interact with the different nationals first hand.  

Grace Tuza, a Rwandan national and a second-year student pursuing Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, said ISW created in her a sense of belonging and hospitality, making her feel loved, recognized, and valued as an international student.

Her highlights from the week included taking pictures with her country’s flag, enjoying the food exhibition, listening to music from her country, interacting with fellow international students, and participating in the cultural gala. 

South Sudanese showcase their dance.
South Sudanese showcase their dance.

“I was so happy that I got to perform our cultural dance and sang our national anthem,” Tuza said. “I felt so proud to represent my country and realized that it’s my obligation to appreciate and celebrate my heritage.”

Blessing Magene Mwenyemali, a Congolese national and a second-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, said he was impressed by the performance of the Nigerian students, noting that they showcased their rich cultural heritage.

Viola Favor Momo, from Liberia, said she was able to discover similarities between Congolese and Liberian cultures, such as shared food traditions.

“I found out that both the Congolese and Liberians eat cassava leaves and palm oil,” Momo said. 

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

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Professor Sherita Washington of Calvin University in Michigan, USA, shares a light moment with UCU's Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, at the university’s Principal Hall.

American Christian university delegates seek global partnerships

News, Students, Uganda Partners, USP, , , ,


Professor Sherita Washington of Calvin University in Michigan, USA, shares a light moment with UCU's Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, at the university’s Principal Hall.
Professor Sherita Washington of Calvin University in Michigan, USA, shares a light moment with UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, at the university’s Principal Hall.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Uganda Studies Program (USP), run by Uganda Christian University (UCU), was formed with the expectation that the semester-long offering for North American students would survive on strong partnerships. 

Twenty years later, the bond for the partnership that was envisaged has  become stronger with the program registering milestones. The latest of the milestones was the recent visit to UCU by 21 representatives from 11 USA Christian universities and colleges that are affiliated to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 

The spring 2024 visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, explore more opportunities for collaboration and give the United States faculty a feel of the experience that American students go through during the USP program at UCU. USP offers an opportunity for students to engage with the local culture and people and to experience contemporary realities in Uganda. Through classes, internships, and homestays, students experience authentic cross-cultural immersion.

CCCU representatives in photo with the UCU team
CCCU representatives in photo with the UCU team

The USP social work students and their UCU counterparts often have regular meetings during the semester, facilitated by USP social work coordinator, Nazjè Mansfield , and Kasule Kibirige, the head of UCU’s social work department. 

The meetings are intended to help American social work students to experience the culturally-embedded nature of their discipline, discussing ethical dilemmas and differing obligations in individual-based versus community-based societies.

The late May visit to UCU included representatives from Bethel University (Minnesota), Calvin University (Michigan), Grove City College (Pennsylvania), Liberty University (Virginia), Messiah University (Pennsylvania), Missouri Baptist University, Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida), Westmont College (California) and Wheaton College (Illinois).

UCU’s membership in CCCU dates back to 2002, when the university became an international affiliate. Although CCCU ceased coordinating study-abroad programs in 2020, individual Christian universities in the United States continue to maintain partnerships.

Mark Bartels, who launched USP at UCU 20 years ago and also serves as the Executive Director of the Uganda Partners nonprofit, said: “The visit was organized by UCU and USP, and it’s because of the CCCU that these relationships exist.”

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, often attends the annual conference for all CCCU presidents in Washington, D.C.

During the 2023 CCCU Presidents’ Annual Conference, Mushengyezi met with the CCCU President, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and other university presidents who send study-abroad students to UCU.

Bartels also expressed hope for potential collaboration beyond USP, acknowledging that they take time to develop and highlighted the benefits of potential partnerships.

“While partnership development is time consuming, when they happen, there are multiple benefits,” Bartels said. “They provide opportunities for connection, helping institutions grow through staff exchanges, benefiting both UCU and the sending institution.”

Eric Michael Washington, a Professor of History at Calvin University, shared his impressions of UCU during his first visit to Uganda and his fifth trip to Africa.

“I love the students’ dress code, it communicates that education is a serious proposition, and you should take it seriously,” said Washington, who was awarded Professor of the Year at his university in 2018. “It’s evident through UCU students that while it’s important to study hard, you should also dress in a way that reflects Christian values and the seriousness of your work.”

Washington also expressed admiration for UCU’s comprehensive degree programs, including PhDs, which are not offered at Calvin University.

As a professor, Washington was interested in learning about USP and exploring opportunities for his students to participate. 

He was impressed by the flexibility of the USP, noting that it can accommodate students from various disciplines, not just social work, promising to recruit more students for the exchange program.

Paul C. Kemeny, a Professor of Religion and Humanities at Grove City College, said the impressions of UCU exceeded his expectations. 

“My impression of UCU, after reading on its website, showed that it is a strong institution, but being here makes me realize it’s even stronger than I had imagined,” he said. “It’s not just about the size of the campus, but the university’s commitment to advancing the Christian mission and preparing the students to live meaningful lives that glorify the Lord.”

CCCU representatives with UCU staff during a break
CCCU representatives with UCU staff during a break

Kemeny said both UCU and Grove City College have a wide range of majors and required Bible courses. However, he also acknowledged the differences such as size.  UCU is a larger university than Grove City College. 

He said his college offers two-week travel courses that allow students to travel to foreign countries. 

Diane Krusemark, the Registrar at Wheaton College, Chicago, said the visit to UCU also was her first to Africa. She expressed delight in the local Ugandan cuisine, including green bananas and ground nut stew. 

Krusemark described the 150-year-old Wheaton College as flat and with indoor buildings and a student union center that serves as a hub for activities. Her visit was motivated by Wheaton College’s desire to become a “School of Record” for USP, which would allow them to consider courses taken by students at UCU. 

A School of Record is a United States-accredited institution that awards credits for courses or programs taken by students at non-U.S.-accredited institutions or through independent program providers collaborating with U.S.-accredited institutions for coursework taken abroad.

Sherita Washington, a Professor of Social Work from Calvin University, was impressed by the students she met, noting that their wit, love for Christ, and professionalism was evident. She expressed appreciation for the Christian aspect of UCU and the students’ bold expression of their faith. Her visit aimed to explore USP and establish a partnership for her department. 

“I had the chance to meet some students and share a meal with them,” she noted.

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

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UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Graham Yoko, the CEO of the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE) sign MoU in Durban, South Africa.

UCU to train teachers of faith-based curriculum

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, UCU School of Education, ,


UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Graham Yoko, the CEO of the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE) sign MoU in Durban, South Africa.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Graham Yoko, the CEO of the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE) sign MoU in Durban, South Africa.

By Kefa Senoga
Following a recently signed partnership agreement between Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Graham Yoko, the CEO of the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE) in Durban, South Africa, UCU is set to launch a study program designed to train teachers for schools following the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Curriculum.

According to Dr. Mary Kagoire, the Dean of UCU School of Education, UCU signed the MoU with AEE because the latter manages the ACE curriculum in Africa, including Uganda.

“Institutions throughout Africa that implement the ACE curriculum receive their teaching and learning materials, as well as support, from AEE,” Kagoire explained.

AEE offers Christian education that inspires faith and guides children towards a meaningful relationship with Christ, with the intention of children being secure in their identity and better equipped to face the challenges of the modern world.

UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, addressing members on the day the MoU was signed in Durban.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, addressing members on the day the MoU was signed in Durban.

Kagoire said the ACE curriculum is a personalized system of instruction, where the learners are given instruction materials they use to study at their own pace. The instruction materials have integrated biblical values..

AEE has been providing Christian education solutions to schools and homeschools since 1983 through globally-recognized curricula and education solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs. It seeks to empower and impact Africa by delivering access to world-class Christian education solutions that are innovative and relevant to the continent.

According to Kagoire, every topic a child learns in the ACE curriculum has a related Bible verse. Being a university founded on Christian principles, AEE found it in a better position to support the faith-based program. 

The implementation of the collaboration between the two entities will commence once AEE trains UCU teaching staff on how to instruct the teachers or facilitators of the ACE curriculum. After the training, expected by early 2025, UCU will start promoting the ACE-training diploma program they are set to design, before submission to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for accreditation.

“We are also exploring the possibility of starting continuous professional training programs whereby in case of any adjustments or changes, we can keep on training the ACE teachers,” Kagoire added, noting that a working committee had been established to actualize the Memorandum of Understanding between UCU and AEE.

The diploma course will be available to already trained teachers, as well as individuals passionate about teaching.

“We want the teachers or experts in different skills because all we are giving them are the different pedagogical skills,” Kagoire explained, noting that the partnership comes as a significant step for UCU because it will be the first university to offer the program in Africa. And the university seeks to offer services to Uganda and the whole of Africa, especially through online classes. However, Kagoire said for that to happen, they will need support in terms of computers and the necessary software for online classes. 

According to Kagoire, the number of schools partaking in the ACE curriculum is increasing because many parents are interested in their children receiving a biblical foundation in their education. Uganda is among the more than 20 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa with the ACE program. Currently, 67 schools are under the ACE program in the country.

There is an increase in demand for ACE schools, especially among many of the church schools, including All Saints Cathedral School in Kampala, which is now an ACE school.

ACE runs from pre-school up to grade 12 and AEE oversees the testing and assessment of the learners enrolled in the curriculum. However, in Uganda, there is an arrangement in place where the Uganda National Examinations Board does the “process of equalization.”

Kagoire further remarked: “Now that they have handed the bit of training and developing of facilitators to us, we shall see a lot of potential in growth.” 

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

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Aryatunga Eugene (left) enjoyed road construction.

UCU students share experiences during internships

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Social Sciences, , , , , , ,


By Pauline Luba
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) handbook states three reasons that students are required to have internships: 1) practicing in real-world settings; 2) learning to set realistic objectives and meaningful processes for both supervision and reflection on the experience; and 3) for practicals to be measured in credits.

For the internship to be successful, students are required to complete certain tasks, as determined by programs within the universities 11 faculties and schools. At UCU, the internship requirements vary from faculty to faculty. For instance, in some, an intern is expected to spend eight weeks at a registered company, firm, or nonprofit that aligns with the student’s field of study. 

The hours and the workload for students are not determined by the university but by their internship center. The supervisor and team dictate what the students’ tasks will be. The timing of the internships at UCU also varies. For example, some diploma programs require students to complete their mandatory internship after their first year, whereas degree programs may require students to complete their mandatory internships either after the second semester of their second year or after the first semester of their third year. 

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is required to fill out an internship evaluation form, rating the intern. The intern is also required to produce an internship report and submit evidence of their work, such as daily diaries, pictures and other relevant documentation. Since marks are awarded for this, one cannot graduate without completing an internship and fulfilling the requirements.

Some of the students who undertook internships in the recent past shared their positive and negative experiences as follows: 

Alikobakwoyo Leah Kabi shares her struggles.
Alikobakwoyo Leah Kabi shares her struggles.

Leah Alikobakwoyo Kabi, Bachelor of Arts in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication
I started applying for internships in December last year, shortly after exams. I applied to over 65 organizations and media houses but got no positive response. Eventually, someone connected me to an agency where I got a placement, but I resigned three weeks into my internship. I spent sh30,000 ($8 American) daily on transport to a place where I watched Netflix, ate food, and occasionally slept during working hours. I was supposed to be there from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Being a proactive person, I couldn’t stand a life of dormancy.

An organization reached out to give me an opportunity, but they kept me waiting for another three weeks. I regretted resigning from the first agency, but couldn’t go back. Eventually, I got a placement at a communication agency called Kalaz Media near Kampala. This opportunity was the best I could ever ask for. I learned a lot, and gained invaluable skills.

Aryatunga Eugene (left) enjoyed road construction.
Aryatunga Eugene (left) enjoyed road construction.

Aryatunga Eugene, Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
I was an intern at a construction company. They really showed effort in trying to teach me because they all knew I was there to learn. They were friendly people. Many of them are below 30 years of age, so we could easily connect. Of course, we are not paid as interns because we were volunteers. Part of the work involved doing tests on the roads, and making sure that whatever we did was up to standard.

 

 

Mulezimuto Job, Bachelor of Governance and International Relations

Mulezimuto Job would love to return to his place of internship.
Mulezimuto Job would love to return to his place of internship.

I had my internship at the Parliament of Uganda from January 31 to April 26. I was in the Department of Communications and Public Affairs as a protocol officer-intern. This internship was life-changing and full of many life lessons. Concerning my field of study, I found it quite relevant because I was looking at how the legislative arm of government works and how the business of legislation is conducted. On the protocol side, I learned how things are organized, how to receive guests, and how to organize events. It taught me a lot about administration, communication, events organization, and more.

Work was hands-on. For example, we welcomed parliamentary guests, visited schools, and provided them with tours or virtual tours of the institution, giving them an educational experience and interaction. This internship sparked ambitions in me, making me realize I could pursue more than just a career as a diplomat, governance expert, or political analyst. It made me consider becoming an active politician in the national politics of Uganda. 

Ausi Rama encourages one to speak up.
Ausi Rama encourages one to speak up.

Ausi Rama, Bachelor of Procurement and Logistic Management
I had my internship at Ntinda Vocational Institute, located in Ntinda, near Kampala. My supervisor was a mentor to me, guiding me through the entire work process. I learned about procurement laws, the evaluation process, how to handle certain documents, and how to engage with suppliers. I also learned how to manage Excel sheets, take minutes for meetings, and conduct presentations during sessions, as well as pitch ideas. 

 

 

Karuhanga Edward learned more about logistics.
Karuhanga Edward learned more about logistics.

Karuhanga Edward, Bachelor of Procurement and Logistic Management
I am Karuhanga Edward. I had my internship at the Office of the Auditor General, in the procurement department, where I was exposed to many aspects of procurement-related work. I handled many files, and learned the whole procurement process, from bid opening to contract management and evaluation. I also learned several skills related to working with people and being a team player. 

(NOTE – Two videos, produced by Chris Mutch, supplement this  story. One this is a student perspective is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_vpEsNG_Q&t=55s.  Another from an administrative and employer perspective is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eok5Y8mIfe8. Both address the issue of sexual harassment.) 

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