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About Patty Huston-Holm

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

Pamela Tumwebaze: From UCU student to Director of Student Affairs

January 18, 2024Faculty, Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Pamela Tumwebaze addressing people in Nkoyoyo Hall.

By Kefa Senoga
When Pamela Tumwebaze joined the three-year-old Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2000 as an undergraduate student, neither she nor the institution envisioned that it was the start of what would become nearly two decades of a symbiotic relationship.

In the 21 years since Tumwebaze completed her undergraduate course at UCU in 2003, she has worked both for UCU and other organizations beyond the university. The farther she moved away from UCU, however, the harder her heart beat for her to return to her alma mater.

When she left the country for a teaching job in Rwanda, she was there for just two years. When she went farther to Tanzania for yet another teaching job, it was not for more than one year.

Tumwebaze during one of the Honors College mentorship programs.

Tumwebaze eventually returned home, but was still hesitant to return to UCU. As such, she got a job in a non-governmental organization, but that was not for long, until she returned to her home, UCU. Today, she is the university’s new Director of Students Affairs (DOSA).

Tumwebaze recalls that in 2003, after attaining her Bachelor of Arts with Education from UCU, she took a job as a tutorial assistant in the Faculty of Education. Thereafter, she pursued a Master of Arts in Literature at UCU. She is currently completing another master’s degree, MA Strategic Communication at UCU.

At the university, she has served in the positions of teaching assistant, administrative assistant, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Executive Officer to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and Administration and the Head of the Honors College, a role she currently juggles with being DOSA, a position she has held for three months now.

As DOSA, Tumwebaze says she has to serve all the students in the university, as opposed to the job at Honors College, where it’s just a select few of the university’s top students. The Honors College, whose concept is borrowed from the Dutch and American universities, admits only the institution’s crème de la crème students from the different faculties.

Applicants must have at least a 4.0 Cumulative Grade-Point Average out of 5.0 to be enrolled to the college that offers talented students the opportunity to tap on their mettle through an extra certificate-program, alongside the regular bachelor’s degree course.

Tumwebaze says she enjoys working and guiding young people who are still going through formation. “I love to see them become adults, I also love the chaos that comes with being young because I guess it says much about them,” she notes.

“Being DOSA means looking at probably a 20-year-old troublesome young adult. But five or more years from now, that 20-year-old may be a CEO or a big-name journalist; so, what can we do now to make sure that they become that?” Tumwebaze asks.

As a mother, Tumwebaze views students as children, she understands that each child has weaknesses and uniquenesses and that there is something about each of them that needs to be groomed into something better. She is a mother of two boys and is married to Alexander Matsiko whom she met at UCU.

“As the older generation, we have the burden of putting things into perspective for the younger generation; if we don’t focus on that then we could lose the next generation,” Tumwebaze warns.

She notes that her job as DOSA requires a skill set that comes with having an open mind because “everyday has its own shocks.”

Tumwebaze comes from a large family in Mbarara, a district in western Uganda. She attended St. Helens Primary School Mbarara for her primary education and Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district for her secondary education. From Kyeizooba, she joined UCU for her undergraduate course.

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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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Green economy project leaves mark in four East Africa universities

January 16, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

UCU DALILA project coordinators share their experiences. Left to right: Dr. Miria Agunyo, Dorcas Magoba, Sempungu Godfrey, Rodgers Tayebwa, and Pascal Mulosi.

By Kefa Senoga
As a project established to foster a green economy in Africa closes at four universities in East Africa, the institutions are counting the benefits they have accrued from the multi-institutional venture that has been running for three years.

The DALILA project, a collaborative venture, sought to increase awareness about clean energy, climate change, the green economy, and global emission targets. To achieve this goal, the project, courtesy of a 99,993,700 Euros ($117.8 million American) grant, was supposed to lead to the creation of new academic curricula on sustainable energies and green economy in Africa, as well as the installation of green laboratories at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Uganda Martyrs University, and two Tanzanian institutions — the University of Dodoma and the State University of Zanzibar. The Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Union provided the grant for the project.

UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), David Mugawe, at the closure of the DALILA conference in December.

The Swahili origin of DALILA means delicate and gentle. Since 2020 and connected to UCU, it refers to the Development of Academic Curricula on Sustainable Energies and Green Economy in Africa. It’s a capacity-building project funded by the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Union.

The courses were rolled out at the four universities, as were the green laboratories. For instance, Uganda Martyrs University developed and implemented the undergraduate course on the green economy in Uganda, while UCU created the curriculum for a related post-graduate diploma course.

When Uganda’s supervisory body for curricula in higher institutions of learning, the National Council for Higher Education, gave the nod for the rollout of the course at UCU, the first cohort was admitted in 2022. That group was among the 986 students who graduated at UCU’s October 13, 2023, graduation, according to UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa. The nine students received the Post-Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy from UCU.

Pioneer graduates share their internship experiences in Europe and Africa at the closure of the DALILA conference in December.

At a seminar held in December 2023 to mark the closure of the project at UCU, the university’s Director of Academic Affairs, Vincent Kisenyi, underscored the project’s unique approach, emphasising that the integration of classroom learning with hands-on, practical experiences enables the learners to participate in renewable energy businesses while simultaneously contributing to environmental conservation.

One of the main objectives of the project was “transferring both theoretical and practical skills, identifying and bringing together stakeholders, creating links and synergies between companies and those who will be the professionals of tomorrow, and preparing them to be the driving force of positive change.”

The green laboratories established at each of the four project-implementing universities in East Africa were equipped to enable the students to achieve skills in converting sunlight into electric energy using photovoltaic panels. At the State University of Zanzibar, the green laboratory was equipped with solar simulators, lab computers, sputtering units, photovoltaic panels, DC voltmeters, and DC ammeters, among others.

Partners outside Africa in the European Union three-year funded project through the Erasmus+ Programme were Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, the University of Cadiz in Spain, and professional agencies, such as Sahara Ventures in Tanzania, Asud in Italy, and a renewable energy organisation called INOMA Renovables in Spain.

The Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation at UCU, Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, said the project has taught them how to respond to climate-related issues by educating them on how to improve the world and how to take advantage of business opportunities that arise from the different life challenges.

During a seminar to close the project at UCU, Eng. Simon Sekitoleko, the Assistant Commissioner for Renewable Energy in Uganda’s energy ministry, said: “As the nation embraces cleaner energy sources, UCU’s role in offering a postgraduate diploma in sustainable business and renewable energy is recognised as a crucial step in building capacity and turning graduates into job creators.”

David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance and Administration, said that the project’s combined focus on business and renewable energy not only gave participants real-world skills but also sparked a collective response to urgent climate issues.

Sharon Longora, Agatha Ankunda, and Ronald Mayanja, who were part of the pioneer class of the PostGraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy at UCU early last year, travelled to Spain and Italy for a resume-building internship that included visiting solar and hydropower plants, doing hands-on experiments, and getting exposed to sustainable waste management research.

During an interview with Uganda Partners last year, Amos Mangeni, who was also part of the UCU team that travelled to Europe, said: “I visited a 100kw solar PV grid connected plant at the University of Cadiz faculty of business in Spain. This PV plant supplies energy to the faculty, and the surplus is connected to the grid for sale, especially during the day.”

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UCU alums urged to support their alma mater

January 12, 2024Faculty, News, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Former UCU guild presidents who were present at the prayer breakfast, from left to right: Kenneth Amponda (2020-2021), Prisca Amongin (2016-2017), Emmanuel Wabwire (2012-2013) and Timothy Kadaga (2019-2020).

By Kefa Senoga
Any meeting of alums is often a convergence of memories of school days gone by. Sometimes, the sharing at such an event includes reliving the mischief committed during the younger years as students try to find a footing in the world as young adults.

All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, in the heart of Kampala, Uganda, hosted one such Uganda Christian University (UCU) Alumni Association breakfast meeting in December. In addition to the usual catching up and reliving memories of their time as students at UCU, the event, according to the alumni association, was to provide a space for prayer and reflection, acknowledging that individuals may seek spiritual guidance and solace in their personal and professional lives.

Alums Jimmy Siyasa, Auma Shivan and Eriah Lule.

The Rev. Moses Senyonyi, Secretary Religious Affairs at the UCU Alumni Association, said events like such gatherings promote friendship among the alums, in addition to strengthening their bond as they seek spiritual renewal. According to Senyonyi, the alumni association is looking forward to organizing such a reunion every year.

At the December event, UCU staff members such as Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Partnership, Innovation and Research, and Mrs. Bridget Mugume, the former UCU Director of Students Affairs, were present. Mugume led the “intercession” during the prayer time.

The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, the manager in charge of UCU Church Relations, represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. He thanked the alumni for what he referred to as “marketing the university”and urged alums to partner with the university administrators in order to develop their alma mater.

In 2021, UCU alumni launched a project in Mukono district, where members can buy land and settle in the same area. Twenty-seven members of an association of older students of the UCU Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Design bought 4.25 acres of land 20 miles away from Mukono town in central Uganda for the purpose of establishing settlement.

That launch was followed by a similar one in Budaka district, eastern Uganda, where the association bought more than three acres that were subdivided for members to acquire smaller plots of 50 feet by 100 feet at a cost of sh1.5million (about $406). The grand vision of the project is to turn the area into an estate, with all the social services that the residents would need. Initiatives like these have helped to market the university before the community.

Giving a keynote address at the December event, Dr. Charles Kahigiriza, the chairperson of the Anglican Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Association, demonstrated the relevance of alumni in the growth and development of their alma mater.

“As alumni, we should align ourselves with the university’s master plan and strategic plan in terms of development,” Kahigiriza beseeched the people present.

He suggested collaboration with the administration in capital projects, research, and grants to improve the university’s ranking. Kahigiriza also tasked the alumni with organizing occasional career mentorship and guidance sessions for all students, participate in community engagement and advocacy on behalf of the alumni association.

In response to Kahigiriza’s request, Emmanuel Wabwire, the president of the UCU Alumni Association, said they would take the lead in organizing support for the UCU sports department. A total of 10 million shillings ($2,631) was pledged to kick start the cause.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, the provost of All Saints Cathedral who gave a sermon at the reunion, based her message on a passage in Psalm 86: “Revive us, oh Lord.” She encouraged the UCU alums to embody their alma mater’s identity in every aspect of their lives, urging them to live as missionaries, upholding a standard of ethics and integrity that sets them apart from others in the job market.

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Waiswa defies odds to become UCU Kampala guild president

January 10, 2024News, Students, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

By Kefa Senoga
Were it not for charity, Waiswa Moses might not have made it to university studies. His twin sister, Namukose Babirye, temporarily put a halt to education after sitting her Senior Four exams because their single mother, Namugabu Jaliat, a market vendor, could not afford the school fees.

Many familiar with Waiswa’s background did not approve of his desire to contest for the highest office of student leadership at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Kampala Campus. And their disapproval is not because they begrudged him the position of Guild President of the institution. They knew fully well the financial requirements to campaign. Even Waiswa knew he did not have the financial muscle to pull off a successful campaign.

But somehow, his mother, friends and students helped him to pool resources for his triumphant campaign. In December 2023, the third-year student of Bachelor of Laws was sworn in as the campus’ next Guild President, after he defeated his challenger, Molly Kebirungi.

The 22-year-old takes over power from Zedekkia Ssekyonda, a student in the School of Medicine who was the first medical student to lead the UCU Kampala guild presidency.

Waiswa and Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration

In Ugandan politics, it is rare for people to fully fund one’s political campaigns of someone running for an electoral office. In most cases, it is the contestant who bears all the financial needs of running the campaigns for an electoral office, including facilitating the campaign agents.

Waiswa said in addition to providing the money, his friends also provided the vehicles he used for his campaigns. The money is usually used for fueling the cars, printing campaign fliers and posters and hiring a public address system and music to attract students to the campaign rallies.

In appreciation for the help he got from students and friends, Waiswa has aptly christened his leadership as the People’s Government. In his manifesto, Waiswa promised to “improve the academics, accountability, advocacy and level of sociability at the campus.”

Waiswa’s education has largely been courtesy of bursaries. Even currently, his tuition needs are being met by charity.

Waiswa joined Compassion International Uganda, a non-governmental organization, for leadership training, after completing his Senior Six. At the organization, Waiswa is a participant in the Leadership Development Initiative, a program that nurtures outstanding students into the leaders of tomorrow. The program empowers youth to become devoted disciples of Christ, unlocking their inherent potential and positively impacting their communities.

When Compassion International Uganda learned of the success of Waiswa in the elections, they congratulated him: “Through the Leadership Development Initiative, we focus on key outcomes such as growth in Christ, wellbeing, youth agency and self-sufficiency. We’re proud to see Hon. Waiswa Moses embodies these principles and we’re confident he will continue to make a meaningful difference in his role as guild President.”

Among the people watching keenly for Waiswa to complete his law degree are some of his five siblings, who are expecting that he will offer financial relief to them. His twin sister, Nakato, who hopes to become a nurse, says is soon joining a nursing and midwifery school to realize her dream.

Besides academics, Waiswa is also an enthusiastic scout. In 2018, he represented his school, Jinja Senior School located in eastern Uganda, at a scouts camp at the famous Ransburg Scout Reservation on the banks of Lake Monroe in Indiana, USA. At Jinja Secondary School, Waiswa was a student leader — the Head Boy from 2017 to 2018 and Head Prefect from 2019 to 2020.

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UCU Vice Chancellor’s USA visits to foster collaborations

January 8, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of EducationPatty Huston-Holm

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi alongside Tom Deans, the Director of the University Writing Center at the University of Connecticut. As a visiting Fulbright scholar at UCU in 2021, Deans helped start UCU’s Writing Centre in the Department of Literature and Languages.

By Irene Best Nyapendi and Jimmy Siyasa
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi’s recent visit to the United States focused on partnerships, strengthening ties with prominent academic and other institutions, and exploring collaborative opportunities. During the same period of the trip (November 29 to December 9, 2023), Prof. Mushengyezi attended the African Studies Association Conference in San Francisco, Calif., among other high-level interactions.

Bethel University
Prof. Mushengyezi visited Bethel University in St, Paul, Minnesota, where he met President Ross Allen, professor of nursing emerita Karen Drake and Dr. Dave Muhovic, who helped to start and elevate UCU’s nursing program. The alumni of the program are now top leaders in the healthcare sector across Uganda.

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushegyenzi and Dr. Daniel Johnson, President of Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) in Milwaukee. The two discussed how UCU and WLC can work together on student and staff academic exchange and collaborative research.

Wisconsin Lutheran College
Prof. Mushengyezi had productive meetings with Dr. Daniel Johnson, President of Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) in Milwaukee. The discussions centered on fostering cooperation in student and staff academic exchanges, as well as collaborative research. WLC, renowned for its strength in biological sciences, biotechnology and nursing, expressed a keen interest in partnering with UCU. The Vice Chancellor extended an invitation to President Johnson to visit UCU in future.

African Studies Association Conference
From November 30 to December 2, the Vice Chancellor attended the African Studies Association (ASA) conference in San Francisco, California, where he presented a paper titled: Re-imagining the university’s pedagogical mission in the pandemic era. Prof. Mushengyezi showcased UCU’s digital innovations that have helped the university to successfully adapt to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (centre) and his wife, Patience (right), with Bishop Andrew Williams (second-left) and his wife, Elena, when the Vice Chancellor visited the Anglican Diocese of New England in Boston, Massachusetts.

Anglican Diocese of New England
At the invitation of Rt. Rev. Andrew Williams, the Vice Chancellor visited the Anglican Diocese of New England (ADNE) in Boston, Massachusetts. The bishop committed to hosting theology scholars and graduate students in ADNE to foster cross-cultural ministry formation between UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology (BTSDT) and the Diocese. A short-term ministry exchange programme is planned for 2024, where the Dean of BTSDT and a theology graduate student will visit the Diocese.

University of Connecticut Reunion
The Vice Chancellor also visited his alma mater, the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he obtained his doctorate in 2007. The Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), Prof. Kate Kapshaw-Smith, and Prof. Tom Deans hosted Mushengyezi along with the Head of the English Department, Prof. Claire Costley King’oo. As a visiting Fulbright scholar at UCU in 2021, Deans helped to start UCU’s Writing Centre in the Department of Literature and Languages. The English Department and the Writing Centre at UConn are willing to send staff on short visits to support and mentor the Writing Centre and writing programmes at UCU. The Associate Dean and Department Head also encouraged UCU early-career staff to apply to UConn for graduate studies.

The UConn team congratulated their former student and now Vice Chancellor on his immense contribution to scholarship and to higher education leadership in Africa. The visits marked another milestone in UCU’s commitment to global academic collaboration and excellence. The institution is optimistic about the fruitful outcomes of the partnerships.

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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 hosts university games, scoops second place

January 5, 2024News, SportsPatty Huston-Holm

David Mugawe (second-left), UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for finance and administration, celebrates with the UCU sports team that was first runner-up in the Association of Uganda University Sports competition. The team scooped gold in women’s soccer; men’s and women’s volleyball (2); women’s and men’s basketball (2); and men’s tennis – six gold medals overall.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In only two months, Uganda Christian University (UCU) organized the country’s premier university sports competition and came in second best.

UCU was the best in the women’s category among the 21 competing universities. UCU scooped gold in women’s soccer; men’s and women’s volleyball (2); women’s and men’s basketball (2) and men’s tennis – six gold medals overall. UCU bagged silver in athletics (two for men and women), table tennis and netball. Team UCU got bronze in women’s swimming and men’s rugby 7s. The other games at the competition were badminton, chess, darts, handball, karate, pool table, scrabble, table tennis and woodball.

Ndejje University was the first and Makerere University was third in the 19th edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) at UCU’s main campus in Mukono Dec.16-21, 2023.

UCU stepped up to host the games in a record two-month timeframe — a feat usually undertaken in a span of 18 months. The event, which was previously scheduled to be held at Makerere University, landed at UCU’s doorstep on short notice, and the university embraced the challenge with open arms.

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU and the host of the event, played a pivotal role in the success of the games. He expressed UCU’s readiness to face challenges and their eagerness to host the next AUUS games.

(Left-right) David Mugawe, UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for finance and administration, and Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor, display the first runner-up trophy as Pamela Tumwebaze, the director of students’ affairs, looks on.

“As a sports powerhouse, UCU is honored to partner with AUUS and other sponsors to ensure successful inter-university games in 2023,” Mushengyezi said. “At UCU, we don’t fear challenges; we take the bull by the horns. It was right and fitting to celebrate what unites us and that is sports.”

UCU previously hosted the games in 2007 and 2013. In 2014, it hosted the Eastern Africa Inter-University Games, which align the region’s universities in a sporting competition.

Mushengyezi congratulated all universities that participated and expressed gratitude to AUUS for injecting funds in UCU, contributing to the refurbishment of the sports facilities.

Peninah Kabenge, the AUUS president, thanked UCU for being gracious hosts and commended the unity displayed throughout the event. She emphasized the historical significance of the games and encouraged athletes to recognize that their journey doesn’t end at the university games. She said the skills honed will forever be etched in the history of the AUUS Games.

Prof. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, lauded UCU for hosting the games and putting up an exceptional show. “I will not stop thanking UCU because it has done a mighty job. In two months, they have managed to put together a world-class event,” he said.

Recap
The UCU Lady Doves (UCU female volleyball players) triumphed throughout the tournament, winning all their games. In the volleyball finals, the UCU Lady Doves secured a victory against Kampala University. Sandra Ikiring, the Lady Doves captain, who was participating in the AUUS games for the first time, was elated.

“I am so happy. The team we played against (in the finals) was good, but we were better,” Ikiring said. “We focused on our reception and defense, which helped us win, and our services were so good, which gave the opponent a challenge.”

In men’s basketball, UCU Canons towered above Ndejje University with a massive victory of 109:78. In women’s basketball, UCU Lady Canons trounced Makerere University Business School 70:45.

UCU Canons’ coach, Emmanuel Kiguyi, credited the basketball victory to the teams’ hard work and exceptional shooting skills.

“We played very well. We defended well and the boys really shot the ball well,” Kiguyi said. In the netball finals, UCU lost a closely contested match against Victoria University by just one point (final score was 52:51).

Canons player, Peter Sifuma, said the team’s “goal was to clinch gold”. He expressed gratitude to the university which offers the sportsmen scholarships to pursue their academics as they represented the institution in the sports arena.

Tennis gold medalist Trevor Solomon Kazibwe, a first-year student and first-time participant in the games, was thrilled to win a medal and trophy for the university.

Sharifu Olipa, UCU athletics captain and 100m gold medalist, was full of good cheer at UCU’s achievement.

“I am proud of my athletics team. They performed well and that’s how we managed to get the first runners-up place,” he said.

The AUUS games have a history dating back to 1992, when AUUS was formed. Originally known as the National Sports Federation of Uganda (NUSFU), it was founded by four higher institutions of learning — Makerere, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Institute of Teacher Education, Kyambogo University and Islamic University in Uganda.

This year’s edition marked 30 years of sports excellence.

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UCU students share thoughts on completing exams

January 3, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

The exam season in any school is usually a tense period, with all students doing last-minute checks on their notes to ensure they have grasped everything they consider important to enable them pass. Pauline Luba talked to some students at the end of exams just before Uganda Christian University closed for the Christmas holidays. Below was what they said.

Birungi Phillipah, Bachelors of Law, third year
All my exams were difficult, especially the closed-book ones. (In law, there are two types of exams – one where the student is allowed to use their books, otherwise called open-book exams. The other is closed-book, where they are not permitted to have their books in the exam room.). To make matters worse, the papers were one after another, with limited rest days among them. The advantage of that was that it enabled us to complete early, so as to be able to prepare for Christmas.

Isaac Elogu, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, third year.
It rained most of the mornings. That meant that I had to wake up quite early to make my way to the university before the rain started. Waking up so early, for instance at 6 a.m., was a challenge to me. However, all those challenges are forgotten when one completes the exams.

Nsaba Mellissa Kamikaze, Bachelors of Law, third year.
Sitting exams symbolize the end of a chapter. It shows that the semester is coming to an end. What I dislike about the exam period is the tension and the fact that we get less sleep, therefore we cannot get enough rest. If there was one thing I could change, it is developing compassion towards people who have not completed paying their tuition.

Kyaligonza Gary Timothy, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, third-year.
I don’t like the stress and the panic around the exam season. But, somehow, with time, we learn to take control of the situation. My most memorable moment during this semester that we’re ending was the engineering gala. I really enjoyed it.

Masolo Adrian, Bachelors of Law, second year.
I like the increase in the level of reading during the examination time because it prepares me for the career. Truth is if it was not for exams, there is a lot of information I would not get to know. However, I request that two weeks to the start of the exams, all lectures should stop, so we have adequate time to prepare for the papers. I dislike the unnecessary pressure.

Mirungi Marvin, Bachelors of Law, second year.
I don’t like it when the invigilator puts pressure on you towards the end of the paper. I have anxiety disorder because I am a slow writer, so maybe the invigilator should only tell us when it’s time up, at the end of the paper, not issue constant reminders. And, are exams really a gauge of the extent of our knowledge? I would prefer an evaluation of the learners after every topic taught.

Auma Immaculate, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, third year
I am excited that I have completed my examinations and are heading home for the holidays. If there was one thing I could change about the exams, it is to leave the weekends free, so that at least the students can rest on Saturdays during the exam period.

Talemwa Deborah, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, third year.
I like the exam period because I get the chance to see everyone on campus. However, I dislike the fact that the library gets crowded and becomes noisy because everyone is reading and preparing for their papers. The underside of the exam season is the WiFi gets slow, possibly because the traffic increases during that time.

Administrative view
Kisaakye Joshua, Assistant Registrar in charge of Exams, Academic Affairs Directorate.
We received reports of students going into the examination rooms with bags and phones and leaving them outside the rooms. We urge all students to follow the rules and leave their property in hostels during examinations.

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UCU holds Christmas carols party for staff

January 1, 2024Faculty, NewsPatty Huston-Holm

Guests and staff members join Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi to cut the Christmas cake.

By Pauline Luba
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) end-of-year Christmas party for staff and their children included music, cake and reminders of spirituality and accomplishments. Organized by the Department of Human Resources, it was held December 15, 2023.

Some of the members of the choir named Team Royals singing during the party. Right (wearing spectacles) is Monica Chibita, the Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication.

UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, thanked God for the gift of the Christmas season, where he said God demonstrated his love for mankind. He centered this message on John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Ssembiro emphasized that Christmas was not just about feasting, but also giving to those in need.

Several staff, many of them wearing traditional African wear, sang Christmas hymns on stage.

The Director Academic Affairs, Vincent Kisenyi, commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, for “keeping the UCU family together throughout the year.”

Staff member Josephine Namyalo Mawerere receives a plaque in recognition of 10 years of service to the university

Mushengyezi thanked the staff for the “diligent work” and offered prayers for those who had fallen sick, lost loved ones or were involved in accidents. He also challenged the staff to make assessments of how far they had achieved their targets as a department. He mentioned some of the year’s achievements such as landscaping of greenery on the main campus, cleaning, remodeling of buildings and roads, as well as the digitization of the campus operations.

Many staff members who had served at the university for 10 years were recognized and awarded plaques for their diligent work. Gift hampers were also given away during a quiz game on facts about UCU.

To crown the event, a beautiful Christmas cake was cut and served.

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Mbale’s best aspires to expand help to needy

December 29, 2023Sports, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

Josephine Adal, UCU Mbale College’s overall best student, shares a light moment with the Rt. Rev. Samuel George Bogere Egesa. She garnered a first-class degree in a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.54.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Josephine Adal, the overall best student among 558 graduates at the Dec.1 Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale College ceremony, wants to improve the lives of others.

The 31-year-old is on her way with a first-class degree in a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.54. Adal was given a hand that she wants to return as a certified social worker.

After attaining a diploma in social work, Adal worked as an immigration assistant, giving not only her skill but some of her earnings to orphans, women and teenage girls, especially teen mothers.

Josephine Adal, UCU Mbale College’s overall best student. She studied social work to acquire knowledge and skills to make a greater impact on the lives of others.

To expand her impact and while still working, Adal sought a degree to stand a better chance of joining big charity institutions such as the non-government organizations (NGO). To fund this next educational step, she took out loans, got small grants from local village saving groups and secured money from friends and workmates, including one coworker who blessed her with $532 for her accommodation and meals.

She is grateful to God for the overall best student award and believes it will set her apart in the competitive world as a high achiever.

“With this first-class degree, I have the confidence to compete on equal footing with any individual,” Adal said. She hopes to now find a seat in the NGO world or government ministries with a mission of helping the needy.

She finds joy in extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable – from providing moral support to the elderly and children living with HIV/AIDS to providing scholastic materials for the education of the unprivileged children in her community.

During the holiday, she embarked on a mission to provide essential items, such as soap, to those in need.

Best male student

In addition to the Mbale recognition of the top student, who was female, the top male student named is Dennis Namanda, who excelled in the Bachelor of Education program with a CGPA of 4.48. Namanda attributes his success to a semester-based study plan, active participation in class, taking advantage of available resources like the e-library and UCU’s holistic approach to education.

“Time management is essential for anyone who wants to succeed in school or in life,” he said.

Of 301 graduates who were females and 257 males, six students scored a first-class degree.

Administrative key messages

Dr. Erisa Kigenyi Mazaki, the Principal of UCU Mbale College, echoed Namanda’s attribution about holistic education as he highlighted the college’s achievements and accomplishments that go beyond academics.

He shared the success of the university football club, where two players from the team, Kevin Mwambu and Emmanuel Mukisa, were called to join the national football team (Uganda Cranes). Mukisa got a nod to play with the team at the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) championship in 2022. Other stars that were nurtured by the college are Ritah Kimono and Brenda Namapii of the netball team who were drafted into the national netball team (She Cranes).

Muzaki urged the graduates to maintain the values of character, hard work and excellence instilled in them at UCU. Drawing inspiration from Colossians 3:23-24, he encouraged them to work diligently, remembering that their ultimate service is to the Lord.

UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), David Mugawe, who represented the UCU Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the importance of graduates having a purpose in life. He urged them to set goals, serving as stewards of the knowledge and values entrusted to them.

“After your graduation, you should be purposeful of what you would like to do because a purposeless life is vulnerable to disruptions,” Mugawe said.

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UCU alum and software developer on team to help sickle cell patients

December 27, 2023Faculty, Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Science and Technology, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Bibian Amito at her “get-to-know your workmates dinner” at MTN Uganda. A software developer at the leading telecom company, she was the best student in her class of UCU Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering and was head-hunted by MTN.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Bibian Amito is more than an average, upstart software engineer. The Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum recruited for Uganda’s leading telecom company, MTN, before her recent graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering has had her fingers and mind in client verification, help for sickle cell victims and more.

Amito didn’t even have to apply for her job. She joined MTN in March 2023, as a graduate trainee on a three-month probationary period. Impressively, her commitment and hard work secured her a permanent position.

Bibian Amito, a software developer at MTN and teaching assistant at UCU. Amito is doing research aimed at developing a smart wearable device for real-time diagnosis of individuals with sickle cell disease.

Since joining the company, she has delved into smart architectural software systems and diverse development tools. Recently, she was part of a team that developed a user interface called Tin Verification that was used by MTN’s internal administrators to check for verification of MTN clients. Previously, there was no system, and developers would query the databases and share raw data with the administrators.

“I have witnessed the dynamic pace of technology, particularly the transition from 4G to 5G,” Amito said. “I have successfully developed mock applications, websites, and APIs.”

Currently, Amito is actively involved in a research project focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with sickle cell disease, a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Sickle cells that block blood flow to organs deprive the affected organs of blood and oxygen that can damage nerves and organs, including kidneys, liver and spleen.

The project involves the development of a smart wearable device for real-time diagnosis, monitoring and health management.

The device aims to facilitate proper follow-up on the health status of individuals with sickle cell disease. The goal is to empower users with continuous monitoring capabilities, enabling them to take proactive measures to maintain their health and prevent crisis attacks. The smart wearable device will also serve as an educational tool, offering valuable insights on healthy living practices for individuals with sickle cell disease.

Through the project, Amito is committed to delivering a comprehensive, efficient, and reliable wearable device that contributes to the well-being of those affected by sickle cell disease.

“I have some dear relatives I have seen living with sickle cell, and they are my greatest motivation for the project,” Mito said.

She envisions a long, prolific career with the telecom. Her future goals include specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. She aspires to create innovative solutions tailored to her community’s needs, using technology as a tool for positive transformation. She also plans to engage in continuous study.

Leaving scholarship to join UCU

In the early stages of Amito’s academic journey, her aspirations were anchored in the pursuit of a career in surveying. Following the completion of high school, she secured a government scholarship to study surveying.

Her uncle and mentor advised her to study at UCU. He wanted her to study Civil and Environmental Engineering but Amito was offered the Electronics and Communication Engineering program — a field entirely unfamiliar to her.

This unforeseen development posed a challenging decision as she grappled with weighing the benefits of the government scholarship against the allure of private education in a new course.

Her mother encouraged to try out the new course, arguing that most people yearn for new things because “new” usually means better/improved.

“Who doesn’t like new things? Who doesn’t enjoy having a new piece of clothing or a new pair of shoes?” – her mother had asked, rhetorically.

“I lost the love for surveying after I started the new course,” Amito said of the UCU program she began in 2018.

Her four-year journey at UCU not only equipped her with a foundation in electronics and communication engineering, but also ignited her passion for the telecommunications industry. This passion was sparked by a combination of fascination with technological advancements and a profound recognition of the industry’s transformative impact on society.

“The rapid pace of innovation within the industry, from the development of cutting-edge communication technologies to the expansion of global connectivity, captivated my attention,” Amito said. “I found the prospect of being at the forefront of these advancements both exciting and inspiring.”

UCU not only provided her with a strong theoretical foundation, but also exposed her to hands-on projects, internships, and industry insights with experience to adapt quickly to new technologies and methodologies. These and her motivation have been a driving force in her journey from academia to her current role now as a software developer at MTN.

“The exposure to smart architectural software systems and various development tools at UCU has equipped me with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to projects in my current position,” Amito said. “I’ve been able to apply the principles learned in class to real-world scenarios, such as developing mock applications, websites, and APIs.”

Amito, who was the best in her class, also is a part-time Teaching Assistant at UCU in the Department of Computing and Technology.

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University quiz: UCU students hold their heads high despite loss at finals

December 25, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

Dismas Nuwaine attributes their success over the other universities to being calm and composed.

By Pauline Luba
Francis Byaruhanga, Davis Asiimwe Mugisha, Nataline Judith Afoyorwoth and Dismas Nuwaine lost the finals of the inaugural Vision Group Ultimate University Quiz, but the students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) headed home with their heads high.

To them, a presence in the finals alone was more than they could have asked for. After all, a place in the finals already guaranteed each of them and their coach $138 (sh500,000) and a laptop. UCU lost to Mbarara University of Science (MUST) in the final battle of the university quiz that was televised on Friday, December 15.

Prossy Byaruhanga, the mother of Francis Byaruhanga

Each of the participating students of MUST and their coach received $263 (sh1m) and a laptop. Administrators of MUST got equipment worth $6,573 (sh25million) while those of UCU were awarded equipment worth $3,943 (sh15million) in the competition that has been airing on Vision Group TV every Friday and Sunday since October 27.

“From the time I started participating in the quiz, I have been reading newspapers more, in order to acquaint myself with current affairs. This is a new culture I have developed,” said Afoyorwoth. She noted that participating in the quiz has boosted her confidence levels.

For Byaruhanga, appearing in the press has been a dream come true. Whenever they participated in the quiz, in addition to appearing on TV, the names and photos of Byaruhanga and his colleagues also appeared in the New Vision newspaper. Nuwaine has been taking photos of the stories in the newspaper where he appeared and sharing them on his Whatsapp status, as well as on his X (formerly Twitter) page.

“Sharing photos of the articles was my way of thanking God for what He has done in my life,” Nuwaine said.

Byaruhanga (right) with his siblings — Daniel Manige and Maria Kansiime

To Afoyorwoth, the quiz has enhanced her research skills. Two weeks to the start of the quiz, the students engaged in intense research, to be ready to face the quiz mistress, Lydia Lakwonyero. When Afoyorwoth informed her father, Dr. Julius Adubango, about being selected to represent her university at the quiz, he walked with her throughout her journey of preparation for the contest.

“My father often called me to ask random questions, trying to gauge my level of preparedness. Shockingly, some of the things he asked me appeared in the quiz. For instance, the name of the current Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, as well as the names of former governors,” Afoyorwoth said.

However, Davis Asiimwe Mugisha believes the two weeks of preparation would not enable one to gather all the knowledge they needed to answer the questions. He says at the quiz, he discovered that one ought to have been paying attention to history, as well as news and current affairs throughout their life.

A photo of one of the articles published in New Vision that Dismas Nuwaine posted on his Twitter handle after the finals qualification in the Ultimate University Challenge

“I took advantage of the information I learned from as early as Primary Three to answer the questions,” Asiimwe said.

How did UCU navigate past three universities to reach the finals?Asiimwe said that each time they prayed, they asked God to show them the fruits of putting all their trust in Him. “It is that belief in God,” he said, “that enabled us to overcome a tense quarterfinal contest against Soroti University.” That contest was televised on November 19.

To face off with Soroti, UCU had to knock out Kampala International University in the first round. In the semifinals, UCU defeated Victoria University to book a contest with MUST in the finals. Nuwaine attributes their success to being calm and composed.

“We respected all our opponents and took each game with the level of seriousness they deserved,” he explained, noting that of all the contests before the final, it was Soroti University that gave them a run for their money. They thus aptly named that contest the “final before the final.”

UCU beat Soroti by only one correct answer, scoring 240 points against 230 points. Each correct answer earned them 10 points. A total of 80 questions were asked for both teams in each episode of the quiz. The team says they watched lots of online university quizzes to get a feel of the kind of questions that are asked.

Nataline Judith Afoyorwoth said participating in the quiz has helped enhance her research skills.

Parents, friends add to the fanfare
Speaking on the phone from Nakibizzi in Buikwe district, eastern Uganda, Prossy Byaruhanga, the mother of Francis Byaruhanga, could not hide her joy, saying her son had uplifted the status of her family. Prossy, a housewife, said whenever Byaruhanga appeared on TV during the debate and in the newspaper after the debate, people who know him would call her, to express their happiness.

“Francis has been a good debater; he is disciplined and respects people in the community. No wonder everyone is excited about his performance in the quiz,” said Prossy, a mother of four — Byaruhanga, Daniel Manige, Maria Kansime, and Edgar Atuheire. Prossy was unable to watch the quiz because she does not own a TV set.

Byaruhanga, a year-four student of Bachelor of Laws at UCU, said to continue inspiring his family members, he will use part of the $138 (sh500,000) that he has earned from the quiz to buy for his brother — Manige — a scientific calculator and an Oxford Learner’s Dictionary for Atuheire. Manige will be in Senior Six next year while Atuheire will be in Primary Seven.

Byaruhanga said his father, Damiano Byaruhanga, who, because of sickness, moves with the aid of crutches, will also receive a gift from him when he goes home for holidays soon.

At UCU, Byaruhanga has already started enjoying the fringe benefits of participating in the quiz. For instance, his friend, Charles Miti, who sells fruits, delivered fruits to his room at the university, thanking him for “participating in a competition that enables you to think.” Actions like these, Byaruhanga says, have helped to build his self-esteem.

The inaugural Vision Group quiz attracted a record 16 universities in Uganda. The media conglomerate partnered with the country’s central bank — Bank of Uganda — Net Studios Africa, Centenary Bank and Georgina to execute the quiz. According to Wanyama Wangah, the co-ordinator of the quiz at Vision Group, the questions were designed to encourage students to read widely and beyond their academic fields. The questions covered the areas of banking, economics, agriculture, current affairs, world geography, global history, science, sports, arts, commerce and world trade.

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UCU starts new PhDs, Masters programs

December 22, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

(Left to Right) Dr. Mary Kagoire (Dean of the School of Education), Dr. Vincent Kisenyi (Agriculture Director of Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (UCU Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Monica Chibita (Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication) during the launch of the newly accredited programs at Uganda Christian University. The new doctoral programs are in Journalism, Development Studies and Business. The newly accredited programs are PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication; Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies; and PhD in Business Administration. The reaccredited doctoral programs include: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Doctor of Ministry and PhD in Literature. — (Left to Right) Dr. Mary Kagoire (Dean of the School of Education), Dr. Vincent Kisenyi (Acting Director of Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (UCU Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Monica Chibita (Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication) during the launch of the newly accredited programs at Uganda Christian University. The new doctoral programs are in Journalism, Development Studies and Business.
The newly accredited programs are PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication; Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies; and PhD in Business Administration. The reaccredited doctoral programs include: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Doctor of Ministry and PhD in Literature.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has new innovative courses on its illustrious list of academic programs. The Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, recently declared the commencement of new programs that were accredited in August.

“We have good news to share,” Mushengyezi said. “We have received communication from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) about the approval of our new and reviewed programs.”

NCHE, the body mandated to regulate and guide the establishment and management of Uganda’s higher education institutions, recently accredited a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC); a PhD in Development Studies; a PhD in Business Administration; a Master of Arts in African Studies; and a Master of Literature.

Others re-accredited are: PhD in Literature, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theology, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, Master of Social Work, Master of Library and Information Science and Bachelor of Laws. This is according to a letter from the NCHE, dated September 6, 2023, addressed to the UCU Vice Chancellor.

UCU was also authorized to start a two-semester program, the Higher Education Certificate, which provides learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for further higher education studies. NCHE also reviewed other universities’ programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, the Master of Social Work, the Master of Library and Information Science, and the Bachelor of Laws.

Mushengyezi said the university is set to admit students in all the new programs. He encouraged students at UCU and beyond to consider applying for the programs.

UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi launching the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication. The program will start off with an 11-strong faculty, comprising four professors, two associate professors and five lecturers drawn from UCU, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Rwanda and NLA University College, Norway.

“The interesting thing about our PhD and Master’s degrees is that you can complete your degree online in the comfort of your office or home,” the Vice Chancellor said. “We promise you will get quality education at the Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa.”

Vincent Kisenyi, the Ag. Director of Academic Affairs and previously Dean of the School of Business, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed PhD program in Business Administration scheduled to start in January.

“The School of Business is very delighted to have the PhD in Business accredited,” Kisenyi said. “This is in line with the strategic direction that the university is taking to provide quality education to the highest level.”

Dr. Mary Kagoire, the Dean of the School of Education, is thrilled about the reaccredited PhD in Literature. She said the program targets change agents, researchers, and lecturers at higher institutions.

“Through our online studies, we can easily tap the rich collaboration of other professors,” she said. “They don’t have to be within UCU. They can teach from wherever they are, and the students too can study from anywhere.”

Kagoire said the PhD in literature will tap into the global space with possibilities of interconnection and collaboration in research in literary and cultural studies. UCU aims at promoting rigorous, focused research that leads to improved understanding and innovations to solve specific challenges in Uganda and abroad.

The JMC PhD, slated to commence by December, will start off with 10 candidates and cover four broad areas — media democracy and development in Africa; media, gender, identity and participation; media and crisis; and health and science communication.

“This is the first PhD with coursework in Uganda, and this is important because we conducted a needs assessment and found out that there’s a big gap in terms of capacity for research as well as strong teaching skills at the university level,” Prof. Monica Chibita, the Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, said.

The program will start off with an 11-strong faculty, comprising four professors, two associate professors, and five lecturers drawn from UCU, the University of KwaZulu Natal, the University of Rwanda, and NLA University College, Norway. The faculty composition reflects strong collaboration between the partner universities and continued support for capacity development in higher education and research for development from the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED).

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Agira embarks on guild presidency to honor late mother

December 20, 2023News, Students, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, introduces Birungi Agira to the university community.

By Kefa Senoga
The November 2023 battle for the position of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Guild President was too close to call. At the time the university’s election officials announced the results, the winner was holed up in her hostel room. Birungi Agira said she, too, was not sure who would emerge the eventual winner.

“On some days during the campaigns, we would be welcomed with cheers and on other days, the reception was cold — some people would clearly show us that they were not bothered,” Agira said.

However, when the results were announced on November 15, Agira had defeated Emmanuel Abura by just 133 votes to become UCU’s 26th guild president. She recieved 1,156 votes against Abura’s 1023. The third-year student of Bachelor of Laws was sworn in on November 21. She takes over the reins from Timothy Ddumba, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, as she realizes a dream she has harbored since she joined UCU.

As soon as she joined the university, Agira said she went on a campaign to promote herself, by actively participating in university activities, including outreach programs organized by the university administration and student leaders.

Birungi Agira taking the oath as guild president

It is such enthusiasm that earned Agira leadership positions during her earlier years of study. At Mbarara Junior School, where Agira spent all her seven years of primary education, she was a student leader in charge of religious affairs. At Bweranyangi Girls School, a prominent girls-only school in western Uganda, where Agira spent all the six years of secondary education, she was also one of the student leaders.

While at UCU, as an enthusiast of debates, she engaged in moots within the law school. She also was an advocate for students’ rights. Agira said whenever there was something not right, she would approach the Dean of the School of Law, to represent the concerns of her fellow students.

All this she did to endear herself to both the staff and the students so that her name and face could be easily recognizable once it came to the time of campaigns.

Though she defeated Abura, Agira has immense respect for her competitor and she says she is willing to bring him on board so they work together to develop the university. “I have observed his qualities, and I believe that he possesses the characteristics of a good leader,” Agira said of Abura.

As guild president, a key part of her mission is to bridge the gap between the student leaders and the students. She believes that these two should work closely, which is why she campaigned under the slogan “inclusivity in action.”

Some of the key players in Agira’s journey to the position of guild president have been her family members who she says supported her throughout the campaigns.

Before the death of her mother, Anne Assimwe Kankiriho, early this year, Agira had informed her of the desire to contest for the top student leadership office. Agira said the death of her mother added her the extra motivation to win the elections so she could fulfill Assimwe’s wish for her daughter.

Her father, the Rev. Canon Kankiriho Robert, said when his daughter informed him of her desire, he pledged to provide the necessary support she would require.

“Whereas I encouraged her to participate in leadership, I challenged her to maintain her academic acumen in order to be a good leader,” said Kankiriho, the parish priest of Nyabuhama in the western Uganda district of Sheema. Kankiriho is also the humanitarian and resources officer in the Anglican diocese of West Ankole.

Three members of Agira’s family are alumni of UCU. Kankiriho obtained his master’s degree in public administration from UCU. Assimwe, who was also a teacher at Bweranyangi Girls School, earned her master’s degree in public health from UCU.

The family’s firstborn, Ashaba Alex, also received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from UCU, in 2018. While at UCU, Ashaba was one of the student leaders. He later worked in the accounts department of the university, as well as with the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at UCU.

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UCU holds Christmas carols

December 18, 2023News, Pictorial, Students, UCU Alumni, USPPatty Huston-Holm

Janice Atai sings a solo of ‘Mary Did You Know’

On November 24, 2023, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) Main Campus student choir gave the community an early Christmas as they staged a carol production in the Nkoyoyo Hall. Decorated with Christmas decorations and lights, the hall was the setting for more than three hours of holiday music. In between solos, there was a passionate rendition of the famous birth of Jesus, featuring powerful song performances. Pauline Luba had a chat with some of the people who attended the concert.

Rev. Canon. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, UCU chaplain
Putting together such a production is not easy, and what has been done is excellent. The Christmas message is about the coming of our savior, a gift to the world. A gift that is greater than all the perishable gifts of this world. Christmas announces God’s gracious intervention. God comes near to those who are starving. On Christmas, we get from God what we need most. The angelic voices from this choir have been beautiful.

Duncan Tumuhamye, Parent
This year’s Christmas production has been so wonderfully done. It has reminded me of all that the Lord has done for me. May the good Lord bless the choir members.

Janice Atai, Bachelor of Governance and International Relations, acted as ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’ and was the main singer
It was very challenging to come up with this production. I was juggling two commitments. Taking up a major role and changing the roles in between scenes of the production was definitely not easy for me. I started practicing for this production just two weeks ago. I think such a production is important because it brings people together and makes them happy in celebration of Christ.

Kitandwe Kennedy, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
This has been the first Christmas production I have attended here at UCU. I enjoyed the play and it reminded me of the beautiful Christmas songs we used to sing while we were young. I had been reading my books in the library when someone told me about the production. I left the library immediately to go to the Nkoyoyo Hall.

Peyton Burleigh, Global Health, Uganda

Two singers share the stage during performance of ‘Bethlehem’

Studies Program
This has been a wonderful celebration to begin the Christmas season.

Atim Robinah, Bachelor of Governance and International Relations
I was amazed by the angelic voices from the choir. Apart from that, I also got the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which, according to me, is a great and amazing experience.

Chaplain of UCU. the Rev. Can. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, gives a speech.

Stanley Mukasa, UCU Tutor
The production was awesome. I surely felt the joy of the new king, Jesus. It was such a powerful Christmas production.

Kwagala Dorcas, Bachelor of Governance and International Relations
I’ve really enjoyed the experience and the choir’s blissful voices. I thank the UCU fraternity for organizing such interesting activities.

Participants, parents and staff cut cake at the end of the production.

Abbi Robinson, Global Health, Uganda Studies Program
I have loved hearing the music and celebrating Christ as a community. This was my first time attending this here, and I think the culture should continue, definitely.

Ariel Parker, Bachelor of Nursing Sciences, Uganda Studies Program
I liked listening to the melodious and joyful music and the drama about the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Top student among 610 BBUC November 2023 graduates ‘believed’

December 15, 2023Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of EducationPatty Huston-Holm

Believe Niwagaba, the overall best student at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Bishop Barham university college on November 17, 2023, happily displaying his accolade

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Believe Niwagaba, the top graduate at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), initially faced the daunting prospect of being unable to pursue university education due to financial constraints. His journey began in 2020 amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Niwagaba looked for a scholarship in vain.

“I had lost all hope of joining the university,” he said. “I looked for scholarships, tried many seeking help and support from influential people, but nothing was positive in return.”

It was during this dark period that hope emerged, courtesy of his late cousin brother, Tukundane Hosea, a student leader at UCU Kabale Campus. Tukundane informed Niwagaba about how UCU offers a 50% tuition scholarship. Niwagaba applied and got the scholarship. In short, the student with “believe” as part of his name believed and acted. He joined UCU in February 2021, trailing behind most of his peers who had commenced their university journey in October 2020.

Of the UGX 796,925 (about $210), the scholarship covered UGX320,425 (about $85) as he committed to pay the remaining UGX476,500 (about $125).

Niwagaba’s family sold land and acquired loans to raise enough money to pay the other 50%. He also used some monies earned as Kanungu district youth chairman.

“I am grateful to the university for this aid; I wouldn’t have made it without it,” he said.

Niwagaba shares a photo moment with Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (left), Prof. Ezra Suruma (second-right), and Rev. Bishop, Gaddie Akanjuna (right)

The scholarship not only opened doors for Niwagaba, but also created a conducive environment for his academic success.

With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.78 out of 5.0, Niwagaba was the overall best student during the November 17, 2023, graduation in the south western district of Kabale. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Education (English and Literature).

“This degree means a lot to me. It has been my desire to score a first-class degree, and I hope it will help me on my journey and dream of becoming a professor one day,” he said.

He is optimistic that his stellar performance will now make it easier for him to win more scholarships and opportunities to further his education.

His secret to success was simple yet profound – pouring his energy, body, heart and soul into his studies. His approach involved being fully present in each moment, whether it was academic pursuits or his engagement in campus politics, where he once contested for guild presidency.

To aspiring students, he guided that they should set personal standards and goals.

“Compete with the world, don’t compete with your classmates,” he said.

He called on the students to aim for extraordinary efforts, saying in today’s competitive world, ordinary actions yield ordinary results.

Niwagaba managed to balance his role as Kanungu district chairman at the same time excelling in academics, attributing it to strong determination. “Weekends became a hectic yet necessary time to address the needs of the youth in Kanungu,” he said of the challenges.

Niwagaba said participating in student leadership elections molded him into a public speaker and debater, while the weekly community worships instilled values of humility and faith.

“I am a complete person due to the molding of UCU,” he said. “The weekly community worship brought me closer to God, and I now understand that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

These experiences, combined with the incorporation of the New Competency Based Curriculum, have prepared Niwagaba for his teaching career.

“We were amply trained in the new curriculum and are now highly demanded by schools. We are considered references to other teachers because of our enriched knowledge from the new curriculum,” Niwagaba said.

At the age of 22, Niwagaba, the second born among four siblings, is not just an overall best graduate, but also a chairperson and teacher at Kabale Brainstorm High School.

Speaking at the ceremony of 610 graduates (198 female and 412 male), Vice-Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi urged the graduates not to be part of the country’s problems, but rather problem solvers.

“Uganda and the world need a new breed of young people like you. UCU has prepared you to be that kind of person who can cause the positive change that we all desire to see,” he said.

He also announced a comprehensive campus renewal initiative to further enhance the student experience and foster a vibrant campus environment. The initiative encompasses; landscaping all UCU, paving and remodeling walkways and roads as well as renewing campus infrastructure among others.

The BBUC chairperson Governing Council, Rev. Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna, reminded the graduates that a graduation ceremony “is not the peak of your academic journey, but rather a stepping stone to a vast world of opportunities ahead of you.” He charged the graduates to face the future with zeal, determination and resilience, ready to succeed.

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‘Helping people less fortunate is the reason for living’

December 13, 2023Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Scholarship, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Craig Hammon presenting at a school in Kenya in July 2023.

By Patty Huston-Holm
When Americans think of philanthropy, the names of Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates with their causes of alleviating hunger and healing the sick frequently come to mind.

Believers in Christ might overlook Him until remembering the many Biblical stories (John 4 woman at the well, etc.) and scriptures (Jesus’s advice to “give freely” per Luke and Matthew and Acts 10 about doing good, among others). Jesus Christ is the son of God, savior of human sin and, yes, a philanthropist.

Then, there is Craig Hammon, who lives with his wife in the small coastal town of Essex, Ma. – just minutes away from their three daughters who have the titles of teacher, therapist and treasurer with five children ages 6 to 19. In addition to his titles of husband, father and grandfather, Hammon has been vice president of CURE, a nonprofit network of children’s hospitals; vice president of Christian colleges in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts; and head of development for the World Vision humanitarian aid organization.

Hammon, 78, is a philanthropist. More specifically, he consults about where to give and why. Over the years, he has advised many about responsible giving. Among beneficiaries of those gifts is Uganda Christian University (UCU). Among the givers is the Tennessee-based, Westwood Endowment, where Hammon was affiliated until all funds were expended at the end of 2021. Westwood provided UCU’s nursing program with $275,000 over 12 years.

“In 2024, the UCU nursing program marks 20 years,” said Mark Bartels, executive director of Uganda Partners. “This seemed an appropriate time to recognize the generous donations of Westwood, where Craig was a trustee.”

In addition to Hammon, Thomas H. McCallie III and the late Richard A. West played leadership roles with Westwood since it founding in 1987. Hammon, who has philanthropy consulting affiliations for various health-and-education-related entities, recalled a 2009 meeting at UCU where he was convinced that nursing education was a good investment of Westwood funds. Doug Fountain, formerly involved in UCU health sciences and finance and now executive director of Christian Connections for International Health, was at that meeting in Mukono, Uganda. The idea of nursing was developed by former UCU Vice Chancellor John Senyonyi and officials at Bethel University (Minnesota).

“Doug and some folks from Bethel University said they wanted to develop a transformative nursing school to undergird health care in Uganda,” Hammon said. “It felt right.”

Fountain recalled that “Westwood showed up ready to help” current and future nurses who had a passion to positively impact Uganda’s health care while “struggling to figure out how to pay.” He added that Westwood filled that nurse and nurse education gap with finances and “the encouragement and support that lasted years.”

A dozen years of grants for UCU equipment and training nurses from midwifery to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees was aligned with Westwood’s Christian focus and other education and health care initiatives. From the start, Hammon saw that UCU had the need and accountability in place to make use of funds as he had observed in his affiliation with CURE International, a Christian nonprofit organization that owns and operates eight charitable children’s hospitals around the world.

“There is a terrible crisis in health care – lack of supplies and equipment and inadequately trained staff,” he said. “Things are improving. In 1988 around the world, 35,000 kids a day were dying of preventable diseases; now it’s 19,000 a day. Nurses are key.”

In his 50 trips to Africa, including 15 times each to Kenya and Uganda, he has observed the worst (malaria, children living in slums, “families cooking food outside for hospital patients inside”) and the best, including a neurosurgical hospital in Mbale.

“I’m focused on people and places with solutions to help the least and the lost,” Hammon said. “I don’t have a medical background, but my 35 years of fundraising provides me the insight into where donations are best used. UCU nursing is one of those areas.”

Semi-retired since 2010, Hammon works part-time, consulting various foundations on where their funds can best be placed. His role, sometimes called development, is one of seeing people “caring deeply and passionately about a cause and giving them an opportunity to impact needs.”

“Advocating for and helping people less fortunate than yourself is the reason for living,” he said. “Philanthropy is not engagement only for the wealthy, but for all who have an altruistic desire to improve human welfare. As believers, we find out what God is doing and become part of it.”

The terms charity and philanthropy are often used interchangeably with both related to money or talent or both. Differences are associated to length and consistency of giving. Charity tends to be an emotional impulse to an immediate, often short-term, crisis situation. Philanthropy addresses the root cause of social issues and requires a more strategic, long-term engagement. At that, many of the world’s 260,000 philanthropic foundations help highly esteemed entities, such as noted universities.

According to Philanthropy Tracker 2023, United States citizens surveyed over 10 years through 2018, 61% reported donating to charity and 42% said they volunteered time to an organization. Education and health are the most supported causes.

“There was a time when I helped support five liberal arts colleges in the USA,” Hammon said. “It was a good investment. But faith-based relief for East Africa is a better focus to serve the least and the lost and to enable them to serve themselves.”

Regarding the UCU contribution, Hammon said he was “blown away” by the passion, qualifications and leadership. The scholarship funding not only provided nursing credentials for individuals but knowledge and skill to improve communities.

“The key is not sending doctors or medical teams somewhere, but training local people to be as good as they can be to do the work where they live,” he said. “With support, they have the ability to help themselves.”

The 1,850 small and large contributors to the Uganda Partners organization since its inception 23 years ago have subscribed to this belief, according to Bartels. The current donors of various levels number 1,000.

“They understand the outreach and impact for a developing country like Uganda and the value of a Christ-centered learning environment,” he said. “We value all levels of giving.”

Hammon said none of the benefactors he has represented has “expressed regret.” He said, “Once you’ve seen the need, you can’t turn your back.”

“The story isn’t about me,” Hammon said at the end of the late November interview. “It’s about everybody who gives.”

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How Agatre led building UCU Arua campus

December 11, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

Rev. Dr. Christopher Yikii Agatre waves during a public lecture at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Arua campus. During his five-year term as director, he championed the development of UCU Arua infrastructure, overseeing the construction of a library, multi-purpose hall and four-roomed lecture block.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Yikii Agatre has the distinction of laying the foundation for the Uganda Christian University (UCU) campus in his native Arua. Agatre, born in Arua in 1962, set the pace for building the institution when he was appointed as director 14 years ago. In this top administrative position from 2009 to 2014, he oversaw the regional campus’ overall management and operations.

Now a lecturer at the Arua campus under the Department of Social Sciences, Agatre continues to impart knowledge in UCU research methods, social work research design and management, public budgeting and decentralization plus development policy and planning.

He recently shared part of his educational journey.

Agatre’s voyage at UCU commenced in 2006 when he joined as the Head of the Department of Development Studies, a position he held for three years. This experience fueled his ambition, leading him to apply for the position of Director of the UCU Arua Campus in 2009. Despite facing competition from three other applicants, Agatre’s qualifications and passion for education shone through, securing him a five-year contract as director.

During his tenure, Agatre achieved significant milestones. These include:

The student population increased from 324 in 2009 to 688 in 2014.
He oversaw the construction of a library, multi-purpose hall and four-roomed lecture block.
He came up with an idea of asking students, parents and guardians to bank development fees on a separate account as a way of clearly marking it for infrastructural development.

All the while, he was at the center of mobilizing parents and students’ support for the mega projects the campus was undertaking, especially the construction of the multi-purpose hall. It was during his reign that the land boundary between the campus and the local community was opened.

Despite challenges posed by competition from other institutions, UCU prevailed because of the outstanding strides the campus had made in being a first-choice institution. Agatre said he prioritized the needs of students and staff, focusing on providing a quality education that prepared students for success as key to overcoming the hurdles of mushrooming institutions of higher learning in his region.

He encouraged students and staff to attend community worship and emphasized prayers before and after each lecture, particularly during his classes.

He highlights the uniqueness of UCU through its distinctive foundational course units.

“Our foundational courses, such as Understanding Worldviews, the Old and New Testaments and others stand out from those offered at other secular universities,” Agatre explained.

He said emphasis on Biblical understanding sets UCU students apart, providing them with a well-rounded education that encompasses both academic rigor and spiritual growth.

Agatre said he grew up in a loving and supportive home, guided by Christian parents who emphasized the importance of faith. He recalls his mother, the late Rhoda Ofutaru, who asked at least one from among her seven children to follow in their father’s theology footsteps. Agatre fulfilled his mother’s wish in 2012.

“Time came for me to hear the calling of God in 2012 while I was the director at Arua campus,” he said. “I started studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Christian Ministry (Ordination Course) at UCU main campus in Mukono in 2015, graduated and was ordained in 2017. I have served as a priest in the Diocese of Madi-West Nile for six years now.”

After five years on the job as Arua campus director, he embarked on pursuing his PhD, which, as expected, was so engaging, he only managed to squeeze time as a part-time lecturer at the campus.

Agatre’s education summary is:

1999 – Masters degree in Applied Population Research at Exeter University in the UK.

2001 – Post graduate certificate in Public Finance Management, New Delhi, India

2008 – Masters degree in Organizational Leadership and Management at UCU

2017 – A post graduate diploma in Christian Ministries (Theology) at UCU Mukono

2020 – PhD in management and administration at Uganda Management Institute.

Agatre and his wife, Fredah, have four children and three grandchildren. Outside of his professional pursuits, Agatre finds joy in watching football and proudly supports Manchester United, a top-tier team in England.

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UCU Arua campus holds inaugural public lecture on peace

December 8, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

The Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Council was the keynote speaker at the public lecture at UCU-Arua Campus. The lecture, titled “Peace and reconciliation: Paving the way for harmony and prosperity through Biblical insights,” was held in remembrance of the massacre in Ringili village in Arua.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Amidst the both serene and busy landscape of Northern Uganda lies the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Arua Campus, a center of excellence in the heart of Africa. Beneath the tranquil setting of the campus lies a bitter chapter in Uganda’s history, etched with the scars of conflict and the yearning for peace.

In 1980, the peace of Arua was shattered when the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) soldiers descended upon the area. Innocent people’s lives were abruptly cut short as UNLA turned their wrath on natives who they suspected to be collaborators of then President Idi Amin.

In October 1980, Uganda’s West Nile region was the site of a major military campaign between the defunct Uganda Army remnants and UNLA. The civilians were rounded up from neighboring villages and shot in cold blood. The tragic events marked the exodus of many inhabitants who fled into exile. The mass-grave at the UCU Arua Campus and St. Joseph’s College Ombachi serve as grim reminders of this tragedy and the enduring impact of violence.

The Rev. Prof. David Andrew Omona, the Dean School of Social Sciences at UCU, gives a speech during the public lecture. Prof. Omona is currently developing a short course on peacebuilding and a curriculum for the Bachelor of Peace Studies program.

The Rev. Prof. David Andrew Omona, the Dean School of Social Sciences at UCU, recognized the deep-seated wounds that lingered from this period. He envisioned a public lecture — a platform for truth telling so that the narratives could be reexamined and the path towards reconciliation be paved.

“I believe in the power of dialogue and collective healing,” he said. “As Ugandans, every part of Uganda should be our concern. I want to see Uganda as a peaceful country – a country where people can live together in harmony, where the wounds of the past can be healed.”

On October 27, 2023, UCU Arua campus hosted a public lecture in memory of the Ringili village massacre, where 16 residents were butchered by UNLA militants. Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of the university council, was the keynote speaker, and discussant was Dr. Milton Mutto, researcher and executive director at Pincer Training and Research Institute.

The public lecture, held on the theme, “Peace and reconciliation: paving the way for harmony and prosperity through Biblical insights,” resonated deeply with the Arua community. Individuals, long burdened by the weight of silence, finally found the courage to share their experiences.

The Rev. Prof. Omona emphasized the importance of this public lecture, saying it allowed people to tell their stories and acknowledge the pain they had suffered.

“The public lecture opened people’s eyes to the reality of what happened, and began a path towards forgiveness and healing,” he added.

Prof. Olwa eloquently captured the essence of peace, defining it not merely as the absence of conflict, but as a state of positive harmony and well-being. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation, a process of healing and restoration that enables individuals and communities to move forward from the wounds of the past.

Prof. Olwa emphasized the values of love, forgiveness and compassion as cornerstones of peaceful coexistence.

“Peace is not just the absence of war. It is a state of positive harmony, where there is justice, equity, and respect for all,” he said.

He underscored the need for a transformative approach to peace building, one that addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters genuine reconciliation among individuals and communities. He reminded the audience of the transformative power of forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for healing and reconciliation,” he said.

Prof. Olwa urged the residents to be peacemakers in their homes, communities, and nation. He encouraged them to start by forgiving themselves and others, and by working together to build a more just and peaceful world.

Dr. Mutto emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including greed, ignorance and idolatry. He called for a collective effort to heal the wounds of the past and build a more peaceful future. On an individual level, he urged everyone to look within themselves to address their own anger and hatred. He also called for research and storytelling to uncover the root causes of conflict.

“We must do research; we must tell our stories, and there we will find solutions,” Mutto said.

UCU has taken the initiative to foster a culture of peace and is preparing a short course on peace studies and documenting the events of the past. Prof. Omona is currently developing the short course on peacebuilding and a curriculum for the Bachelor of Peace Studies program.

UCU’s commitment to peace and reconciliation extends beyond the lecture hall. The university has established a Centre for Peace Studies, dedicated to research, teaching and community engagement in the field of peace building. The center provides training and support to local communities engaged in peace building initiatives.

As UCU continues its journey towards a more harmonious and prosperous future, the words of Prof. Olwa resonate deeply: “We must never give up on the pursuit of peace. It is a noble calling, and it is one that we must all embrace.”

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Bishop Barham welcomes new guild president

December 6, 2023Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Nkurunungi Seth Niwabiine said he was honest with his classmates about his financial status. Therefore, many pooled resources to support his campaign for Barham Guild President.

By Pauline Luba
The leadership journey that Nkurunungi Seth Niwabiine started in May 2023 was not for the fainthearted. His courage was resolute. With faith, he forged challenges.

The 24-year-old had just made public his longtime desire of leading Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Bishop Barham University Campus (BBUC) as its guild president. That particular semester, Niwabiine says he had reported to school with sh10,000 (about $2.6) as money for upkeep. Many who knew Niwabiine’s financial status thought his ability to fund his campaign was wishful thinking.

“No matter where you come from or what your background is, be positive,” Niwabiine said during a late November interview with Uganda Partners. “My personal motto is ‘believe, begin, become’.” Indeed, he believed he could win. On November 11, 2023, he did. He became the university’s guild president.

But Niwabiine’s was no ordinary campaign. He was honest with his classmates about his financial status and, therefore, many of those who campaigned for him did not expect compensation.

“In my first meeting (to strategize about how to conduct the campaigns), only five students showed up and I was honest about having no money,” Niwabiine said. “I ended up receiving contributions and help from several students.”

As luck would have it, on voting day, Niwabiine said his name was the first on the paper ballot. Could that opportunity have worked to sway fence-sitting voters who could have opted for any candidate whose name was first on the ballot? Perhaps, but Niwabiine says he believes voters knowingly chose him because he was the best among the contestants.

To Niwabiine’s mother, Mary Aida Nkurunungi, her son’s victory was a family triumph. Nkurunungi said she informed almost every relative she could reach about the new pride of the family. She said she not only often talks to her son on phone, but also prays for his successful tenure as guild president.

There is no doubt his father, Eric Nkurunungi Muhoozi, would have been just as excited. However, the day Niwabiine reported to school to start his journey of university education was the same day Muhoozi complained of pain and was rushed to hospital. Tests at hospital revealed he had liver complications. Three months later, those complications claimed his life.

That tragedy catapulted Niwabiine, as the first born in a family of five children, to fill the leadership void that his father had left in the family. He would often engage in different money-generating activities, with the hope that they would supplement whatever his peasant mother got in her pursuit to put bread on the table. Tasks like brick laying and farming were common activities from which Niwabiine and his family earned a livelihood.

The manifesto of Niwabiine, a year-three student of Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, is built on accountability, security, advocacy and welfare of the students. He said he will strive to establish a cash fund, to support the tuition of needy but bright students, especially those from humble backgrounds.

Niwabiine attended Ishasha Primary School and Rushoraza Secondary School for O’level and and Kyamakanda Secondary School for A’level. All the three schools are found in western Uganda. In both primary and secondary school, Niwabiine was a student leader, including holding the position of head prefect.

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Anglican church creates new diocese, enthrones first bishop

December 4, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of EducationPatty Huston-Holm

His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, gives East Busoga Bishop Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi a pastoral staff during his enthronement on November 19, 2023.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Church of Uganda is celebrating two milestones. The double commemoration is about East Busoga, Uganda’s newest diocese, which was inaugurated on November 19, 2023, and, the same event, the consecration of Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi and his enthronment as its first bishop. East Busoga became the country’s 39th diocese of the Anglican Church after approval by the provincial assembly in August 2022.

His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), blessed the twin celebration at Stephen’s Cathedral in eastern Uganda’s Bugiri district. The event was marked under the theme: To proclaim the gospel in accordance with Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations.

“I, Stephen, by divine permission, Archbishop of Church of Uganda, do now declare that East Busoga has been duly inaugurated as the 39th diocese in the province of the Church of Uganda with its headquarters at St. Stephen’s Bugiri, in the name of God the father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit,” Kaziimba declared.

Kaziimba consecrated Suubi and urged him to heed to reading the Bible, exhortation and doctrine.

“Think upon the things contained in this book,” he counseled. “Be diligent in them that the increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all people.”

The archbishop asked Suubi to take good care of the flock.

“Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf; feed them, and devour them not,” Kaziimba said. “Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken and be so merciful, that you be not too remiss, minister discipline that you forget not mercy; that when the chief shepherd shall appear you may receive the never fading crown of glory.”

He dedicated the new cathedral and presented to Suubi the episcopal staff, which he said was of big significance in pastoral duties.

The new East Busoga Bishop, Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi takes his oath of service before the archbishop at Stephen’s Cathedral in Bugiri district.

During the service, Suubi took an oath of true and canonical obedience to the archbishop and declared his commitment to uphold the constitution of the Church of Uganda. He affirmed his readiness to resign if requested by a two-thirds majority of diocesan bishops. He pledged utmost dedication to the responsibilities entrusted to him.

“I, Paul Hannington Suubi, swear that I will pay true and canonical obedience to the archbishop of the church of the province of Uganda, in all things lawful and honest. So, help me God,” Suubi vowed.

He promised to respect, maintain and defend the rights of the church and diocese, serving with truth, justice and charity. He committed to observing the diocesan provisions and summoning the Synod at regular intervals

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice-Chancellor of UCU and former classmate of Suubi, congratulated him on his elevation to the bishopric. Reflecting on their shared school days, Mushengyezi remarked that Suubi’s leadership qualities were evident even then during their early school days, making his appointment no surprise.

“As someone who went to school with you, I am particularly very thrilled to see God elevate you to such a high calling to shepherd his people,” Mushengyezi said.

UCU pledged continued commitment in training clergy of the diocese on scholarship.

On behalf of UCU, Mushengyezi gifted Suubi with UGX 1,000,000 (about $265) and an iPad Pro for his work.

Suubi said as bishop, his focus areas will be: evangelism and discipleship; family, youth and children’s ministry; education (schools and colleges); environment management; and development, health and human resource.

“We shall develop a diocesan staff development policy to guide us in evolving a God-fearing, competent, well-motivated and professional human resource,” Suubi said.

He also noted that as a diocese, they will carefully select young educated youth for theological training to become clergy in order to address the demand.

The bishop said he was concerned about the Church of Uganda educational institutions whose standards are wanting due to high teacher-pupil ratios, lack of furniture and space.

As a way of addressing staffing and scholastic needs at the church schools in eastern Uganda, Suubi pledged to work with the authorities to “strengthen the management and administration of our schools and colleges, sensitize parents and guardians about their roles and responsibilities.”

Suubi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Makerere University and a Diploma in Education. He also attained certificates in leadership and public administration and management from Makerere University and Haggai Institute, Singapore.

He has been married to Margret Stella for close to 29 years. Together, they have three children.

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