By Abby Bartels
Since the Global5K (blame it on Covid) hasn’t been an annual event (having been held 7 times in the last 9 years), here is my brief “origin” story of the Global5K that was my first Uganda Partners contribution when our family moved from the Uganda Christian University (UCU),  Mukono campus, back to the United States.

The Global5K (translated from kilometers to 3.2 miles) is a fun scholarship fundraising event organized by UCU students, staff and alum with many connected to the Uganda Studies Program (USP) comprised of Americans who have spent at least a semester studying at UCU.

There is no way that I can begin to capture and honor the hundreds of people (especially USP alumni and UCU alumni) who have helped along the way both in the US and in Uganda.  I’m so grateful for this community, which I call my “village” that’s helped me raise this Global 5K “baby.”

Not only am I grateful for all the support we’ve received in creating and developing the Global5K, but I know that countless UCU students have benefited from the scholarship funds raised by the effort and are beyond grateful for this partnership in their education and development.

Sitting in our house in Pennsylvania,  I urge you to participate in the 2023 Global 5K from wherever you are.  It is the weekend of October 6-8.  Register here. Additionally,  I offer my personal pictorial documentation of the Global5K from 2015 to now.

Vice Chancellor widens doors to partnerships during USA Visit
Uganda Christian University (UCU) continues to expand its reach beyond the African continent, thanks to the late January-mid February 2023 visit of the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, in the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.

During the three-week trip sponsored by the Uganda Partners NGO, Prof. Mushengyezi, accompanied by his wife, Maama Patience, held meetings with representatives of various educational institutions to strengthen collaborative academic and research partnerships. Topics during discussions at U.S. colleges and universities included staff and student exchanges, tutoring, study abroad programs and research initiatives.

In Pennsylvania
Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, a Ghanaian-American and President of Millersville (Pa.) University, was among officials at the table at this university.  From Millersville, there was a commitment to host UCU staff on scholarly visits and send students to UCU on study abroad programs. 

The Vice Chancellor also attended (Feb. 9-11, 2023) the annual Board meeting of Partners in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. There, he thanked the Partners Board and other friends of UCU for their continuous support of various projects at the university, the most recent being for the UCU School of Medicine and School of Dentistry. Partners, founded by UCU’s first Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Stephen Noll, pledged continued UCU support. Noll and his wife, Peggy, hosted Prof. and Mrs. Mushengyezi for dinner at their home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.

In Illinois
Wheaton College in Chicago, ill., has sent students to UCU under the Uganda Studies Program (USP) for many years.  During the VC’s visit there, President Phil Ryken and Provost Karen Lee pledged to host UCU scholars and staff on short research and scholarly visits and to provide mentorship training for staff and tutors in the UCU Writing Centre. The VC and others on his travel team met Wheaton students who recently returned from UCU and had won a photo competition organized by study-abroad students. Several Ugandans, including UCU alum, have gone to Wheaton for graduate studies.

In Massachusetts
In Boston, Mass., the VC and Partners affiliates  visited the Campus for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME) at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, where they discussed possibilities of a staff exchange in theological education and African diaspora studies with the Dean of CUME, Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward.  The Seminary has trained former UCU staff such as Rev. Amos Kimera, who pastors St. Peters Anglican Church of Uganda in Boston.

Additionally, Prof. Mushengyezi and his wife paid a courtesy call to the Rt. Rev. Andrew Williams. the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of New England (ADNE), based in Amesbury, Mass. The bishop pledged to host UCU theology students and scholars to deepen their skills and experience in cross-cultural ministry in his Diocese.

In Washington, D.C.
In addition to visits to individual universities and colleges, the Vice Chancellor attended (Feb. 1-3, 2023) the Presidents’ Annual Conference of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) in Washington D.C. UCU is an international affiliate member of the CCCU. The UCU Uganda Studies Program was among topics discussed with CCCU President, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and presidents of other universities and colleges that send study-abroad students to UCU. 

In Virginia
The VC also visited Truro Anglican Church and Church of the Epiphany in Fairfax, Virginia. Both churches pledged support to various projects and scholarships at UCU through UCU Partners. Prof. Mushengyezi preached at St. Peters Anglican Church of Uganda in Boston where Rev. Kimera, his wife, Florence, and the Parishioners (who are mostly Ugandans), received the team and pledged support to UCU programs.

The Vice Chancellor’s American visit highlights UCU’s commitment to international collaboration and partnership building for the mutual benefit of both Uganda and the United States.  As UCU continues to expand its network of partners worldwide, it remains committed to providing a world-class education that is rooted in Christian values and principles.

The following pictorial, captured for Uganda Partners by Irene Best Nyapendi, shows some scenes  from a graduation at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) affiliate, Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), Kabale, in early December.  This was the first in-person graduation ceremony at the Kabale location since Uganda’s Covid lockdown.

“UCU’s cutting edge innovation with online studies, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, helped me a lot and contributed to my success,” Nzabandora said, noting that his course was sponsored by the Office of the Bishop of Muhabura, his home diocese in southwestern Uganda. He said that he was inspired by the holy spirit to pursue the course since “medicine and spiritual matters go hand in hand.”

“I had to deny myself sleep, work during the day and do my course work and assignments at night,” said Nzabandora, whose First-Class degree has inspired him to work now for a postgraduate degree.

Here, Nzabandora receives his Best Student award from Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

“My mother wasn’t able to raise my tuition because she is a peasant,” Babirye said, citing the affordability of data for on-line studies as among her hardships. “Luckily, when I applied for a government students’ loan, I was successful.”

Dr. Rushaju, a public health dentist, urged the graduands to remember that they are children of God and that therefore, they are required to serve in a God-loving manner. “Knowing who you are will help you understand your purpose in life, which will help you stay focused,” he said.

BBUC Principal Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi said holding the college’s own graduation ceremonies helps with marketing, including visibility for facility needs.  The college, which started as a Divinity College in 1924, has been operating from lecture rooms, many in need of repair, for its 98 years of existence, she  said.

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Uganda Christian University (UCU) held a public lecture on  October 26, 2022, in Nkoyoyo Hall as one of the activities to mark UCU@25 – the university’s 25th year of existence.  The main speaker was UCU’s first Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Noll, and the main discussant was his immediate successor, Canon Dr. John Senyonyi. Under the topic of Uganda Christian University: The Beginnings of Private Higher Education in Uganda, each spoke about their experiences. The day before, on Oct. 25, the University hosted its alumni at a homecoming ceremony at the main campus in Mukono. UCU Partner’s photographer Pauline Luba captured most of the unique moments.

By Israel Kisakye

Tests and security – Results in September

Individual preparation (Social Sciences)

Group study (Business)

Peer-to-peer support (Divinity & Theology)

Exam stress relief (Business)

Tracy Namugosa, a year-one student pursuing the Bachelors of Business Administration, talks about how she plays basketball as a stress reliever before and after exams.

Examination completion – New term without freshmen

By Israel Kisakye
The Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, recently paid a visit to the university. The late March 2022 visit to UCU main campus in Mukono was part of Kaziimba’s regular pastoral visits to the university. 

Part of Kaziimba’s delegation was the University Council Chairperson, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa. Kaziimba said he was excited to be “back home,” when the institution is marking 25 years of existence and the university’s iconic structure, the Bishop Tucker Building, marks 100 years.

During the visit, Kaziimba launched the Kodwo and Maxine Ankrah University Hostel. Prof. Eleanor Maxine recently leased an estate that belongs to her and her late husband, Canon Kodwo Ankrah, to UCU for setting up a resource centre, accommodation space for students, as well as office space. The hostel that Kaziimba launched is part of the estate that was leased to UCU.

During Kaziimba’s recent visit, he used the opportunity to preach at a UCU community worship service in Nkoyoyo Hall. He later graced a public lecture at the university’s Principal’s Hall. The public lecture, which was part of events to mark 25 years of UCU and 100 years of Bishop Tucker Building, was held under the them Key Events during UCU’s Transition from College to University. 

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

By Israel Kisakye
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Faculty of Agricultural Science bids farewell to Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the outgoing Dean, as she early this year assumed a new university position as the head of the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation.

The send-off took place recently at the International Christian Medical Institute building at the UCU main campus in Mukono.

During the farewell, Dr. John Livingstone Mutyaba, a senior lecturer in the faculty, thanked Kizito for being a good mentor to everyone in the faculty.

“We still need your guidance, we shall miss you physically, but we know you are still with us,” Mutyaba said. “You have always guided me on family success and I will forever acknowledge you.”

Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, the incoming dean of the faculty, together with her team, presented the gift (a refrigerator) to Kizito and also congratulated her upon the new post.

Kizito said she was glad to have worked with a team like the one she had at the faculty. She encouraged the team to always work harder and to value time. She promised to continue supporting the team in whatever way she can.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

By Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially welcomed 1,500 first-year students for the Easter Semester. The students attended the induction ceremony on February 3rd 2022.  The event, held at the Mukono campus Nkoyoyo Hall, was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; and attended by Deputy Vice chancellor for Finance and Adminstration, David Mugawe; Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic  Affairs, the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa; Deans; and heads of departments. During the ceremony, students in their different faculties swore to abide by the university’s rules and regulations.

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

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.

By Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) recently held a Health Awareness Week, with blood donation and vaccination of people against Covid-19 among the activities. Vice-Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi invited UCU community members to participate in events to show they care about their health and that of their neighbors. The activities included vaccinating people against Covid-19, sessions on body mass awareness, a blood donation drive and sports games.

The health week was launched on February 13 during the Sunday service at Nkoyoyo Hall. At the launch, Mushengyezi signed a commitment board that was designed by Fine Art students. At the same event, UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa, thanked the university’s health team for serving the community. Every semester, UCU holds the Health Awareness Week to create awareness about good health practices. Below is the week in pictures.

The UCU Canons team participating in a basketball game as a part of the activities to spread health tips during the Health Awareness Week.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

Also, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Since the autumn of 2021, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has welcomed two groups of American students through the Uganda Studies Program (USP). The first group of nine students returned home in December. The second group of 11 students arrived in January 2022. Coming from five North American-based universities, students choose a global health, social work, or interdisciplinary emphasis. Their arrival on the Mukono campus in August 2021 followed 18 months that USP was suspended due to Covid-19 concerns and the subsequent lockdown measures that included no in-person learning in Uganda. During a four-month stay, the first smaller-than-usual group of USP students were engaged in more online learning than those from the pre-virus cohorts. UCU alumnus Jimmy Siyasa caught up with some of the USP students to learn their expectations.

Yeji Kim- Trinity Western University, British Columbia, Canada
“I like all the green and the animals I have seen. The people are very kind and generous, and the university tries to implement Christian values, whether it be through the dress code or the people and students that attend class here. I hope to learn to be very open and to adapt and later use what I have learned here to shape my future endeavors.”

Kate Miller- Messiah University, Pennsylvania, from the state of Maryland
“The campus is beautiful. We have met some really nice people and experienced great hospitality. And I hope to learn more about myself and how my own culture influenced me when I see how different this culture is. I have a practicum site I go to and they have been very hospitable and I am learning a lot. I chose UCU because I had heard of the Uganda Studies Program and that they offer great practicum sites, and an opportunity to engage Ugandan culture.”

Sara Max- Wheaton College, Illinois, from the state of Virginia
“The first thing I have noticed is how welcoming and friendly the people are.  It is amazing how beautiful the campus is and how constantly the people [cleaners] are working to keep it clean.

Over my time here I hope to learn how to excel in another culture and how to be comfortable in an environment that is foreign to me.  I also hope to build relationships with Ugandans and to understand their culture. Actually, the main reason I came here was one, to experience a new culture, and secondly, to draw closer to God because I feel like the fullness of his beauty and of his closeness is found in so many cultures, and in turn, learn more about God through Uganda.”

Lydia Liz Rivera- Southeastern University – Florida, from from Puerto Rico, and lives in Florida
“I love that there’s so much diversity; the many tribes, regions and cultures. I really want to learn a language. I am taking Luganda for a class and, hopefully, instead of it being a challenge in itself, it will be a learning experience. I chose my university because I knew they had the USP program. I always wanted to study abroad in an African country, and Uganda stood out for me. I wanted to experience a diversity of cultures.”

Natalia Vander Zanden- Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, and lives in Minnesota
“It’s exciting to be here! I feel privileged to have traveled. I have never been to Africa; it is my first time being out of America. I chose the USP program because I wanted to have a global health perspective in a different country. And, I was also drawn to the fact that UCU is a Christian university. I am from a Christian university back in the US, and so, I wanted to be around as many Christians as I could be.”

Jake Thorsteinson – Dordt University, Iowa, from Alberta, Canada
“I chose to study under the USP program because it offers a great cultural experience, where you are pushed into the Ugandan culture and you get to learn as you go. The program is hands-on and highly interactive, unlike others. The other programs that I saw either have more of the North American setting that we are used to or they are a little more limited in interactivity; for instance, they would never let us go out into town shopping, unsupervised.”

Mattie Shoenfeld – Gordon College, Massachusetts, from Kansas
“I am excited to be here because I have been looking forward to studying abroad. I felt like I wanted to be somewhere new, where I wasn’t as comfortable with the culture; where I could also learn something new. And, I like UCU because it has put systems in place to keep us safe from the pandemic.”

Hanna Smith- Wheaton College, Illinois, from Arizona
“I have been looking forward to coming here for a long time. I am excited they allowed us to come. I was concerned about how the pandemic in Uganda would impact travel plans and the safety of everyone here. But, I was ready to follow the protocols – wear a mask, and do everything to make me safe. The campus does a great job, making students feel safe here.”

Laura Nagg – Wheaton College, Illinois, from Pennsylvania
“For the time we have been here, I have noticed that the people are so hospitable. I like the outdoor part of it. It’s such a beautiful campus, with nice weather; and that we can sit out here and observe nature all the time. Hearing the birds sing in the morning when you wake up is just amazing.”

Allyssa Milligan – Wheaton College, Illinois, from Illinois
“I am enjoying meeting the people and studying at the university. I love the library. My home institution (Wheaton College) collaborates pretty well with UCU, and that’s how I was able to get connected. I hope to grow in my faith first and get to understand other cultures. I also hope to grow in my knowledge of global health.”

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

By Israel Kisakye

The 23rd Guild Government of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) has handed over the office to its successors. Outgoing Guild President Agaba Kenneth Amponda handed over a file and other instruments of power, including the stamp of the Office of the UCU Guild President, to the in-coming Guild President, Racheal Sserwadda. On November 24, 2021, Sserwadda was voted into office in a virtual election. 

At the handover ceremony, conducted on January 14, 2022, the outgoing team was given certificates of recognition for their services to the university. The event was graced by Uganda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, who pledged support towards enhancing the university’s ICT services. See pictorial below.

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

By Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has recognized staff members for reaching a milestone of 10 years of service. The institution’s management also used the occasion to acknowledge outgoing deans and heads of departments.

The 42 awardees received plaques during the university’s end-of-year staff party held on December 17, 2021, in Nkoyoyo Hall at the main campus in Mukono. 

Annually, UCU awards staff members who make a milestone of 10 years of service. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this did not take place in 2020. The December 2021 event, therefore, combined staff who joined UCU in 2010 and 2011.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, used the event to announce the enhancement of staff benefits and contracts starting this year. The university had suspended long-term staff contracts in 2020 when the coronavirus hit the country. 

Some of the staff members who were recognized for long service are:

From 2010-2020

1. Florence Nakiyingi
2. Richard Ssebagala
3. Hope Ibale
4. John Vianney Ahumuza
5. Frankline Adeka
6. Martin Kizito
7. Lillian Nakiwala

From 2011-2021

1. James Ssenkubuge
2. Dr. Eriah Solomon Nsubuga
3. Moses Nabongo
4. Prof. Monica Chibita
5. Dr. Peter Davis Mutesasira
6. Assoc. Prof. Sarah Kiiza
7. Assoc. Prof Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito
8. Sheila Namuwaya
9. Dr Rachael Namuli Luboyera
10. Brian Tomusange
11. Walter Washika
12. Elsie Mirembe Nsiyona

See more of the function in photos

Why go to Uganda Christian University (UCU)? First-year UCU students spoke to Ivan Tsebeni in September 2021. 

Jjuuko Gavin Eric – Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
I love the way the institution adapted so fast to the prevailing situation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Other institutions are still waiting for physical classes to resume in November, but UCU is fully operating online. It’s very unique and will enhance my information technology skills.

Bridget Akello – Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
I was inspired by UCU’s spiritual foundation. I wanted an institution where I would learn all aspects of life.

Cherop Laban Sabila – Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
For me, it is about the morals that the institution imparts in its students. You see, any health worker ought to embrace the values of servanthood and being God-loving, to help guide them in their performance. And that is what UCU imparts in its students. 

Siwa Morah – Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
I decided to transfer from Kampala International University to UCU because it is the institution I have always dreamt of from childhood. I love the beautiful, serene and conducive environment at UCU, which makes one’s study comfortable.

Sarah Natasha Nakimuli – Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management
The way the institution offers comprehensive learning to students inspired me to make it my first choice. I kept admiring my sister’s way of life – she respects people, and this, for me, was just enough to attract me to the institution.

Mercy Akumu – Bachelor of Nursing Science
I think the university has friendly students, which attracted me to have a taste of the same. Still, the compound is classy and conducive for learning.  Who would not want that?

Joan Nabirye – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Quality education, loving and caring staff stands out for me. Students are also well disciplined and ready to support each other.

Blessed Kiwanuka – Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication
I have been a student here before and I have always seen my journalism friends do a lot of practical training, which are the skills I need. 

Mickelange Kakenyere – Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering
A friend who had studied at UCU some years ago recommended the institution. I love the level of orderliness and organisation at the university. Students are respected and treated well.

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

By Ivan Tsebeni
In 2017, Uganda Christian University (UCU) was ranked among the top 50 most beautiful Christian campuses globally by the Christian Universities Online. In a 2018 survey, UCU’s main campus at Mukono was also ranked among the 10 most beautiful campuses in Africa. The university’s sculptures were a main contributor to the elevated status. Many are located in the Tech Park area, adjacent to buildings where art is taught. Patrick Natumanya, a lecturer at the Department of Industrial and Fine Art who has worked on many of the sculptures, talked about their meaning to reporter Ivan Tsebeni. 

1. This sculpture at Tech Park was designed by a final-year student, Emmanuel Ekemu, in 2016. It signifies academic struggle. It is meant to inspire students to take up the academic struggle in order to transform their communities.
   
   
2. The Tech Park area sculpture was designed by James Ocen Ambrose, a second-year student, in 2014. It symbolizes a discussion as a collective effort to ensure academic excellence. The sculpture is meant to guide and inform students to take part in academic discussions in order to succeed.
   
   
3. The Tech Park structure was erected in 2002 by Abahu Yosia, an international student of art and design. It stands for strength in faith. It is meant to call upon people to have strong faith in Jesus Christ as their savior.
   
   
4. This sculpture, also located in the Tech park, was designed by Amos Kutosi, a final-year student, in 2016. It is meant to instill academic focus and value among students.
   
   
5. Patrick Natumanya designed this piece in 2014, in the Tech Park area near an honors college residence building.  It is meant to awaken the sense of concern and awareness in communities.
   
   
6. Found in front of Sabiti girls’ hall of residence, this sculpture was designed by Christopher Lukwago, a third-year student of Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art, in 2006. It symbolizes academic triumph and completion. It is meant to inspire women to strive harder to acquire and complete their academic journeys.
   
   
7. The sculpture is located at the Guild offices, next to the Hamu Mukasa Library. It stands for co-existence. It is meant to inspire people to value every creature since we are dependent on each other. It was designed by Patrick Natumanya in 2015.
   
   
8. Stationed in front of the university’s old library, next to the Bishop Tucker building, this sculpture symbolizes hard work and time management. It is meant to inspire students to respect and value time. It was designed by Patrick Tumanye, a lecturer at the Department of Fine Art, in 2002.
   
9. This artwork is stationed in front of The Standard newspaper offices. It stands for parenting and is meant to inform the community that parenting is a joint effort of both parents. While designing this sculpture in 2001, Stephen Mabonga and Asiimwe Ephraim, students of Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art, intended to use it to prepare students for the future role of parenthood after school.
   
   

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Story and photos by Nickie Karitas
The Covid-19 pandemic has attempted to squeeze life out of many institutions in Uganda. Some have soldiered on and are still surviving. Others are either on financial life support or have been declared dead. 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is among those still surviving despite visible differences on the main campus in Mukono. The colorful columns of flagpoles and the once melodious fountain at the main entrance now stand skeletal with a withered beauty of an era long gone. The environment appears to have accepted a state of silence, with footpaths encrusted with a leafy surrounding absence of conversation and book-laden men and women.

Canteens once bubbling with students consuming chips, peas, rice and juices are shacks deserted and collapsing wearily.  The jumping red-tail monkeys and twittering birds of many species are the most prevalent residents of the Student Guild Park and the many Freedom Squares. The centerpiece Hamu Mukasa library stands composed and quietly devoid of people and laptops as if it has chosen solitude that its signage asks of students once sitting side-by-side inside. 

All these are a stark contrast with what the university was, pre-Covid.

The pandemic’s busiest areas, perhaps, are the library’s e-learning lab and University Information Systems rooms as they stretch bandwidth to its limit and hum after hours to support staff and students more engaged in virtual learning that the country’s curfew and other virus guidelines permit. 

“The university used to be busy all the time, but things have now changed,” Nancy Ayikoru, a security guard at the main gate, says, noting that with the current online studies, she is not sure the situation will ever go back to where it was before Covid-19. 

Jim Patrick Wasswa, an engineering student, says he has never been a fan of online learning, but he now has to adapt.  

“It is sad that I cannot sit with my colleagues in a lecture room,” Wasswa says. “It is sadder that I may not turn up for the graduation with my parents and march on that red carpet.”

In normal times, the Nkoyoyo Hall, named after a late archbishop, hosts lunch hour services – the UCU Community Worship – every Tuesday and Thursday. The prayer sessions would be punctuated with clapping, singing and beats off musical instruments. Supplanted with online services, the hall in the summer of 2021 is as silent as a grave. 

Also in normal times, motorcycles and cars can be seen dropping off students at the university. Upon entering any of the university gates, the norm of presenting student identification cards and having bags checked by the security was never abandoned. But all that has changed. 

Despite the changes, the university retained skeletal staff to steer it as they worked on site during the most recent lockdown. 

“I am grateful to the management of UCU for its response to the situation,” Eliab Ikyiriza, a foundation studies lecturer, says. “The students’ education did not come to a standstill. Neither have they had to wait until the end of the lockdown to carry on with their studies.” 

Ikyiriza adds that he has observed a steady improvement in the learners’ attitude and willingness to use the various online platforms for learning and doing assignments. 

“UCU is headed for the best,” UCU Communication and Marketing Manager, Frank Obonyo, reaffirms. Speaking from his office near the Bishop Tucker building, he adds, “It is true that the lockdown has taken a toll on the university performance, but the best has been done to ensure that students’ careers are not cut short despite the pandemic. Examinations took place and students will also report for studies in the next intake.”

As UCU waits for the situation to normalize, the university’s buildings continue to stand, breathing hope. Hope that their entrances will crowd again, one day. 

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Compiled by Yasiri J Kasango and Israel Kisakye
On June 18, 2021, the government of Uganda imposed a second covid-related lockdown that resulted in the closure of in-person classes for all academic institutions in the country. Uganda Christian University (UCU) immediately shifted added emphasis to online classes. The University is one of the few higher education institutions in Uganda that have put increased priority on developing and expanding eLearning for sustainability during the lockdown that could end or be extended after July. As the learners returned to their homes to replace blended learning with only online classes, the University retained a skeleton of staff on campus to steer it. Working during the lockdown has had opportunities and challenges. These comments from some staff members designated to report to work in-person represent a snapshot of what it is like on the UCU Mukono campus during this latest lockdown at UCU.  

David Mugawe-Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance and Administration
This Covid-19 period has been challenging to us as an institution. We depend solely on students’ tuition fees to run the University. The lockdown affected our income flow to the extent that we still experience suspended staff contracts.  However, when government closed academic institutions, we seamlessly switched to more virtual classes and lately we are experiencing less complaints about online studying. 

Bridget Mugasira K. Mugume-Director Student Affairs
I have been working on student issues online and even serving the few who just walk into my office. Online studies have given us a chance to engage a little more with a lot of students online.

Frank Obonyo-Communication and Marketing Manager
I have to walk to work every day since the government restricted public transport during the lockdown.  This is blessing in disguise since I do exercise while walking. The exercises are good for our health.

Jeremy Waiswa-Head of Department Development Studies
I sometimes fail to walk to work which means I must incur internet costs to work from home. But this second lockdown found UCU better prepared for the online classes with the help of the Alpha Management Information System MIS and Moodle eLearning platforms. Classes are going on well. 

Walter Washika-Financial Aid Manager
Initially, I walked about 8kms (5 miles) every day to work. I later bought a bicycle that has made life a little easier. This lockdown has taught me to spend money carefully. I spend on what is necessary. The university has got better internet experience and e-library resources at the library.

Peter Mugume-Lecturer in the Department of Literature and Languages
I cycle 8 kilometers (about 5 miles) every day to the University to work. I leave the University early to beat the curfew. But the lockdown has affected communication between students and teachers. Some students still do not have access to online classes because of the poor internet connection.

Ochan Bernard-Lecturer of writing and study skills
The second lockdown has brought in a new way of life. This lockdown has presented new opportunities for well-prepared people. But the online study also has come with a level of academic dishonesty among both students and lecturers.

When God says YES, nobody can say no! (2 Corinthians 1:20). This message from the Lord applies to Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) acquisition of its own home for the Kampala Campus despite the impact of Covid-19 that has ravaged the revenues of a number of Universities in Uganda. UCU acquired the sh2.5b ($705,417.6) half-acre piece of land recently and officially acquired it on June 1. UCU student, Ivor Sempa, captured some of the moments as UCU received the property.

By Lule Eriah and Jimmy Siyasa

While Covid-19 has severed sports in Uganda, including at Uganda Christian University (UCU), it’s important to recognize the role athletics play in shaping a well-rounded individual and, for some, propelling a career. The sports at UCU include football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, netball, handball, wood ball, and tennis. This pictorial depicts some successes of UCU sports alum.

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

For more of these stories and experiences by and about Uganda Christian University (UCU) staff, students and graduates, visit https://www.ugandapartners.org. If you would like to support UCU, including the School of Dentistry, contact Mark Bartels, Executive Director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/

Also follow and like our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.