Category Archives: Students

Bishop Zoreka and his wife handing over a bible to President Museveni

Bishop Zoreka’s transition from the “bad guy” to a faithful servant of God

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


Bishop Zoreka and his wife handing over a bible to President Museveni
Bishop Zoreka and his wife handing over a bible to President Museveni

Dan Zoreka was the second Bishop of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese, in southwestern Uganda. He has been the prelate of the diocese for the past 14 years. Recently, our writer, Kefa Senoga, travelled to the diocese and had a chat with the alumnus of Uganda Christian University.

Bishop Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese in Uganda never expected to serve the Lord as a cleric. Throughout his childhood, he admired doctors and wanted to be one. However, financial challenges forced him to change career direction. 

In 1977, Zoreka sat his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), where he earned a First Grade, and an admission into Mbarara High School. However, he could not afford the school fees. He thus had to repeat Primary Seven as he looked for money for his tuition in Senior One. At the time, one was not eligible for admission into Senior One using results more than a year old. 

The following year, Zoreka again passed his PLE exams, earning admission into Nyakasura School. Again, he failed to join the school because of lack of tuition. 

Zoreka had been paying his own school fees from Primary Three. He says his father was a polygamous man with six wives, so he could not afford fees for all his children.

“I used to vend banana fiber every Friday. I would sell them to the butchers. It is from that money that I would pay my school fees,” Zoreka explained during an interview he granted Uganda Partners at his diocese in southwestern Uganda.

As a result of the failure to meet the financial requirements for secondary school study, he said he even considered giving up on education. 

Bishop Zoreka and his wife
Bishop Zoreka and his wife

“But in 1979, I decided to repeat for the third time. That’s when my class teacher advised me to opt for teacher training colleges, which offered free education.” 

He thus enrolled at St. Augustine’s Teacher Training College in western Uganda to pursue a teaching certificate course. For the four years he studied the course, he returned home only once. Despite studying the course on a bursary, Zoreka needed extra money for upkeep. He thus did menial jobs at the school, and in the community, from which he earned a wage. 

“I did work such as cleaning the school compound and harvesting tea in the community; I was a well-known casual laborer in the area.”

After completing his course, Zoreka was employed by the government of Uganda in 1985 as a teacher, but he spent a year without receiving salary. That was the time the country was facing civil strife; hence many public servants were not receiving their salaries. 

In 1986, Zoreka was tempted to switch professions. The government was recruiting soldiers, so Zoreka applied to train as one.

“I registered my name and we were instructed to return the next morning at 6:00 a.m. to be transported to another district where the training was to take place. Unfortunately, I drank too much alcohol that night and overslept. By the time I woke up, the team had already left,” he recalls.

In 1987, Bishop Zoreka made another attempt to join the security forces, this time the Uganda Police. However, after presenting his academic certificates, the recruiting officer informed him that the government needed teachers more, so they couldn’t allow him to join the Police.  

Still, Zoreka left teaching and started to work as a lumberjack, a job he did for a year, before returning to teaching. 

In 1989, when a call for lay readers was announced in their diocese, Zoreka’s mother, a staunch Christian, pressured him to enroll for the course. Though it was against his wishes, he did it to honor his mother’s desire. A lay reader is a person licensed by a bishop to conduct religious services other than the Eucharist. 

“I felt like there was no life in the church at the time. I enjoyed nights of dancing, discos, and drinking alcohol,” Zoreka says.

“Even as I sat the interview, I had three cigarettes in my pockets; just the night before, I had spent the evening at the bar drinking. I arrived at the interview with a hangover. If I had been thoroughly checked, probably I would have been disqualified.”

And even after admission, his bad habits followed him. “We would sneak out of the dormitory during our training, to look for alcohol in a nearby town. It was only by God’s grace that we were not caught.”

Bishop Zoreka with the writer, Kefa Senoga
Bishop Zoreka with the writer, Kefa Senoga

In 1990, Zoreka gave his life to Christ, completely turning his back to smoking and drinking alcohol. He thus became a deacon in 1998 and a priest in 1999.

Upon being ordained a deacon, Zoreka was posted to the cathedral/diocesan headquarters as a curate. Following his priesting in 1999, the bishop at the time, John Ntegyerize, assigned him to the Nyarugunda Parish in Kinkiizi diocese, southwestern Uganda, where he served for one year as the parish priest. It was during his time there that he met Florah Arinaitwe, whom he married the following year.

“We got married on Wednesday August 30, and I reported to UCU to pursue a degree course the following week, on Monday, with my wife.”  

At UCU, there was a designated area for married theology students. Unfortunately, when he arrived, all the houses were already occupied. 

As a result, Zoreka and his wife occupied the garage of the Rev. Prof Olivia Nasaka Bbanja, who was a lecturer at the Bishop Tucker Theological College at the time. Banja is now the Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University. The garage was the couple’s honeymoon venue, after which Florah returned to their home in Kanungu. 

Zoreka served the church in various capacities, eventually being elected the second Bishop of Kinkiizi Anglican Diocese in 2015. He hopes to retire from active service in two years. Anglican bishops in Uganda retire from service when they clock 65 years.

As a bishop, Zoreka has earned a reputation as a developmental leader. The Rev. Bob Mbabazi, the head of communications at Kinkiizi Diocese, said the bishop has focused on building and enhancing infrastructure for various church projects, such as the clergy residence, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings, including one in Kampala city.

According to Mbabazi, the bishop has lobbied for partnerships with various stakeholders, including Compassion International, which has established six child development centers across the diocese, all overseen by the church. 

Florah and Zoreka have four children — the firstborn, is pursuing a degree course at UCU and the second born, is in secondary school at Mengo SS. The third born, is in Primary Four while the youngest, is in Primary Three, at Kabale Primary School. 

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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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Lewis with his supporters during the campaigns

Lewis defies resource constraint challenge to become BBUC Guild President

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Lewis with his supporters during the campaigns
Lewis with his supporters during the campaigns

By Kefa Senoga
The new Guild President of Bishop Barham University College (BBUC), a constituent college of Uganda Christian University (UCU), is a lucky man. 

Take for instance what happened to him when he was in Primary Three. The family had made a decision that Usher Bennets Lewis drops out of school. Their justification was that there was no money to pay Bennet’s school fees. However, he was lucky enough that that decision did not come to pass. His aunt took him from his village district of Rukungiri in western Uganda to Kampala, in central Uganda, to continue with his studies at Joy Primary School in Kitintale. It is at this school where he completed his primary education.

At the time, it was Lewis’ grandmother, a peasant, who had been meeting his school requirements. Born in 1999, Lewis did not have the opportunity to stay long enough with his parents. They both died before he began school.

Lewis’s campaign poster
Lewis’s campaign poster

The decision of Lewis’ aunt to take him to study in Kampala, has in enabled BBUC to have him as their Guild President for the 2024-2025 term. The 25-year-old recently won a contest for the next Guild President of BBUC, beating his closest challenger, Derrick Akampa, by a slim margin of 14 votes.

Just as the rest of Lewis’ education journey has been, completion of his campaigns for the university’s top student leadership position was nothing short of a miracle. During his campaigns, Lewis notes that one of the major challenges his team faced was the lack of financial resources.

“Compared to my opponents, I lacked the resources; all I could offer my supporters were ideas. I was campaigning on foot, whereas my opponents had cars and motorcades,” explains Lewis, who says he developed a liking for UCU when he was still in primary school.

He is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work and Social Administration. Those who have been close to Lewis know that a life of financial hardships is not anything new to him. Even in the university, he has experienced financial challenges, particularly when he first joined. However, he was able to work hard and mobilize resources, part of which he has used to meet his obligation for tuition, rent, and other necessities.

Now that Lewis has assumed office, his main goal, he says, is to work closely with the administration, to enhance the university’s academic growth. Additionally, he commits to advocating improved security to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Despite having minimal resources throughout his educational journey, Lewis has never shied away from pursuing leadership positions at school.  And he prays that even after school, he is able to pursue higher political positions. 

From his early school days in both primary and secondary school, Lewis has been a student leader, taking up positions such as head monitor, health prefect, entertainment prefect, and assistant head prefect.

He attended O’level at Blessed Parents High School, and A’level at Kyamakanda Secondary School. Both schools are in western Uganda. In order to be able to meet the financial needs at school, Lewis says he took up several odd jobs, within the community where he lived. He did these things knowing full well that luck is not chance, it’s a toil.

“I grew up working on people’s farms, often seeking opportunities to look after their cattle in exchange for food and a little money, which I used for my school fees.”

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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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Prof. Tom Deans

Want to study at a university in the U.S? Prof. Deans shows how to find the opportunities

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Prof. Tom Deans
Prof. Tom Deans

By Kefa Senoga
What does it mean to apply for university education in the USA? What processes are involved in the application? These and more are some of the questions that Tom Deans, a Professor of English and the Director of the Writing Centre of the University of Connecticut (UConn), had to answer recently as he addressed students, staff, and alumni of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

The late November talk, delivered in the Principal’s Hall at the Main Campus was intended to guide possible applicants for particularly US scholarships on how to navigate the systems and procedures.

Prof Tom Deans with the UCU community that attended his session
Prof Tom Deans with the UCU community that attended his session

According to Deans, applying for an undergraduate degree in the U.S. is relatively straightforward, as there is typically a single set of admission requirements. In contrast, graduate applications can be more complex because students usually apply directly to departments or schools within a university, depending on the program’s structure.

“Even within the same institution, admissions and funding processes may differ by department or school at the graduate level,” he said during that talk that was organized by the UCU Writing Centre.

The writing center, opened on October 20, 2022, was set up under the guidance of Deans, who was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Uganda at the time, on a teaching and research award. The center was set up to help students improve their writing skills.  

Undergraduate applicants, Deans explained, generally follow a uniform process: They complete the same application form, submit their high school transcripts, write a general essay, and take standardized tests, regardless of their intended field of study. In contrast, graduate programs often have unique requirements for each department or school. This means applicants must customize their application to align with the specific expectations and criteria of their chosen program.

Using the example of applying for graduate studies in law and medicine at most universities in the U.S., Deans noted that one uses the standard process articulated on the webpage of the schools or departments that they are applying to. 

He, however, explained that when applying for programs in the category of sciences or engineering, the process often involves identifying a lab or professor whose research aligns with the interests of the applicants. 

“You would reach out to them for potential sponsorship, and admission to the program typically depends on securing their approval and support.”

He further explained that in many graduate programs for sciences and engineering, especially for research degrees like Ph.D., students don’t just apply to the university, they need to find a professor (often called a principal investigator) who will supervise their work and possibly fund their research through grants. Professors often run labs and have specific research projects, so they look for students whose skills and interests match their needs.

Many departments in USA universities have people who are in charge of graduate studies. Such people are often an invaluable point of contact for guidance during the application process.

“You can email or set up a Zoom call with them and they will respond because it’s their job to respond,” Deans said.

For graduate students, the admissions process often coincides with applying for funding. “When submitting your application, look for an option to indicate your interest in funding; selecting this option allows you to be considered for opportunities, such as a graduate assistantship, teaching assistantship, or, in some institutions, a fellowship,” Deans said.

Graduate Assistantship is a type of financial and professional support offered to graduate students, typically in exchange for part-time work at a university while Teaching Assistantship is a role offered to graduate students and sometimes upper-level undergraduates in which they assist faculty members with teaching-related responsibilities.

According to Deans, securing external funding can significantly improve an applicant’s chances of being accepted by institutions. Opportunities like the Fulbright Program scholarship, while highly competitive and with strict eligibility criteria, are excellent options. If awarded, such opportunities provide generous funding, making American universities more likely to offer admission since one comes in with financial support.

However, he advocates consulting with key stakeholders, such as alumni, professors, and other academic professionals, as they can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the application process.

On why there are more funding opportunities for PhD programs than for master’s, Deans said: “Ph.D. programs help universities build their reputation, and these institutions assume that people may struggle to afford Ph.D. programs, whereas many can afford the cost of a master’s program.”

Richard Ranger, a missionary lecturer in Business and Law at Uganda Christian University (UCU) and an alumnus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, emphasized during the session that university and departmental websites serve as crucial sources of authentic information. He highlighted the importance of utilizing them because they are more reliable and are updated.

Lwanga Huzaifa, a former student of UCU, acknowledged that graduate studies can be quite costly, making the opportunity to study on a scholarship highly desirable for him.

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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 medical students

New dawn as UCU School of Medicine gets UK accreditation

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UCU medical students
UCU medical students

By Pauline Luba
The General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom has officially recognized the Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) of Uganda Christian University. The development, which follows a comprehensive assessment and evaluation process, paves the way for the institution’s medical graduates to pursue further careers in the UK and beyond, without many hurdles. The news of the recognition came to light in November 2024.

In addition to regulating medical education and healthcare professionals, GMC also oversees the medical register and ensures that doctors possess the training, the expertise and the experience needed to practice safely and effectively.

The certification means that graduates of UCU can now sit for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exams, a mandatory gateway for international doctors hoping to practice in the UK. The PLAB test is a requirement for doctors from outside of the UK, EU, and Switzerland. The test is intended to ensure that the student has the same clinical knowledge and skills as a UK doctor starting their second year of the Foundation Programme.

Last year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of the pioneer students of its School of Medicine.  The students were drawn from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery. 

Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, the Dean of the UCU School of Medicine, said graduates from the UCU School of Medicine who wish to practice in the UK can now take the required exams. And that when they pass the exams, they are eligible to receive a permit to practice medicine.

According to Tumusiime, PLAB examinations are separated into two parts: a written exam that tests medical knowledge with multiple-choice questions, and a practical exam that evaluates a candidate’s clinical skills and the ability to interact with patients in simulated situations. He points out that both tests cover basic sciences and clinical sciences.

Before an institution is accredited by the GMC, an evaluation process is carried out to determine its eligibility. “When they assessed our curriculum, they found that it meets the requirements for accreditation,” Tumusiime explained.

He noted that the GMC also places emphasis on clock hours, which refers to the required time students must dedicate to each course unit or subject. “The fact that we meet the recommended hours confirms that we give students enough content matter for the course.”

Dr. Tumusiime further explains that they also evaluate students’ exposure to patients, to assess and understand their experience with patients.

Sharon Pearl Kisaakye, one of the students in the UCU School of Medicine, said: “For someone like me who dreams of gaining international experience in medicine, the accreditation opens doors to a world of opportunities for training and employment in some of the best healthcare systems.”

Joseph Kali, a student in the School of Medicine, said: “This accreditation broadens the scope of learning, allowing our students to engage with world leaders in medicine. It also gives them the tools to return and implement new perspectives, attract grants, and contribute to Uganda’s healthcare system.”

UCU is currently also undergoing evaluation by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States. Certification will allow UCU graduates to sit for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, and those who pass may have the opportunity to practice in the USA.

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

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

The Chairperson of the Council of UCU Mbale University College, Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel George Bogere, presents the Best Student Award to Sharon Evelyne Abeja, during the graduation at Mbale University College. Right is UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

Best student Abeja’s long walk to academic success

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The Chairperson of the Council of UCU Mbale University College, Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel George Bogere, presents the Best Student Award to Sharon Evelyne Abeja, during the graduation at Mbale University College. Right is UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi
The Chairperson of the Council of UCU Mbale University College, Rt. Rev. Bishop Samuel George Bogere, presents the Best Student Award to Sharon Evelyne Abeja, during the graduation at Mbale University College. Right is UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

By Irene Best Nyapendi
By eight years, Sharon Evelyne Abeja was already living a life of a responsible adult. At that age, she was aware that she had to wake up early enough to prepare her younger brother for school, as well as prepare porridge for her three-month-old sister. All this was in addition to preparing herself for school.

As Abeja and her younger brother headed to the school, they would leave their three-month-old baby with their neighbor. At lunchtime, Abeja had to take her younger brother home and prepare a meal for him, before rushing back to school. At that time, her mother had been taken ill and her father was at work. 

And Abeja’s classmates, having discovered her challenges, did not spare her from words of scorn: “Look, there goes the daughter of the mad woman,” her classmates often mocked her.

Sharon Evelyne Abeja with her awards
Sharon Evelyne Abeja with her awards

Abeja’s mother developed mental illness soon after giving birth to their younger sister. And she has lived with that condition for 15 years. Occasionally, her condition improves, especially if she adheres to the medication prescribed for her. For the times when she does not, she relapses. And because of that, Abeja has carried the burden of being a mother to her mother, as well as the rest of her siblings. It is not uncommon to find Abeja moving with her mother to hospital. 

The condition of Abeja’s mother worsened in 2019 when their father married another wife. Seeing her mother go through life’s challenges because of her medical condition, Abeja said when she completed Senior Six, she had only one course in mind at the university – social work. That explains her choice of Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration which she pursued at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

That journey at UCU ended on November 29, when Abeja was awarded the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at the UCU Mbale University College. Abeja was also announced the graduate with the highest marks. According to Abeja, she knew she was a high performer, and she also knew she had earned a First Class degree. However, what she could not have imagined was that her marks — a Grade Point Average of 4.71 out of 5.0 — were the best among the people graduating that day.

According to Abeja, her determination and the discipline in managing time helped her succeed. She had a routine that allowed her to balance her studies with other extra-curricular activities that were conducted in the university.

When Abeja chose to study at UCU, she purposed to not only benefit from studies, but also the strong Christian foundation in which the institution is rooted. However, she says getting acclimated to the university environment was tough. For instance, she says when she arrived at the university, she soon discovered the social gulf that existed between her and the rest of the students. Abeja said she reported to university with old clothes and only one pair of shoes. Because of that, she says, she often felt out of place. However, she repeatedly consoled herself: “One day, I will wear something new.”

After her first year at UCU, her father’s job contract ended, leaving the family without an income. She thus had to take up part-time jobs during holidays, such as farming, working as a shop attendant, and even making snacks to sell to school-going children. 

She says she worked so hard but earned so little, which felt overwhelming. But she did not give up. During her first semester in her second year, Abeja discovered a scholarship opportunity at an organization where she was a volunteer. She applied for it and was fortunate enough to get the scholarship.

Throughout her time at UCU, she lived with relatives because she could not afford the hostel fees at the university. Now that she has graduated, Abeja aims to contribute to a more compassionate society and be able to address pressing issues like poverty, inequality, and mental health challenges. 

School
Abeja attended Kumi Township Primary School before switching to Auruku Ominai Primary School due to her mother’s illness. She then joined Sun City Primary School in Soroti and eventually wrote her Primary Leaving Examinations at Emmanuel Christian Nursery and Primary School. She studied secondary education at Ngora High School, where she joined UCU. 

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

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

Linda and David Bassert with their sponsored student, Daniel Edotu

‘Daniel shared that our coming gave him a deeper sense of self-worth’

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Linda and David Bassert with their sponsored student, Daniel Edotu
Linda and David Bassert with their sponsored student, Daniel Edotu

By Linda H. Bassert
(Second of three parts –  Meeting Daniel)

Tuesday was a day of great anticipation:  we were finally headed to Mukono, to the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU), where my husband David and I would at last connect with Daniel, the student we sponsor.  

Before that, we would be meeting with Vice-Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi (who has a nickname of  “the Coolest Vice-Chancellor in the country”), and touring some of the campus on foot, then linking up with Daniel at the Community Worship service. 

We learned that while an Anglican seminary had been on location since 1913, UCU was founded in 1997, and in 2000 graduated its first non-theological students.  

Linda Bassert giving first hug to UCU Law student, Daniel Edotu
Linda Bassert giving first hug to UCU Law student, Daniel Edotu

Now with a student body of 14,000 students, the university includes 11 schools and faculties.

Every undergraduate student takes the Old Testament, New Testament, World Views, Ethics, Math, and Study Skills.  There also is a Study Abroad Program in which students from the USA and other countries come here to study.  (We later would learn that the Study Abroad program included concentrations in Global Health, Social Work, and Interdisciplinary Studies.)  Degree Programs include Engineering, Social Services, Law (25% of the students, and considered the number one law program in the country), Business (the second largest program), Journalism, Public Health, Agriculture, Education, and Nursing (100 students in the Degree program).  

The Vice Chancellor, similar to a University President in the United States, explained that many of the UCU nursing graduates are leaders in nursing in Uganda.  The programs at UCU are highly respected due to the Christian ethics and high standards maintained. Employers say they find the UCU graduates are different, and are giving preference to hiring them. UCU graduates bring an attitude of ministry in their fields. This attitude of ministry, and a mindset of seeking solutions to challenges, would be revealed over and over during our visit.

We also learned of a thriving sports program at UCU.  The women’s basketball team had recently won another championship, and many Ugandan national athletes have been graduates of UCU. 

Church members, Beth and Charlie Monroe, at the Nile River in Jinja
Church members, Beth and Charlie Monroe, at the Nile River in Jinja

As we headed to the Community Worship service in Nkoyoyo Hall, a large roofed building with a stage and altar at one end, and open sides, I texted Daniel a photo of what David and I looked like.  I reasoned it would be easier for Daniel to find his white sponsors than for us to find him in a sea of Ugandan students. When he found us, I immediately had to go over and hug him, and could hardly hold back the tears.  At last! 

This worship service was our first glimpse of the difference a Christian university makes.  The posted theme for the Advent Semester 2024 was: “The power of the Gospel to transform secular ingrained thinking. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.”    

Every speaker and preacher at UCU begins with, “Praise the Lord!” 

The speaker at the worship service focused on the topic of self-esteem. I was pleased to find that in this way UCU is teaching their students success strategies in addition to academic subjects. She spoke on Romans 12: 1-8, and these key points:  Be kind to yourself.  Speak affirmations.  You are the CEO of your life. A closed mouth is a closed destiny. Set achievable goals.  How did we drift where we are? Low self-esteem causes painful wounds. Constantly renew your commitment to the Lord.  

After a lunch to which our student, Daniel, also was invited, our group then headed to the Innovation Hub, also the location of the campus Coffee Club.  

Sculpture at UCU, demonstration of some work by students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Education
Sculpture at UCU, demonstration of some work by students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Education

This hub assists students with their business ideas, leading them in a process through 1) Ideation; 2) Incubation (3 months), with  exhibits to show their ideas, seed capital for a second exhibit to show what they have done; and 3) 3) Acceleration, involving one in 10 reaching this stage and getting venture capital funding, fostering the microbusiness economy. As a solution to employment challenges in the country, the Innovation Hub also develops cohorts of 25 cross-disciplinary groups of students who collaborate  and have training and support, with the goal of having them graduate and start businesses.  The focus is “Let’s not run for the money;  let’s meet people’s needs.”

The Innovation Hub also supports research collaboration. UCU is using grants to create teams, to train and teach them how to write grants and to write proposals.  The Hub forms a support team for the staff, as partnerships are very important in research, and every program is now required to have community engagements.

The last stop before we headed to our hotel was a visit to the Bishop’s School, a secondary boarding school located very near UCU and where a UCU graduate who is a teacher there gave us a tour.  The students study long hours, because the exams they take determine their ability to progress in the educational system.  Many students from the Bishop’s School later go on to study at UCU.  

Ugandan artwork, painted with coffee on wood
Ugandan artwork, painted with coffee on wood

Wednesday is a day I will treasure. We began the day visiting two locations where UCU graduates are making a difference.  The first stop was the CALM (Children Alive Ministries) Kindergarten and Primary Day School, whose directors and owners are a married couple, both UCU grads.  Ernest Matsiko and his wife, Elizabeth Gim Praise Matsiko, who had done tutoring as UCU students, have a passion to give children a good foundational education at the primary level, so they would do better later at upper levels. This led them to found the school.  

The children lined up for morning assembly, all in school uniforms.  One of the older students was tapped to do a call and response, leading them in praise for about 15 minutes, to start the day.  “Praise God” the older student said. 

“Praise God,” the children replied in unison, adding “God is good – All the time. So awesome is His Name!”  

The children were also delighted in answering our questions, and asking us questions about our favorite foods, colors and names of our children. 

After this stop, we picked up Daniel, who would spend the rest of the day with us.  The next stop was a small regional hospital, where the senior administrator is a UCU graduate.  We had a tour there, and it was disconcerting, to say the least, to understand the challenges of health care in Uganda.

Wednesday’s adventure also included a brief stop to shop for souvenirs.  Daniel helped our group negotiate prices for things we wanted to purchase.  I was looking for gifts for grandchildren.  We were instructed by Daniel, “Don’t accept the first price!”  

As we took our “glider” on to Jinja, there we all then went by boat to one end of Lake Victoria, where over 60 springs supply 30% of the water of the White Nile, considered the source of the Nile River.  Some in our group stepped out of the boat to stand on a platform located amidst the springs, and have their photo taken there. We also saw Monitor lizards and many kinds of birds along the shore line, including African weaver birds, which make small basket kinds of nests.  Uganda has more than 1,000 bird species. 

After the boat tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at a golf club overlooking Lake Victoria.  Fresh-caught and grilled tilapia for me!

On the way back to Mukono and UCU, via a road dubbed “Pothole Road,” our glider had a flat tire.  The noise from the tire burst terrified some goats tied up in the yard of a house nearby, and the goats pulled up the stakes, and ran toward their owner’s house.  Small children gathered at the side of the road to watch the excitement, as we stood waiting for those changing the tire to finish.  One member of our group started doing magic tricks for the children.  

Great cheers went up for our driver when the tire was changed, and prayers of thanksgiving were offered.

After that pause, we headed to campus, made plans to have lunch the next day with Daniel, and then had a delicious buffet dinner with the Vice Chancellor and his wife in a tent on the lawn.  The Vice Chancellor quoted former Uganda President Idi Amin in saying, “If they return, we shall have our revenge,” so the dinner was his “sweet revenge” for having been hosted by our church members in the USA.  

Thursday was another day spent on the UCU campus, learning more about programs at UCU.  The morning began with a tour of Computer Science and Technology programs.  This curriculum goal is to give students practical skills to find solutions to problems.  Some of the student projects on display were a Robotic Wheelchair prototype, a Smart Home design, and an Automatic waste management prototype – as a sorter to sort plastics out of waste.  They use a 3D printer to create models, and emphasize practical applications of what they have learned, as well as supporting business startups.  Community outreach in this program includes free computer repair and setup.                        

New programs include Data Science and Analytics, and Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering: a program UCU Partners has made possible with equipment purchased and then carried over in suitcases by Mark Bartels. This department has industry partners for career guidance and mentorship, and all first-year students in this program are mentored by senior students.  

While the tour of the programs within the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology  continued on foot, two of us whose bodies were objecting to the walking were given a ride in the glider bus down to a far corner of the campus, where the technology tour would conclude.  

To my delight, this put us right next to the Fine Arts and Industrial Arts program buildings in the Tech Park portion of the Mukono campus. We saw wonderful sculptures installed around the buildings.  The best sculpture transforms the space it is in.  As I gazed at one abstract torso with a book, I was enchanted by the artist’s vision of a student.  As I am an interior designer, this was a highlight of the campus tour for me, as we two were able to not only see the sculptures up close, but also view senior School of Education student art projects and paintings, and view a demonstration of a student throwing and forming a cup on the potter’s wheel.  One remarkable painting was of faces, painted with coffee, on an irregularly shaped piece of wood. 

Our next stop on Thursday was a presentation by the Church Relations Office, as another priority of UCU.  The only University owned by the Province of the Anglican Church of Uganda, UCU needs to serve the church, and the University’s mission needs to align with the values and teachings of the Church. They spoke at length of ways they support various dioceses with different needs. For example, the Southern Ankole Diocese is growing coffee as a part of its broader mission to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development. Agriculture students and Business students have been engaged there.  

In another diocese, with extensive wildlife resources, students focused on Tourism and Hospitality Management have been engaged in programs there. This department also offers fellowship and mentorship for clergy children. The church plays a huge role in the economic transformation of the country.  Every diocese is unique, and this office has ongoing outreach to the dioceses to seek out ways to support their efforts.  

There was also a presentation by the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation.  UCU seeks to be different from other universities. UCU communicates and engages with the community, to identify problems and jointly work together on solutions.  This was evident at graduation, where, under the UCU Postgraduate Directorate, descriptions of research by graduates with advanced degrees focused on problem solving in a wide range of areas. For example, one Master’s program candidate had focused on the educational needs of deaf students, how they were being met, and where shortfalls were found.

At this combined presentation members of our group also became solution-focused, sharing thoughts and questions, out of their expertise in a wide range of areas. I learned more about some of my friends from church, and was impressed that all of us, seeing the extraordinary difference that UCU is making in Uganda, were drawn to that solution-based mindset, thinking of ways we might help.   

David and I had to slip out of this presentation, so we could adjourn to a campus restaurant for lunch with Daniel and a friend of his, while the rest of the group had lunch on campus together.  This was another special memory as I think about our trip.  Daniel shared with us that our coming to Uganda to see him had “given him back himself,” giving him a deeper sense of his self-worth and value, and rekindling his passion for his course of study.  

Our time with Daniel was short, but very precious, and we continue to stay in touch.

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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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Idd Basaija is using journalism to advocate for social change

UCU alumnus uses journalism to champion social change

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


Idd Basaija is using journalism to advocate for social change
Idd Basaija is using journalism to advocate for social change

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In 2022, residents of Karusandara in Kasese, a district in western Uganda, threatened to boycott an election that the Government was organizing. Their reason? The Government had been silent on their plight for a long time. They accused the government of dishonesty, claiming that the people were often misled by “empty promises”, especially during election campaigns.

So, what was their plight?

The residents said that they had been demanding a land title for the 11,475 acres of land they are occupying, protection from wild animals that escape from the Queen Elizabeth National Park and rehabilitation of their roads. And that since none of those was forthcoming, they would not participate in an election to choose a parliamentary representative for the area. 

That 2022 story was brought to light by Idd Basaija, a journalist with Uganda Radio Network. After publishing the initial story, he engaged Uganda’s minister in charge of lands, Judith Nabakooba and continuously followed up on the residents’ demands. 

Idd Basaija (left) with journalists from Egypt and Burundi, discussing a story idea
Idd Basaija (left) with journalists from Egypt and Burundi, discussing a story idea

In Uganda land ownership is handled in two ways like in Great Britain. A buyer may enter a leasehold contract for 49 years or 99 years, with ownership of the land reverting back to the original owner at the end of the contract. Or a buyer may purchase the land in a mailo contract, and it doesn’t revert to the original owner like in the case of a leasehold. This is helpful to know when purchasing and building on land in Uganda. Only 9% of the land in Uganda is mailo land making it very valuable. The registration of each transaction is important when purchasing land so there is a clear title before building on the land.

Basaija’s persistence paid off when the government began processing land titles for the residents of Karusandara, a significant step towards addressing what residents described as “decades of neglect.” Possession of a title for the piece of land someone is occupying gives them added security from land grabbers, something that is common in Uganda.

Basaija, an alumnus of Uganda Christian University (UCU), has dedicated his life to championing social change and amplifying the voices of the marginalized people through his journalism, in order to inspire action from the people who hold positions of power.

In another of Basaija’s many articles that amplify voices of the marginalized, he raised alarm over the many people who were facing starvation in Kasese following the destruction of their gardens by elephants that had strayed from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

One of the farmers said the elephants destroyed about two acres of his garden of potatoes, which he said was the only source of livelihood. Sadly, part of the money that was used in the garden was from a loan he had acquired for farming. 

And he has also had a fair share of challenges in the profession. In 2021, while covering a story about Queen Elizabeth National Park, he published a story that there were people growing marijuana within the park. It is forbidden to grow marijuana in Uganda, unless for medical and other authorized purposes. Rather than enter the park to establish authenticity about the allegations, Basaija relied on peers to provide him information. 

When his editor inquired whether he had personally seen the 100 acres, Basaija, feeling the pressure of the moment, affirmed the claim, despite not having seen the garden. The story was published.

The situation escalated when a team from Uganda Wildlife Authority, the managers of the park, contacted him, demanding that the story be pulled down because it was inaccurate. 

This experience, however, helped him realize the importance of interviewing credible sources and ensuring accuracy of information before publication. 

Basaija draws experience from being a radio presenter, a writer, and an editor, to not only report news, but ignite social change and challenge perceptions in a profession sometimes misunderstood. He is the current bureau chief for Uganda Radio Network (URN) in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Bunyangabu — districts in western Uganda. He has worked at this news agency since January 2020. URN is a Ugandan radio news agency that provides daily ready-to-use news and information for 120 media houses.

“For me, journalism is not about the money,” said Basaija, who graduated from UCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication in November 2013. 

Basaija’s articles often feature stories of individuals who are most times not taken seriously, ensuring that their voices are heard and their struggles acknowledged. 

“I never write a story on a social issue without following up with the people responsible.” 

Basaija says his journey into pursuing a journalism course was not as straight as he would have preferred it to be. His first university of choice did not admit him for the course. His second university of choice offered him a course in development studies. But was not where his heart was. It was at that point that he convinced his father, to support him pursue the course at UCU.  

He is passionate about environment and health reporting, having won grants in these areas. His stories on family planning have formed discussions among development partners. He is a media trainer and an advocate for independent journalism.

Currently, Basaija is pursuing a fellowship in Gender Communications at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication in Kenya. He aspires to continue his education by enrolling for an MA in Journalism and Strategic Communication at UCU. 

In addition to his work at URN, Basaija is a commercial farmer. His passion for agriculture blossomed in 2019 while he was searching for a job, leading him to the idea of dairy farming. Currently, he manages both a dairy and poultry farm.

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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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Guest of honor Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (AKA Toyota) signs on a dummy cheque for sh20million ($5,298) that he handed over to UCU.

Running to keep needy UCU students in school

Honors College, News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , , ,


Guest of honor Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (AKA Toyota) signs on a dummy cheque for sh20million ($5,298) that he handed over to UCU.
Guest of honor Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (AKA Toyota) signs on a dummy cheque for sh20million ($5,298) that he handed over to UCU.

By Pauline Luba
Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) recent Global 5K Run was more than just a sports event. The run also was a celebration of community spirit with alumni, students and other supporters across the globe coming together to make a difference. 

Spearheaded by Dickson Tumuramye, the UCU Head of the Honors College, the event harnessed fundraising for scholarships to help students in financial need. This year’s run showcased both the local and global reach of UCU’s community with participants running, cycling or walking their five kilometers (three miles) in whatever part of the world they called home on designated days in October and November. 

Runners and organizers posing with the cheque
Runners and organizers posing with the cheque

Started in 2015, the Global 5K is an event where students, individuals, friends and families participate from wherever they live to raise support for financially challenged Honors College students. Honors College is a leadership development program for the top undergraduate students at UCU. Through this program, the future leaders of Uganda are nurtured, mentored  and educated.

In addition to logistical details like securing running kits and bibs, Tumuramye and his team organized weekly planning meetings to strategize on how to pull off a successful event. The planning sessions involved members of the Honors College, Alumni Association, guild leaders, presidents of different students’ clubs and the UCU Law Society. 

Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi rewarding one of the participants
Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi rewarding one of the participants

On the day of the Nov. 2 event from the Mukono campus, not even the early morning downpour could dampen the spirits of the runners. By 8:30 a.m., the participants had gathered at the UCU basketball courts. For the next more than one hour, they engaged in an aerobics session as a precursor to the run, where participants set off for the five kilometers (about three miles) at 10 a.m. The chief guest at the event was Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (also known as Toyota), a younger brother of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni. 

Among the other guests was Wasswa Balunywa, the former principal of Makerere University Business School, who charmed the crowd with aerobic dance moves. Balunywa shared an inspirational message about the value of education and the importance of giving back to the community. His words struck a chord with many in the audience, reminding them that supporting future generations is both a duty and a privilege. 

Through the sale of running kits and bibs, along with contributions from supporters, UCU raised about sh33 million (about $8,741). Nuwagira contributed sh20 million ($5,298), while UCU added another sh10 million (about $2,649), and several members of Parliament donated sh2.5 million ($662) collectively. The funds will go toward scholarships for students in need. 

At left, Guest of Honor Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (informally known as “Toyota”) poses for photos with runners. Second-left is Dickson Tumuramye, one of the organizers.
At left, Guest of Honor Michael Nuwagira Kaguta (informally known as “Toyota”) poses for photos with runners. Second-left is Dickson Tumuramye, one of the organizers.

Nuwagira, who pledged to continue mobilizing resources for the cause, said: “Education is the most important thing anybody can achieve.”

Tumuramye, who extended an open invitation to anyone willing to join in supporting future events, noted that the financial boost is a testament to the power of community involvement and a reminder that even modest contributions can have a profound impact.

Thomas Aquinas Mugisha, a year-four student of Bachelor of Laws, who participated in the run, said: “It was a great day and we were happy to raise funds to support our fellow students through school.” 

The impact of these funds, the gathering of these people, and the shared energy of this day have all shown that with each step, the UCU community can pave a path to greater opportunities for students. And for every participant, whether running on campus or thousands of miles away, the Global 5K Run has become an annual reminder of the power of unity and the importance of education.

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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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Annet Musiimenta (left) with other PhD students during the October 25 graduation.

Pioneer UCU student with education calling earns PhD

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, , , ,


Annet Musiimenta (left) with other PhD students during the October 25 graduation.
Annet Musiimenta (left) with other PhD students during the October 25 graduation.

By Pauline Luba
From a pioneer student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) to a PhD-holding lecturer shaping future minds, Annet Musiimenta’s story is as inspiring as it is transformative. 

Musiimenta’s journey, marked by resilience, faith and an unwavering commitment to education, began in a modest home shaped by hardship and hope. As the third-born and the eldest daughter in a family of eight children, she learned early the weight of responsibility that her position in the family bestowed on her — she had to set a good example for her siblings. 

With the head of the family being a reverend, theirs was a family that also was expected to set an example to the community.

As she grew up, Musiimenta found financial constraints as they would for any modest-income family. Musiimenta’s mother died when the daughter was just in Primary Three, so she was largely raised by a single father, and, later, when her father remarried, the stepmother stepped in to give a hand to her dad.  

As a reverend, it meant Musiimenta’s dad was a cleric in the Church of Uganda. He thus had to contend with relocating to several places as he served the Lord. Such relocations meant moving with his entire family. As such, Musiimenta and her siblings could only attend schools in areas where their dad was transferred. She attended Katerere Primary School in Kanungu district, Nyakabungo Girls and, finally, Kinayasano Girls in Rukungiri for her O’level and A’level, respectively.

When she applied to UCU in 1997, it was initially to study theology to fulfil her father’s wish. However, during her application at UCU, the secretary of the academic registrar advised her to reconsider as she was too young to qualify for ordination upon graduation. It was difficult to take it in, but Musiimenta and her father eventually opted for a Bachelor of Arts with Education, which she completed in 2000.

From 2001 to 2003, Musimenta was in Norway, pursuing a Master’s in Philosophy of Education. She says studying in Norway exposed her to new perspectives and a culture that helped to enhance her academic life and transform her personal growth.

Upon her return from Norway, Musiimenta was employed as a lecturer in the UCU School of Education from January 2004. Since then, her responsibilities have included developing a course outline and study materials, teaching, assessment, curriculum review and supervising research. 

To enhance her career prospects, as well as to become an expert in her field of knowledge, in 2017, Musimenta returned to school, to pursue a PhD. And the journey was not without its challenges — juggling full-time teaching responsibilities, doctoral studies and family to withstanding the financial strain that a course of such magnitude can cause. The university paid tuition, but Musiimenta had to meet the other costs associated with the course.  She graduated five years later.

On October 25, she was among the 1,189 students who graduated at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono. The university bestowed on her a PhD in Education Administration and Management.

Musiimenta says completing the PhD has given her a deeper appreciation of the struggles that students face. She says she has now become more patient and understanding, recognizing the balancing act many students must perform between their academic and personal lives. 

Her PhD research focused on student support systems during school practice, where she explored how university and school administrators could collaborate to improve students’ practical experience. Musiimenta advocated formalized partnerships between educational institutions and schools, believing that such collaborations could help prepare students more effectively for the realities of the teaching profession.

She advises education institutions to ensure that the education they provide addresses real-world challenges and societal needs. She believes that universities should tailor learning experiences to prepare graduates for the job market, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning and career-oriented education.

Despite her demanding academic and professional life, Musiimenta remains grounded in her faith and family. She is a devoted Christian who enjoys singing at fellowships, tending to her garden and spending time with her family and close friends. Her strong spiritual beliefs have been a source of strength through life’s ups-and-downs, helping her maintain perspective and purpose. Musiimenta credits her husband, children, siblings and mother-in-law for inspiring her up the academic ladder. 

As she looks to the future, she envisions a system where learning is both personal and practical; equipping students with the skills they need to thrive. For Musiimenta, education is more than a career — it is a calling.

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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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Allen Tayebwa with her parents during graduation at UCU’s Bishop Barham University College

A father’s sacrifice, a daughter’s dream

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU Bishop Barham University College, UCU School of Social Sciences


Allen Tayebwa with her parents during graduation at UCU’s Bishop Barham University College
Allen Tayebwa with her parents during graduation at UCU’s Bishop Barham University College

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Allen Tayebwa’s graduation at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) is nothing short of a miracle. Growing up in a family with 16 siblings and an unemployed father, the idea of going to school after a secondary education seemed financially impossible. 

“I had no hopes of joining the university,” she recalled. “It was a miracle that my dad took me to the university because he had not done so for any of my older siblings because of financial constraints.”

Even when Tayebwa received a half bursary from BBUC, paying the other half was a constant struggle. Her father, Jonathan Babara, sold his land, where he had built rental houses as his main source of income. However, the proceeds from the sale of the land were still not enough to meet the tuition requirements for the three years of Tayebwa’s studies.

Allen Tayebwa with her two awards – the Academic Excellence Award (for first class) and The Pinnacle Award (from the alumni association)
Allen Tayebwa with her two awards – the Academic Excellence Award (for first class) and The Pinnacle Award (from the alumni association)

Babara supplemented income by selling bananas from his garden and milk from his two cows. With that not enough to meet the tuition burden,  he took out loans to cover her expenses.

“He would save every little bit he earned until the loans were paid off,” said Tayebwa, who worked doubly hard at school to keep sacrifices from going to waste.

During the second semester of her first year, Tayebwa faced a challenge when her father was unable to raise funds for her accommodation in a hostel near the university. Fortunately, she found the home of Abraham and Kate Akampurira, who welcomed her with open arms.

“I think it’s God who led me to them,” she said. 

Kate met Tayebwa when the former joined the university three weeks later than the rest and needed someone to guide her. Tayebwa offered to do that, and they instantly became friends.

So, when Tayebwa was facing challenges of accommodation, the Akampurira family welcomed her into their home, where Tayebwa’s family occasionally sent meals.

Tayebwa also received help from the family of Shepherd Abakundayesu, who would send her money for food. Such kindness enabled Tayebwa to focus on her studies without the worry of going hungry.

Support and hard work paid off. 

On November 15, 2024, at the university’s commissioning service in Kabale, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, announced Tayebwa, a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration graduate, as the overall best student with a GPA of 4.73 of 5.0. 

Allen Tayebwa receiving her award for academic excellence from the UCU Chancellor, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu. Extreme right is the BBUC Principal, Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, and on the left is the Chairperson of the college governing council, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna.
Allen Tayebwa receiving her award for academic excellence from the UCU Chancellor, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu. Extreme right is the BBUC Principal, Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, and on the left is the Chairperson of the college governing council, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna.

For a minute, the room was silent, and people wondered if Tayebwa was present. She was, indeed, present, but in shock. A few minutes later, she walked to the podium, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks. 

“I was shocked to hear my name,” she said, smiling.  “Yes, I worked hard, but I did not know I would be the overall best student.  It was like a dream come true.”

Currently, Tayebwa’s father is preparing a mega thanksgiving ceremony, to express gratitude to God for the achievement of this first child among 16 siblings to graduate from a university. 

The graduate attributes her success to a combination of prayer, hard work, mentorship and support.  She also credits UCU and the guidance of mentors, including Shepherd Abakundayesu, Mugabe Dickens, and Kate Ensiteriyeitu, who played significant roles in her educational journey.

“I hope to offer help in eradicating poverty and equipping people with the knowledge of how they can come closer to God,” she noted. 

Babara said his daughter “has made me so proud.” Babara noted that even while it was painful to “look” for the tuition, he is now filled with joy, and praying that he will be able to educate Tayebwa’s younger siblings, too. 

Tayebwa attended Rushasha Salvation Primary School and Rukondo Primary School and, later, St Jerome Secondary School Ndama for her O’level. She had her A’level studies at Kyamakanda Secondary School. All four schools are in western Uganda. At Kyamakanda, Tayebwa Tayebwa studied on a bursary, courtesy of Compassion International. 

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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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Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu presents the Best Male Student award to Dismas Nuwaine.

Misfortune turned into blessing for UCU’s best male student

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


Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu presents the Best Male Student award to Dismas Nuwaine.
Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu presents the Best Male Student award to Dismas Nuwaine.

By Kefa Senoga
As a student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Dismas Nuwaine often ushered people to their seats at the Sunday services at the university’s Nkoyoyo Hall, as well as during the community worship sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Nuwaine’s ushering service in the chaplaincy ended as he completed his undergraduate studies at the university. At the 25th UCU graduation held at the main campus in Mukono on October 25, Nuwaine was recognized as the best male student among the graduates. Nuwaine, with a GPA of 4.79 of 5.0,  received a Bachelor of Journalism, Media and Communication. 

Eight years ago, this honor and his church service would seem a surprise as Nuwaine wasn’t religious and didn’t toe the line. In fact, during his early secondary school life, he was expelled from his school, St. Joseph’s Vocational School in Mbarara, western Uganda. His crime? He masterminded a school strike.

During the October 24 commissioning service, Dismas Nuwaine and his family receive Nuwaine’s Best Male Student award from, in center, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
During the October 24 commissioning service, Dismas Nuwaine and his family receive Nuwaine’s Best Male Student award from, in center, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

Before 2018, Nuwaine says he was nothing close to the person people came to  know at UCU. He describes himself as having been unruly and far from Christian values. Nuwaine believes that his turning point was his expulsion from St. Joseph’s Vocational School.

His new school, Makerere High School Migadde in central Uganda, he says, played a significant role in his transformation.

“The school was premised on the foundations of evangelism and Pentecostalism,” he said. “While there, I accepted Christ as my saviour and something about me changed: My old habits died, and I took up very new appropriate habits.” 

Nuwaine was able to complete both his O’level and A’level at Makerere High School Migadde after which he joined UCU to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication.

From the moment he set foot at UCU, Nuwaine says that he committed himself to prioritizing and managing his time effectively.

“I needed to make the best out of the colossal sums of money that my father was paying for me to acquire an education,” says Nuwaine, the youngest child of Katukore Blazio and Katukore Goretti, of Sheema in western Uganda.

His typical day on campus would start as early as 7 a.m. and often stretch until nearly midnight. Since he was involved in numerous activities beyond academics, his days included various church-related responsibilities, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the community worship and on Sundays during the church service. 

Most evenings, Nuwaine says, he would go for a jog or play soccer, followed by a visit to the library for extra reading. Amidst all the busy schedule, for a person aspiring to be a journalist, Nuwaine always endeavoured to watch prime news on Ugandan TV at 9 p.m. 

He also was a student leader. He represented the School of Journalism, Media and Communication in the university’s parliament and also was the university’s deputy student leader in charge of information. While in his second year, Nuwaine also joined the UCU Honors College for a two-year leadership training program. The Honours College is a constituent program and a leadership development initiative of UCU. 

He says that balancing the responsibilities that came with the leadership required him to master effective time management skills to stay on top of all his commitments.

However, by year three, some of the responsibilities, Nuwaine says, were taking a toll on him. He thus had to scale down on some commitments to focus more on academics.

In his last year at the university, he got a rare opportunity to represent the institution as part of a team of four students that participated in Uganda’s national university quiz that was aired on TV from November to December 2023. The team emerged second in the competition. Each of the four students and their coach was rewarded with a cash prize of sh500,000 (about $140) and a laptop, while the university was awarded equipment worth sh15million (about $4,000). According to Nuwaine, much of the knowledge he gained from the quiz competition helped to enrich the answers he gave during exams.

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

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

(Left to Right) Dismas Nuwaine, best male student; Robinson Asiimwe (Christy’s father); Mr. Graham Yoko, the CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises, who was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony; Christy Asiimwe, best overall and best female student; and Bishop Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of the UCU council.

UCU best student narrates strong ties with dad

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, , , , ,


(Left to Right) Dismas Nuwaine, best male student; Robinson Asiimwe (Christy’s father); Mr. Graham Yoko, the CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises, who was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony; Christy Asiimwe, best overall and best female student; and Bishop Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of the UCU council.
(Left to Right) Dismas Nuwaine, best male student; Robinson Asiimwe (Christy’s father); Mr. Graham Yoko, the CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises, who was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony; Christy Asiimwe, best overall and best female student; and Bishop Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of the UCU council.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
On October 25, 2024, Christy Asiimwe was named the best overall student at the 25th graduation ceremony of Uganda Christian University (UCU). A week later, on November 2, Robinson Asiimwe was recognized as the overall best graduate at the Institute for National Transformation. 

Robinson was pursuing the Oak Seed Executive Leadership Course, an intensive, six-module program specifically designed to cultivate transformational leaders.  Christy was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education, where she garnered a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.8 out of 5.0. Robinson’s was 4.83. 

Robinson and Christy do not just share a surname. The latter is the daughter of the former. Robinson was full of smiles as he witnessed his daughter get the best overall student award from among more than 1,000 graduates. . 

Christy Asiimwe with her parents on the commissioning day at UCU. Extreme left is Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, and the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
Christy Asiimwe with her parents on the commissioning day at UCU. Extreme left is Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, and the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

“I was very happy for my daughter,” he said. “However, I wasn’t surprised to learn that she was the best overall student because she is self-driven, and I believed she would excel.”

At Christy’s graduation, Robinson not only attended the ceremony, but also got a photo opportunity with his daughter and the ceremony’s chief guest, Mr. Graham Yoko, the CEO of Accelerated Education Enterprises, along with UCU council chairperson, Bishop Alfred Olwa. 

Just like the kind of training Robinson just graduated from, while at UCU, the 25-year-old Christy also got training in leadership. As a member of the Honors College, the training Christy received emphasized the tenets of academics, leadership, mentorship and service. The intention of the training is to produce a cadre of leaders who are practical, relevant and innovative.

Peggy Noll, the wife of UCU’s first vice chancellor, Prof. Stephen Noll, was Christy’s mentor during the latter’s time at the Honors College. Writing about her experience with Christy, Peggy Noll expressed her excitement meeting a student who was “serious about her faith as well as her education.”

“Christy’s long-term goals include working in education, possibly curriculum development, and becoming a servant leader in that sphere,” Peggy wrote in the article. 

During a recent interview with Uganda Partners, Christy said she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum development and education management. With that training, she expects to influence educational policy, and shape a curriculum that is more responsive to the needs of Uganda’s youth.

“I would love to build effective and affordable systems of education because many of the good education systems are not affordable,” she explained. 

To Asiimwe, the accolades she earned at UCU serve as proof that with God, all things are possible. She attributed her success to the university’s supportive staff, excellent facilities, and its emphasis on character development and professionalism. She said the virtues that have been imparted in her have helped prepare her for the marketplace.

Born and raised in Kampala, Christy has been a high achiever and maintained top grades since primary school. She attended City Parents Primary School, Gayaza High School for O’level, and Shekinah Christian International School.

Peter Mugume, a senior lecturer at the UCU School of Education, said Christy was an intelligent, disciplined and punctual student. Even when it rained, she would still be the first student to arrive in class.

“Christy was informed,” he said. “She would consult, and often wrote excellent assignments.”

Christy sharing a light moment with her fellow first-class graduates
Christy sharing a light moment with her fellow first-class graduates

Mugume said when Christy competed for elective positions as a student leader, he wanted to discourage her from it, thinking it would affect her performance. But it did not.

She was a student leader in the guild government, a class representative, and in charge of religious affairs in the Honors College. She said she was able to juggle her work by strictly adhering to the timetable she set. 

Her secret to academic excellence was by grasping the concepts during lectures, sitting in the front row, and making detailed notes during lectures. 

“I was engaged in so many activities, but I made sure I attended all my lectures so that I could get first-hand information from the lecturer,” Christy said.

Soon after her final exams in September 2024, Asiimwe was employed at Acorns International School, where she had her internship from January to April 2024. 

Christy’s father owns Shekinah International School. Ordinarily, one would expect her to work at that school after university. But that has not been the case. 

“I wanted a different environment, to work under people I am unfamiliar with and to learn to absorb pressure from people who cannot easily favor me,” she said. “That way, I would be better prepared for the world of work, which is not always a bed of roses.”

At the October 25 UCU graduation, Christy was separately awarded as best female student. Dismas Nuwaine was the best male student, having garnered a GPA of 4.79 out of 5.0; he received a Bachelor of Journalism, Media and Communication. 

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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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Caesar Lubangakene in the USA

Lubangakene: Why I opted for humanitarian aid work

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


Caesar Lubangakene in the USA
Caesar Lubangakene in the USA

By Kefa Senoga
Growing up, Caeser Lubangakene witnessed the suffering that people in northern Uganda faced as a result of a civil strife occasioned by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) – a Joseph Koney-led, rebel group that waged a war against the country and its people for nearly 20 years. 

As a child growing to adulthood, he experienced trauma and observed how charity organisations and people extended a hand to the affected. His primary school was attacked by the LRA. When older, he saw how his mother, a nurse, cared for victims of the LRA war that started in the mid-1980s. 

Caesar Lubangakene
Caesar Lubangakene

“I would spend most of my (spare) time in the wards with my mother,” the Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum recalled of his teen years.  “Whenever a land mine hit a vehicle, I would see bodies being ferried into the hospital.”

While the region where he lived returned to normalcy by 2006, such observations have had an indelible impact on the humanitarian worker that Lubangakene has become. 

Lubangakene started school in Gulu, a district in northern Uganda. While he was in Primary Two at Negri School, Lubangakene was among those who escaped when the facility was attacked by the LRA. 

His uncle, who was living in Kampala at the time, did not want to leave anything to chance, so he evacuated his nephew to Uganda’s capital, from where Lubangakene studied, until he completed a  university degree. From St. Joseph’s Primary School Nabbingo, near Kampala, he joined Bishop Cipriano Kihangire, Luzira, a suburb of Kampala. After A’level, Lubangakene headed to UCU, where he pursued a Bachelor of Public Health. 

Even though Lubangakene, the youngest of three children, studied in Kampala schools, during the holidays, he would return to northern Uganda to spend time with his mother, Grace Achelom, who was a nurse at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital. 

When not in the wards or the staff quarters of the hospital, Lubangakene and his playmates would be busy by the roadside, admiring “big” vehicles of non-governmental organisations transporting humanitarian aid workers. It is those vehicles, Lubangakene says, that made him admire humanitarian aid work.

Today, Lubangakene, a 2012 graduate of UCU with a First Class degree, serves as the regional grants manager for a Christian international relief agency that provides primary healthcare, food, clean water, and education programs in Sudan and South Sudan. Due to the conflict in the region and the sensitive nature of his work, he prefers not to disclose the name of his organisation.

Lubangakene joined the agency upon completing a Master of Science in Global Health program at the Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where he studied from 2015 to 2017. In his current role, he oversees grants management. 

“Since I was promoted to the regional office, I have been supervising a team of grants managers in different offices; my role is to make sure we are applying for funding, identifying available funding opportunities or we are reporting or giving accountability on the funding that we have received,” explains Lubangakene, who has experience developing systems for quality assurance for different projects in East Africa and India.

For him, humanitarian work is more than money. He says as a Christian, he has a duty to make a difference and reduce  human suffering. 

Having grown up during insurgency in northern Uganda, Lubangakene says he knows full well what living in a war-affected area means.

After his master’s studies, Lubangakene was offered an opportunity to work with a research firm in the USA, but he declined, opting to work in South Sudan, reasoning that the latter provided a more hands-on role in humanitarian work. 

In 2021, Lubangakene unsuccessfully contested for a parliamentary seat to represent one of the areas in northern Uganda in the national Parliament. 

He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health.  He began those studies in October 2024 at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. 

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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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Stacy Angel Ndawula and Jude Mulumbye at the moot competition

Regional law moot competition unearths talent at UCU

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


Stacy Angel Ndawula and Jude Mulumbye at the moot competition
Stacy Angel Ndawula and Jude Mulumbye at the moot competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The stress was overwhelming,” Mulumbye admitted. 

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

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

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

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

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

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Cynthia Atim is a final-year student for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Uganda Christian University’s School of Medicine.

Between classes and patients: A day with a UCU medical student

News, Students, UCU School of Medicine, , , ,


Cynthia Atim is a final-year student for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Uganda Christian University’s School of Medicine.
Cynthia Atim is a final-year student for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Uganda Christian University’s School of Medicine.

(What’s an average day like for a UCU medical school student?  This second of a two-part story is designed to provide some insight.  Today is focused on a year-five student.)

By Kefa Senoga
“Meet me at Roy Billington Ward in the Sir Albert Cook building.” 

That is what Cynthia Atim, a final-year student of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM), told me when I informed her I had arrived at Mengo Hospital. This is where the UCU SoM is based, and I was here to spend a day with Atim, as she goes about her duties as a medical student.

It was a new day, and a new week. The day – Monday October 21, 2024, – was already buzzing with activity. As I made my way to Roy Billington Ward, everything seemed in motion, from the doctors in their white coats and stethoscopes around their necks, to nurses in their white uniforms.

“Today is a major ward round day for internal medicine,” explains Atim, who was wearing a white coat emblazoned with her name and the UCU logo. “What we do is learn from most patients on the ward.”

She says the ward rounds are like learning sessions for them as medical students. It is during the rounds that they work with senior doctors to check on the status of patients and discuss treatment plans.

As we approach the bed of the first patient that Atim is set to clerk, she explains that this moment is about interacting with the patient to collect essential information regarding individual health. It includes asking questions about symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and other relevant details.

“It’s important to gather that information from patients because it helps us understand what led them to seek medical care,” Atim explains. She adds that it also provides insights into the potential illnesses the patient may be experiencing.

For this particular patient, difficulty in breathing and chest pain were what had brought her to the hospital three days ago. 

“How many times have you been admitted?” Atim asked the patient. Lying on a blanket spread on the floor was the mother of this young adult patient, who quickly replied, “She’s never been admitted before.”

After the clerking, Atim headed to the nurses’ station to jot down some of her findings. 

“It’s better to listen so that you can go back and write,” Atim says, stressing that sometimes there’s a lot of information and so you have to note down, so you can to remember while presenting to the senior doctors when they come.

“Besides, at the end of the day, they also expect a report about the patients,” she notes.

As we make our way to another patient, we pass a hospital caretaker, whom Atim greets warmly: “How is Jajja?” she asks. Jajja is the Luganda word for grandparent. From what I observe, Atim’s relationship with the patients and other people around the hospital community is rooted in respect.

At the next patient’s bedside, we find Marie and Samuel, Atim’s student colleagues, who were clerking the patient. Atim joins them as they attend to this elderly woman experiencing shortness of breath and difficulty in lying flat.

According to Atim, this patient has cancer on the walls of the uterus. However, it has spread to the lungs. The patient is already going through her cycles of chemotherapy. 

But the reason for her admission into the hospital is shortness of breath and difficulty lying flat. “She’s here to investigate the cause of her breathing issues, which she hasn’t experienced before, despite her cancer diagnosis,” Atim explains.

About three doctors later join Atim and her colleague to assess this patient. It’s at this moment that Atim and her two colleagues are meant to present their findings to these doctors, which they do, effectively.

Afterward, the same group moves to Atim’s previous patient. Atim presents her findings to the doctors. According to the feedback from the senior doctor leading the team, Atim’s findings have captured the most essential details.

The next session takes place in the intensive care unit, which I’m not allowed to access. However, according to Atim, their interest is a patient who underwent surgery and now requires a physician’s review. Since their facilitator was the one they had called for the review, he took them along, to assess the patient.

I observed that a day is almost nonstop action for a medical student. Atim says that they remain with no choice but to endure the demanding schedules because there is a lot to cover, and they need to acquire the knowledge to be able to practice effectively.

As we make our way to Luke Ward for Atim’s next session, we meet one of Atim’s instructors, who asks her to speak with her classmates to create time for a lecture later that day. She politely explains that their schedule was already crowded, with lectures going late into the evening.

At the Luke Ward, we joined Atim’s other classmates in a session where the case study was a patient with edema. According to Atim, edema refers to the swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues, which can affect various parts of the body, including the limbs.

Following that session, the facilitator led the class into another round of history-taking, which involved revisiting what they had practiced earlier in the day — gathering patients’ medical backgrounds, symptoms, and other relevant information. Notably, Atim stood out as one of the most active participants in this group of about 15 students, frequently responding to the questions posed by the facilitator.

“History is important. It’s the first thing you do for the patient before you even send them to the laboratory,” Atim told me at the end of the class session. It was now 1.30 p.m and Atim had just 30 minutes for her lunch, before settling in for a lecture at 2 p.m.

As we wrapped up our appointment, Atim shared her passion for surgery, noting that it’s the field she hopes to specialize in. 

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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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Linda Obukor Ojore, year-three Uganda Christian University School of Medicine student, arrives outside Nassolo Ward, Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, at 7:30 a.m.

UCU medical student Linda Obukor Ojore shares slice of life

News, Students, UCU School of Medicine, , , , ,


Linda Obukor Ojore, year-three Uganda Christian University School of Medicine student, arrives outside Nassolo Ward, Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, at 7:30 a.m.
Linda Obukor Ojore, year-three Uganda Christian University School of Medicine student, arrives outside Nassolo Ward, Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, at 7:30 a.m.

(What’s an average day like for a UCU medical school student?  This two-part story is designed to provide some insight.  Today is focused on one year-three student.)

By Patty Huston-Holm
It’s Monday morning in the 35-bed Nassolo Ward at Mengo Hospital on Cathedral Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda.  

At 8 a.m. Linda Obukor Ojore, 22, talks to a woman slightly older. Writing carefully in block letters, Linda, wearing a white coat emblazoned with her name and the Uganda Christian University (UCU) logo, records answers to questions about the woman’s sick child who nearby sleeps with a breathing tube through his nostrils and saline solution entering his body intravenously through his wrist. 

“His third admission,” Linda writes about the boy, aged four-and-a-half years. In blue ink, she documents that the child recently has been to other hospitals with symptoms of vomiting and convulsions and one diagnosis of malaria that does not appear to be a reason for any illness now.  

“He has no ‘hx’ (history) of chronic illness, no asthma or epilepsy,” she writes as the mother speaks in English and the father, silent, stands nearby, and as both parents show a phone video of the boy walking days earlier. Linda speaks English and Acholi dialect, but only English here. 

“No drug or food allergies,”  the mother says, and Linda writes.

Year-three UCU School of Medicine student, Linda Obukor Ojore, left, shares a light moment with Dr. Rhoda Mayega at Mengo Hospital during a 12:30 p.m. break from a lecture class facilitated by the doctor.
Year-three UCU School of Medicine student, Linda Obukor Ojore, left, shares a light moment with Dr. Rhoda Mayega at Mengo Hospital during a 12:30 p.m. break from a lecture class facilitated by the doctor.

On this day, 18 beds in Nassolo Ward are filled with children intermittently crying and being entertained with cartoons and happy-and-you-know-it and Jesus-loves-me songs from parent phone screens. Most days, the 35 beds above a tending parent who sleeps and prepares food on the floor are not enough, according to Dr. Rhoda Mayega, a doctor for 15 years and now also mentoring UCU School of Medicine students in their third, as with Linda, and the final, fifth year of studies. 

“We have one nurse for all of these,” Dr. Mayega said. “In the section with babies under 28 days, we also have only one nurse.”

From her office near where Linda documents a year-three course-required case study, Dr. Mayega described equipment health care deficiencies including heart/blood pressure monitors, syringe pumps, throat scopes, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) breathing machines and X-ray, radiology diagnostic equipment. 

“We have no ventilators,” she said. “Even mattresses and clean sheets are scarce.”

Next to where Linda recorded a male child’s condition, a father held his sick baby girl as a worker sanitized and flipped the child’s mattress, soothing clean sheets and a pillowcase for her return with a blanket the daddy brought. Above the beds were the words “Let the little children come to me.”

Linda continued writing.

“He has minimally improved … prior to discharge,” she penned. This referenced the boy’s condition before referral to Mengo Hospital. This is one of Linda’s course-required case studies. The parents know she’s a student and approve. 

Placing her stethoscope in a large pocket of her jacket, Linda thanked the parents

Linda Obukor Ojore, right, during a morning critiquing session of her patient assessment. Classmate Wanyenze Angelina is at left.
Linda Obukor Ojore, right, during a morning critiquing session of her patient assessment. Classmate Wanyenze Angelina is at left.

and walked into a nurses’ office, where she further transcribed her notes – this time in red ink – that she would use when giving her oral report before a doctor and her classmates.  

Thirty minutes later, huddled within earshot of the parents and still-sleeping child, as well as her classmates who stood in a half circle and near a water bottle filled with disinfectant, Linda spoke, seriously and appreciatively, accepting corrections to her report from Dr. Joseph Ssali.

At one point, he asked her to describe a convulsion, casually referenced as “fits,” in more medical terms. In another part of a 45-minute session, Dr. Ssali asked students to define hypoglycemia, a low-blood sugar condition with shaking and dizziness among symptoms. 

“All of us have to have two cases right now,” Linda explained when leaving the ward for a lecture. “What I did this morning is what I need to do with one more patient. We learn from the doctors, from each other and even the patients.” 

Most of the doctors at Mengo, including the UCU School of Medicine dean, Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, were trained through Makerere University, which has had a medical school for 100 years, compared to the six years since the five-year program was launched at UCU.  The UCU School of Medicine collaborates with Mengo, a private, non-profit local referral hospital.  Makerere gives its medical students hands-on experience with Mulago Hospital, which, as a national referral institution, has more specialized medicine in such areas as neurology and cardiology. The two hospitals are 4.9 kilometers (3 miles) apart. 

Some patient notes from Linda Obukor Ojore
Some patient notes from Linda Obukor Ojore

UCU is the newest medical school in Uganda.  It was launched in 2018 with nearly 100 current alumni in a country with one doctor per 25,000  people.  The World Health Organization recommends one doctor per 1,000 people.

Linda, who was born near Mbale and attended primary and secondary school in Kampala, wants to be among UCU’s July 2027 class with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. Linda and more than 40 classmates are half-way to that goal, which is followed by Uganda’s one-year, required internship. 

“I can’t remember not ever wanting to be a doctor,” she said. 

When walking across the street from the children’s ward and passing a vendor selling juice and blankets, Linda reflected that her “desire to help people” may have started when her younger brother had congenital heart failure. He had to be flown for surgery in Germany because it wasn’t performed in Uganda. 

At 10:30 a.m. in a small room near the UCU School of Dentistry laboratories, Linda and two dozen classmates prepare to share definition, frequency, symptom and cause information and answer Dr. Mayega’s questions about two unhealthy bodily functions – vomiting and diarrhea. Two classmates provide discussion points via a WhatsApp PDF that all students view from their phones or laptop device screens. 

“What is the difference between acute and chronic?” Dr. Mayega asked. “What might be symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance? What might be the cause of blood in the stool? How can you determine dehydration without equipment?”

The definition of acute is symptoms less than two weeks; chronic is more than two weeks. Confusion, dizziness, skin color may indicate an imbalance of minerals or electrolytes. Blood in feces could indicate E.coli or salmonella. Without a watch, the medical professional can check the hydration-related responsiveness of color returning to skin with a three-second count. 

“Mango one, mango two, mango three,” Dr. Mayega said as students squeeze a finger with the opposite hand to determine color response in three seconds. 

“This is harder than I expected,” Linda said. “But being able to relate what is in the classroom to patients is rewarding.”

At 12:30 p.m. and before dashing to a canteen for a snack or lunch prior to afternoon studies, Linda, who has her current sights on pediatric medicine,  added that time with doctors and the Christian-based emphasis at the hospital and university is likewise a positive with getting her degree from UCU. In addition to the financial challenges that most students face, one barrier has been seeing people die. 

“I watched four people die – three adults and one child,” she said.  “I had to realize that doctors can’t save everybody, and that dying is part of life. I will do what I can.”

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

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Bridget Aber, a student in the UCU School of Business, on court

UCU basketballer crowned best defensive player of the year

News, Sports, Students, UCU Alumni, , , ,


Bridget Aber, a student in the UCU School of Business, on court
Bridget Aber, a student in the UCU School of Business, on court

By Pauline Luba
Bridget Aber’s introduction to basketball came from an unexpected route – through her passion for traveling first, the sport second. She quenched her travel thirst in high school when she discovered that members of the school’s basketball team often traveled out of the school to play. 

Aber, therefore, hatched a plan to start playing basketball, so she, too, could get travel opportunities. When she got to the basketball court, the game became too enticing for her to leave, thanks largely to coach Koma Hendrix Iverson. The year was 2019.

All the sweat that Aber has broken since then has now earned her a national accolade – the country’s best defensive player for 2024 in Uganda’s national basketball league, named by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association.

Bridget Aber during one of the games
Bridget Aber during one of the games

Aber, a standout basketball player for the Uganda Christian University (UCU) women team, the Lady Canons, feels recognitions like what she’s just earned, push her to grow stronger and to improve in the game. Uganda’s basketball season is usually a long one, typically lasting anything from nine to ten months. During all that time, Aber and her teammates competed against 11 teams from both universities and clubs. 

Despite the challenges of balancing her academics and sports responsibilities, Aber is determined to excel in both areas. She acknowledges the difficulty of managing time, especially when traveling for games, but remains committed to prioritizing her studies and training.

At UCU, Aber is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Mentally, Aber has grown significantly since she first started playing basketball. In the early days, she would panic or get frustrated easily, but over time, she has learned to stay calm and focused. Understanding that not every game can be won, she has developed the ability to handle losses with grace, as they keep pushing for more wins.

Just like it is the case with many athletes, injuries are part of the trade. For Aber, they have been a significant challenge in her basketball journey. She has experienced several, including an ankle injury that took her a month for recovery and a healing  knee injury she sustained not long ago. 

Aber credits her growth in sports to the guidance from the athlete’s siblings around her. Her two brothers — Phillip Wokorach and Gwokto Thomas Innocent — are always available for inspiration. Wokorach plays for Uganda’s national rugby team and also plays professional club rugby in France with Club Orléans. Gwokto plays rugby for a Ugandan club, the Heathens. 

Additionally, she says the UCU basketball coach, Nick Natuhereza, has played a significant role in her development as a basketball player. 

Bridget Aber recently was named Uganda’s best defensive player for 2024 in Uganda's national basketball league.
Bridget Aber recently was named Uganda’s best defensive player for 2024 in Uganda’s national basketball league.

Aber is the youngest of seven siblings. She grew up under the care of a single mom in Kampala. Despite the challenges she faced following the loss of her father while in Primary Seven, she has been resilient to life’s obstacles. This resilience, she says, was implanted in her by her mother, Ayot Lillian Rose. Aber’s late father, George Ojok Gwokto, worked as a salesperson at an insurance company.

Aber attributes much of her strength to the valuable life lessons her mother imparted in her. From Ayot, Aber learned to be kind, God-fearing, and generous without expecting anything in return. These lessons shaped the person she is today, both on and off the court.

Aber encourages young girls to remain prayerful, focused, and passionate about the game while avoiding distractions that could derail their progress. For her, the journey in basketball has just begun. With passion, determination and faith, she says the sky’s the limit.

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

UCU launches PhD in business management

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music cements focus on God at UCU

Faculty, News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , ,


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

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

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

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

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

Audience during community worship music in Nkoyoyo
Audience during community worship music in Nkoyoyo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UCU launches computing and technology peer mentorship

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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