Category Archives: Students

Two female dental students perform a procedure on a clinic participant – one of 400 assisted on Koome Island.

Fixing Teeth at Koome Island, Uganda: A facilitator’s adventure

Faculty, News, Students, UCU School of Dentistry, , , , ,


Two female dental students perform a procedure on a clinic participant – one of 400 assisted on Koome Island.
Two female dental students perform a procedure on a clinic participant – one of 400 assisted on Koome Island.

By Dorothy Tushemereirwe
Not all adventures are created equal. Ask me – or maybe query a dozen Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Dentistry students who recently traveled with me by boat to a remote island.

The moment I was carried, yes, carried, and plopped into a handmade boat fashioned of steel and wood, I was in for a ride and experience of a lifetime. Identically attired in  orange life jackets, the students, instructors, representatives of the UCU Directorate of Research Partnerships and Innovations, and others traveled with me across a not-so-calm Lake Victoria towards Koome Island, remotely located within central Uganda’s Mukono District.

More than 19,000 residents from as far as Western Uganda make the island their home. In the early 1900s, there were fewer occupants because  many fled or succumbed to a parasite-causing African “sleeping sickness.”

UCU School of Dentistry students preparing to see patients on Koome Island
UCU School of Dentistry students preparing to see patients on Koome Island

Today, cultures that include Baganda, Banyankole, Bakiga, Acholi, Langi, the Iteso and Lugbara gravitate here, with the lure of free land but little else. Houses are scattered with a church, one government health center and a primary and a secondary school on 3,000, mostly mosquito-free acres. Hand-crafted canoes and nets, scattered about the shoreline, tell the tale of meager economic support through catches of Nile perch and tilapia.

In short, and to help facilitate a dentistry school project of free services to economically-poor residents, I was stuck in the middle of nowhere.  Tourists and citizens find other nearby land masses like Ngamba-Chimpanzee Island for orphaned chimpanzees more familiar and attractive, and even livable with restaurant food and electricity. Koome, part of Kyaggwe Saza in the Buganda Kingdom, uses solar energy and sketchy generators.

A group of polished urban dwellers  and office-type urban colleagues, we arrived near Entebbe, 22 miles from Koome, with an expectation of a somewhat modern Packwach or Kalangala-like ferry, the kind you see in the honeymoon movies, replete with a roof, and wind sails.  I imagined the one I used at Kazinga Channel and pineapple bay,  but Koome’s ferry, we were told, got stuck somewhere. The Uganda government, noticing no sustainable commercial benefit from it, was reportedly not thinking of reviving it, but local government officials said that revival plans are underway.

The lessons of obstacles to accomplishment were just starting, albeit untimely and harsh.

Yet, zealous for our (worthy) dental mission among the island’s most vulnerable population, we felt nothing was going to hinder us.  The first shock was getting loaded (and I mean physically ) onto a boat. Along with a group of  University students and Dr. Arabat Kasangaki, a dentist and teacher, we allowed the rugged hands of a fisherman to carry us to the unstable swinging vessel. 

Koome Island transport
Koome Island transport

After about 30 of us were nervously hauled onto the seemingly fragile, open-air wooden transport,  we navigated the June winds and the gale. The message that we would arrive “soon” was followed by more than two hours of a hair-and-clothing-wet journey of life jacket-tightening and, for some, nausea. 

As people from a Christian university would do and as waves hit the transport’s outsides and splashed inside, we sang. Led by Dr. Arabat, there were the words of “Tukutendereze Yesu” as well as the UCU theme song, “To God be the Glory” and other melodies of Zion.

It seemed we were on a trek to a foreign land. Our heavenly home seemed nearer than before. Jonah’s biblical account of every guy in the boat praying to his own god seemed more real, except that in our case, unlike Jonah, we had no hope of a Nile perch spitting us out.

Responses among passengers were both varied and similar. As faith followers, thoughts went to empathy for the Lord’s disciples seeing Jesus sleep through such sea turmoil as did a baby among us on this 2024 journey. 

“Service learning is very essential in our training,” Dr. Arabat, a seasoned medical professional said. “Taking our students to remote areas like this one is of value to our students to help those who have been urban all their lives appreciate the need within our communities. We believe this helps them nurture compassion later after graduation. “   

I am a mobilizer experienced in Human Resource practice.  But no human in this boat seemed either resourced, or emotionally mobilized enough for what we were facing. At that, some, like my neighbor enroute, could still afford a nap.

I had spent a better part of my life familiar with facing discouraged employees, not sailors, so I may have been ready for a pounding boss all my office days, but not a pounding wave.  What seemed like an ordinary day quickly turned out dramatic, as engine failure rounded up the early drama at mid-lake when no mainland was in sight. 

One of our rowers looked so baffled and clueless, too, to which someone in the boat remarked “He must be an intern.” I am not sure we laughed as well at that joke as we should have. Alas, does anybody banter when the smell of uncertainty is near?

To be precise, it was 2.5 hours later that we had an island in view.  You could almost hear the loud sighs, arriving around 4:30 p.m. By sheer grace, we touched land feeling weary, beaten, hungry and emotionally spent.

I wondered: Must fixing teeth be this hard?

Initially, we were to have stayed at the remarkable Ngamba island, (renowned for its chimpanzee tourism) but it was flooded, which meant we eventually had to  be booked at Walindi Point, another island about 20 minutes away from the service area and by antiquated boat transport.

The first night on the day we arrived at Walindi point, we were exhausted. We crashed but were awakened by a fierce storm that raged and shook our cabins from Midnight to 3 a.m. Preceded by another boat trip, Koome was waiting for us the next day. 

By 7 a.m., my group and our captain, Geoffrey, were enroute to Koome, where dentistry students had spent the night and  were already receiving patients – the start of helping roughly 400 men, women and children with cavities, gum diseases and tumors during four days.  For ongoing wellness practices, toothpaste and toothbrushes, compliments of Henry-Schein dental supplies, were left behind. 

The service there as well as in Mukono was sponsored by the UCU Directorate of Research Partnership and Innovation in collaboration with Uganda Partners, Koome Sub-county Local government and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Centre (UWEC).

Part of my role, arranged by Uganda Partners, was to support the person recording demographic information. As with many low-income populations, the number of teenage mothers was high, with one particular embedded in my memory.  The young woman arrived with her two children, seething with tooth pain and in need of fillings and extractions. I wondered what would have happened if we hadn’t come.

Such is the dire plight of many Koome Island residents that have never seen a dentist.  Every mission UCU undertakes on this island is a healing affair, for such who never get a chance to have teeth checked, let alone use a toothbrush.  

Would we go again?  

“Yes,” Dr. Arabat readily responded. “We would appreciate any support to keep the light shining. We believe this as an entry for other university programmes to improve the livelihoods of the island communities.”

Will I go again?  Yes, for the same reasons. 

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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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Nakakande Joan

UCU new medical students share impressions

News, Students, UCU School of Medicine, ,


Last year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Next month, the university will graduate the second cohort of the students of the two courses at its 25th graduation. Milestones like these keep pulling more students to the courses and the university. One such group is the new students who joined the UCU School of Medicine as freshers in May. Kefa Senoga recently spoke to them about their early impressions of the school.

Nakakande Joan
Nakakande Joan

Nakakande Joan – ‘spiritual and Christian values’
I am pleased with everything at the UCU School of Medicine. The facilities are excellent, and the environment is conducive for learning. UCU has met my expectations.

One of the things that attracted me to the university is its foundation on Christian principles. Since joining the institution as a student, I have experienced this firsthand. At UCU, we receive a holistic education that seamlessly integrates academic excellence with spiritual growth.

I chose to pursue a course in medicine at UCU over other universities because, as a Christian institution, it offers me a unique opportunity to be shaped into a quality doctor who embodies spiritual and Christian values. Besides, I have interacted with some graduates of the UCU School of Medicine and I noticed that they are spiritually-grounded.

When I enter the medical field, I aim to develop a sustainable healthcare model that addresses the needs of the less privileged. I believe UCU’s strong focus on community engagement, research and interprofessional collaboration will provide the knowledge, skills and the network I need to achieve this goal.

I am particularly interested in oncology and neurology, with a stronger inclination towards oncology because I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and I want to contribute to the efforts to combat it. I am hopeful that the UCU School of Medicine will provide me with a deeper understanding of the biology of cancer, diagnostic and treatment options, and comprehensive patient care.

Tumusiime Ivan
Tumusiime Ivan

Tumusiime Ivan – ‘Christ-centered’
During an outreach that students of UCU made to our secondary school, UCU representatives spoke positively about their university. Now, as a new student, I am pleased to say that I have witnessed everything they promised. 

UCU is an excellent university that is Christ-centered and nurtures its students exceptionally well. It instils good morals, a strong work ethic and discipline among its students. There is also a good student-teacher interaction that ensures a better understanding of what the lecturers are teaching.

I strongly believe UCU medical school will shape me into a skilled surgeon who is able to save people’s lives.

Nanteza Agatha Suubi – ‘can be demanding’

Nanteza Agatha Suubi
Nanteza Agatha Suubi

I appreciate the facilities and the friendly learning environment at the UCU Medical School, which is why I chose it for my medical studies. Having visited the school before, I fell in love with the place. After joining UCU Medical School, I also came to appreciate its cultural diversity, which provides good exposure.

While medical school can be demanding, I trust that the one at UCU will provide the support needed to manage the challenges. With the resources, facilities and guidance from the school, I am confident that I will achieve my goal of becoming a surgeon.

Mugisha Derrick
Mugisha Derrick

Mugisha Derrick – ‘expertise of lecturers’
UCU School of Medicine is set up for the students to be able to achieve a high academic excellence; it is strategically located hence making movement easy for the students who are from within Kampala. It also has strong industry connections and job placement records. 

Given the expertise of lecturers, such as Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, who are seasoned medical practitioners, I am confident I will successfully graduate from UCU as a skilled medical professional. I expect to benefit significantly from their wealth of knowledge and experience.

I selected the course of medicine at UCU because the field demands discipline, hard work, a Christ-centered approach and an unwavering dedication. I am confident that UCU embodies these qualities and will nurture me into the future doctor that I aspire to be.

The facilities have met my expectations. However, I’ve noticed that the number of students in the school keeps increasing every intake, which calls for some enhancements. For instance, the dining area needs to be expanded to accommodate the increasing number of students.

Kajuga Natalia Agaba
Kajuga Natalia Agaba

Kajuga Natalia Agaba – ‘right place for me’
After I completed my high school examinations, one question that kept ringing in my mind was “What next?” This was invariably met with the response: “I’m going to study human medicine.”

Although my study plan was not yet set, UCU School of Medicine drew my interest the moment I started researching suitable universities. I later discovered that UCU School of Medicine was the right place for me to start my medical journey.

I aspire to be an exceptional medical practitioner with a great understanding of service and faith.

Nsubuga Victoria – ‘psychiatry intrigues me’
Since joining UCU, I’ve noticed that it’s an exceptionally well-organized university. This applies not only to the facilities, but also to the staff.

UCU is deeply committed to empowering learners to reach their full potential. It’s here that I’ve realized I can utilize this environment to fulfil my aspirations of becoming the excellent doctor I want to be.

As a new medical student, I am still exploring various specialties. However, psychiatry intrigues me because delving into understanding how people think would be a fascinating journey.

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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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Wasswa Travor

UCU first medicine/dental graduates share intern experiences

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In July last year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) marked a milestone as it graduated its first cohort of students of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Together with fresh graduates from other medical schools in the country, these UCU graduates were deployed by the Ministry of Health as interns in various training hospitals in Uganda, a mandatory requirement for everyone before they practice medicine in the country. Kefa Senoga, a Uganda Partners communications intern, interviewed some of the former UCU School of Medicine (SoM) and School of Dentistry (SoD)  students who are now medical interns. A summary of responses are provided. 

Wasswa Travor (SoM) – ‘maintain an open mind’

Wasswa Travor
Wasswa Travor

Working at Lubaga Hospital has been a wonderful experience. As a Private and Not-for-profit (PNFP) facility, it stands out among other medical facilities due to its well-organized centers, abundant resources, extensive supervision and numerous specialists.

All healthcare facilities run by religious bodies are under PNFP. Lubaga Hospital is a Catholic-founded medical facility.

I have been able to learn and to grow both at a personal and professional level. My confidence levels, too, have improved. I now feel well-prepared for medical practice.

Sometimes the work schedule can be so demanding, but when I get free time, I spend it with the family. The most important lesson I’ve learned from my medical internship is to maintain an open mind. I also have learned that the entire medical internship is for us to learn from senior colleagues.

 

Basamu Bertram
Basamu Bertram

Basamu Bertram (SoD) – ‘a learning period’
The internship has been full of emotion, anxiety, and happiness. When you complete medical school and go for an internship, you get to practice many things on your own, and, therefore, many decisions are made entirely by you.

 

In some circumstances, supervision can be insufficient. Supervisors, who are senior doctors, are often overwhelmed by their own workload, sometimes leaving the intern doctors to manage patients on their own.

Despite such challenges, I have maintained a high level of self-control. Even when patients are offensive, I have always remained calm and composed.

Working at Mulago National Referral Hospital also has taught me to be hardworking. A national referral hospital by its nature has many patients, so you have to be ready for hectic work days. We only get two weeks of leave for every six months. As dentists, we engage in more hands-on practice during our internship than we did while at school. That’s why internship has been a learning period for me.

However, I also use the internet to learn more, as well as consult my former classmates and senior colleagues on some unique challenges I may face. I felt excited getting paid for my skills for the first time. We earn about sh1million (about $266) per month as our allowance, although sometimes they are delayed.

Elizabeth Tushabe (SoM) – ‘importance of prayer’

Elizabeth Tushabe
Elizabeth Tushabe

I have learned a great deal and continue to learn from the senior doctors I work with at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. I have been fortunate enough to work with senior doctors who are hospitable and are ready to help. Personally, I have gained extensive knowledge in both medical and non-medical areas from them.

Life outside of school is a whole new experience; we’re no longer students. I’ve had to make many adjustments, with transportation being my biggest challenge. Commuting daily from home to work, especially since it’s a long distance, has been a significant adjustment. I was used to using the university shuttle, but that option is no longer available.

Hearing that other hospitals are providing food and accommodation for their intern doctors also makes me feel a little less fortunate. 

My biggest lesson from this experience is the importance of prayer. As former students of UCU, we have been fortunate enough to have been involved in Christian fellowship while in school.

Birungi Beatrice
Birungi Beatrice

Birungi Beatrice (SoM) – ‘a good foundation’
Currently, I am an intern doctor at Lubaga Hospital, but adapting to the shift from school to a work environment was daunting. However, with the adaptation came the joy of working in a healthcare facility. I haven’t experienced anything that I would call a challenge. Many of the situations that I have come across are what I would call learning points.

However, one thing I have observed is that what we learned in medical school was a good foundation to build on what we have found in the field. 

Basule Isaac Ahamada (SoM) – ‘occasional shortage’ challenge 

Basule Isaac Ahamada
Basule Isaac Ahamada

Working at two medical facilities — Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and Pearl View Medical Center, Kiwanga, Mukono, where I work as a part time doctor — has been challenging. However, in the challenge, I have been able to grow from a theoretical medical student to a doctor capable of making sound on-the-spot decisions in situations where the outcome would be either life or death. 

While working in Soroti, I’ve faced challenges, particularly with the language barrier. However, I have been able to learn the local language, Ateso, to be able to communicate a few messages to the patients. In other instances, I have been able to use translators when available.

However, the biggest challenge has been occasional shortage of some logistics/services in the hospital, such as certain essential medicines, like the first line malaria drug (i.e artesunate), sterile gauze, blood culture service, meticulous intensive care unit (ICU) services — which leaves many of our patients receiving suboptimal care. 

This experience has instead taught me the importance of providing the best possible care to every patient, the kind of care I would want my loved ones to receive if they were in a similar situation. It’s a reminder that each patient is someone’s cherished family member.

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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 student, Bena Nekesa, healing from red eye disease

Uganda red eye epidemic: ‘Not a joking matter’

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UCU student, Bena Nekesa, healing from red eye disease
UCU student, Bena Nekesa, healing from red eye disease

By Bena Nekesa
In the tranquil backdrop of an Easter break, an unexpected visitor knocked on the door of my life, bringing with it a whirlwind of discomfort and uncertainty. Little did I know that a routine visit to a loved one in need would plunge me into the depths of a relentless epidemic—one that would leave me grappling with pain, fear and the fiery glow of red eyes. 

I was among the Uganda Ministry of Health’s reported 7,500 cases of red eye in three weeks, starting in mid-March. 

In other countries, such as the United States, the condition is called pink eye, or conjunctivitis.  According to the USA-based Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, when small blood vessels in a membrane called the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, the whites of the eyes appear reddish or pink. Red or pink eyes are most often caused by a viral infection.

Mom of Bena Nekesa, with conjunctivitis
Mom of Bena Nekesa, with conjunctivitis

My encounter with the red eye epidemic was a journey to recovery marked by unexpected twists and agonizing symptoms related to a condition I hadn’t previously known. 

It started with my right eye that behaved like something was moving in it.  While I didn’t feel any pain, I knew something was wrong. I shared my suspicious red eye condition with my sisters and mother. 

 “It seems you are admiring red eyes,” my sister, Gorretti, joked initially. 

I laughed.  My discolored eyes certainly were not as serious as the health of my grandmother, just home from a four-night Mbale Referral Hospital stay due to breathing problems. At that, my family traced my optical condition, along with some of theirs, to the hospital. 

My cousin, Paul, got red eyes at the hospital and transmitted it to my mother. Both complained of having something stuck in their eyes, trying to get others to blow it out.  Those trying to extract something from another’s swollen, watery red eyes, contracted conjunctivitis. For them, light was painful. While washing our hands, my sisters and I cried about their condition. 

Then, I became part of the epidemic. Not only did the 10-year countrywide census delay me from Uganda Christian University (UCU) classes, but now my pain and limited vision kept me from doing much of anything, including remote learning. Two little sisters, Winnie and Emily, that shared a bed with our mother, surprisingly didn’t get it. 

Mom and I got some drugs — Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Tinidazole and the eye ointment – to resolve the medical condition.  It took us a week to recover completely, and after that we were all healed. I thanked God, and even reported back to campus with my studies.

At UCU’s main campus, some students also experienced the red eye epidemic. Over 200 students were treated at Allan Galpin Health Center during the three-week period. 

Red/pink eye condition
Red/pink eye condition

“My red eyes are so painful,” said William Ingabat,  a student of Bachelor’s of Human Resource Management , who was treated with eye ointment at the Mukono campus Allan Galpin Health Center. “I was able to bare the pain as I even sat for my examination.” 

Some victims were washing eyes with urine – a treatment not recommended because these body fluids are not sterile. 

Dr. Christine Wako, working at Alan Galpin, said medical professions educate against using a bacteria-laden urine flush. 

She described some of the cases she encountered at Galpin:  “Students come here complaining about one eye first, then the other eye coming later. The recent red eyes were different from the ones in the past. The current ones were healing in four days and affecting anybody that got in contact with the effect person without swelling unnecessarily and being watery like the ones in the past.”

The treatment offered at Allan Galpin included Betamethasone-Neomyan eye drops with preventive washing of eyes/face with clean water regularly, regular hand washing and avoiding handshakes. 

I was fortunate that I treated my eyes earlier than others, but there was stigma. Many people will not want to be near you with fear of contradicting the epidemic. 

In my family, almost everyone healed within a week.  For some of my relatives, it took them only three days. 

Red eyes are real and not a joking matter. Stay safe by washing your hands routinely, avoiding handshakes and maintaining other proper hygiene.

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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

Muhoozi during his consecration as the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese

UCU alum lays out plans for North Ankole Diocese as he becomes bishop

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


Muhoozi during his consecration as the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese
Muhoozi during his consecration as the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese

By Pauline Luba
“Beloved, you are most welcome to the House of Bishops and we look forward to your contribution to building God’s kingdom.”

These were the words the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, used as he welcomed the new Bishop of North Ankole, Alfred Muhoozi, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum, who had just been consecrated. The consecration was on May 26 in Kiruhura district, western Uganda.

Standing next to Molly, his wife with whom he has been married for 28 years, with four children, Muhoozi was introduced to thousands of the people who had gathered in Kiruhura to witness his consecration. He was assuming the office of the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese, succeeding Bishop Stephen Namanya who clocked retirement age. The retirement age for bishops of the Anglican Church in Uganda is 65 years.

Namanya has been at the helm of the 21-year-old diocese as its second bishop since 2015.

Muhoozi’s father — the late James Byempaka — could have been among the proudest of the people at the May 26 consecration of his son in a diocese where he (Byempaka) contributed immensely to the growth of evangelism. In 1976, agents linked to the Idi Amin-led Ugandan government at the time arrested Byempaka, and he was never seen again.

During his consecration, Muhoozi and his family, including their four children, received special prayers from the Anglican bishops who attended the event. Molly, on the other hand, received more blessings from the wives of bishops at the function as they welcomed her to their fraternity.

Kaziimba led the consecration ceremony of the 51-year-old Muhoozi who has been the Archdeacon of Kinoni in North Ankole Diocese. Muhoozi who was ordained in 2007, holds a diploma, bachelor’s and master’s of theology from UCU.

The new bishop promised to anchor his leadership on nurturing the younger people with Christian values ​​that will help them grow into responsible citizens by supporting youth programs, innovations, and fellowships.

He emphasized the need to fight household poverty in the diocese by urging the Christians to engage in income-generating activities.

“Our leadership will establish a commercialized agriculture department comprising agriculture and veterinary officers. A strategic plan will be developed with a phased implementation approach,” Muhoozi explained, as he laid out his strategy upon being consecrated.

He also revealed his plans for the diocese’s education sector. “For all children, education is the most reliable gateway to opportunity, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Therefore, education must be of good quality and accessible to all.”

Muhoozi also reminded the people of their cardinal duty to protect the environment: “We need water for our animals, domestic use, factory use and irrigation. That is why we must protect the existing wetlands. We will encourage tree planting by providing tree seedlings, with the help of partners.”

Muhoozi’s plans must have been good news to the chief guest, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, who was represented at the function by Vice President Jessica Alupo. In a speech read by Alupo, Museveni asked the church to go beyond spreading the Christian gospel and by mobilizing people to be active participants in programs that can help them solve their everyday challenges.

“Our people must, therefore, be sensitized to work hard and improve food security and household incomes,” Alupo said as she read from a speech by the President. “Every family must wake up and join the commercial farming campaign to transform agriculture and livelihoods into commercial, profit-oriented agriculture,” she explained.

Alupo gave Muhoozi a vehicle that was donated to him by the President, on behalf of the Government of Uganda. It’s a custom for the Government to donate a new vehicle to every new bishop or church leader at a similar rank in Uganda.

As Muhoozi assumes office, he is expected to oversee the more than 10 archdeaconries, the more than 70 parishes as well as schools and health facilities founded by the Anglican Church in his area of jurisdiction.

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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

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University

Prof. Mushengyezi’s national award ‘vote of confidence in our university’

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


Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University

By Irene Best Nyapendi
A week to the International Labor Day celebration on May 1, 2024, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi received a phone call informing him that the national medal awards committee had vetted and selected him among the people to receive an award. 

“When I received the call informing me that I was among the medal awardees, I was overwhelmed with joy and emotion,” the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor  said. 

The Diamond Jubilee Medal, which he was awarded at the national celebrations in Fort Portal City, is reserved for people who have made remarkable achievements in leadership in public and private sectors. On that day, Prof. Mushengyezi was among 57 other people who were honored with various medals. The Office of the President has a system of recognizing and rewarding Ugandans who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation with outstanding acts of achievement and heroism. 

A great achiever of humble beginnings
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the honor, Prof. Mushengyezi reflected on his humble beginnings, growing up in a modest rural family where his late father didn’t attend school at all, and his mother stopped in Primary Two. 

He narrated an incident at the age of 11

President Yoweri Museveni (right) with medalists — Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (left) and the Project Director at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika (second left)
President Yoweri Museveni (right) with medalists — Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (left) and the Project Director at the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika (second left)

when he was severely ill and he couldn’t attend school. He was referred to Atapara Mission Hospital in northern Uganda, which was run by Christian missionaries. The medical personnel assured his mother that the facility was the best place to treat his severe condition.

“When we got to the hospital, the doctors examined me and told my mother that if she had not brought me in, I wouldn’t have lived beyond 48 hours,” he said. “When the national medal was pinned on my jacket that morning, I reflected on how far God had brought me. The young boy who was about to die in Primary Five was now receiving a national medal, and this thought evoked emotions in me.”

He wished his late parents had witnessed this moment.

According to Mushengyezi, the medal is a gift from God and a vote of confidence in his diligent service to humanity, and to Makerere and UCU. He acknowledged their role in elevating him to the position of Vice Chancellor that he holds today. 

“This medal is a vote of confidence in me, but also a vote of confidence in our university,” Mushengyezi said during an interview with Uganda Partners in his office at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono. 

“I share the medal with UCU because I am sure I was noticed because of my current position at the institution,” he said. “I also dedicate it to my late mother and my wife who have been a great source of prayer support.”

Contribution to the education sector
Mushengyezi has dedicated 35 years to the education sector in Uganda, first as a secondary school teacher at Mbarara High School in western Uganda in 1989. He returned to school and made further academic progress, from a Bachelor of Arts degree at Makerere University where he graduated with First Class honors in 1996, to a Doctorate from the University of Connecticut in the USA in 2007. He rose through the ranks at a fast pace, becoming an Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, and Associate Professor and Faculty Dean at Makerere University, before joining UCU in 2020 as Vice Chancellor. 

When he came to UCU in 2020 at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, he spearheaded drastic measures to ensure continuity of learning, shifting the university from in-person learning to online studies and assessment. This was a tall order since staff and students had little prior experience with this pedagogical model. His efforts made UCU an exemplary model for online learning in Uganda, attracting study visits from many universities.

As Vice Chancellor, Mushengyezi has led UCU through challenging times financially. He implemented innovative measures to ensure continuity of learning, and with the support of the University Council, he pushed through reforms that enabled the university to cut costs, close unviable units and academic programs, and save significant funds that have been channeled to infrastructure development, staff welfare, digitizing operations, and improving efficiency in service delivery. Under his leadership, UCU has achieved significant milestones in a short time, including purchasing new property and constructing a new block at Kampala Campus without borrowing from the bank. In 2024, he led the Management team to roll out a seven-year Campus Transformation Initiative, with a drive to elevate UCU campuses to international standards in all aspects of university life.

Throughout his career in the education sector at Makerere, Prof. Mushengyezi won and coordinated many research grants and managed partnerships with several universities and international agencies. Before he left Makerere, he and the Dean of Social Sciences (Prof. Andrew State) had just won a $800,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to establish a Centre of Excellence in Research, Teaching and Learning at the university. He was part of a network of university programs worldwide, including the Norwegian Program for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED), the African Humanities Program funded by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), the International Fellowships Program (IFP) of the Ford Foundation, among others.

His efforts also secured a large grant from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) to train teachers to write bilingual books for primary school students under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program by the Government of Uganda. The project equipped many Primary Schools with reading materials in mother tongue and English in Lira, Alebtong, Gulu, and Iganga Districts. He also initiated several academic modules to teach literature and media for young people at university.

Through Mushengyezi’s passion for community development, he led a team that founded Franciscan Investment Co-operative Society in 2010, a financial institution based at St. Francis Chapel Makerere that grew to 2,877 members and a portfolio of Shs. 26 billion ($6,936,498) by December 2023. While he was a Dean of the School of Languages, Literature and Communication at Makerere University, he founded a staff savings association called Tushirikiane, which has grown to about Shs.1 billion ($266,788) in savings. These financial institutions have transformed the lives of many families and contributed to the government’s programme of eradicating poverty.

“These are things I did out of passion to contribute to the community’s transformation. I did not imagine that because of such engagements I would one day merit nomination for such a distinguished national award,” the UCU Vice Chancellor said.  “I extend my gratitude to the President of Uganda, and all individuals who were involved in the nomination and vetting process for this national medal.”. 

Mushengyezi encourages others to never give up: “Never allow any adversity to kill your vision in life; sometimes life is not a straight line. I had to first pursue a diploma course, become a secondary school teacher and then go to university later. Some things require patience, focus and hard work.”

A Vice Chancellor of a university serves as the chief academic, financial and administrative officer of the institution. He or she advances the university’s mission and vision and ensures compliance with the legal requirements and expectations of the Government of Uganda and its organs. Prof. Mushengyezi is one man who is certainly serving this calling with passion and commitment.

He is married to Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi and they have four children. They have also raised and supported the education of 14 other young people in their family, and these are now serving the nation in various sectors of the economy.

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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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Emilly Comfort Maractho, Associate Professor in Media Studies, Uganda Christian University School of Journalism, Media and Communication

Maractho: Revised journalism curriculum ‘more practical’

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


Emilly Comfort Maractho, Associate Professor in Media Studies, Uganda Christian University School of Journalism, Media and Communication
Emilly Comfort Maractho, Associate Professor in Media Studies, Uganda Christian University School of Journalism, Media and Communication

By Kefa Senoga
When asked to name one contribution she has made in journalism that makes her overjoyed, Assoc. Prof. Emilly Comfort Maractho smiled and straightaway gave the answer: “Reviewing and redesigning the journalism and communication curriculum is one of the proudest things I have ever done in my career and in journalism.” 

Maractho said the revised curriculum was influenced by discussions on “what kind of journalists and communication professionals we want to prepare.”

The curriculum Maractho referenced was “a more practical” one taught within what was earlier called the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.  Then head of journalism in the Faculty of Journalism, Media and Communication (now School of JMC), Maractho had the lead role in the emphasis on practicality when reviewing and redesigning curriculum within requirements of the National Council for Higher Education, which mandates revisions every three years. 

Assoc. Prof. Emilly Comfort Maractho said students need both knowledge and skills
Assoc. Prof. Emilly Comfort Maractho said students need both knowledge and skills

In the revised curriculum, Maractho said they intended to give the journalism and communication students not just the knowledge, but also the skills. For instance, she says, a person needs a solid understanding of economics in order to be a successful business journalist, and that was the thinking behind the introduction of course units like business and economics journalism in the curriculum.

Maractho found herself leading the curriculum review because shortly after obtaining a PhD in 2017, she was named the head of UCU’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies. The previous office bearer, Prof. Monica Chibita, had been promoted to the position of Dean in the then-newly established Faculty of Journalism, Media and Communication.

Six years after her promotion to senior lecturer and head of department of Journalism and Media Studies, Maractho has been promoted from the level of Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor in Media Studies. Maractho says that this promotion is more of an acknowledgment of her accomplishments in the spaces of media, communication and development. 

“To be an associate professor, you must have significantly contributed to a particular discipline through research, publications, experience, and the work that you are doing in that field,” says Maractho. She has also written many papers and Chairs the Schools’ Media, Democracy and Development Research Group.

Maractho’s venture into media academia began in 2005 when she took a postgraduate program in environmental journalism at Makerere University, and took shape in 2012 when she moved to Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, to pursue a master’s in communication, majoring in media studies. Initially, she studied development studies at Makerere University, where she graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s in development studies. Thereafter, in 2007, she pursued a masters in development studies in 2007 at Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi.

Maractho says she desired to study journalism at the undergraduate level, but did not secure the points to qualify for a government scholarship. Furthermore, her parents  could not afford to pay for the course on a private sponsorship.

“My mother agreed to pay for a course whose tuition she could afford and development studies was among the cheapest courses; actually, it had the lowest tuition at the university, so I enrolled for that,” Maractho asserts.

Nevertheless, Maractho didn’t give up on her lifelong passion. After her university education, she joined Uganda Electricity Distribution Company limited and did part time work as an editor for the Westnile, a community newspaper whose target audience was northwestern Uganda. That is how she enrolled for a postgraduate course in environmental journalism at Makerere University in 2005.

Since undertaking her Master’s in Communication at Daystar University in Nairobi, Maractho has seamlessly integrated herself into the media and journalism academy. Subsequently, in 2014, she embarked on a PhD in Cultural and Media Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Maractho’s May 2024 promotion to the level of Associate Professor coincided with her appointment as chairperson of the board of the African Center for Media Excellence (ACME), a non-profit organization that “occupies the space between the media industry and academic institutions that train journalists.” 

“Our role as ACME is to make sure that there is journalistic excellence, so my job will be to champion the work of ACME, its ideals, and core values, and making the institution live to its full potential,” Maractho said.

She also sits on the boards of Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) and Nation Media Group, Uganda.

She adds that part of her contribution at UMWA was participating in developing a gender-sensitive curriculum that provided training on reporting women’s stories, particularly those concerning domestic violence. She argues that such stories were not being given prominence by the media houses.

Previously, Maractho served as the director for the Africa Policy Centre (APC) at UCU, a think-tank set up by the university to propose policy alternatives to transform communities.

“My biggest achievement at APC was collaborating with the Impact Centre in South Africa to do research on the science granting councils in Africa,” she said. “A science granting council is a governmental body that champions science and technology. For example in Uganda, we have the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology.”

Maractho’s educational journey began in 1984 in Nebbi Town, where she attended Nebbi Primary School and later moved to Muni Girls Secondary School and Mvara Secondary School. All the three schools are located in northwestern Uganda. 

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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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Martyrs persecution fuels Christianity’s unstoppable spread: Uganda legacy celebrated June 3

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Faculty, News, Students, , , ,


Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo
Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo

By Mercy Muhaye
On June 3, Uganda commemorated 60 years since the canonization of its martyrs, honoring 45 young Christian converts executed for refusing to denounce their faith. The deaths of 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans were ordered between 1885 and 1887 by King Mwanga II of the Buganda Kingdom.

What was meant to be a campaign to suppress Christianity only strengthened it, leading to a legacy that endures and inspires millions around the globe.

The 2024 celebration was led by the Nebbi Diocese at the Catholic shrines of Namugongo, while for the Church of Uganda, the ceremony was organized by the Mid-Western Dioceses. The Catholics celebrated the day under the theme “As for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord” while for Anglicans chose “Conforming to the Truth of God’s Word and not the patterns of the World” as their theme.

Some Pilgrims at Namugongo
Some Pilgrims at Namugongo

“God, through the celebration of today, is inviting us to the bigness of thinking, where we see the need to live according to the designs of God and to be like Joshua who declared that he and his household would serve the Lord,” Archbishop-elect Raphael p’Mony Wokorach said. Wokorach is in a leadership transition from Nebbi Diocese to Gulu Archdiocese, where Pope Francis appointed him archbishop a month ago. He remains the apostolic administrator of Nebbi Diocese until it gets a new pastoral head.

Wokorach encouraged pilgrims to imitate the legacy of the Ugandan Martyrs who lived and exhibited a strong faith regardless of danger to their own lives. The martyrs took the Word of God seriously, and it shaped and marked their lives.

The event, a national holiday, drew a turnout of about 4 million people. By dawn, the shrines were filled to capacity with pilgrims from all walks of life, forming long queues at every entrance. Except during the Covid-19 shutdown, this place in the Wakiso District, central Uganda, attracts more people each year.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) had a notable presence in Namugongo, with many staff, faculty, students, and alumni participating.

UCU Fitness Club members at Namugongo
UCU Fitness Club members at Namugongo

The UCU Fitness Club joined pilgrims on Sunday, June 2, 2024, to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day, covering 20 kilometers (about 12.5miles) from UCU in Mukono to Namugongo. This walk, involving five participants from both Anglican and Catholic denominations, highlighted the unity of the Christian faith rooted in Namugongo. The pilgrimage was both a test of physical endurance and a spiritual journey, deepening participants’ appreciation of their faith and the courage of the Namugongo martyrs.

“I have always admired walking this journey to Namugongo and I’m glad today I took part in it” Beatrice Ayenyo, one of the pilgrims, said.

The history of the Ugandan martyrs is both tragic and triumphant. The first martyr, Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, was executed on November 15, 1885, for pleading with the king to spare Bishop James Hannington, an Anglican missionary.

The main wave of persecution began on May 25, 1886, when King Mwanga condemned Christians to death. Charles Lwanga and his companions were brutally executed on June 3, 1886, at Namugongo.  Their deaths were intended to deter others from embracing Christianity. Instead, their martyrdom galvanized the faith.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, attending the event for the first time in four years, addressed the gathered pilgrims: “I congratulate you all for reaching this date despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 and the Ebola outbreak. I encourage all Christians to multiply their talents and ensure they are not living in poverty.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the martyrs’ canonization by Pope Paul VI in 1964. During his visit to Uganda, Pope Paul VI canonized the 22 Catholic martyrs, making them the first saints from sub-Saharan Africa.

The Namugongo event is reputed to be the largest one-day gathering in Uganda.

In a world where religious persecution still exists, the story of the Ugandan martyrs serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith and the enduring power of conviction. King Mwanga’s attempt to extinguish Christianity instead ignited a flame that continues to burn brightly. The pilgrims’ journeys, mirroring the martyrs’ march to their execution, epitomize a collective commitment to uphold and celebrate a faith that no force could ever truly destroy.

Catholic Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere said that the Uganda Martyrs Day reminds humanity of the importance of faith, resilience, unity, and witnessing to Christ.

“The martyrs’ story is a powerful reminder of the cost of standing up for one’s faith and the enduring power of such a stand,” Ssemogerere said.

Beyond Uganda, Martyrs’ Day is observed in various countries worldwide, including the United States, Japan, India, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. These commemorations honor individuals such as soldiers, revolutionaries, or victims of genocide, recognizing the sacrifices made by martyrs in their respective nations and reflecting a global tradition of honoring those who have given their lives for their beliefs, freedom and/or country.

From persecution to proclamation, the legacy of martyrs is a compelling narrative of resilience and unwavering faith. As the world continues to honor their sacrifices, their stories remain a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

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

 

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Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, the new Executive Director of the Save the Mothers program

Nsubuga takes the helm at Save the Mothers

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


Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, the new Executive Director of the Save the Mothers program
Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, the new Executive Director of the Save the Mothers program

By Pauline Luba
Mushin Nsubuga spent a large part of his childhood with his grandmother, who was a nursing assistant. During the day, the grandmother would vend bananas and then turn to hospital work for the night shift. As such, the hospital environment had a lot of influence on Nsubuga’s future. It’s no wonder that he became a doctor.

At the time, Nsubuga’s mother was operating several businesses to earn a living for the family. His father was in Libya, studying Islam.  

Since Nsubuga’s grandmother professed the Christian faith, it is to the church that she took her grandson every Sunday, for worship at the Sunday school. No one, not even Nsubuga’s grandmother, ever imagined what that innocent act would have on Nsubuga, a Muslim, who eventually started professing the Christian faith.

Upon his father’s return from Libya, he sent his son away from home, protesting his change of faith. 

Dr. Mushin Nsubuga
Dr. Mushin Nsubuga

“I was chased away from home for owning a Bible,” said Nsubuga, who is married, with four biological children, and another in the process of being adopted. “My father could not accept my new religion,” 

Eventually, Nsubuga returned home, but a cold relationship with his father would continue, until he was 18 years. It was at that time that Nsubuga’s dad came to terms with his son’s new faith. To date, Nsubuga is a Christian. He thanks his now-deceased grandmother for taking him to Sunday school and deepening his relationship with Christ.

And it’s not just Christianity that remains engraved in Nsubuga. From what he witnessed at hospital, Nsubuga desired to be a health professional. Currently, he is a gynecologist and was early this year appointed the Executive Director of Save the Mothers East Africa.

Save the Mothers was created when Dr. Jean Chamberlain Froese, a Canadian obstetrician/ gynecologist, was confronted with mothers in need. As a volunteer with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the Association of Obstetricians of Uganda, she discovered many of the causes of maternal death went far beyond medical barriers.

As a result, Dr. Froese worked with Ugandan colleagues — Dr. Florence Mirembe, Dr. Pius Okong, and Olive Sentumbwe- Mugisa — and founded Save the Mothers (STM). In 2005, STM launched its first program, Master of Public Health Leadership, at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

Nsubuga’s interest in maternal and child health, as well as the decision to specialize in obstetrics, came from his encounter with patients during his internships as a student. He says he witnessed some expectant women failing to buy delivery kits that they were expected to turn up with in hospital as they went into labor. Resources were so scarce at the hospital that women were often asked to buy gloves for the delivery of their babies, an option few could afford.

One day, Nsubuga remembers a woman walking into the health facility with no gloves, and no money. He says he and his colleagues raised funds to ensure a safe delivery for the woman. 

Nsubuga delivered countless mothers of their babies while still in Gulu, and he says it broke his heart how much suffering some women had to go through at that time. This prompted him to specialize in obstetrics, to get a chance to permanently help expectant women as a profession.

He believes God’s grace even favoured him as he highly passed the obstetrics course without much challenge during his studies.

He attended Nakivubo Blue Primary School, Katikamu High School for O’level and Merryland High School for A’level. All the three schools are located in central Uganda. He then proceeded to Gulu University in northern Uganda for his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and then for Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Makerere University.

After his undergraduate studies, Nsubuga returned to Gulu, to work in Kiwoko Hospital. While there, he says he saw many women facing challenges, with some in financial distress and others dying. One specific one stuck in his mind — a 16-year-old girl who was trying to give birth, but lost her life. 

He initially didn’t think of joining Save the Mothers. However, after hearing about the search for a new executive director, he realized that to create a big impact in saving mothers, women and babies in the community, he would not be able to do it alone. One doctor can only save one patient at a time, but together with Save the Mothers, he believed that more could be done.

Nsubuga, who also works at C-Care Medical and International Diagnostic Centre in Kampala, applied for the position of Executive Director at Save the Mothers and got the job in February this year.

His task is to help the organization to stop mothers and children from dying through multidisciplinary training of individuals and to promote the safety of women in hospitals.

Currently, under his leadership, a stronger alumni network is being established, especially following the alumni meeting in May 2024, higher quality facilities are being provided to people in the postgraduate program and several projects are being implemented to help the organization realize its goals. 

When not doing work at Save the Mothers, Nsubuga is working at C Care Medical and International Diagnostic Centre in Kampala.

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

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Charles Muganga presenting his team's pitch at the Agri-Tech Hackathon

UCU computer student leads best pitching team at national hackathon

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


Charles Muganga presenting his team's pitch at the Agri-Tech Hackathon
Charles Muganga presenting his team’s pitch at the Agri-Tech Hackathon

By Kefa Senoga
Charles Muganga, a final-year student in the Bachelor of Computer Science program at Uganda Christian University (UCU), finds himself deep in agriculture some days. Misunderstanding about what soil nutrients can yield the best crops and how data can clarify that brought him and other peers there.  

When the fertility of the garden soil is poor, farmers get low quality produce. Many working the fields devise means of increasing the productivity of the soil, such as using fertilizers to add more nutrients. To apply the necessary fertilizer, a farmer must know what nutrients are deficient and what their soils need. The smallholder farmers add fertilizers based on experience, what is available on the market or what other farmers recommend. Because of the lack of knowledge of the genetic makeup of the soil, blanket application of fertilizers can lead to wrong nutrients applied to the soil, under fertilization or overfertilization. 

Muganga (left) interacting with one mentor at the hackathon
Muganga (left) interacting with one mentor at the hackathon

Muganga and other Bachelor of Computer Science students came up with ideas that could empower farmers to increase productivity and profitability by understanding the soil data. The idea was presented at an agricultural technology event — the The Agri-Tech hackathon — hosted in Kampala in May at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology (UICT).

A hackathon is an event where, mainly computer programmers, come together to solve a problem or identify new opportunities through software programming. The May event brought together hundreds of young innovators from various universities to design digital tools that could help address critical challenges within Uganda’s agricultural sector.

“We came up with a simple testing kit with a data-driven advisory model that can test for the nutrients in the soil and advise the farmers on what kind of crops to plant,” explained Muganga, who teamed up with computer science students from other universities to develop the concept.

Muganga (second-left) and his team being awarded for the best pitch
Muganga (second-left) and his team being awarded for the best pitch

The agricultural technology hackathon was held in collaboration with government stakeholders including the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and National Guidance, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). 

Muganga elaborated that their solution also caters to monoculture farmers who grow a single crop year after year on the same land. He described how their soil-testing kit, which is AI-integrated, can provide farmers with clear guidance, in lay language, on the most effective methods to use to continue sustaining high productivity.

“The AI is intended to avoid using technical terms such as “magnesium” and instead simplify the information for farmers. It will explain the type of manure and the quantity required in practical terms, such as recommending 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of cow dung or chicken droppings,” Muganga explained.

According to government statistics, in 2022, agriculture accounted for about 24.1% of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product and contributed 33% of the export earnings. About 70% of Uganda’s working population is employed in the agriculture sector. 

According to Uganda’s statistics agency, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), between 2016 and 2020, there was an 8 percent increase in households participating in subsistence agriculture, with many more people switching to the sector during the pandemic as a result of job losses. The country also has an aging farmer profile — 55 percent of the heads of the households that practice farming are over 40 years, while 20 percent over the age of 60 years.

The solution that Muganga, as team leader, and his colleagues pitched earned them a reward of sh2.2 million (about $577).

Joyce Ssebugwawo, the state minister for ICT, addressing students at the event
Joyce Ssebugwawo, the state minister for ICT, addressing students at the event

This hackathon that focused on utilizing technology to address agricultural challenges saw the students from different schools develop digital solutions to tackle challenges in four key agricultural areas — soil health, inputs (seeds and fertilizers), value chain issues (logistics and post-harvest handling) and water management.

The digital solutions incubated at the hackathon are expected to solve key agriculture sector challenges, for instance low uptake of improved agriculture inputs, limited access to suitable financial products and low access to reliable weather information, among others.

Uganda’s Minister of State for ICT, Joyce Ssebugwawo, who attended the hackathon, said innovations, such as those pitched at the event, have the potential to offer long-term solutions for problems in agriculture.

“We must acknowledge the persistent challenges that have hindered our progress like limited access to markets for agricultural products and gaps in technology infrastructure which continue to pose obstacles to our development efforts,” Ssebugwawo said.

The next step for Muganga and other incubators is to actualize their ideas for the benefit of Ugandan farmers.

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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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Lydia Natasha Muheire eager to taste the latte she brewed

UCU main campus launches coffee club

News, Students, UCU School of Business, , ,


Lydia Natasha Muheire eager to taste the latte she brewed
Lydia Natasha Muheire eager to taste the latte she brewed

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The allure of the aroma, taste and alertness boost of coffee has beckoned students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) for quite some time. Recently, they have bowed to the pressure, pleasure and habit through a university coffee club. 

Led by Daniel Karibwije, a lecturer at the UCU School of Business and a patron of the Coffee Club, the organization is being launched more broadly in June. The launch of the club follows UCU’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with Uganda’s coffee agency, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). UCDA is mandated to regulate, promote and oversee the coffee industry in Uganda. 

Richard Miiro Mutebi prepares to taste coffee at the UCU Incubation Hub.
Richard Miiro Mutebi prepares to taste coffee at the UCU Incubation Hub.

As a lover of coffee, Karibwije says he was disappointed by the absence of good coffee on the UCU main campus, which sparked the idea for him to start a coffee club. In late April, members of the club received barista training, an espresso machine, a grinder, and other resources from UCDA to help them get started.

The club intends to create a platform for students to engage in coffee brewing, host student barista competitions and promote a coffee-drinking culture among the youths in the country. In Uganda, many of the people who grow coffee seek to export it, and they rarely consume it themselves. 

The UCU Coffee Club is located at the UCU incubation club, where anyone can go to learn how to brew coffee or enjoy the beverage. As the club prepared for its June launch, they planned to promote coffee drinking to faculties and those attending graduation ceremonies, among other outreaches. 

UCU Coffee Club Members taste coffee
UCU Coffee Club Members taste coffee

The club is not just for coffee drinkers; it’s open to anyone who wants to taste or learn about brewing coffee.

During his teenage years, Karibwije said he regularly interacted with a neighbor working for a coffee exporting company and many foreigners. This sparked his curiosity about their love for coffee. He wondered why they were fond of the beverage. As he acquired more knowledge and consumed the drink, he learned the benefits and health risks of coffee. The beverage has been known to improve brain function and protect against diabetes while causing headaches.

For over 25 years now, on a normal day, Karibwije drinks two to three cups of coffee.

“I love my coffee dark, without sugar or milk and I usually brew it myself,” he explained. “I also drink coffee brewed by other baristas.”

As a member of the UCU Coffee Club, Lydia Natasha Muheire, a third-year student pursuing Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, has discovered a new passion – brewing coffee. 

UCU Coffee Club Members share a light moment with the team from UCDA joined by Daniel Karibwije (center in checked shirt)
UCU Coffee Club Members share a light moment with the team from UCDA joined by Daniel Karibwije (center in checked shirt)

Muheire’s previous exposure to coffee was limited to helping her grandparents collect coffee beans in the plantation. 

“I don’t like milk, but mixing it with coffee transforms it into my favorite drink,” Muheire said. “That’s how I fell in love with cappuccino and latte – they offer a delightful aroma and flavor combination.” 

Muheire added: “I was excited to join the coffee club, having always admired baristas and thought about becoming one.” 

Richard Miiro Mutebi, a member of the UCU Coffee Club, was born to small-scale coffee farmers. To him, coffee is something he turned to whenever he wanted or needed to be up later than usual.

“I haven’t always been a coffee enthusiast,” Mutebi said. “However, I often turned to coffee when I needed to stay up late at night because it’s known to boost alertness.” 

Uganda is among the highest coffee exporters globally, and second in Africa. Despite being one of the largest coffee producers in Africa, Uganda’s coffee industry remains largely untapped by its citizens, with only 5% of its coffee being consumed locally. Globally, the highest exporters of coffee are Brazil, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

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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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Boaz Mbagaya (left) poses with staff at the Mbale People’s Hospital that evolved from People’s Life Care Foundation, the non-profit that he founded.

Tragedy propels Save the Mothers alum into advocacy for maternal health

News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , ,


Boaz Mbagaya (left) poses with staff at the Mbale People’s Hospital that evolved from People’s Life Care Foundation, the non-profit that he founded.
Boaz Mbagaya (left) poses with staff at the Mbale People’s Hospital that evolved from People’s Life Care Foundation, the non-profit that he founded.

By Pauline Luba
In 1984, as Boaz Mbagaya reported back to school, he was not at peace.  His expecting mother was ill, and Mbagaya worried for the worse. That very week that the 18-year-old reported to school, he was called back home. His mother and the unborn baby had died. 

Mbagaya’s mother lost her life to complications she developed during childbirth. That incident left such an indelible mark in the life of Mbagaya that he made an immediate decision to lead the fight against maternal and child mortality. 

“We should do everything in our power to stop mothers from dying,” said Mbagaya, who grew up in a family of 16 children.

Because there were many children, most of them had to support themselves and their father, George Mbagaya, and raise money for their school fees. Boaz Mbagaya supported his father by farming and brewing local gin, which they later sold for fees.

Mbale People’s Hospital, a non-profit facility in eastern Uganda.
Mbale People’s Hospital, a non-profit facility in eastern Uganda.

After secondary school, Mbagaya joined Makerere University in Uganda, to pursue a course in Mental Health and Community Psychology. He pursued the Master in Public Health Leadership (MPHL) under the Save the Mothers program at Uganda Christian University (UCU) — a course that would later provide him the platform to fulfill his earlier passion for healthier expectant mothers. 

With this program, Mbagaya believed he could do something to change the narrative of the high mortality rate, especially in rural Uganda.

“The course helped me see the many challenges that the community faces,” said Mbagaya, who also studied clinical medicine at Mbale College of Health Sciences.

During the MPHL program, students would move to different geographical areas to learn about maternal needs. 

According to the Save the Mothers website, the program offers the Master of Public Health Leadership to working professionals from a wide range of disciplines, and not only the health discipline. Save the Mothers East Africa hosts the MPHL at UCU.

The program started at UCU in 2005, with the aim of training multi-disciplinary professionals and contributing to improving maternal and child health in developing countries. The students pursuing the course study on a part-time basis over two years, completing the modular program with an intensive community outreach project. 

According to the 2022 Uganda Government statistics, the Maternal Mortality Ratio is at 189 per 100,000 live births while the infant mortality stands at 34 per 1,000 live births. Globally, according to the United Nations, by 2020, there were 223 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Upon completing school, Mbagaya started a non-profit facility, the People’s Life Care Foundation, to help him promote and strengthen the health care system in Uganda. That foundation gave birth to Mbale People’s Hospital, a facility located in eastern Uganda. Mbagaya is currently the Managing Director of the facility.

Among the many outpatient and inpatient services provided at the facility is obstetrics and gynecology. Mbagaya also has broken sweat, trying to combat obstetric fistula. According to the United Nations Population Fund, obstetric fistula is a tragic childbirth injury, where a hole develops between the birth canal and the bladder and/or the rectum. It is caused by prolonged, obstructed labor without access to timely, high-quality medical treatment. 

The hospital began identifying mothers suffering from obstetric fistula for treatment. Some of the patients would even be transported to the hospital. So far, according to Mbagaya, 14 women have undergone reconstructive surgery and gotten rid of the hole. 

“There was a 51-year-old who finally got help after living with the condition for a long time,” Mbagaya said. He noted that many of the women who got medical relief had lost hope while some had lost their husbands to other people.

Barter trade
According to Mbagaya, whenever his mother got pregnant, she would offer goodies to the midwife, in anticipation for “better attention” when she went to the health facility to give birth. Mbagaya narrates that even when the health personnel visited his mother at home after delivery, she would offer them foodstuffs. It is this gesture, Mbagaya says, that, many years later, pushed him into accepting produce as exchange for services rendered at the Mbale People’s Hospital for those who do not have the money to pay the fees. 

He said he noticed how many people in the community were farmers and had produce, all of which had monetary value. Therefore, he set up a system where people, especially in the event of emergencies, could pay with produce, instead of money, which they didn’t have. As long as people put items that quantify the service they would be receiving, all would be well. This arrangement made Mbagaya popular among the people.  

“I once spent a month only eating the foodstuffs that had been offered to me in exchange for healthcare,” Mbagaya, now age 57, said.

He hopes that one day, one of his four children will also develop interest in medicine and follow in his footsteps, to ensure the legacy of the family, as well as the hospital continues.

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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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In April 2024, Martin Kizito, a senior lecturer at UCU, earned a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa

‘I needed the PhD to bolster my capacity’

Faculty, News, Students, UCU School of Social Sciences, ,


In April 2024, Martin Kizito, a senior lecturer at UCU, earned a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa
In April 2024, Martin Kizito, a senior lecturer at UCU, earned a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Martin Kizito’s mother wanted her son to be a teacher. Kizito dreamed of being a political scientist.

Despite his uncertainty about the career choice clash and some guilt over disappointing his mom, Kizito stuck to his aspiration and applied for a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Makerere University. 

To further cement his political science goal, Kizito joined student leadership at Makerere. As a leader, he had a “baptism by fire” when an accident claimed the life of a student and he was tasked with the duty of informing the student community. He wrote the letter, and because the student was popular, some students cited foul play in the death. When students conducted a demonstration over the demise, Kizito was accused of inciting that action.

That experience caused Kizito to move away from his childhood ambition of politics. It is also at that point that he discovered that it was within his means to resurrect the wish of his mother — becoming a teacher. Kizito turned his attention to performing well, so he could be retained as a teaching assistant at the university.

For that to happen, he needed to get a first-class degree. And he did. Makerere University thus retained Kizito as a teaching assistant. And, Kizito, who was recently a recipient of a Doctor of Philosophy, never looked back. 

In July 2008, he started working at Uganda Christian University (UCU) on a part-time basis, becoming a full-time staff member a year later. 

In 2016, when Kizito was appointed the Head of the Department of Public Administration and Governance at UCU, it dawned on him that the university had begun to entrust him with big assignments, and, therefore, he needed to return to school to pursue a doctorate, to achieve the academic readiness for large tasks.

“Being head of department meant I built the standard for the rest so I felt challenged,” Kizito said. “At some of the committees where I represented UCU as head of department, almost everybody was a professor.”

At the time, Kizito had a Master’s in Public Administration and Management (Makerere University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (Uganda Management Institute) and  a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Makerere). 

A few months into his role as head of department, Kizito was also appointed co-ordinator of the Master of Research and Public Policy program at UCU. Additionally, he was asked to represent UCU on the steering committee of Partnership for African Social and Governance Research. 

He also was involved in the establishment of the Master of Governance and International Relations program, as well as the review of the programs of Master of Research and Public Policy and the Master of Public Administration and Management.

At the time, he was teaching two undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Governance and International Relations and Bachelor of Public Administration and Management.

“I would feel that God had granted me opportunities, but I needed the PhD to bolster my capacity,” Kizito said. “I told myself fortune favors a prepared man, so I wanted a PhD to be ready to maximize any opportunities that would come my way.” 

“My parents loved education. So, I knew that a PhD would make my mum proud because many people really want to see their children get the best from school.” 

His hunt for a scholarship yielded fruits in 2020 with admission to the University of Pretoria in South Africa. 

While grateful, his physical studies in South Africa meant sacrificing time away from  his wife, Angella, and five-year-old daughter. Additionally, during his second year, he needed to return to Uganda when Angella, now in recovery, was diagnosed with cancer.

“It was a tough time, moving to different hospitals, taking care of my wife during the day, and having to study at night to catch up with university deadlines,” he said. 

This slowed down his progress, making him graduate after four years instead of three.

Kizito’s research focus was on developing a model for enhancing evaluation influence on policy design. A design that effectively contributes to a better policy environment, evidence-based policy design, and implementation in Africa.

In his research, he looked at the African Peer Review Mechanism, a system that evaluates how well countries are governed, as stipulated by the constitution of the African Union. He noticed there were not many studies about “African ways of evaluating things,” which could help leaders understand how to turn evaluations into actual policies.

The study recommends inclusive participation in evaluation input, activities aligned with government plans, institutionalizing government-wide reporting on National Plan of Action implementation, and establishing a well-domesticated legal framework.

After his April 2024 graduation, Kizito now envisions providing advisory services and contributing to the development of short courses on policy-related matters. 

“I believe there are many individuals that need this knowledge but cannot commit to a PhD program due to time constraints, so developing a short course in policy-related matters is paramount,” 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.

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A Uganda census enumerator is shown gathering data at a household in Manafwa in eastern Uganda.

UCU students, staff counted in 2024 Uganda census

News, Students


A Uganda census enumerator is shown gathering data at a household in Manafwa in eastern Uganda.
A Uganda census enumerator is shown gathering data at a household in Manafwa in eastern Uganda.

By Bena Nekesa
In the heart of Uganda, where the rhythms of life beat to the pulse of tradition, and across the vast expanse of the United States, where modernity intertwines with history, lies a common thread that binds civilizations across time – the census. 

The census, an official count of people, is crucial for understanding the demographic makeup of a population to inform decision-making in areas like resource allocation, public policy and infrastructure development. It helps governments plan for the future and ensures equitable distribution of resources and representation.

In the USA, such data is collected on an ongoing basis with the next large census to be conducted in 2030.  At that time,  residents of the United States and its five territories will be counted, marking the country’s 25th population count since 1790. The process involves sending out questionnaires to every household, which they can fill out online, by mail or by phone. The United States Census Bureau also employs door-to-door visits to ensure an accurate count, especially in hard-to-reach or undercounted communities. The data collected is used to determine representation in Congress and allocate federal funding, among other purposes. 

In Uganda, the census has been conducted every 10 years since 1911, with the latest May 10-25. 

To assist with this year’s data collection, Uganda Christian University (UCU) released its staff and around 16,000 students to go home for two days at the start of the data collection period with encouragement for more virtual learning and leniency participation in on-site classes during the two weeks that the census was conducted.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics uses census data to track progress, implement projects and make decisions.
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics uses census data to track progress, implement projects and make decisions.

This door-to-door process is common in countries with lower internet penetration or literacy rates, where self-response may not be as feasible. Additionally, Uganda’s census involves more manual data collection and processing due to technological obstacles and language differences. Uganda has around 70 spoken languages.

While Uganda data is collected in-person, one difference this time is that the enumerators are entering information electronically via digital phones and tablets. 

“Counting people in the country is very useful since it enables the president and cabinet to plan for the citizens and the continent,” said one enumerator, who, like other census takers, makes an average of sh50,000 ($13.31) per day.

In order for the enumerators to get the needed information, they use several questions to acquire the necessary details from their sources of information. The questions in a census typically include inquiries about age, sex, race, ethnicity, household composition, education, employment and housing. 

The last Uganda National Population Census was conducted in August 2014. According to the results from 10 years ago, the Uganda population was approximately 34.6 million people.  The global population is around 8 billion.

“The enumerator at my home village in Namisidwa interviewed me, but surprisingly, some of the questions were funny. A case in point, how many saucepans do you have, which kind of phone are you having, among several others.” said Zita Mukimba, a student at UCU School of Education. “Missing school because of the counting exercise pained me, but also improved on my understanding about how census is done.”

In 2024 and just like UCU students and staff, Ugandan men and women leave their work places to travel back to their homes to enable the collection of optimum, accurate results without duplication, improving efficiency and effectiveness for the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. The Bureau uses census data, along with other surveys and administrative records, to track progress, implement projects, and make decisions related to needs and service delivery.

The census has been around for quite some time. 

It is biblical with references to the counting process in several chapters.  The prophet Moses, for example, conducts a census of the Israelites, in the Old Testament book of Numbers. In the New Testament gospel of Luke 2:3, people got their own towns to register for the survey. 

Pythagoras, an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, is often credited with the phrase, “All things are numbers.” Best known for the Pythagorean theory about a triangle,  the 580-500 B.C.  truth-seeker saw numbers as fundamental to reality – the essence of all things.

The time it takes for census data to be recorded and made public varies depending on the size of the population and the resources available for data processing. It can take several months to a few years for the data to be fully processed, analyzed, and publicly released in a usable format. 

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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

Community-Based Monitoring course (CBM) students test the safety of water in one of the villages.

Tanzania exchange program exposes UCU students to world of community work

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


Community-Based Monitoring course (CBM) students test the safety of water in one of the villages.
Community-Based Monitoring course (CBM) students test the safety of water in one of the villages.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Seven Uganda Christian University (UCU) students have had a resume-building experience during a five-week internship at a university in Tanzania. The students participated in a Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) course at Mzumbe University’s main campus in Morogoro, Tanzania, from March 30 to May 5, 2024. 

CBM is a co-creation course facilitated and co-ordinated by the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) – University of Antwerp, Belgium and Mzumbe University.

The course, which brought together students from the United States, Uganda, Tanzania, Belgium, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Peru and Indonesia, was aimed at equipping students with skills and knowledge in community-led development and sustainability. It was delivered through theoretical sessions, skills labs and action labs, where students worked directly with local communities to identify development challenges and use evidence to influence designing of alternative interventions by duty bearers.

The students who participated in the CBM course
The students who participated in the CBM course

The UCU team included Amenyo Sarah, Bigala Cathryn, Baraka Peter, Lubega Daniel, Mubeezi Simon and Vincent Manimani, who are students of Master of Development Monitoring and Evaluation; and Sagal Macrina, who is pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Monitoring and Evaluation.

The invitation to the UCU School of Social Sciences was based on the collaboration that IOB-University of Antwerp has had with UCU. 

The facilitators were led by Prof. Nathalie Holvoet from the University of Antwerp. Other facilitators included Dr.  Sara Dewachter (IOB-University of Antwerp), Doreen Kyando (Mzumbe University), Dr. Alellie Sobrevinas (De La Salle University), Solomon Mwije (UCU), and Dr. Christina M. Shitima (Mzumbe University)..

Dr. Waiswa Jeremy, the UCU Head of Postgraduate Studies and Research – School of Social Sciences — noted that the students who participated in the program this year formed the inaugural cohort.

According to Waiswa, the course enhances students’ skills and enables them to implement the theories they learn in class.

“While we teach theoretical concepts in the classroom, this program provides students with the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice,” Waiswa said. “This helps our students concretize their understanding and allows them to test theoretical frameworks in real-world scenarios, discerning what works and what doesn’t.”

Cathryn Bigala, presenting research findings during the CBM program
Cathryn Bigala, presenting research findings during the CBM program

Solomon, a UCU lecturer, said during the program, they undertook three CBM projects on education, water and food security.

He explained that by working on real-world projects, UCU students developed essential skills in presenting their findings and engaging with the communities. 

He said those who participated are expected to become change agents and share knowledge with colleagues. The students learned about how local communities in Tanzania are addressing issues related to development challenges. They acquired skills in data collection, analysis and community engagement.

What beneficiary UCU students said
Cathryn Bigala, a second-year student pursuing Master of Development Monitoring and Evaluation, said her most memorable moment in Tanzania was visiting villages to meet respondents affected by food insecurity and water scarcity. 

The findings revealed that poverty and natural disaster situations like pests, floods, and elephants that destroy crops have devastating effects on locals. 

Sagal Macrina, presenting research findings during the CBM program
Sagal Macrina, presenting research findings during the CBM program

“This has caused fear among the locals, and as a result, people have abandoned farming for quarrying as an alternative to fend for their families,” Bigala said.

Through the program, Bigala says she acquired practical skills in community data collection and analysis, respondent interviewing, and monitoring development projects at the community level. 

Bigala noted that the program prepared her to think critically about community concerns, be an advocate for the underprivileged, and collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Sagal Macrina, a finalist pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Monitoring and Evaluation, says she participated in a CBM water project to test water safety, identify unsafe water sources, and present results to the community. 

“During the water project, we implemented a flag system to indicate safe and unsafe water sources,” Macrina said. “We put green flags to indicate safe water sources and also put up red and orange flags to indicate the unsafe water sources prompting government action, where necessary.”

The program also helped her develop interpersonal and communication skills.

“Through the program, I learned better communication skills as I had to present findings to the community and other stakeholders,” Macrina noted.

Simon Mubeezi, presenting research findings during the CBM program
Simon Mubeezi, presenting research findings during the CBM program

She also appreciated the experience of working with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, which broadened her worldview and helped her appreciate the nuances of working in a multicultural team.

Simon Mubeezi, a second-year student of Master of Development Monitoring and Evaluation, said he acquired skills in research methodology and data analysis.

By engaging directly with the local community through data collection, he says he gained insights into the farmers’ adaptive and coping strategies to climate change and their agricultural practices.

“This program showed me the importance of integrating local knowledge with academic research to effectively address food security concerns,” Mubeezi noted.

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

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Jean Paul Nageri (middle) with his award for Most Innovative Export company early this year. Third Right is Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while second-right is the Head of the European Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Jan Sadek. Second-left is Uganda’s Minister for Investment, Evelyne Anite.

UCU alum’s innovation reduces post-harvest losses

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , , ,


Jean Paul Nageri (middle) with his award for Most Innovative Export company early this year. Third Right is Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while second-right is the Head of the European Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Jan Sadek. Second-left is Uganda’s Minister for Investment, Evelyne Anite.
Jean Paul Nageri (middle) with his award for Most Innovative Export company early this year. Third Right is Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while second-right is the Head of the European Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Jan Sadek. Second-left is Uganda’s Minister for Investment, Evelyne Anite.

By Kefa Senoga
In 2017, the father of Jean Paul Nageri planted more than 100 acres of bananas in Busia, eastern Uganda. As is usually the norm, towards harvest time, a middleman promised to buy all the bananas at harvest. The harvest time came, but the middleman never showed up. The result? Most of the bananas either got rotten in the garden or were sold at a give-away price.

The pain of that loss was so unbearable for Nageri that the next year, he was in the laboratory, working out a solution to mitigate the gravity of the depletion his father suffered. He suspected there was a solution, but did not know exactly what it was. And the tests in the laboratory led him to something that was more like putting into practice the course he had studied at Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he received a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship. 

Nageri explaining his innovation at a conference.
Nageri explaining his innovation at a conference.

Nageri sought to extend the shelf life of many fruits and vegetables by slowing down their rate of spoilage while being kept at room temperature without any form of refrigeration – a move that democratizes food storage and removes barriers to enable everyone to keep food fresh, regardless of whether you have a cold room or not. In Uganda, room temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).

So, how does Nageri’s innovation work?

He explained that using the skins of oranges, mangoes, bananas and other fruits in the lab, he was able to extract compounds, which he later turned into powder. The powder is blended with water, which is then used for coating the fruits and vegetables. The coating, which he has named Ka Fresh and is produced by his firm, Sio Valley Technologies, is edible.

“Most of the knowledge I am applying now is what I obtained in class at the university,” he said. “I am working with other scientists who are also applying the same knowledge in biotechnology.”

Nageri with his jam products during his university days
Nageri with his jam products during his university days

For this innovation, Sio Valley Technologies was early this year awarded the Most Innovative Export company at the third annual Uganda/EU Business Summit. Nageri received the award from Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. The Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Jan Sadek, was also present at the awards gala.  

The World Food Program estimates that as of last year, more than 333 million people in the world were facing acute levels of food insecurity; they did not know where their next meal would come. The situation is compounded by the fact that the cost of delivering food assistance was at an all-time high because of the increase in the prices of food and fuel.

Despite the hunger situation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 30-40% of total food production is lost before it reaches the market. But with the Ka Fresh solution, Nageri aims to overcome this challenge, so that farmers can have more bargaining power over their produce while in the market without fear of it getting rotten while on the shelf.

Some fruits and vegetables that have been coated with Nageri’s solution, he says, are now able to stay fresh for up to three times their natural shelf life. Nageri says tests in the laboratory have indicated that tomatoes that have been coated with Ka Fresh, for example, are able to stay for more than 70 days under room temperature without refrigeration.

Nageri’s innovation should come as good news for exporters who are currently scratching their heads for solutions to the rising cost of air freight. Currently, according to the World Bank, it costs 12 to 16 times more to transport a commodity through air than sea and yet exporters opt for air transport because some commodities cannot last the more than 30 days it takes most of the ships to travel from African ports to Europe.

The journey to the Ka Fresh innovation saw Nageri team up with a friend, Lorna Orubo, to make tomato jam as a student at UCU and then mayonnaise, as his final-year project to meet the requirements for the award of his degree.

 “If you are building the right solution to a challenge, capital will always follow you and the right people will always want to surround themselves with you,” Nageri says, noting that for now, he is more focused on fine-tuning his innovation than looking at what he stands to benefit from it.

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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

Esther Kisakye, one of the first recipients of the vaccine at UCU

UCU engaged in phase 2 of Uganda’s yellow fever vaccination campaign

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Esther Kisakye, one of the first recipients of the vaccine at UCU
Esther Kisakye, one of the first recipients of the vaccine at UCU

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In April, Uganda underwent the second phase of a vaccination campaign against yellow fever disease that is spread through a bite from an infected Aedes mosquito, informally known as the “tiger” mosquito because of its black and white markings.

The campaign, which covered 53 districts, including Mukono, where the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) is located, took place from April 2 to 8. 

At the launch of the administration of the vaccination at Mehta Primary School in Lugazi Municipality, Buikwe District, on April 4, 2024, Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the Uganda representative with the World Health Organization (WHO), said they expected to reach at least 90% of the intended population in this second phase of the vaccination. The campaign targeted vaccinating 14.4 million people ages 1 to 60.

Vaccination preparation
Vaccination preparation

The first phase of the vaccination took place in June last year, targeting 13.3 million people. A total of 9.4 million people were reached during the first phase, according to Dr. Tegegn Woldemariam.

In 2017, a global strategy called Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) was developed by WHO and a coalition of partners such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to eradicate yellow fever by 2026. It is expected that by the end of 2026, almost 1 billion people ages 1-60 in high-risk African countries will be protected against yellow fever.

USA citizens over age 1 must have the yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda. Americans pay around $200 each for the yellow fever vaccine. Some other countries that require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entrance include Algeria, Angola, Australia, Bahamas, Nigeria and Kenya.

Since 2010, Uganda has had an escalating number of yellow fever outbreaks with confirmed cases reported in the northern parts of the country. In 2020, there were cases in parts of northwestern and western Uganda. Most recently, in 2023, yellow fever outbreaks were recorded in some central parts of the country.

UCU students waiting to be vaccinated at Allan Galpin Health Center
UCU students waiting to be vaccinated at Allan Galpin Health Center

According to WHO, a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection without any need for booster doses. A total of 80-100% of the vaccinated people are immune to the disease within 10 days and more than 99% within 30 days. 

With some exceptions, the yellow fever vaccine is free only for Ugandan children less than a year old. For others, government health facilities charge Sh102,000 (about $27) per yellow fever vaccine.

The UCU Allan Galpin Health Centre was one of the facilities earmarked for free vaccination during the second phase in April. Abdul Wahabu Kakooza, a Nursing Officer in charge of vaccinations at Galpin, urged members of the community to embrace the vaccination. He said signs and symptoms of yellow fever may be confused with malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue), or poisoning.

Aedes mosquito
Aedes mosquito

According to Dr. Stephen Mulindwa, the Health Officer for Mukono District, 520,000 people were vaccinated in Mukono District. He urged more people to get vaccinated.

“People should beware that yellow fever can damage the liver and kidney, and this may lead to death,” Mulindwa said. “The vaccine is safe, and people should embrace it.” 

In April, 1,000 students, staff and some community members were vaccinated at Allan Galpin. 

Voices from the UCU Community
Esther Kisakye, a UCU year-three student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, was among the first individuals to receive the yellow fever vaccination at Allan Galpin. 

“I urge the public to get vaccinated to keep safe from yellow fever,” Kisakye said.

Campaign signage
Campaign signage

Emmanuel Isabirye, a Teaching Assistant at UCU who got vaccinated, believes that vaccines have helped combat diseases like polio. He emphasised that yellow fever is a severe illness and should be taken seriously. 

Dickson Tumuramye, Head of the UCU Honors College, said that since the yellow fever vaccine is now mandatory for international travel, he was left with no choice but to comply. 

“I saw the campaign as an opportunity to get a free vaccination,” Tumuramye said.

For his children, he gave consent for them to be vaccinated at their school.

“I realised that if we did not get vaccinated, it would potentially cause challenges in the future, such as when we want to travel or when schools start asking for vaccination cards,” he said. 

On the other hand, some members of the UCU community believe the Uganda Ministry of Health could have done more awareness ahead of and during the administration for more-informed response.

“The Ministry of Health did not sensitise enough about the vaccine and its potential side effects,” said Eriah Lule, the Communications Assistant for the UCU Alumni Association, explaining some of the cause of vaccine hesitancy. Those side effects include headaches and low-grade fevers. 

Hope Akello, a resident of Mukono district, did not get vaccinated, questioning the cost.

The Government ran advertisements in the media about the campaign. During the official launch of the weeklong campaign on April 4, the Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, urged the population to reject misinformation surrounding vaccines. She reassured the public of their safety and efficacy, emphasising that “immunisation efforts are crucial in safeguarding public health and reducing disease prevalence.”

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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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Rev. Dr. Richard Muwonge Mulindwa during his graduation in South Africa

‘Life was hard’ – Rev. Dr. Mulindwa, new PhD recipient

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


Rev. Dr. Richard Muwonge Mulindwa during his graduation in South Africa
Rev. Dr. Richard Muwonge Mulindwa during his graduation in South Africa

By Kefa Senoga
For the first time in 15 years, the Rev. Dr. Mulindwa Richard Muwonge is not in a university class. He is also not chasing after a deadline for a class assignment. And this is because he recently completed his education, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Religious Studies from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Mulindwa, the Church Relations Manager at Uganda Christian University (UCU), joined Uganda’s Kyambogo University in 2009 to pursue  Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies. Upon receiving that award, he immediately enrolled for Master of Science in Public Health at UCU and thereafter, Master of Divinity, also from UCU. 

Now, there is a PhD for a boy whose parents passed away before he was 12 years old and his grandmother-guardian just four years later. This is nothing short of a miracle for the youth who could hardly afford to eat. When Buule Samson and Mary Katusabe departed, the role of looking after their son rested with the latter’s grandmother who died by the time the grandson was age 16. At the time, he had just completed Senior One at Lugazi High School in central Uganda. 

UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance David Mugawe (left); UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro (center); and the Rev. Dr. Mulindwa (right) at the GAFCON conference in Kigali last year.
UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance David Mugawe (left); UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro (center); and the Rev. Dr. Mulindwa (right) at the GAFCON conference in Kigali last year.

“After the death of my grandmother, I became independent and survived on my own. Life was hard, tough and full of struggles,” Mulindwa said, explaining how he took up odd jobs to raise money for his school fees.

However, he was only able to raise money for Senior Two. By Senior Three, he was no longer in position to raise the amount of money required for his fees. 

“When the school where I was studying got wind of my dilemma, they employed me,” Mulindwa said.  “I was cooking porridge at school, cleaning classrooms and doing casual work. In return, I would not pay school fees.” 

He notes that despite his commitments at school, he would find two days in a week to work in some garages to earn more income.

Through that arrangement, Mulindwa was able to stay in school up to the second term of Senior Five, when he dropped out because the school got a new headteacher who cancelled the work-study plan. 

Mulindwa kept out of school for the next seven years. During this break from formal education, he found support from the family of the Rev. Capt. Titus Baraka. Their paths crossed when Baraka became the parish priest of Mulindwa’s home area in Mukono district.

With the support from vision for Africa, Mulindwa pursued a certificate program in motor vehicle mechanics at the Nakawa Vocational Training Institute. He was later employed by the  Mukono diocese as a driver and mechanic.

Mulindwa says he seized the opportunity of working in the diocese to get a bursary in the church-founded schools to continue with formal education. He joined Mukono High School to complete Senior Five and later moved to Kisowera Secondary School for Senior Six.

“Studying as an old man was a challenge as I often got mocked,” he recalled. “But I had to swallow my pride and go for what I wanted.”

His bachelor’s degree at Kyambogo University was sponsored by Good Samaritans from the USA, the Master of Public Health Leadership at UCU was sponsored by Save the Mothers while the Master of Divinity was through a scholarship from the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology.

He plans to use his PhD to advance the mission of spreading Christianity through teaching, learning and research to contribute valuable insights to the church, engaging in pastoral work, preaching the gospel, and serving as a role model to inspire others to pursue further studies.

Mulindwa’s area of research was marriage, with a focus on “the drivers of infidelity among members of the clergy in the Church of Uganda.” 

He believes that without the patience of his family members — wife Deborah and children — he would not have completed his PhD program. Despite being sponsored for his education, in many instances, he still had to contribute some funds towards the expenses, thereby depriving his family of some of their basic needs.

He notes that balancing family time with work, and studies was not easy for him. But he did it. Mulindwa also serves as the chaplain for Makerere College 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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Uganda Studies Program students pose for photo shortly before being sent home early due to a 2015 Al-Shabaab terrorism attack on students at a university in Kenya. Rachel Robinson, the director at the time, is fourth from left.

North American university program marks 20th year at UCU

Faculty, News, Students, UCU Alumni, Uganda Partners, USP, , , , ,


Uganda Studies Program students pose for photo shortly before being sent home early due to a 2015 Al-Shabaab terrorism attack on students at a university in Kenya. Rachel Robinson, the director at the time, is fourth from left.
Uganda Studies Program students pose for photo shortly before being sent home early due to a 2015 Al-Shabaab terrorism attack on students at a university in Kenya. Rachel Robinson, the director at the time, is fourth from left.

Story By Nathan Simbilyabo and Bena Nekesa

Photos, Video by Nathan Simbilyabo

In 2004, Mark and Abby Bartels embarked on a journey to create a unique educational experience for students from Christian colleges and universities in North America. What started as the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has now blossomed into a 20-year legacy of cultural exchange and academic learning.

“We learned early that relationships would be the key to the success of the program,” said Mark Bartels, now executive director of a USA-based nonprofit, Uganda Partners. “Beyond the essential rapport with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and UCU was that the program provided relationships with other students, host families, faculty members and supervisors – primarily Ugandans.”

Now living in Pennsylvania, Mark and Abby, who had USP founding roles of coordinator and assistant coordinator, respectively, spent 10 years at UCU, working, living and raising their three children there.  Both are graduates of Wheaton (Illinois) College, which is one of more than 100 higher education institutions under the CCCU umbrella. 

When the couple launched USP 20 years ago, Abby’s father, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll, was UCU’s Vice Chancellor. 

According to Mark, CCCU had other programs designed with academics and home stays  in Russia, China, Egypt, Costa Rica and England. One different distinction was that USP was the first CCCU program to be closely partnered and embedded within a Christian university. A key UCU component was alignment with the Honors College, coordinated then by the Rev. Canon Dr. Sam Opol, assisted by his wife, Margaret. 

Today, the USP is a program with a focus on Social work, Global Health, and Interdisciplinary studies, offering students a wide range of educational opportunities. Rachel Robinson, the program director for the past 10 years,  leaves her post in June. The director oversees the day-to-day operation and the transformative experience it provides for students.

About the USP Program
When applying for the Uganda Studies Program at UCU, students choose from one of the following academic concentrations: Social Work, Global Health, or Interdisciplinary, and engage in internships at different organizations depending on their area of study.

The program also creates a different learning experience for students in Uganda and Africa as a whole, arranging for a student to be placed with a host family on arrival, and during the trip they stay in villages for a week in  which a student can learn what academics cannot give. 

During one of two semesters known at UCU as Advent/Fall and Spring/Easter Semester, they do a homestay in Kapchorwa or Serere. At the end of a semester over the years, they make a final study trip to Northern Uganda or Rwanda and finish with a debrief in Entebbe before returning to North America.

The USP since its inception boasts of up to 970 alumni including 120 males and the rest females, who have since become global alumni ambassadors of UCU and sponsors in partnership with UCU. For over two decades of USP existence, the program has had over 93 American and Ugandan staff members, including a coordinator, program assistant and a homestay coordinator.

Rachel’s Journey with USP
On April 10, the USP celebrated two major milestones in its history: first, its 20th anniversary since 2004; and second, honoring Rachel Robinson for her leadership as director of the Program. Outgoing students also bade farewell. 

USP director, Rachel Robinson, left, is leaving her leadership position that will be assumed by Emily Entsminger, right, on June 1.
USP director, Rachel Robinson, left, is leaving her leadership position that will be assumed by Emily Entsminger, right, on June 1.

Rachel’s leadership journey began in 2014 when Mark, now executive director of UCU Partners, moved back to the USA. Her tenure with USP started in 2010 while she was serving as the Coordinator of the Intercultural Ministry Mission Emphasis (IMME). Effective June 1, the USP lead position will be assumed by Emily Entsminger, a USP alum who has been serving as a Student  Life Coordinator.

“I have many memories – both good and challenging – from the years in the role of the directorate,” Rachel said. “One of the difficult memories is the bomb attack that happened in one of the universities in Kenya in 2015.” The Garissa University College attack in Kenya took place in April 2015 when gunmen stormed the institution, massacring 148 and injuring 79 more people.

“It was a serious crisis that happened because from that we were called to evacuate our students before the end of their semester,” she said. “That semester we had farewell without students.”

USP director, Rachel Robinson, center, participates in a recent cake cutting event on UCU Mukono campus.
USP director, Rachel Robinson, center, participates in a recent cake cutting event on UCU Mukono campus.

One of  Racheal’s highlights during her service under USP were trips to Rwanda where she and USP cohorts interacted with a Rwandese national with Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA), Christophe Mbonyingabo, who told them about the Rwandese genocide of 1994 and reconciliation and recovery that was happening.

When asked about her next step, Rachel expressed uncertainty but asserted “trust in God” both for her and USP.

“Whenever there is a success, mostly the directors and leaders get the praise, while I didn’t do it alone and mostly every time there are people in the background working overtime,” she said. “I am undoubtedly confident with the coming director of USP that even if it doesn’t go well or it goes well, she will do well.” 

What others say
The April celebration was attended by many guests including the host families, homestay families, roommates, former USP staff including the former Vice Chancellor Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration David Mugawe and University Chaplain Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro. 

“I have seen this program grow and go through different seasons, both difficult and good, for example during COVID-19 and the attack on the university in Kenya in 2015,” recalled Dr. Senyonyi during his speech. “But the outgoing director, with whom I joined UCU almost at the same time, has worked so hard, so I say, Rachel, you must come back because we still need you.” 

David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, and outgoing USP director, Rachel Robinson, with recognition plaque.
David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, and outgoing USP director, Rachel Robinson, with recognition plaque.

The UCU Directorate of Student Affairs, Pamela Tumwebaze, added appreciation to Rachel “as a colleague and close friend.”

“Rachel had become like a sister to me,” Pamela said. “I will miss her. I wish I could convince her to stay, and I do not know what word I will use.”

During his speech, Mugawe presented Rachel with an award in recognition of her good work and thanked her on behalf of the university community.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of cake, a meal, a touching slideshow of memories and well-wishes from friends, and officially closed with prayer by the UCU Chaplain.

Another commemoration with an audience of USP alumni  is planned in July in the USA state of Colorado. 

As USP marks its 20th anniversary and its impact, it remains committed to providing students with immersive educational experiences that broaden their horizons and shape their worldview. Most importantly, it continues to inspire students to understand and appreciate other cultures.

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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

Born in May of 2002, I was the last of four children of a housewife and engineer. They were elated to bring another healthy baby into the world – at least for the first five months.

‘I am part of spina bifida statistics’

Journalism, Students, ,


Pauline Luba, diagnosed with spina bifida as a baby, is a final-year student in UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication.
Pauline Luba, diagnosed with spina bifida as a baby, is a final-year student in UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication.

(Note: This first-person story is provided by Pauline Luba, a final-year, undergraduate student in Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication. She is one of three interns writing for Uganda Partners. As she prepares to receive her bachelor’s degree this October, one of her next steps is helping others who, like her, have spina bifida. In late April, she launched a web site focused on that goal.)

By Pauline Luba
Born in May of 2002, I was the last of four children of a housewife and engineer. They were elated to bring another healthy baby into the world – at least for the first five months.

At six months, my mother noticed a peculiar swelling on the lower part of my tiny back. It quickly grew into a huge sac and prompted a rush to the hospital. Following tests, the doctor determined I had spina bifida, a birth defect in which the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly.  The National Institutes of Health reports up to 10 of every 1,000 babies have it. An estimated 1,400 children are born with spina bifida annually in Uganda.

Spina bifida is a condition in which a spinal cord fails to develop properly. One of two things happens: 1) a large sac develops; or 2) a deep opening occurs where the spine should be. The types are myelomeningocele, meningocele and occulta.

Myelomeningocele, which is the most serious spina bifida type, has a sack of fluid coming through an opening in the back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are damaged in this sac. Most people with this type lose feeling in their legs, cannot use the bathroom and are generally faced with disability for life.

Meningocele is just a sac in the back with fluid and no part of the spinal cord. However, it may have some nerves and may lead to minor disabilities in one’s life.

Occulta is best described as where the gap in the spine is so small and underdeveloped that it goes undetected until late childhood or early adulthood. Unlike other types, occulta does not carry any disabilities or issues for the victims. Scientists theorise that it may be caused by genetics or environment but it needs to be studied further. 

I have meningocele. I am part of spina

Pauline as a baby after surgery
Pauline as a baby after surgery

bifida statistics. This, then, is not my full story, but rather a fraction of my obstacles punctuated with frustrations, learning and hope through the encouragement of God and His people.

At age six months, the sac in my back was successfully removed, but nerve damage occurred either from spina bifida or from the surgery itself. My mother blamed the surgeon.

My nerve damage caused issues in my left leg. It became weak and smaller in size than my right. There was a note of paralysis in part of my foot and toes. Doctor visits both in Kenya and Uganda were part of my childhood. Medical professionals said I was spina bifida-free with related or unrelated muscle atrophy best alleviated with exercise and physiotherapy, the latter of which was outside my family budget.

I was often bullied by my peers for being the girl whose legs were “two different sizes.” 

Still vivid in my memory is this childhood ridicule. One girl laughed loudly, pointing at my legs each time I stood up and walked to see the timetable at the front of the class. At the library, where students were required to remove shoes to enter, I was mocked again as classmates saw how I had tissue stuffed in mine to help them fit. I can still hear the glee from boys and girls when once I fell from the imbalance of an atrophied leg and even more with kids wrapping index fingers and thumbs around my lower leg to point out the small size. 

Pauline, left, growing up with two older sisters.
Pauline, left, growing up with two older sisters.

School-required dresses (vs. pants) for girls made my disability more obvious.

I developed a dislike for being touched, especially on my leg, and often isolated myself from other kids. At home, I cried a lot and sometimes pretended to be sick to avoid school. 

This took a toll on me, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Teasing and insensitive comments follow me even now as a young adult. Acquaintances and random people ask what happened to my leg. Some have genuine curiosity, whereas others laugh. 

I found myself asking God why. 

Why do I look different?  Why can’t I have equally sized-legs like everybody else? Why am I sick more than others?  While I did fake sickness occasionally, other times I was genuinely battling malaria or sinusitis or allergies to the cold. 

I felt I was a burden to my family. 

Throughout my self-isolation as a child, books were my friends. Books offered a beautiful escape and provided a deeper understanding of many things. When I wasn’t reading, I also started seeing the value in all people, regardless of disability.

One instance of this was in mid 2023, when Uganda Partners assigned me a story on a swimmer living with a disability at the university. Even before the story was written my interest peaked. The student I was meant to interview had lost his leg in an accident at age eight. 

Hearing the young man recount his tale of pain, suffering, rejuvenation and finding himself in swimming has stuck with me to this very day. His explanation about how he thought of nothing when he was in the water felt similar to how I thought of nothing when I read. Even though I was interviewing him that day, he took the wheel on teaching me a very important lesson on perspective and achieving what you want – regardless of what they world may think of you.

Now, as a student soon to receive my bachelor’s degree from Uganda Christian University, I can look back to find some silver linings that made me stronger, smarter and more sensitive to the differences of others. 

While books were my friends, God was my bigger friend. He was there to catch my tears, answer my questions, and encourage me. 

I am today selective about acquaintances, fostering genuine connections and friendships. 

One difficult situation I overcame was when I had to stand in front of an assembly at O’ level as a prefect and give a speech in my skirt, trying hard not to think about everyone judging me. To date, I have won speech competitions. To this, I mostly thank my older sisters, who believed in me and encouraged me.

Belief in myself moves me now to set up a non-profit which seeks to raise awareness about spina bifida, fund surgeries of patients, offer aid in their areas and so much more. It goes by the name of Kore – a pronunciation play on the word “core,” referring to the spine and how it’s one of the “core” body parts.

Kore community-based organization officially launched its website and social media in late April 2024. It’s found at www.koreug.org. My family and close friends are elated with the organization, but more so with the decision to begin this project considering my personal experience. 

I am not the most connected, wealthy or professional person in this country, but I am hopeful that my experience will drive this organization to its goal. I want to see more awareness about this disease, pregnant women taking the measures to protect their babies against it, children growing up without its associated stigma and combating the associated mental, social and physical challenges. I hope to assemble a team with so much creativity, that we don’t do things the normal way. 

And most of all, I hope to instill an essence of God into the hearts of all we touch. Without Him, I would not be here today.

I knew of Him, but once I started to foster a deeper relationship with Him, that was the true beginning of my life.  I was born with something I did not ask for, but I will not let it interfere with the dreams I have for myself. 

I want people with a similar story to read mine and know they are not alone. In my testimony to come, I hope to continue sharing to prove that no matter the disease, one’s life can still be fruitful and joyous.

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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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