Category Archives: Students

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

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

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

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

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

Prossy Byaruhanga, the mother of Francis Byaruhanga

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agira embarks on guild presidency to honor late mother

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birungi Agira taking the oath as guild president

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UCU holds Christmas carols

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peyton Burleigh, Global Health, Uganda

Two singers share the stage during performance of ‘Bethlehem’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Top student among 610 BBUC November 2023 graduates ‘believed’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

++++

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Bishop Barham welcomes new guild president

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Medical student wins $2,600 in agriculture innovation competition

December 1, 2023News, Students, UCU School of MedicinePatty Huston-Holm

Samantha Ainembabazi receiving her award at the gala in late October

By Pauline Luba
It is unusual for a medical student to show an interest in farming. Yet, that is what Samantha Ainembabazi, working towards the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the Uganda Christian University (UCU), did and more.

She diversified her knowledge and skill into an innovation that she thinks could be a game changer for Uganda’s small-scale farmers and received a cash prize for the idea. The 23-year-old, final-year student on the Kampala campus was given a sh10million (about $2,640) grant to help her refine her idea and actualize it.

Ainembabazi’s innovation, Frezo Nano Technologies, which she submitted to the Ayute Africa Challenge 2023, preserves fruits and vegetables by releasing a safe organic formulation extending shelf life by 30 days.

Ayute Africa Challenge Uganda identifies agricultural and innovative tech ideas with the potential to address the challenges of smallholder farmers in Uganda, such as strengthening food security and improving production, income, resilience and access to finance.

And the support goes beyond awarding the agri-tech innovators. A team of expert advisors supports the winners to actualize their ideas to impact the lives of smallholder farmers. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 70% of people in Uganda work in agriculture, and the country has more than three-and-a-half million family farms.

This year’s Ayute Africa Challenge, organized by Heifer International, a not-for-profit organization that supports local farmers in Uganda, featured 189 participants. The contestants were taken through an incubator program to gain deeper insight into how to scale up their businesses, ensure sustainability, and attain financial management skills.

Ainembabazi believes the innovation that took her and her co-founder, Mugisha Arnold Gift, two years to develop will help reduce post-harvest losses among farmers. Frezo Nano Technologies inhibits the activity of phospholipase D, an enzyme responsible for the deterioration of membranes of fruits, giving them an extended shelf life.

Statistics indicate that poor practices in harvest and postharvest handling lead to a loss of 22% of the harvested produce and a further 17% loss of the output value.

“We hope to reach every small-scale farmer, and eventually every household to help in the preservation of fruits and vegetables,” said Ainembabazi, whose innovation was the second runner-up in this year’s challenge.

Simon Peter Okoci, who built an innovation that uses an automated temperature and light regulation system in brooders, was the overall winner. For this feat, he walked home with a cash prize of sh35million (about $9,230). The first runner-up, Willy Katumwa, who invented a fish feeding technology that automates feeding based on fish needs, received sh25 million (about $6,600).

The Heifer Uganda Country Director, William Matovu, said they aim to build a community of agri-tech innovators that can accelerate meaningful impact for smallholder farmers.

“Heifer Uganda believes that the future of Africa’s agriculture hinges on creating opportunities for young innovators to transform the agricultural landscape,” Matovu said at the awards gala held late October 2023.

Last year’s top winners of the challenge, according to Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, Uganda’s minister for agriculture, have already created jobs for 25 youths, with their innovations serving over 200 farmers in Uganda.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Rev. Assoc. Prof. Omona overcomes adversity in profession

November 27, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Faculty, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Rev. Assoc. Prof. Omona, shown attending a conference, says one of the most gratifying aspects of his academic journey is the friendship he has made while pursuing his studies and attending events.

By Kefa Senoga

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. Andrew David Omona has learned how he reacts to adversity is more important than the actual misfortune. His up-and-down life story depends on the value of strength and resilience. And these are skills he has mastered.

Take, for instance, the incident of 1996 when he tried to begin his theology career.

Born in 1970 in Adjumani district, northern Uganda, to the Rev. Andrew and Mary Olal, Omona completed his primary education at Biyaya Primary School before joining Obongi Secondary School in 1986, where he completed his O’level. In 1990, he joined Moyo Secondary School in northern Uganda, from where he completed his high school studies. Unlike many of his peers, he was not influenced by a mass recruitment of people into the Uganda Police Force. He decided to pursue a Diploma in Theology at the Bishop Tucker Theological College.

In 1996, Omona, the seventh of 10 children, enrolled for a Bachelor of Divinity course at what is now the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology. At the time, the college was under Uganda’s Makerere University. It became part of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 1997. For reasons unknown to Omona, a week into his course, the Makerere University Council canceled his admission and those of some of his colleagues.

“When that happened, the Dean of Studies of Bishop Tucker at the time, the Rt. Rev. Canon Dustan Bukenya (now a retired bishop), gave me a letter to take to Bugema University,” Omona said, noting that with the letter, he gained admission into Bugema.

He was, therefore, allowed to enroll for a dual program leading to the consecutive award of two bachelor’s degrees — Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Arts with Education. The two degrees were combined because the programs shared certain elements, a practice that was acceptable at that time.

As Omona’s graduation at Bugema drew nearer, he encountered another hurdle. He got a challenge with the practical element in his theology course. He explains that despite having fulfilled all the requirements for graduation, there was one challenging course unit remaining — a practical component where they intended to assign him to a Seventh Day Adventist church.

“Whereas the head of department had agreed to supervise me in the Anglican church, the university management made it difficult for that to happen,” Omona says, indicating that when they reached a stalemate on the matter, he opted to only graduate with a Bachelor of Arts with Education.

After completing the BA with Education, he secured an admission at UCU to pursue a Master of Arts in Theology in 1999 and graduated in 2002. In 2005, his interest switched from theology and education to international relations and diplomacy; he enrolled to pursue a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy at Nkumba University, graduating in 2007.

Soon after, a friend who was studying at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania encouraged Omona to enroll for a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy. However, he says the advisor he was assigned turned out to be too busy for him. On many occasions, according to Omona, he would travel from Uganda to Tanzania, only to find that his advisor had traveled out of the country. So, in 2008, upon a friend’s recommendation, he transferred to Kenyatta University in Kenya, to pursue the same PhD course. He graduated from the university in 2015.

Upon acquiring his doctorate in 2016, Omona applied for a promotion at UCU, where he has been teaching since 2001. He was granted that request. However, three years later, when he applied to graduate to the higher rank of Associate Professor, his wish was denied. He did not lose hope, though. In 2021, Omona re-applied for the promotion. The good news reached him in May this year, when he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor of Ethics and International Relations.

He said one of the most gratifying aspects of his academic journey are the friendships he has made while pursuing his studies and attending conferences. He said that whenever he travels, he forms acquaintances with people with whom he frequently collaborates on research publications.

The Rev. Omona is married to Anne Cheroto, a priest and the Principal of Ndegeya Teacher Training College in Masaka district, central Uganda. The couple has three biological children — two boys and one girl. Their first born, a boy, is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at UCU.

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

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

UCU Arua Campus director abandoned father’s wish to pursue ministry

November 24, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi (middle) is shown during a visit to UCU Arua Campus. Second-left is the Rev. Julius Izza Tabi.

By Kefa Senoga
As a young boy, Julius Izza Tabi gave his parents the confidence that his career destination would be one in the field of sciences. As such, Tabi’s father — Izza Soyi Severino — encouraged his son to pursue a course in human medicine. Just imagine what went through the mind of Severino when his son told him he was not interested in becoming a doctor.

The Rev. Julius Izza Tabi during the UCU@25 celebrations in 2022

Tabi said he was feeling a different calling from God, one of pastoral ministry. At first, Severino thought the reason for his son’s change of heart was because he had not garnered the necessary grades to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. As such, he encouraged his son to repeat Senior Six, and that he was ready to pay the tuition. Tabi had sat his Senior Six exams at Metu Senior Secondary School in Moyo district, northern Uganda.

However, Tabi, who is now the director of the Uganda Christian University Arua Campus, said his heart was elsewhere. Fortunately, the son did not have to convince his father to pay tuition for a course he didn’t think was right. When Tabi enrolled at Lake Victoria Christian Centre for a diploma in Christian ministries, he was on full bursary.

Anglican Archbishop in Uganda Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu launching the UCU Arua Campus Master plan during the celebrations to mark 20 years of the campus

At the end of the one-year course, Tabi not only returned home with his diploma, he also emerged as the best student in the cohort.

Upon graduating with a Diploma in Christian Ministry, Tabi continued with youth ministry activities in the church. It was during this time that he and Severino agreed that the former should return to school and get a second qualification.

Tabi is the sixth born in a family of nine children. His father, Severino, was a primary school headteacher and his mother, Asianzo Catherine, a housewife.

Tabi thus pursued a Diploma in Education at the National Teachers’ College, Muni, where he specialized in Chemistry and Biology. Upon qualification, Tabi was employed at Usindi Secondary School in Arua, northwestern Uganda.

Teaching in close proximity to the UCU Arua Campus led Tabi to become part of the UCU community. In 2011, he was admitted for a Bachelor of Divinity at UCU under the Ma’di-West Nile Diocese scholarship. That same year, Tabi married Oliver Driciru, with whom he has three children — two boys and one girl.

The newly built gate of the UCU Arua Campus

At his graduation in 2014, the Rev. Tabi’s grades earned him the accolade of second-best student. The best student at the graduation was Jonathan Tumwebaze, now also a staff member at UCU.

Tabi’s outstanding performance persuaded Joel Obetia, the Bishop of Madi-West Nile Diocese at the time, to post him to UCU Arua Campus as the Assistant Chaplain in October 2014. That officially marked the start of Tabi’s association with UCU as a member of staff.

The following year, he was given extra roles when he was appointed a tutorial assistant in the Department of Theology. He later pursued a Master of Philosophy in Religion, Society and Global Issues from the Norwegian School of Theology in Oslo. Upon Tabi’s return from Oslo, he was promoted to Assistant Lecturer. In 2018, he was appointed the institution’s Dean of Students.

Three years later, in September 2021, the Rev. Tabi was appointed the acting director of the campus, a position he was confirmed into after the campus went through the requisite process of hiring the position holder.

From left: Rev Julius Izza Tabi, Rev. Canon Prof. Stephen Noll (first Vice Chancellor of UCU) and Rev. Richard Mujuni during the GAFCON conference in April 2023 in Kigali Rwanda.

In an interview that Tabi granted Uganda Partners in August this year, he enumerated his areas of focus as infrastructural development, elevating the campus into a constituent college, a massive student recruitment strategy, beautification of the environment and infrastructure, implementation of the multi-billion masterplan project, development of an endowment project and a staff recruitment plan.

This year, the campus marked 20 years of being part of the UCU family and 64 years of being a training institute. Before the campus was made a theological college and part of UCU in 2003, it was offering diploma and certificate courses in theology and also training Lay Readers in the region.

The nature of Tabi’s job means he always has a full plate. However, he says his wife is the reason he has been able to fulfill the demands of his office because she has been “filling for him whenever needed, especially when it comes to family matters.”

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UCU Mbale campus gets new guild president

November 22, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

Mukhooli promised to hinge his leadership on bridging the communication gap between the students and the administrators.

By Pauline Luba
Picture this: You are a top contender for a political office. On voting day, after casting your ballot, what do you do with the rest of the hours to ease the tension as you wait to know the results? Harry Mukhooli recently found himself in such a situation. Mukhooli, the new Guild President of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale campus in eastern Uganda, said he isolated himself from people the entire day as he waited for the results.

Luckily for him, he emerged the victor, with 46% of the people who cast their votes preferring him as their new leader. At first, it was a battle against five candidates. However, along the way during the campaigns, two of those dropped out, leaving Mukhooli against three others — two male, one female — whom he beat to clinch the topmost office in the student leadership hierarchy.

So, how did the 22-year-old student of Bachelor of Education (English and Literature in English) use to draw people to him?

Mukhooli started campaigning in May. One issue that Mukhooli promised to hinge his term of office on was improving relations at the institution.

“I wanted to bridge the gap between the students and the university administration,” Mukhooli said, adding that he hopes to use his position as Guild President to “give others a platform” to voice their challenges at the university.

Among the needs that students have voiced include the desire for renovation of some of the buildings at the campus, as well as challenges in paying tuition on time. These, among others, are issues that Mukhooli hopes to bring to the discussion table, with the aim of making the stay of the students at the institution as comfortable as it can be.

On voting day in October 2023, Mukhooli spent considerable money transporting students to cast their ballots. He said many students struggle to fend for themselves, and, as such, they see it as a waste of resources to spend money on transport to go to the university to cast their votes and return home. It is this category of people that Mukhooli said he sought to reach out to, so they can exercise their democratic right to cast a ballot. Could this act have endeared the voters to him? Maybe.

Mukhooli takes office from 30-year-old Daniel Kunya, a student of Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration who has held the office since November last year.

When the need for the funds for the campaign arrived, Mukhooli turned to proceeds from his poultry business. But that was not enough. Contributions came from his father — Namasake Peter Wandeka — whom Mukhooli considers one of his greatest inspirations, including during this run for office. His other cheerleaders were his mother, Namuwenge Sarah; step-mother Bisikwa Sarah; and Munialo Tracy Wandeeka, his younger sister.

Growing up, Mukhooli wished to become a journalist and a sportsman. While not strongly interested in football, but is a talented soccer player who has been on all his school teams. In fact, while in primary school at St. Edwards Junior Academy in Manafwa district in eastern Uganda, Mukhooli was the captain of the school football team. He also is the current captain of the UCU Mbale campus football team. He says he is a beneficiary of a sports bursary at UCU.

When not attending to the academic needs or his political office, you will find Mukhooli either in his passion fruit farm tending to the plants or looking after the chickens that he rears in his poultry farm.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UCU Run 2023: Over $6,000 in help & hope for needy students

November 20, 2023News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi (wearing cap), Brigadier General Rugumayo (front, second-right), and UCU Guild President Timothy Ddumba (front, right) participate with other participants during a warm-up run on October 21, 2023

By Pauline Luba
Years ago, when Brig. Gen. Abdul Rugumayo, a member of Uganda’s army, completed Senior Four, he could not proceed to A’level. He said he did not have the money that was needed for school fees.

As a result, he registered to teach as a non-qualified teacher in a primary school in Uganda, so he could save some money for further education. He eventually saved the money and was able to complete school.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, giving speech at the guild run.

What a coincidence that Rugumayo, the Deputy Director of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence — the intelligence arm of Uganda’s army — was the one invited to flag off a run organized to raise funds for tuition for needy students of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

“This activity is something very close to my heart, especially when someone is about to do their exams,” Rugumayo said, as he narrated his personal story, before adding: “To give is not because you have. To give is because you share.”

The run, which covered six kilometers (three miles) around Mukono in central Uganda, took place on October 21, 2023. Organized by UCU student leaders, the event began at 7 a.m. with participants engaging in aerobic exercises before the actual race at 8 a.m.

“I come from a family that would have required this type of arrangement during my time as a student,” said Rugumayo, who has served in the army for the past 35 years. He handed over Sh3 million (about $800) as contribution from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence. He also promised to contribute sh2million (about $530) and commended the student leaders for identifying the military as a partner in trying to support society.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, was the main guest of the day.

Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi welcomes Brigadier General Rugumayo. Pamela Tumwebaze, acting Dean of Student Affairs, is in the background.

“I’m glad that the tradition has been maintained and that the young people are growing up as philanthropists. It’s very easy for one not to care about others because their tuition fees have been paid,” said Kadaga, a former Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament. She flagged off the maiden UCU guild run in 2020 and has been keeping tabs on the subsequent races. For the 2020 run, among the donors was Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who contributed sh80million (about $21,250). At the October 21 event, Kadaga pledged to donate sh10million (about $2,700) towards the cause.

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi thanked runners for participating in a cause aimed at supporting needy students with tuition. Mushengyezi pledged sh3million (about $800) from the Office of the Vice Chancellor. Pamela Tumwebaze, the acting head of the Directorate of Student Affairs at UCU, pledged to contribute sh1million ($264). All participants in the race bought running kits — either a vest at sh20,000 (about $5.3) or a T-shirt at sh30,000 (about $8), which they wore on the day of the run. By the end of the event, sh24,000,000 ($6,400) had been collected in cash and pledges.

The proceeds are expected to be handed over to the student leaders who organized the run and they will, thereafter, distribute to students facing financial difficulties.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Ndishakiye on mission to combat Ugandan illiteracy

November 16, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

Caleb Ndishakiye, a UCU School of Education alum, poses with children during a school outreach.

By Kefa Ssenoga
When you sit down for a conversation with Caleb Ndishakiye, he does not need to mention his love for literature. His diction validates that. And if you sit with him for a longer time, you also will discover that he has a deep passion for communication, the promotion of literacy and sharing knowledge.

Ndishakiye has been fortunate to earn a living from his passion. His first attempt at teaching was in 2011 during his long holidays after writing his end of Senior Six national exams. An unlicensed teacher, he nevertheless taught literature at Seseme Girls Secondary School and Mutorele Boys Secondary School. Both schools are in Ndishakiye’s native area of Kisoro, southwestern Uganda.

Despite the passion of sharing knowledge, Ndishakiye did not envisage a career in teaching. Early in his secondary education, he developed a love for law, which he applied to study at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

“I wanted to pursue a course in law when I joined UCU, but interestingly, I was admitted for education,” he said. “I decided to pursue it and still be excellent at it!”

Ndishakiye and Patricia on their Dec. 7, 2019, wedding day at Thornycroft Chapel Kyaggwe, UCU.

He has never regretted the idea of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. He acknowledges that this move has had a significant impact on who he is now. Ndishakiye began his studies at UCU in 2012 and graduated in 2015. While at UCU, He was in the Honors College.

Barely a year after graduation, Ndishakiye was hired as a teaching assistant in the UCU foundations department. He was primarily teaching writing and study skills, and occasionally teaching in the literature department, particularly course units like the Bible as literature and other English language short courses.

His teaching journey at UCU began in 2016 after returning from a one-year mission and a leadership development program at Nairobi Chapel, Kenya, courtesy of the UCU chaplaincy and the community as a whole.

“UCU, particularly the Thornycroft Chapel, had a partnership with Nairobi Chapel in Kenya, where two missionaries were sent for a program. I was one of the two,” Ndishakiye says.

He was attached to the Teens’ church, which also is famously known as Club Expressions, an experience he says exposed them to an international perspective to life.

In 2018, after two years of teaching at UCU, Ndishakiye got a one-year opportunity to teach English language and Literature in English at Seroma Christian High School in Mukono. He needed more time to attend to his newly found passion for literacy programming and children’s literature through Glow-Lit Uganda, an organization he founded earlier that year. With UCU, he continued to serve until 2020 when Uganda closed schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In August 2020, the Reading Association of Uganda invited Ndishakiye to work on a project that was opening up in Uganda.

“I was invited as the Programs Specialist to support the national technical portfolio of the association, and support the development of storybooks in Luganda and Runyankore-Rukiga,” he said.

He noted that in the role, his other tasks were “establishing libraries in Government primary schools and supporting their management and use, training of teachers and developing materials to support the lower primary school teaching of reading Luganda and Runyankore-Rukiga.”

The Room to Read Uganda project at the Reading Association of Uganda is sponsored by Room to Read, an organization that, according to their website, envisions a world in which “all children can pursue a quality education that prepares them to lead fulfilled lives and make positive change — in their families, communities and the world.”

Working closely with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the project has developed 154 storybook titles, two learner books, and two teachers’ guides in Luganda and Runyankore-Rukiga. It also involves training with teachers, government, publishers, and book value-chain players to build writing, illustration, design, and editing capacity, especially for children’s literature.

Ndishakiye argues that the Ugandan book market has not given sufficient focus to children’s literature. He is now an advocate for quality children’s literature production, distribution and use.

Ndishakiye is the third born of eight children of Richard and Lydia Ndishakiye. He completed his primary education at Muganza Primary School in Kisoro district. He studied O’level at Chahi Seed Senior Secondary School and A’level at Trinity College Kabale. Compassion International, an international charity organization, paid part of his school fees in primary and secondary school. At the university, he says, the charity paid all the school fees.

He is married to Patricia and the couple has a son, Jordan, age two.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Rev. Prof. Kalengyo finds satisfaction in equipping Anglican clergy

November 13, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Rev. Prof. Edison Kalengyo delivers a sermon during a service in Nkoyoyo Hall at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono.

By Kefa Senoga
What would you do about a son who turns down a job offer after graduating with a veterinary medicine degree, preferring to return to school to become a priest? In 1986, that was the dilemma of the father of Edison Kalengyo. His son, now the Rev. Can Prof. Kalengyo, had just completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, a four-year course, at Uganda’s Makerere University. Kalengyo had even received an appointment letter, dated June 20, 1986, from the Ministry of Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Despite his fresh qualification, Kalengyo’s heart was elsewhere. He felt compelled to answer God’s call to become a priest, prompting him to join Bishop Tucker Theological College in 1986. The college, now known as part of Uganda Christian University (UCU), in Mukono, is where Kalengyo pursued a bachelor’s degree in divinity. This was after going through a stringent process of selecting candidates for the ordained ministry by South Rwenzori Diocese, his home diocese.

Along the way, Kalengyo’s family kept questioning his decision. For instance, his father, who was a trained lay reader in the Church of Uganda, knew fully well that the economic prospects for priests were not encouraging. In the extended family, Kalengyo had been the first person to graduate with a degree. As such, many people looked up to him. But he stuck to God’s call on his life to the ordained ministry.

After his course at Bishop Tucker Theological College, the Rev. Kalengyo served in South Ruwenzori as a curate in the cathedral before moving on to serve as a diocesan secretary and, eventually, an archdeacon.

In 1997, the principal of Bishop Tucker Theological College, Bishop Eliphaz Maari, invited Kalengyo to join the staff of the college, following the recruitment process. He obliged. Since December 1997, UCU has been Kalengyo’s “home.” He currently serves as Professor of New Testament and Coordinator of Biblical Studies and Languages in the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology.

He says teaching theology at UCU goes beyond a mere salary. He believes that the true significance lies in knowing that he is fulfilling God’s calling on his life, and that this is what brings him reward and fulfillment.

Kalengyo has refrained from considering higher leadership positions within the church before, even when such opportunities presented themselves, in preference for his job of training church leaders. His extensive theological expertise and deep-rooted academic grounding make Kalengyo’s job of teaching church ministers one easy for him to execute. In addition to the 64-year-old’s bachelor’s degree in divinity, he also holds a Master of Philosophy in the New Testament from Nottingham University in the United Kingdom (UK) and a PhD in Theology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Another reason for Kalengyo’s stay in theological education is his wife, who explained to him that by teaching church ministers, he was serving the entire province as opposed to being a bishop who serves mainly his diocese.

Because of this, Kalengyo says he is always happy and believes he has fulfilled his purpose in life whenever he meets his former students who have taken up church leadership roles.

Kalengyo says his guiding principle has always been that every theological educator should be a pastor and actively participate in church life. For this reason, he once voluntarily served as an auxiliary member of the pastoral team at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Mukono and was the first Chaplain of St Luke’s Chapel Butabika. He also has served as a priest at St Luke’s Church Ntinda and was Priest-in-Charge All Saints Chapel Lweza.

He says he now pastors a group of about 400 Christians from his home diocese who reside in and around Kampala. The Christians gather for worship once every month. He said he also performs baptisms and helps to prepare couples for marriage.

Kalengyo and his wife, Dorothy, will celebrate their 36^th marriage anniversary on December 12, this year. They have three adult children — two boys and one girl — and they are all married. From the three children, the Kalengyos have got five grandchildren.

Born in 1958 in Kasese district, western Uganda, to Hosiah and Elizabeth Katsiotho, Kalengyo completed his primary education at Karambi Primary School before joining St Edward’s Bukumi Secondary School for O’level and Ntare School for A’level. Both Bukuumi and Ntare are located in western Uganda.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Rev. Dr. Kibbedi gets third degree in literature at UCU

November 8, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of EducationPatty Huston-Holm

The Rev. Dr. Abel Wankuma Kibbedi was part of the pioneer class of the PhD in literature course at UCU.

By Kefa Senoga
In 2005, when Uganda Christian University wanted to start a master’s program in literature, the institution sent some of its academics to convince alums they thought would take advantage of the course.

Abel Wankuma Kibbedi, who had graduated the previous year with a First Class degree in Bachelor of Education with English and Literature, was one of the alums approached. At the time, Kibbedi was residing with other undergraduate students in one of the hostels in Kauga, a suburb near UCU’s main campus.

When Prof. Timothy Wangusa, who was among the people overseeing the start of the master’s course at UCU, visited Kibbedi, he advised the latter to leave the hostel where he was residing. At the time, Kibbedi had just been offered a position as a teaching assistant at UCU. Wangusa rhetorically asked Kibbedi if he intended to continue sharing the same space with the students he was teaching.

To follow up on his advice, Wangusa offered Kibbedi, who had taken up the opportunity to enroll for the master’s course, the guest wing at the professor’s residence. Two years later, Kibbedi, who was part of the pioneer class of master’s in literature, was a proud recipient of the postgraduate degree, an achievement made possible courtesy of a scholarship through the staff development committee at UCU.

Again, in 2017, Kibbedi — and two other colleagues — was part of the pioneer class of the PhD in literature course at UCU. And at the most recent UCU graduation held at the Main Campus in Mukono on October 13, 2023, Kibbedi was among the graduates who earned a PhD. Kibbedi’s other two pioneer doctoral colleagues in literature were not present at the October 13 graduation. Mary Naula had already graduated in 2021, while the third PhD student lost her life two years into the course.

Between Kibbedi’s master’s degree in literature and the PhD, he earned another degree — Masters of Divinity and Theology — from the Pennsylvania-based Westminster Theological Seminary.

“While attending a conference in the United States in 2007, Church of Uganda Archbishop at the time, Henry Luke Orombi, asked the president of Westminster Theological Seminary if they would offer a scholarship to a Ugandan student,” Kibbedi said during an interview he granted Uganda Partners after his October 13 graduation.

The answer to Orombi’s question was in the affirmative. However, it was not a direct pass for Kibbedi, whom Orombi had in mind as he asked the question. There had to be interviews for the scholarship, which, fortunately, Kibbedi won.

According to Kibbedi, upon his return to Uganda, with a second master’s degree in the bag, the vice chancellor at the time, the Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, singled him out among the younger staff for departmental leadership as part of professional development. This is how he assumed the role of heading the Honors College, a position he held from 2012 to 2021.

To make his new master’s degree count, Kibbedi was taken in by the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology to teach Hebrew and Greek, primarily because the program he had pursued in the US at Westminster had an aspect of the ancient languages. Despite this, Kibbedi notes that he has mainly been involved in teaching literature at UCU.

He is grateful to the UCU administration, without whose support, he says, he would have struggled to achieve anything. For instance, Kibbedi cites the example of UCU first Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Noll, in whose tenure the former pursued further studies in Pennsylvania. He said Prof. Noll decided that Kibbedi be left on half pay throughout the duration of his four-year course, as opposed to no pay, because the lecturer “had family members and dependants to take care of.” Kibbedi said the PhD now has buttressed his desire to continue sharing knowledge as an academic.

The achievement of the PhD did not come on a silver platter, though. “My wife had to bear my long hours of reading and absence; she has had to step in for many activities with the children,” the Rev. Kibbedi says.

He is married to Lydia Wankuma Kibbedi who works as an administrator of the Uganda Studies Program at UCU. They have a daughter, Atungonza Wankuma, age 15, and a son, Anunula Wankuma, age 14. Atugonza is in Senior Three at Wanyange Girls School while Anunula is also in the same class, at Busoga College Mwiri, his father’s alma mater. Both schools are found in eastern Uganda.

Kibbedi completed his primary education at Namalemba Primary School in eastern Uganda, before joining Busoga College Mwiri. From Mwiri, he pursued a diploma in education at the National Teachers College Kaliro, before eventually joining UCU.

Kibbedi is number six of a family of 12 children. His father, the Rev. JFJ. Kibbedi Nswemu, a politician and educator, passed away in 1999. He credits his interest in literature to his father. Kibbedi’s mother, Robina Christina Kibbedi, now retired, had a career as a social worker.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UCU holds 24th graduation ceremony

November 1, 2023News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

The Vice-president, Guild Government, Melisa Kamikaze, reads the Ebenezer paper.

By Pauline Luba
Christiana Ampeire was at one time mocked for scoring low grades at school. Among the people who mocked her for what they considered poor performance, she says, was one of her teachers in secondary school.

Graduands prepare to receive their awards.

Such conduct towards Ampeire forced her to reset her mind with every sunset. Luckily for her, the tide changed in her favor. And on October 13, 2023, she had a plaque to show for that. The plaque was a gift for academic excellence.

“Here I am with a First Class Degree, and I feel good,” Ampeire, a fresh graduate of Uganda Christian University, said. She was among the 33 students who graduated with a First Class at UCU’s 24th graduation ceremony held at the Main Campus on October 13. At UCU, every student who achieves a First-Class degree is awarded with an academic achievement plaque.

Ampeire received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at the ceremony where 986 students graduated. Fifty-four percent of the graduates, drawn from the Main and Arua Campuses, including some of the affiliate institutions, were female students.

Some students who received Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication.

At the ceremony, Precious Claire Ninsiima, a graduate of Bachelor of Business Administration, was announced the overall best student, and also the best arts student, scoring a Grade Point Average of 4.78 of 5.0. Gilbert Afema was the best male student. Afema, who graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity, had a Grade Point Average of 4.60 of 5.0. Martin Juuko took home the award for best science student, garnering a Grade Point Average of 4.50 of 5.0 in Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Ninsiima said she had initially been admitted to Makerere University to pursue a degree course in international business under government sponsorship. However, the allure of the orderliness and the virtues that the alums of UCU espouse were too strong for Ninsiima’s mother to ignore. She thus relocated her daughter to UCU, so she could tap into the values that come with studying at the university.

“My mother suggested I join UCU because of its values and its image as a Christ-centered institution,” Ninsiima said.

The Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, Prof. Monica Chibita, reads names of the graduates.

However, UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi reminded the graduates that the values they had acquired at the university need to be nurtured “because it’s what sets you apart as a UCU graduate. UCU is well-known for our value-based education.”

The Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, the day’s chief guest and former Archbishop of the Anglican Church, who is also a former chancellor of UCU, urged the graduates to be willing and ready to use the values they had learned to serve humanity.

“True service will promote your name. Be willing and ready to serve. You don’t have to bribe your way to a position. Faithful service wins the approval of heaven and it’s heaven that promotes,” Orombi said. He encouraged the graduates, who included five UCU staff who graduated with PhDs, to pursue their destiny with ambition and prove themselves as trustworthy workers.

Ampeire Christiana after receiving a first-class degree.

Getting doctoral degrees from UCU were the following faculty members: Rev. Dr. Abel Wankuma Kibbedi, who completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Literature; and Dr. Faith Mbabazi Musinguzi, Dr. Gladys Ayot Oyat, and Dr. David Sengendo, all acquiring a PhD in Education Administration and Management. Dr. Arthur Nuwagaba of the School of Business was awarded a PhD in Business and Administration from the University of Nairobi.

Enumerating some of the recent achievements at the university, Mushengyezi mentioned the six newly accredited PhD programs at the university, inviting people to take up the opportunities to further their academic pursuits. The newly accredited programs are PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication; Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies; Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration; Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (reassessment); and Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy in Literature.

Chancellor and Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, and the guest of honor, the Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi at the October graduation ceremony.

UCU Chancellor His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge they have acquired to be change makers.

“I encourage you to embrace your roles as potential job creators and innovators. Be bold, take risks, and pursue your passions with self-discipline and trust in God to lead you,” Mugalu said.

He urged the graduates to tap into the power of social media to connect people, bridge gaps, and amplify voices. However, he warned about the potential of social media to promote division, cause misinformation, negativity and biases.

For the second time, Uganda Partners, in partnership with the UCU Department of Communications and Public Relations, produced an annual newspaper, the Ebenezer that was distributed to some guests at the graduation ceremony. The online edition can be found here.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Former UCU Chancellor Orombi calls for more servant leaders

October 30, 2023News, Students, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

UCU senior management and VIP guests join the Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi (sixth-left) in cutting cake to celebrate the 74th birthday of the former archbishop.

By Pauline Luba
On October 11, 2023, former Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi celebrated his 74th birthday. To mark this day, Orombi cut a specially made, three-tiered cake at the Uganda Christian University’s Nkoyoyo Hall, a structure named after his predecessor in the Church of Uganda leadership, Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo.

However, the main reason for Orombi’s presence at UCU that day was not to celebrate his birthday. In fact, the cake was a surprise to him, since he had already celebrated the birthday a day earlier, owing to the fact that he had a commitment on his birthday. Orombi was at UCU to deliver this year’s keynote address at the university’s Annual Public Lecture that is always held two days before the October graduation ceremony.

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi presents a gift to Orombi after the latter delivered a public lecture at UCU on October 11.

Under the theme “Servant Leadership,” Orombi spent the sunny afternoon attempting to convince the leaders in the fully-packed Nkoyoyo Hall on why the positions they hold at their workplaces and elsewhere demand more service from them than entitlement. He said just like the church, Uganda needs more leaders who are able to impact those they lead than leaders who care more about “boastful” lives.

The concept of servant leadership is one aspect of management that is rare to find. It is premised on the belief that as a leader, your first and foremost goal is to serve the people you lead, and then you can aspire to lead them. This is in contrast to the age-old practice of traditional leadership, which is about exercising one’s power assumed from the authority bestowed on them as a result of the leadership position they hold.

“When you meet some of the leaders and you try to introduce them as Mr., they correct you, saying, ‘I am Hon.’,” Orombi noted, indicating that some leaders are more concerned about the titles than the responsibility that the positions bring.

Orombi delivers his keynote address during the Annual UCU Public Lecture 2023.

“But titles go with responsibilities,” the bespectacled Orombi said. “The higher you go in leadership, the more responsibilities you have. You come under more intense scrutiny, wherever you go and in whatever you do.”

Part of the members of the audience were UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and his two deputies — the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa and Mr. David Mugawe. Also in attendance was former Vice Chancellor, the Rev. Canon. Dr. John Senyonyi, and H.E Tania Perez, the Cuban Ambassador to Uganda.

Just as was expected of a former archbishop, Orombi, the Chancellor of UCU from 2004 to 2012, spent a considerable time during his lecture, drawing lessons from the Bible to enrich his lecture.

H.E Tania Perez, the Cuban Ambassador to Uganda, with VC Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

“When Jesus walked the earth as God-man, he was fully God, so he had a lot of power,” Orombi, currently the Chancellor of Muni University in Uganda. said. “But, he did not use it. If He did, only slightly. Such should be the case with servant leaders.”

He called on servant leaders to use the positions they have to mentor people, especially the younger ones, drawing lessons from the life of Jesus, who he said came to serve, and not to be served and that that is the kind of servant leaders “we are meant to be.”

The Rev. Prof. Dr. Samuel Luboga, the chairperson of the Uganda’s Education Service Commission, who was the discussant at the public lecture, concurred with Orombi, noting: “Unless we become servant leaders, we cannot hope to serve efficiently the people before us, let alone accomplish the great commission of Jesus Christ.”

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

SoM writers’ association drives students towards scientific writing

October 27, 2023News, Students, UCU School of MedicinePatty Huston-Holm

By Kefa Senoga
As a medical writer, one needs to be familiar with healthcare concepts, to be able to decode and present research data, as well as have the abilities to edit and meet the requirements for publishing. As the President of the Writers’ Society at Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM), Namayanja Christabel is fully aware of this.

The fifth-year medical student at UCU’s SoM notes that medicine and writing go hand in hand.

“If you really want to be a doctor of international repute, one way of getting known is through publishing papers, writing articles in journals and other platforms,” she said.

One of Namayanja’s duties as the Writers’ Society president is to inspire students to think about scientific writing, as well as facilitating connections with professionals and organizations involved in clinical research and clinical content publication.

Efforts like these have made entities like the International Journal of Clinical Research (IJCR) express interest in working with the writers’ team, raising hopes for potential future projects. According to the IJCR website, the journal “publishes high-quality, open-access, peer-reviewed articles, and interactive clinical content for physicians, educators, and the global medical community.”

When most students join the SoM writers’ association, their initial thinking, which was much the thinking of some of the association’s original torch bearers, is to focus on creative writing. However, the school has often encouraged them to participate in science writing, as it aligns more closely with their field of study.

Namayanja Christabel, the UCU SoM writers’ association president

And to do that, they constantly need coaching and mentorship from the field’s tried and tested professionals. Patty Huston-Holm, the Communications Director at Uganda Partners, is one such mentor. Namayanja attributes the improvement in their recently published newsletter to Huston’s invaluable feedback and advice during an online meeting after reviewing one of their earlier newsletters.

Each member of the UCU SoM writers’ association pays sh50,000 ($13.20) per year as membership fees. The money is used for meeting administrative costs of the association and producing a newsletter every semester.

According to Namayanja, the association members could have engaged in more activities related to writing had it not been for their current rigorous school programs. In year five, the students are more engrossed in intense clinical practice, in addition to theoretical work, which requires long hours of study, justifying that some of them belong to the association purely out of passion.

Namayanja is known for her ardent interest in writing. At Gayaza High School located in central Uganda, where she had her secondary education, Namayanja espoused skills in writing, reading and social interaction, with the latter getting reinforced as she served in different capacities as a student leader in the school. She was at one time the editor-in-chief of the school’s writers’ club.

The experience she garnered in the writers’ club at Gayaza are credited for her leadership ladder climb at the UCU SoM writers’ association. And she does not hope to have her passion end at school. Namayanja aspires to be more than a practicing clinician, with a career in writing, alongside her medical profession.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UCU agriculture alum shifts career to prison services

October 25, 2023Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, StudentsPatty Huston-Holm

Opinira Ovua Joshua says he joined UCU because of the influence of his brother, an alumnus of the university, and that he appreciates the university lesson of humility that he applies in his job of serving prisoners.

By Pauline Luba
On July 5, 2019, Opinira Ovua Joshua was among the 1,234 people who walked out of the gates of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in a graduation gown, ready to join the world of work. Opinira’s five-year journey yielded a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship.

However, it was not until four years later that the 29-year-old secured formal employment. October 2, 2023, was his first day as a Prisons General Duties Officer in the Uganda Prisons Service. Prison officers oversee the safety and security of an inmate. They transfer prisoners to and from prison, including apprehending those who escape from lawful custody. They also are responsible for the welfare of the inmates.

Opinira, the third born of five children, first went to the Prisons offices to drop his application letters for the positions of Prisons Agricultural Officer and Prisons General Duties Officer. He was successful in the latter position, which he accepted since he did not have another job at the time. For now, he serves in the northern Uganda district of Kitgum.

Opinira’s father, Ovua Shem, is a teacher while his mother, Alezuyo Janet Ovua, is a housewife. Opinira says his parents impacted him by pushing him to stay in school, work hard and stay humble. The latter attribute relates to his humility in serving men in prison.

Opinira says coming from a farm family in Arua district in northern Uganda made him easily appreciate the value of a profession in agriculture. The love for the career, he says, was the driving force behind his excellent performance in the subject throughout secondary school. He studied agriculture as a subject in both O-and A’level at Mvara Secondary School in northern Uganda.

“I wanted to be a plant breeder,” he said.

And that aspiration has not yet evaporated. Even as a general duties officer in the Prisons, he hopes to set up his own agricultural enterprise, so he puts into practice some of the knowledge he acquired in the classroom.

Opinira was attracted to UCU because his brother graduated from there.

Having grown up in a church setting, Opinira was convinced by his elder brother’s stories that UCU was the perfect place for him to achieve his career, grow his faith and ministry, and expand his talent in music. UCU provided fertile ground for Opinira’s love for music as from the time he joined UCU in 2014 to when he left, he was a member of the university’s choir, The Mustard Seed Worship Team. In the five years, he held different positions in the choir, including as chairperson and music director.

As the chairperson of the choir, part of Opinira’s work was leading Sunday and midweek services, which attracted congregations of 400-500 people. He was also in charge of handling the administrative duties of the choir. As the Music Director, a position he held from 2016-2017, Opinira oversaw the planning of music in line with the scripture messages, as well as teaching songs to choir members, who numbered up to 50 people.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UCU launches waste harvest and biogas production plant

October 23, 2023Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, StudentsPatty Huston-Holm

A demonstration of cooking using the gas bag at the UCU kitchen.

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has launched one of its latest innovations that will see the institution turn much of its waste into wealth. While launching the waste harvesting and biogas production plant at the UCU main campus in Mukono early September, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, said he had, indeed, come to believe that waste can be gold.

Mushengyezi’s remarks came after watching a demonstration where waste from the UCU kitchen, fecal matter and cow dung is mixed to produce biogas that can be used for cooking. The biogas production plant was a collaborative venture between UCU’s Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology and PSEM Africa, an engineering company.

Ucha David, renewable energy engineer at PSEM Africa, demonstrates the waste harvesting process to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

Moses Nuwaha, the projects manager at PSEM Africa, highlighted their experience in constructing biogas digesters, with a history of continuous refinement and development. He said even if they have handed over the project to the university, their participation and partnership should continue as they are looking forward to working with the research team to improve the innovation.

Ucha David, the renewable energy engineer at PSEM Africa, who conducted a demonstration of the biogas production, explained that they combine fecal matter, cow dung and food waste to create a diverse feedstock, ensuring a balanced nutrient composition, to be able to generate gas.

Waste is collected from the treatment plant and transported through pipelines to the holding tank. Ucha explained that given that the biogas plant is a prototype, they are currently pumping only one cubic meter of waste per hour, even though the pump has the capacity to handle 20 cubic meters.

Ucha explaining to the UCU officials at the waste treatment plant.

According to Ucha, the biogas plant does not only rely on fecal solid and liquid septic waste. They combine cow dung and food waste into the mix to utilize all the resources. He emphasizes that relying only on facal waste would not yield enough gas.

Waste from cooked food is crushed into a homogenous mixture — to the same level like cow dung, Ucha explained. He noted that waste from raw food, such as banana peelings, is not effective for the process.

After obtaining the gas, it is stored in gas bags, which are then transported to the kitchen for use. He adds that a full gas bag of two cubic meters is sufficient for two days of kitchen use.

Dr. Miria Agunyo, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, said their next research will address the packaging of the gas. He said one of the gas bags was accidentally damaged by a stone in the kitchen. In industrial settings, gas is stored and transported in cylinders.

Harry Oryema Langalanga, the chairperson of the Uganda National Biogas Alliance, encouraged the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, which is in charge of the plant, to consider acquiring a solid-liquid separator to enable more efficient utilization of the nutrients found in the digestate. The liquid portion, rich in nutrients, can serve as liquid fertilizer, while the solid part can be subject to further processing or employed as solid fertilizer.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, Dr. Miria Agunyo (wearing overalls), briefs officials about the facility.

Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovations at UCU, said her directorate would extend support for the expansion and growth of the project. She appealed to Mushengyezi to consider recruiting more technicians to the different science departments at the university.

Eng. David Kivumbi, the Director of Facilities and Capital Projects at UCU, noted that whatever can be recovered or transformed from waste needs to be harnessed because resources have become limited. He urged the community to engage in research that benefits the community.

Mushengyezi suggested that, perhaps, in future, the university can think of transporting the gas through pipes. He said should the project become more beneficial, the funds previously spent on buying firewood and charcoal could be redirected into supporting the plant.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

UIS director shares UCU technology advancement plan

October 20, 2023News, Science and Technology, StudentsPatty Huston-Holm

Rebecca Kangabe, UIS director since July 2022, leads a UCU team with a 10-year data-driven plan.

By Pauline Luba
Whereas the Covid-19 pandemic made technology a cornerstone in the operations of many institutions, for Uganda Christian University (UCU), the virus and education lockdown afforded an opportunity to ramp up its use. And there is no looking back.

Rebecca Kangabe and the team she leads at the UCU ICT Services Directorate have set up an ambitious 10-year plan that is expected to see the university become a data-driven institution using artificial intelligence to predict the necessary resources and drive decisions made by management.

The move by Kangabe and her team come on the backdrop of UCU ramping up online learning after the Covid pandemic affected physical operations. Kangabe says online learning operations at UCU moved from 30% to 80%. For this move, UCU warmed the hearts of many e-learning lovers, with Janet Kainembabazi Museveni, Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, acknowledging the university for the strides it had made in virtual infrastructure.

During a speech at the October 22, 2021, UCU graduation, Mrs. Museveni noted that the institution has a “robust online education program” and encouraged the facility to “share best practices with other institutions.”

UCU established a Learning Management System, known as the UCU eLearning platform in 2014, to prepare for an information technology-driven academic landscape. Assessed and approved by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the regulators of higher education in Uganda, UCU eLearning platform’s capacity to host students connecting from all over the continent and beyond has since increased.

Students can attend classes online, access reading materials, do assignments and submit coursework/examinations. Likewise, lecturers can teach in real time, record lectures, upload course materials (video, audio and text) and administer examinations.

In 2021, UCU was named best exhibitor in a fair organized by NCHE, where institutions exhibited their e-learning services that reflected the programs taught and their capacity to admit and facilitate learning for students. They also displayed the technological innovations to overcome the challenges caused by Covid-19.

The university also partnered with the Research and Education Networks for Uganda, a not-for-profit National Research and Education Network, for free student access to the learning management system called Moodle. Lecturers also were trained in how to conduct online classes.

Kangabe, who has been the UIS director since July 2022, says UCU spent over sh1.6 billion (about $425,000) on new equipment such as servers, HVC systems for the servers, increased internet bandwidth and new software for student management. It is infrastructure like these that UIS wants to take advantage of to help improve technological operations at UCU. For instance, according to Kangabe, the directorate plans to improve its software that detects plagiarism, as well as the person-view software that assists in monitoring students during online tests and exams.

To support some of these initiatives, UCU emphasizes that every student should own a laptop. For those who are unable to make a one-off payment for the laptops, according to Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi, the university, in partnership with Equity Bank and tech firm CompConsult Technologies, has rolled out a laptop loan product. Through the partnership, “students are able to acquire a new laptop and pay for it over a period of 1-3 years,” Mushengyezi said during the July 28, 2023, graduation.

All students and staff of UCU have access to on-campus WiFi by logging into eduroam. Provided by RENU, eduroam is a Wi-Fi internet access roaming service for users in research, higher education and further education.

Despite technological advancement, the price of Uganda’s internet is still a hindrance to full adoption of online learning. In 2020, during the lockdown, many universities advised students who could not afford internet for online learning to take a dead year.

A 2019 report by Uganda’s telecom regulator Uganda Communications Commission says Uganda has the highest priced internet in East Africa. One needs sh9,819 ($2.65) to acquire one gigabyte of internet compared to sh8,863 ($2.3) in Kenya and sh8,017 ($2.1) in both Tanzania and Rwanda.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

USP students share expectations

October 18, 2023News, Students, USPPatty Huston-Holm

Isabella Garcia says she is studying Global Health and building her faith.

Through the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU), American students spend the fall or spring semester studying alongside Ugandans and other students from the African continent and beyond. The program involves classes, internships, and living with Ugandan families or peers while providing opportunities for students to authentically engage people, culture, and contemporary realities in Uganda in ways that challenge them to be active participants in Christ’s claim on all aspects of life.

Pauline Luba, student with the School of Journalism, Media and Communication and a Partners intern, recently talked to some of the USP students to capture a snapshot about their experiences and expectations in the advent semester. In October 2023, there were 16 USP students.

Lydia Ware (New York)
I am from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York, where I am studying Biochemistry. I am studying Global Health this semester. My experience so far has been good. USP has helped us adjust, and the people have been welcoming. USP also has a very good history. My expectations for this semester are to take my classes, learn more about health and grow my faith.

Isabella Garcia (California)
I am from Westmont College in California. It was challenging at first, adjusting to learning new things, knowledge I would not have got in the USA. The USP program has been great. I have had the opportunity to learn more about myself, faith and what it means to experience another culture. My expectation is to seek fellowship with other Christians here and grow my faith.

Grace Anne Shaw hopes to build her leadership skills during the program.

Grace Anne Shaw (Pennsylvania)
I am from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. I am studying social work and biblical and religious studies. This semester in the program, I am doing social work emphasis. I think the program is well organized, and it is challenging our ideas and getting us outside of our comfort zones in a good way. A lot of our conversations are in faith and culture. We are being challenged to think in new ways. My expectations for this semester are to grow in my faith as a Christian, as well as gain good leadership skills.

Lacey Richards says she has learned a lot about Ugandan culture.Lacey Richards (Ohio)
I am from Cedarville University, a Christian university in southwest Ohio, USA, and I am studying social work there. During this USP program, I also am studying social work. My favorite experience so far has been our trip to northern Uganda. We were able to see Murchison Falls, meet and spend time with the people, as well as learn more about the culture. I am enjoying the program so far and learning a lot about Ugandan culture, as well as spending more time with Ugandans. I expect to grow in thinking. I think about the culture here and compare with that back home, and learn how to work with different groups of people.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook