Category Archives: UCU Alumni

Students who participated in the movie pose for a photo at the premiere.

UCU journalism students produce movie

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


Students who participated in the movie pose for a photo at the premiere.
Students who participated in the movie pose for a photo at the premiere.

By Asenath Were and Vanessa Namukwaya
Uganda Christian University (UCU) students of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication have turned their classroom knowledge into action by producing a short film about university life. The 11-minute film, named My Degree, with a cast of seven students, centers on the dangers of pride at the university. 

In the movie, Alexa, a final-year student is seeking an extra mark, to push her score from 49% to 50%. It is that one mark that is standing between Alexa and her graduation. The solution for her challenge lies with the head of department. 

At the department, Alexa discovers that there is a new person in the portfolio, someone she had never met. However, as she joins the queue to the office of the head of department, the office bearer arrives. Alexa told the head of department off, thinking she was one of the students, and reminding her that it was only proper that she joins the queue from the back if she wanted to meet the head of department. 

The head of department eventually finds her way into her office. When Alexa and the head of department finally met in the latter’s office, the former presented her request for an additional mark so she could be able to graduate. The head of department was clear in her response: “One mark is added to students who have been participating in class and are virtuous throughout the years. Your report does not show that.”

Brian Kaboggoza, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication, who directed the movie, said the film’s theme is about students “failing in life because of pride and disrespect.” It does not cost anyone anything to respect others because you may despise someone who will rescue you one day,” he added.

The movie was a work in progress from June 2022 to its September 16, 2022, premiere at UCU’s Nkoyoyo Hall, according to Kaboggoza, who said the My Degree film “is a dream come true for me because I thought I needed to start my career right now since the opportunities and the equipment are available.” 

Kabogozza believes that the movie will not only market the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC), but also the university, since it has the potential to attract students who are interested in making films.  

Brian Kaboggoza, the movie director, poses with the two main actresses, Deborah Anita Talemwa and Shalom Komugisa, at the movie premiere.
Brian Kaboggoza, the movie director, poses with the two main actresses, Deborah Anita Talemwa and Shalom Komugisa, at the movie premiere.

Kaboggoza encouraged his student colleagues not to wait for graduation to start putting classroom knowledge into practice. He said, “Anyone passionate about film making should start right now because there is opportunity to learn and get experience.”

The movie producer, Emmanuel Ilungole, is a third-year student. He said the time he spent on producing the movie helped him and his colleagues gain experience in audio balancing and teamwork. “It was the first time I was producing a movie, and the experience taught me that hard work pays.” 

The lead actress, Alexa, whose real name is Deborah Talemwa, is a second-year student. She said she joined the cast because she saw it as a learning opportunity for the film crew, but also as an avenue through which they could pass a message to fellow students about the consequences of their actions.  

The 11-minute short film that students produced

John Semakula, the head of the Department of Undergraduate Studies at the School of JMC, said the project consolidates the school’s position as a leading practical journalism training institution in Uganda.

“We pride ourselves in equipping students with practical skills in line with our curriculum that is heavily practical and, therefore, students’ projects, such as My Degree, make us feel proud that our efforts of skilling them have yielded positive results,” Semakula said. 

Emmanuel Ilungole, the movie producer.
Emmanuel Ilungole, the movie producer.

“Most of the work in this project was student-led,” he added. “The school’s main contribution was skilling and encouraging the students, plus providing the equipment.”

Kaboggoza said they have plans to produce more episodes concentrating on the life of a campus student. He, therefore, called upon all those able and willing to finance their projects. 

The movie is just one of the many practical projects that the School of JMC is engaged in. The students also produce a weekly TV news bulletin through the online channel The UCU Focus,  podcasts and multimedia stories on the Standard website. They previously produced a bi-monthly newspaper, The Standard, and assisted the Uganda Partners NGO with the July 2022 production of a newspaper called Ebenezer.      

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Mushengyezi, Noll and Senyonyi during the UCU alumni homecoming event at the university’s main campus in Mukono. The event, held on October 25, was part of the activities to celebrate 25 years of UCU. Photos by Joel Muhumuza

Looking back at vice chancellors as UCU marks 25 years

News, Students, UCU Alumni


Mushengyezi, Noll and Senyonyi during the UCU alumni homecoming event at the university’s main campus in Mukono. The event, held on October 25, was part of the activities to celebrate 25 years of UCU. Photos by Joel Muhumuza
Mushengyezi, Noll and Senyonyi during the UCU alumni homecoming event at the university’s main campus in Mukono. The event, held on October 25, was part of the activities to celebrate 25 years of UCU. Photos by Joel Muhumuza

By Constantine Odongo
A 1992 meeting of the House of Bishops in the Anglican Church in Uganda came up with a decision that later changed the landscape of higher education in the country. Because the church felt it needed to have a broader impact in society through university education, the bishops decided to set up a provincial university. As a result, in 1997, the Trustees of the Church of Uganda established Uganda Christian University (UCU).

This year, UCU celebrates 25 years of existence, under the slogan Ebenezer, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12).

The main celebrations, which climaxed in the week of October 24-28, included an annual public lecture, an alumni homecoming and a thanksgiving service. The past two vice chancellors of UCU – the Rev. Professor Stephen Noll and Dr. John Senyonyi – joined current Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi during the celebrations whose apex activity was a graduation ceremony held on October 28. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni was the invited chief guest at the ceremony. 

Some of the people who attended the UCU alumni homecoming event on October 25 at the main campus. Sitting at the front are the Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, the Provost of All Saints Cathedral Kampala, and Peggy Noll, the wife of UCU first Vice Chancellor, the Rev. Professor Stephen Noll.
Some of the people who attended the UCU alumni homecoming event on October 25 at the main campus. Sitting at the front are the Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, the Provost of All Saints Cathedral Kampala, and Peggy Noll, the wife of UCU first Vice Chancellor, the Rev. Professor Stephen Noll.

Stephen Noll, the university’s first vice chancellor, and his wife, Peggy, flew into Uganda from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where they currently reside, for the silver jubilee. For his association with UCU, Noll has to thank former Church of Uganda archbishop, Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo.

When the university commenced in 1997, Nkoyoyo, now deceased, went on a hunt for a suitable vice chancellor. It was his primary duty as the chancellor to conduct the search. By default, the reigning Archbishop of the Church of Uganda becomes the UCU chancellor. 

Therefore, when Nkoyoyo first approached Noll about the opportunity, the latter’s response was a no. Noll had never been to Uganda, or Africa long enough to understand the environment well. His other challenge was that he had only run a theological college and not a university. However, that was even better news to the ears of Nkoyoyo who saw it as an opportunity get someone who would be able to complete the transformation of the premises of the Bishop Tucker Theological College, which started in 1913, into a university. 

Noll eventually gave in. But there was a condition: Uganda Christian University would have to be Christian not only in name, but in substance, too. Upon assuming the office of the Vice Chancellor of UCU in 2000, Noll embarked on a mission.

“I considered that it was important to lay a formal orthodox foundation for both students and university staff, and also help students lay an intellectual foundation for their own lives,” Noll said in a 2014 unpublished UCU book to celebrate a decade of the university being granted a charter.

From 1997 to 2000, UCU was under the leadership of acting Vice Chancellor, the Rt. Rev. Eliphaazi Maari, who was the Principal of Bishop Tucker Theological College.

Just like Nkoyoyo committed for UCU to maintain a Christian identity, the institution integrated Christian values in its institutional policy. All UCU students and staff are required to sign the Instruments of Identity, upon admission to UCU, professing their commitment towards maintaining UCU identity for their life as members of the institution. The policy also calls for the integration of faith in teaching and learning. 

To further cement its signature identity as a Christian university, in 2002, UCU introduced compulsory core courses named Foundation Studies for all students. The courses include the Old Testament, the New Testament, Understanding Ethics, World Views, and Health and Wholeness. 

Within four years at the helm, Noll oversaw the start of four other campuses – with the first being Bishop Barham University College in 2000 and UCU Kampala, Mbale, and Arua campuses in 2004.

In his 10-year tenure, Noll grew the population of graduating students from 324 at the institution’s inaugural ceremony in 2000 to 2,803 in 2010, the year he handed over the baton to Senyonyi. This growth, however, did not come on a silver platter, as between 2000 and 2010, at least six universities were established in Uganda, significantly eating into the potential market for UCU. Of the six universities, three were privately-funded and the other three were public institutions.

Asked what he considers his top three achievements in an interview Noll granted the Ebenezer, a July 2022 publication in celebration of 25 years of UCU, the former vice chancellor said: “Preparing UCU to receive the first charter in Uganda (in 2004), planning and executing the expanded campus and its facilities and keeping its focus on the Gospel by calling and equipping the clergy and lay leaders for the church, the nation and the world.” 

Enter Senyonyi
Prior to assuming the top office in 2010, Senyonyi had served in UCU in different portfolios since 2001. He joined the university as a chaplain, before becoming the deputy vice chancellor for finance and administration in 2003 and then deputy vice-chancellor in charge of development and external relations in 2006. 

When he became vice chancellor Senyonyi set infrastructural development as part of his agenda. In 2011, the magnificent Hamu Mukasa library was opened. Senyonyi says throughout his tenure, the university did not get external funding for infrastructure development, and, therefore, depended on student fees. 

“We used the undesirable and very limiting method of nominal increments on fees, to the chagrin of our students, but they bore it stoically most of the time,” Senyonyi said during an interview with the Ebenezer publication. He said the beauty was that most of the time, the students understood the reason why fees increment was done, because the university was “mindful to use money to its intended purpose.”

One time, Senyonyi said, tired of the dusty road leading to the university, the student leaders asked the university administration to increase the tuition fees, to be able to put asphalt on the roads. 

“After sensitizing the guild leaders about the costs involved, they suggested we do it,” he said. “It is the only time students have asked the university to increase fees!”

Senyonyi said the UCU model demonstrated to other players in institutions of higher learning that private facilities can compete favorably and even beat a well-financed public university. He said, “Many vice chancellors came to consult with me for best practices…and even benchmarked with UCU.”

Senyonyi granted Uganda Partners an interview on how Covid  affected learning and administration at UCU, as well as his time at the helm of UCU leadership.  

UCU is considered a sports powerhouse in the country, having produced numerous players for Uganda’s national teams in football, netball, women’s football, basketball and rugby, among other disciplines. Because of its modern sports facilities, the institution has hosted the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation in 2017, the Inter–University Games Uganda in 2013, and in 2007, as well as the East African University Games in 2014. 

In May 2021, the national athletics trials were hosted at the Mukono campus track field station.

Mushengyezi assumes office in 2020
The 53-year-old assumed leadership of UCU in 2020, in the middle of the Covid pandemic. As was necessitated, the university, under the stewardship of Mushengyezi, adopted several virtual options for normal operations to continue. 

For instance, two virtual graduations were held – in December 2020 and October 2021; most of the programmes are now delivered through blended learning; using the alpha online system, two student guild elections have been held virtually, as well as pre-entry exams for courses in law, dental surgery and medicine. In a 36-minute video, Mushengyezi explained some of what his administration achieved within one year of leadership. 

In 2021, Mushengyezi invited institutions to borrow a leaf from the infrastructure in electronic learning that the university had set up. He emphasized UCU’s commitment to “pioneer in innovation and learning with community outreach.” Indeed, in December 2021, the university’s e-learning department hosted leaders from Greenhill Academy, a group of Christian-founded primary and secondary schools in Kampala, for a virtual learning seminar to understand more about the university’s e-learning facilities. 

From the 270 students admitted in 1997, UCU has grown to nearly 13,000 students across its five campuses today and now looks into a future of stronger partnerships, improvements in infrastructure and more emphasis on research and innovation. 

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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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Luminsa (center) receiving the consignment from the UK

Law alum accesses UK group to help disadvantaged

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


Luminsa (center) receiving the consignment from the UK
Luminsa (center) receiving the consignment from the UK

By Vanessa Kyalimpa
One evening in 2019, as Uganda Christian University (UCU) student, Kizza Arnold Luminsa,  surfed the Internet, he came across a UK-based organization, Workaid. On reading more about the charity, he discovered that it was possible to present to them a proposal for a donation. Without much faith in succeeding, Luminsa gave it a try. He sent his proposal seeking a donation to help the disadvantaged he saw around him. 

The charity refurbishes tools that have been donated to them and then ships them to training centers and self-help organizations. The organization claims the  tools  help 9,000 people out of poverty every year.

Luminsa did not expect an immediate response from Workaid. Indeed, after months of waiting, he gave up.

he people of the Bob McLeod Technical Institute receiving the donation
The people of the Bob McLeod Technical Institute receiving the donation

Early this year, Luminsa was pleasantly surprised to learn that his request had been approved by the UK charity and that he would, therefore, get the donation after more than two years of waiting. Indeed, on March 9, he received the consignment from the UK. It contained manual sewing machines, electric zig-zag sewing, treadle sewing machines, sewing machine accessories, manual knitting machines, wool and wool winders, general maintenance kit and knitting machine tables, among others.

“I was surprised at the success of my proposal. I didn’t see it coming, I was just trying out things – being the curious and inquisitive young man that I am,” says Luminsa who sent in the proposal while a UCU year-two student of Bachelor of Laws. He was among the 2,106 students who graduated on July 29 this year.

Arnold Luminsa delivering the consignment of donated goods.

Upon receiving the consignment, Luminsa wasted no time in putting the items to good use. The following day, he was on the road to Kangulumira, a village in the central Uganda district of Kayunga. Kangulumira hosts the Bob McLeod Technical Institute, which was the final beneficiary of the consignment. 

Luminsa says a friend who knew about the needs of the institute recommended it to him. Besides, he says the institute is run by religious people, which gave him added trust that the donation would be put to its intended purpose. 

“I was happy to see that my efforts are giving hope to many underprivileged members of the community,” Luminsa said. “Seeing them happy and grateful filled me with joy and made me want to help more people.” Luminsa added that his dream has always been to help in creating a positive impact on the lives of the people in his community. He enumerated the different charitable causes that he participated in as a student at UCU. 

Since charity begins at home, Luminsa believes his heart started beating for the needy after seeing what his father, Mukasa Anthony Harris, does. Mukasa founded the People United to Save Humanity, a local community-based, non-governmental organization. Established in 1996, the organization strives to save humanity from disease, ignorance and poverty, among others.  

Months down the road, Luminsa still makes a monthly visit to the Bob McLeod Technical Institute, to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries of the donation. He says they “check on the progress the beneficiaries have made in using the skills they are taught, so that they are able to earn a living on their own.”    

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Atem de Kuek (center, back) with colleagues on graduation day at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK in 2018.

South Sudan humanitarian workers applaud UCU for its impact

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


Atem de Kuek (center, back) with colleagues on graduation day at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK in 2018.
Atem de Kuek (center, back) with colleagues on graduation day at the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK in 2018.

In the 25 years of its existence, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has graduated many students, both Ugandan and foreign nationals in a multiplicity of disciplines. Recently, Kefa Senoga caught up with two UCU Bachelor of Mass Communication degrees graduates who are serving in humanitarian agencies in South Sudan. Kefa asked about the impact of their work and take-home value from UCU. 

Acquiring a UCU Bachelor of Mass Communication degree 11 years ago was significant for Atem de Kuek, but the second most important thing within that credential were the lessons he learned during “foundation studies” courses. The foundation courses, such as Writing and Study Skills, Health and Wholeness, World Views and Christian Ethics, are mandatory course units for every undergraduate student at the university.

Atem de Kuek addressing colleagues at his work place in South Sudan.
Atem de Kuek addressing colleagues at his work place in South Sudan.

“I can testify that in my working experience, these courses have been handy for work integrity,” Kuek, who graduated in 2011 with a First Class degree, says. He works as a social and behavior change consultant for the  UN Children’s Fund.

The academics who teach the foundation courses take pride in being the “roots and the stem” that support the other courses represented on the tree “leaves, branches and fruits.”  The course Health and Wholeness, for example, teaches principles of health promotion and interventions for  people who are sick or injured and finally, building a healthy society. The course is taught within the context of wholeness, in which “health” is not the absence of disease but a state of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. Deliberate strategies to maintain and promote health and to seek help with health problems are nonexistent or weak in other degree-granting universities.

Kuek added that UCU’s strict dress code is another takeaway for his work. Most students detested the policy forbidding short skirts, tight-fitting clothing, damaged jeans, shorts and tinted hairstyles, among others. However, Kuek says this earlier dislike better prepared him to easily blend into the world of professionalism.

As students, Kuek says they formed prayer clubs and research groups, to hold members accountable to each other. However, what started as groups to aid them to pass at the university became a mainstay in their lives and that they have kept in touch to date. 

Okot deals with crisis and reputation management at ICRC
Okot deals with crisis and reputation management at ICRC

For Emmanuel Okot, a South Sudan national, the environment at UCU enabled him to improve academically, as well as to register growth in the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of life. 

“And that’s how I developed the love to serve humanity,” says Okot, who graduated with a Bachelor of Mass Communication from UCU in 2018.

He emphasizes that UCU gave him training and skills that apply to his job with a humanitarian agency, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in his home country. 

“I take my entire life at UCU as a mentorship process, from my experience with everything and everyone – the lecturers, colleagues and the support staff,” he says.

ICRC has a humanitarian mission of protecting the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict by providing them with assistance to prevent further suffering. As one of the information officers with the agency, Okot deals with crisis and reputation management, as well as leading efforts within the public communication team to connect with relevant audiences through digital content.

Among Kuek’s recent tasks were providing evidence on child marriages and on behavior change around ebola and COVID-19. He has over 10 years of experience in development and field research in South Sudan with UNICEF hosting his third position since he left UCU. Kuek, who holds a Master of Science in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies from London School of Economics and Political Science, also previously worked with Plan International, Right to Play International and the Catholic Relief Services.

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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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Nakigudde taking oath of office after her election in August

For third consecutive time, UCU student wins Uganda Youth Parliament speaker race

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


Nakigudde taking oath of office after her election in August
Nakigudde taking oath of office after her election in August

By Israel Kisakye

For as long as she remembers, Uganda Christian University  (UCU) student, Maria Speria Nakigudde, has been a leader at school. On many occasions, the leadership positions have given her the privilege of engaging school administrators on matters concerning fellow students. She also has had the honor of representing her colleagues at management meetings. 

She also has paid the not-so-positive price of being a student leader. 

In 2013, while serving as the health prefect at her school, St. Mary’s Vocational School, Kyamuhunga, located in western Uganda, Nakigudde was appointed to the school’s disciplinary committee, as a students’ representative. Whereas her role on the committee was well defined, some of the undisciplined students viewed her as a mole among the students. 

She said most students did not like her because she was tough and always stood on the side of the truth, a stance some students found difficult.  However, such awkward situations only motivated her to develop a thick skin as a leader. In fact, when she went to attend A’level at Immaculate Heart Girls’ School in Rukungiri district, western Uganda, from 2016 to 2018, Nakigudde was appointed to a similar role, which she gladly accepted. She was appointed as a member of the school’s court, which was tasked with guiding and counseling some of the school’s undisciplined students.  

Nakigudde (right) with the Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Among
Nakigudde (right) with the Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Among

The experience Nakigudde has garnered over time, including the leadership positions she has held at UCU, where the 22-year-old is pursuing a Bachelor of Laws, has helped to provide her with invaluable opportunities to hone her leadership skills. 

At UCU, Nakigudde has served in different leadership positions, including that of the Speaker for the Truth Debate Club. She has also been the secretary of the UCU Moot Court Society.

In August, the year-four law student used the skills she has acquired over time as a springboard to launch herself into national leadership. She contested for the position of Speaker of the National Youth Parliament of Uganda. 

“I felt I was qualified for the position because I have previous leadership experience. I also thought I would make a good speaker who can elevate the voices of the youth,” Nakigudde said, noting that to prepare for the contest, she had to contend with dividing her time between internship and extensive travel to introduce herself to potential voters. 

And she sailed through, becoming the country’s fifth speaker of the youth assembly. Beating out four other contestants was not all. Nakigudde, who said UCU has done a good job in nurturing her leadership skills and providing a conducive environment for exchange of ideas, also became the third consecutive UCU student to hold the position. She takes over from Ezra Ambasiize, who took the mantle while in fourth year, pursuing Bachelor of Laws at UCU. Abenawe Allan, the third speaker, handed over the mantle to Ambasiize. The position holder serves for one year. 

The parliament offers political and legislative space and serves as a creative advocacy vehicle that brings together young people in Uganda, as well as youth-focused organizations to amplify youth voices to lawmakers.

In August, while seeking support for her candidature, Nakigudde promised to “share my determination, diligence and commitment at work to impact youth legislation and tailor inclusivity of the youth in policy making.”

Usually, the youth parliament holds one sitting per year. However, Nakigudde plans to push for a review of that, so that the sittings can be more.

She thanks the UCU fraternity for helping to popularize her candidature, noting that many students helped to distribute her fliers in August, as she introduced herself to the electorate. 

Mirembe Racheal Sserwadda, the UCU Guild President, praised Nakigudde’s relentless attitude, saying: “Nakigudde is a go-getter, highly ambitious and focused on her goals. She is also extremely vocal.” 

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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 Good Samaritan delivering food to an elderly woman in Karamoja.

UCU joins charity drive to rid Karamoja of hunger

News, Students, UCU Alumni


A Good Samaritan delivering food to an elderly woman in Karamoja.
A Good Samaritan delivering food to an elderly woman in Karamoja.

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has responded to a call by the Anglican Church for Church-founded organizations to support hunger-stricken people in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda.

The UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, who led the campaign at the university, said that as of early October they collected sh4.5million (about $1,170) from students, staff and well-wishers of UCU.

“The response towards this cause was positive, it showed that people have learnt the idea of being your neighbor’s keeper,” Ssembiro said.

“When someone lacks food, you have to do something,” Ssembiro said, indicating that the UCU community had grown in their level of generosity. 

One of the members of the Feed Karamoja Initiative handing food to elderly persons in Karamoja
One of the members of the Feed Karamoja Initiative handing food to elderly persons in Karamoja

While making a call for support to the people of Karamoja, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, said: “We are our brothers’ keepers. Jesus Christ taught us to feed the hungry and reach out to the needy. That’s exactly what we are doing for our brothers and sisters in Karamoja and other areas affected by disasters.”

Kaziimba’s call comes hot on the heels of reports of people dying from hunger in the region. In June, Meri Jino, the chairperson of Kaabong, one of the districts found in Karamoja, said in addition to reported deaths in the region, many people cannot afford a meal and go for days without food. Jino made the remarks in June, during the launch of a food security report on Karamoja. 

According to the report, named the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, out of 1.2 million people in the region, 41% are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity and that 91,600 children under the age of five years are acutely malnourished and in need of urgent medical attention. The malnutrition has not spared the adults, too. The report indicates that 9,500 pregnant and lactating women in the region need treatment for malnutrition.

According to the World Health Organisation, about 22% of children under five years in Moroto, one of the districts in Karamoja, are malnourished. In Kaabong, a neighboring district, the malnutrition rate for children in the same category is at 19.6%.

Fr Joseph Ogwal, who has been working with the vulnerable people in Karamoja as a Christian leader, said whenever he gets out of the gate at the seminary where he resides, he finds residents waiting to beg members of the clergy for food or money to buy food. He says he understands the pain that many of the members of the community are going through. 

“I was born in Karamoja, so I know what it means to starve,” he said.

Margaret Nagiri, a resident of Moroto, told journalists who visited her home with officials from the United Nations Children’s Fund that it was increasingly getting hard for her family to afford daily meals. “If we get something to eat today, for the next three days, we may not get anything to eat,” she told a reporter of New Vision, a Ugandan daily newspaper, in July.

Ogwal attributes the food shocks in the region to the unpredictable rainfall patterns due to climate change. The area has also faced insecurity for a long time, with the communities participating in cattle raids, something the local leaders attribute to revenge attacks. 

Traditionally, the World Food Programme has been distributing relief food to the people in Karamoja. However, the UN agency has of recent been changing strategy from food donations to empowering the communities to grow their own food crops by distributing seeds through non-governmental organizations. The local communities cite unfavorable weather patterns as a challenge to successful farming.

In August, Robert Kayanja, a pastor at one of the Pentecostal churches in Uganda, sent to Karamoja 20 tons of nutritious booster relief food. He said the flour was specially mixed for the people of Karamoja, with ingredients such as milk, sugar, rice, millet flour, oats and pumpkin seeds. Kayanja also promised that as part of the project, they would help the people to plant food crops.

Many other Non-Governmental Organizations, such as Last Drop Africa, have organized campaigns to support the initiative to donate food to the people in Karamoja. Through their campaign dubbed #MyLastMeal, Last Drop Africa that is spearheaded by UCU alum Alex Taremwa has partnered with leaders in Karamoja to distribute food relief purchased through crowdfunding to schools, hospitals and households in the severely affected communities.

Dr Mark Logiel, one of the few indigenous Karimojong who have mobilized support to help their home region through the Feed Karamoja Initiative, said it is always a challenge mobilizing relief aid to feed people, especially in such a time when the cost of living in Uganda has increased amidst high prices of fuel and commodities.  

Americans wishing to help with the food needs in Karamoja can contribute through Uganda Partners’ donate site by  indicating the funds go to the UCU chaplaincy for the food effort. 

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Patience Ankunda holding her first class award from Uganda Christian University on graduation day.

‘I was mocked for abandoning architecture to pursue my other dream’

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


Patience Ankunda holding her first class award from Uganda Christian University on graduation day.
Patience Ankunda holding her first class award from Uganda Christian University on graduation day.

By Kefa Senoga
Architecture had long been a career dream for Patience Ankunda. 

Thus, when she joined Gayaza High School in central Uganda for Senior One more than 10 years ago, Ankunda’s work was cut out for her. She focused on technical drawing because she believed it would prepare the groundwork for her to become an architect. By the end of Senior Six, she had performed so well that she earned a government scholarship to study a degree in architecture at Uganda’s Makerere University. 

However, that is not the course Ankunda graduated in on October 22 last year. Makerere is also not the institution she graduated from. So, what happened?

Patience Ankunda with Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba
Patience Ankunda with Uganda’s Minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba

A few months into the course at Makerere, Ankunda says she stopped feeling a passion for architecture. But she soldiered on with the course. After two years, she called it quits – not only walking away from a childhood dream but also abandoning government sponsorship and possible disappointment of her godfather who is a successful civil engineer.

She opted to study a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science under self-sponsorship at Uganda Christian University (UCU).. On October 22, 2021, Ankunda was among 95 UCU students who graduated with First Class degrees. 

“I saw Computer science creating different opportunities for me in the future, which it is already doing now,” Ankunda says.  

But the change in course and university did not come easy for Ankunda. She said many people branded her a failure because they thought she was switching from a more prestigious course. And many more people prophesied that she would not go far in life with a career in computer science. 

Patience Ankunda narrating her education and business experience to an audience at the Ted talks

She says she often had to make the time to answer the question: Why did you change? Her answer always was a question of why not. She has written an article on her blog, explaining the reason behind her change in career. 

Ankunda showing off some of the fitness products that her business sells
Ankunda showing off some of the fitness products that her business sells

As an individual, Ankunda had her own fears about the change of course. For instance, as a first-year student of computer science, she was to study with people who had been two years below her at secondary school. She believes that earlier, more proper career guidance would have saved her from all the challenges that her decision caused. She had to put challenges behind her. Engagement in out-of-class activities helped. 

“After joining UCU, I got enough free time to engage in other activities, which I could not, while pursuing architecture at Makerere,” she said. 

One such activity was an online business using the knowledge she had acquired from the classroom. In her first year, she set up a website development business. During the 2021 lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ankunda saw an opportunity to initiate an online fitness business to help people do exercises from their homes. Afrocanfit focuses on providing workout programs at home and selling fitness products. 

“I use Afrocanfit to inspire individuals into living a healthy lifestyle,” she said.. “I also use the platform to grow a community of passionate individuals who are ready to make the necessary changes for the betterment of their health.”

She says to take her work more professionally that she had to get a certification in health and nutrition life coaching. With skills like those, Ankunda says she is better placed to expand her online business to the region and, eventually, to the continent.

Some of the products that Ankunda has developed are specifically designed for people at home with no fitness equipment.

Now that she has graduated from her course, her former department has retained her as a tutor in the department of ICT. From an achiever’s point of view, Ankunda has counsel for those who intend to attain First Class degrees. Many students do not put effort in take-home assignments, hoping to read hard and excel in the exams to compensate, but Ankunda advises against such a method of operation. 

“Coursework contributes to the final mark, yet it is easier to pass than the examinations,” she said..

For now, as she juggles running her business and sharing knowledge as a UCU tutor, Ankunda is keeping an eye on studying more practical courses in technology and ICT to empower her to be able to grow more in digital entrepreneurship. 

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

UCU team celebrates their victory.

UCU top inter-university exhibition for the fourth time

News, Students, UCU Alumni


UCU team celebrates their victory.
UCU team celebrates their victory.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has emerged the best exhibitor at Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) 2022 Inter-University education fair.

The exhibition that took place from September 22-24 in Kampala ran under the theme: “Enhancement of Teaching, Learning and Assessment with Online and Distance e-learning, (ODeL) in Higher Education.”

It was the fourth consecutive time that UCU was being announced best exhibitor. Uganda Martyrs University and the International Science, Business and Technology University (ISBAT) were second and third, respectively. 

Team UCU celebrates victory upon receiving their plaque

The more than 60 public and private institutions of learning that participated in the fair displayed technological innovations that they have employed to facilitate teaching, learning and assessment in the post-Covid era. When Covid-19 struck in Uganda in 2020, the Government instituted a lockdown on all activities, including education. This affected students, who lost time. However, later, higher institutions of learning were given the liberty to continue with teaching albeit online, until when the coronavirus infection rate significantly reduced. 

At the September exhibition, the judges were looking out for the alignment of an institution’s stall with reference to the theme of the exhibition. “We specifically highlighted the evidence of the existence of e-learning platforms in the various stalls and institutions, the usage of the e-learning platform, level of innovation and subject of display from the stalls, specifically looking at the level of effort and thought,” Prof. George Kirya, the lead judge, said. Kirya added that they also considered the level of funding because the exhibition required money for an institution to be successful. 

Justifying the reason for awarding UCU the top accolade, the judges said the university showcased many e-services that corresponded with the year’s theme. “UCU has integrated their whole system right from admission, teaching and assessment,” Prof. Kirya said. 

“The victory validates a lot about what happens at the university and demonstrates to the public that we are achieving our vision of being A Center of Excellence in the Heart of Africa,” Christa K. Oluka, UCU’s Director of Admissions and Student Records, said.

“Honestly, we had a feeling that the trophy for the overall best exhibitor would slip out of our hands this time round, due to some of the challenges we faced,” Jimmy Siyasa, the acting Head of Communications and Public Relations at UCU, said. The announcement of UCU as the overall best exhibitor, therefore, sent the intuition’s team at the exhibition tent into wild celebration, singing praises for the Lord.

UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the institution upon the milestone for the fourth consecutive time. “Congratulations to Team UCU on winning the 13th higher education exhibition, well done,” Mushengyezi said.

“The exhibitions are an opportunity for institutions to showcase what they have been able to do, to remain operational,” Mushengyezi explained, adding: “Some of the innovations that birthed UCU’s win were the learning management system (e-learning), the online voting platform (eChagua), online internship and many more.”

Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who was the chief guest, urged institutions of higher learning to prioritize research to get tailor-made solutions to local challenges. He commended UCU for leading in this area. Different UCU Schools and Faculties exhibited unique ideas – the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship exhibited how the lecturers and students use online platforms (Moodle) to enhance learning.

The School of Journalism, Media and Communication showcased the students’ online television, the UCU Focus TV, the UCU online radio and The Standard newspaper.

NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary Okwakol explained that exhibitions bring together relevant stakeholders to showcase responses to challenges faced by higher education institutions, with special attention to the global disruptions caused by COVID-19.

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Chancellor of UCU Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu launching the campaign.

UCU seeks aid to support disadvantaged students

News, Students, UCU Alumni


Chancellor of UCU Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu launching the campaign.
Chancellor of UCU Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu launching the campaign.

By Kefa Senoga
In 2018, when Shadrack Eunyu informed his family about his admission to pursue a Bachelor of Electronic and Communication Science at Uganda Christian University, the members were elated. Eunyu’s father, a member of the clergy, gave him the greenlight to pursue the course because he was in position to meet his son’s tuition requirements. 

However, slightly over a year into Eunyu’s studies, his father died of Covid-19. Eunyu had to quickly look for solutions of raising money in order not to drop out of school.

Dorothy Tushemereirwe, the coordinator of the campaign.
Dorothy Tushemereirwe, the coordinator of the campaign.

“I got involved in some activities at the UCU chaplaincy and the Financial Aid Office in order to raise money for tuition,” Eunyu narrates. Soon, the chaplaincy and the UCU Church Relations Department took over the role of paying his school fees. 

Eunyu continued to look for money-making opportunities because, in addition to tuition, he had other requirements that necessitated money. All this hustle is now past Eunyu as he looks forward to graduating soon. He has completed his course and is currently undertaking an internship. 

UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi says cases like Eunyu’s are many at the institution. He says he feels sad whenever UCU receives the news of students who have lost their parents or guardians, especially for those in their last year of study, with no one to support them. 

Vice Chancellor articulating the reason behind the Just for 10k campaign

As a result of the pandemic, Mushengyezi said, many of the church workers were affected due to the prolonged lockdowns that saw places of worship closed, hence making it possible to meet some of their financial obligations. The fate of a few others was sealed in the same way like Eunyu’s father.

“I keep receiving children of the clergy who have been struggling because of such effects,” Mushengyezi said as he announced a university campaign that UCU hopes will lighten the burdens of such needs.

“Not all of us are endowed with all that we need to succeed in life,” Mushengyenzi said during a recent community worship session at the UCU Mukono campus. “Some of our students have needs and struggle with their tuition, and other needs.” 

The “For Just 10k” campaign is intended to raise sh1billion (about $270,000), that, according to Mushengyezi, will be used to support needy students. The campaign was launched on June 15 at the university main campus in Mukono by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who is also the UCU Chancellor, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

Dorothy Tushemereirwe, a fundraising consultant who is coordinating the project, says people can contribute as little as sh10,000 (about $2.6). The project runs from June this year to the same month next year. Should the target be realized, more than 300 UCU students will be able to receive tuition support. 

According to Tushemereirwe, since the campaign was launched in June, sh22m (about $5,945) has been realized. She cites Worship Harvest Church, which has already offered a cheque of sh10m ($2,618) towards the cause. 

How to donate

For direct deposits: +256774530810 in names of Dorothy Tushemereirwe or +13344240964 in the names of Mark Bartels (Reason for giving should  be “for just 10k fundraiser”)

Online donations: Use GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/needy-university-students) 

Direct cash deposits on Stanbic bank: Account name: Uganda Christian University. Account Number: 9030005916673.   

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Students competing in basketball during the gala. The Main Campus won the basketball game.

UCU hosts first intercampus sports gala

News, Sports, Students, UCU Alumni


Students competing in basketball during the gala. The Main Campus won the basketball game.
Students competing in basketball during the gala. The Main Campus won the basketball game.

By Vanessa Kyalimpa
The desire to enjoy the experience of competition recently led Uganda Christian University (UCU) students to the institution’s sports arena at the main campus in Mukono. The activities, which were planned as team building exercises between students of the UCU main campus and those from Kampala campus, also offered bonding opportunities. 

UCU Bachelor of Law graduates who are currently pursuing a Diploma in Legal Practice at Uganda’s Law Development Centre (LDC), as well as students from the School of Medicine in Mengo, Kampala, were among those who took part in the sports gala that saw students compete in football, basketball, athletics, volleyball, netball and chess.

The gala, which was the first of its kind at the university, was organized by the student leaders of the university’s main campus in Mukono.

The UCU Main Campus team playing volleyball with the Kampala Campus team. The Kampala Campus team took the day in volleyball.
The UCU Main Campus team playing volleyball with the Kampala Campus team. The Kampala Campus team took the day in volleyball.

Sarah Adokorach, the Minister of Sports in the current Guild Government at the main campus, said they saw the gala as one of the ways to competitively get the students fit as they physically engaged and had fun. 

“I’ve been mobilizing and coordinating the different activities, and encouraging students to come and participate,” Adokorach said, noting that the idea of the sports gala was a hard sale, since they had never participated in one that brought together students from different UCU campuses. The best performers in the competitions were awarded medals at the end of the event.

“At first, we were skeptical that this would not happen the way we had planned, but we were pleasantly surprised it did, in such a successful way,” Adokorach said, noting that not even the light rain in the morning could dampen the mood of the students.

Since there was a lot of communication and exchange of ideas before, during and after the event, Adokorach says the quick benefit they reaped from the gala was the strengthening of the relationship among the leaders and students from the main campus, the School of Medicine, the Kampala campus and the alums pursuing a Diploma in Legal Practice at the LDC. 

UCU Mukono campus students compete against the students of UCU Kampala campus at the basketball court during the sports gala. 

Owen Masembe, the Guild President of UCU Kampala Campus, welcomed the idea of the gala, noting that oftentimes, students focus only on studies, forgetting about the physical aspects of their lives. 

“Kampala campus does not have the different sports facilities that the main campus has,” Masembe noted. “So, the gala offered an opportunity for the students to showcase their sports abilities.”

The Guild President of the LDC main campus in Kampala, Boss John Bruce, in one of the football games, captained his institution’s team of UCU alums to 2-2 draw, after going down 2-0 by half time. “A sports gala is a place where we come to shed off some weight,” he said. 

As a student at UCU, Bruce led the institution’s electoral body as the Guild Electoral Commission chairperson. He oversaw the transition from voting for student leaders at UCU using analogue means to an online voting process, e-voting app, the e-Chagua. The e-chagua helped UCU conduct elections even at a time physical presence of students at universities was still restricted, due to the Covid pandemic.  

Daphine Kateme, a student at the UCU School of Medicine, who also attended the gala, said one of the fundamental needs for a person’s well-being is the ability to connect with others, noting that she was impressed the gala achieved just that. 

“I made many friends from other campuses, just by talking to people, sharing our experiences and playing volleyball, Kateme said, adding: “I’m happy the gala offered me the opportunity to play volleyball again, after many years.”

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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 Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.

Donations sought for UCU (September 25) Sunday

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


Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu with members of the clergy and other Church leaders who converged at Uganda Christian University recently for the Provincial Assembly.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu with members of the clergy and other Church leaders who converged at Uganda Christian University recently for the Provincial Assembly.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
It is that time of the year, again, when representatives of Uganda Christian University (UCU), take time off to spread the gospel about the institution. Named the UCU Sunday, the day, celebrated every last Sunday of September, was set aside by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, for the province to hold prayers for the church-founded institution.

In addition to the prayers, the UCU Sunday, which will be celebrated on Sunday, September 25, is intended to mobilize support and resources for various activities at UCU, as well as create awareness about developments at the institution. 

Speaking about the objective of this year’s UCU Sunday, UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, said it is three-fold. 

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

“Our main objective this year is to pray for the institution, support clergy students through scholarship and also construct the Ordinands Apartment,” Ssembiro said. 

UCU is currently working with the 37 dioceses, alumni, the university’s guild government and students in preparation for the day. UCU Sunday first took place in 2017.

The Ordinands Apartments is intended to accommodate clergy students at the university. The apartment is expected to house more than 50 ordinands. An ordinand is a person training to be a priest or a church minister. Richard Mulindwa, the Church Relations Manager at UCU, noted that theology students require a calm environment to focus on God. 

“At the moment, the students are residing in the same halls of residence with other students, which is not ideal for their concentration,” Mulindwa said. 

UCU Council Chairperson on UCU Sunday

While preaching at a virtual UCU Sunday service last year, UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi explained the reason for the Ordinands Apartments. He said some of the ordinands are married and would wish that their spouses could visit them during weekends. However, that is not possible since they reside with other students. 

Last year’s service, which was virtual due to a ban on gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus, was celebrated at Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala. That ban on physical gatherings in church has since been lifted due to the waning number of Covid-19 infections globally. 

Recently, Mushengyezi said sh400m (about $113,000) had already been secured for the apartments project that is estimated to cost sh8.5b (over $2.2m).

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who is also the UCU Chancellor, appealed to Christians to take part in the UCU Sunday. He called upon the flock to support the project under the theme “Arise, let us build the walls” (Nehemiah 2:18). Kaziimba also emphasized that ordinands need a supportive environment while pursuing their dreams of being professional evangelists. 

Collections for the past UCU Sunday events have been used to implement a number of projects at the institution. For instance, the sh300million that was collected for the UCU Sunday of 2018 was invested in building the UCU School of Medicine at Mengo in Kampala. Unlike public universities that get financial support from the central government, private universities in Uganda, in which category UCU falls, are run on tuition fees paid by students. 

American donations can be made through the Uganda Partners Web site donation button at https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/. Put “UCU Sunday” in the comment box.  

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

July 2022 graduating students at UCU

‘God Is the Plug’ for Business first-class degree recipient

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business


July 2022 graduating students at UCU
July 2022 graduating students at UCU

By Kefa Senoga
“God Is the Plug” is a youth-focused social media hashtag, emblazoned on clothes and used in slang with the meaning that God is the connection to prospering, achieving and succeeding. 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Business graduate, John Baptist Mugabe, says indeed God is his plug. While hard work played a role, God gets the glory for Mugabe’s first-class degree, his internship and more. 

“I always made a special prayer at the beginning of the semester for success,” he said. “I also joined the Kigezi Ankole Anglican Youth Missioners fellowship for prayers.”  

Mugabe, who graduated July 29, 2022, with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Finance and a 4.54 of 5.0 Grade Point Average, said his success is a true representation of the Bible verse in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act.”

John Baptist Mugabe narrates his story

Relying on God, Mugabe persevered to graduate with time and technical obstacles – both before and after Covid-restriction challenges. Mugabe says that in his first semester, he could not do his assignments on time due to the fact that he did not have a laptop and a smartphone. He borrowed a laptop from a friend to accomplish the coursework and assignments, but not always on a deadline.  

John Baptist Mugabe (left) holding his first-class award on graduation.
John Baptist Mugabe (left) holding his first-class award on graduation.

Mugabe comes from Kihani III, Kikyenkye Sub County, Ibanda District, in the western part of the country. He is born to Mr. Kamagara Felix and Mrs. Kamabaati Fausta. He joined UCU in September 2018 because, Mugabe says “UCU has a good reputation and students who have passed through it are highly competitive in the job market because of the values that it instills in them.”

Adding to Mugabe’s frustration in 2020 was online learning after the closure of all education institutions in the country due to the outbreak of Covid-19. 

“In my home area in Ibanda district, the network was always unstable,” Mugabe narrates, adding that insufficient upkeep was another challenge that became part of his life. He says it affected him because he couldn’t purchase the handouts that contained the notes that were given by the lecturers for revision purposes. However, Mugabe notes that all challenges as they came, motivated him to work harder.

As a Christian, Mugabe believed that God would intervene. And He did.

Mugabe has begun the journey of fulfilling his dream of becoming an accountant. As a UCU intern in the department of accounts, he performs duties such as student accounts management, staff debtors billing, receipt of university incomes and clearing of students.  He hopes to be retained as an employee in the finance department at UCU. 

Mugabe describes his experience of interning at UCU as one of his best due to the fact that he has got an opportunity to put into practice what he learned in the classroom. 

“It has given me an opportunity to interact with important people who have become an incentive to the person I am now and the person I hope to be in the future,” he remarks. Mugabe says that the university has been a source of inspiration to him. 

“At UCU, I have found mentors and friends who have inspired me…through the impact that their good work is making in the communities,” he said.  “Joel Alfred Kibenge, who is an accountant at UCU, is my greatest role model.”

He adds that his supervisors with expertise in his profession have mentored him with a set of skills and unforgettable experiences. Mugabe says that the uniqueness in his work performance is the emphasis he puts on giving timely, accurate and reliable financial information to clients. Mugabe says that however much the future is hard to predict, he wants to be a Certified Public Accountant in the next 10 years, perhaps heading a finance-related department in a large company in Uganda or in the world. 

“I also hope to have a family with a wife and children and also owning multiple businesses that employ at least 20 people,” Mugabe says.  

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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 Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

LRA survivor Olum Douglas speaking to Uganda Studies Program students at UCU

UCU alum shares child soldier captivity story with USP students

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


LRA survivor Olum Douglas speaking to Uganda Studies Program students at UCU
LRA survivor Olum Douglas speaking to Uganda Studies Program students at UCU

By Olum Douglas
August 25, 2022, is one extra-ordinary day I shall live to remember. Waking up that Thursday morning, I had a list of activities. From checking on my parents back home in the north via phone, to taking my children to school for a requisite government data collection registration activity, to an online job interview but foremost, an opportunity to share my story with a group of American students.

The Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) had invited me to speak about my child abduction to a 16-member group of students from North America.

Olum Douglas with USP students, (left) Lauren Thrush, Wheaton College (Illinois); and (right) Beth Merritt, George Fox University (Oregon).
Olum Douglas with USP students, (left) Lauren Thrush, Wheaton College (Illinois); and (right) Beth Merritt, George Fox University (Oregon).

In attendance besides the students were USP staff and my good friend, Patricia Huston-Holm, who I insisted attend the session because I needed a shoulder to lean on in case I broke down. It was my first time to speak the story before an audience.

When I first set out to write down my story in 2011, I spent about two hours trying to fill a page on a shorthand book. The painful memories of the brutality, torture, murder and untold suffering weighed so heavily on me, causing me to weep endlessly. 

I was putting words on paper for a Creative Writing course as part of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree I was pursuing at UCU.

After the 25-page narrative compiled under the title, “No more tears to cry,” I gathered the courage to tell the whole story of what happened to me in my native village of Gulu in northern Uganda. This narrative later became a book titled: “The Captive: My 204 days with the LRA rebels.” The book was published on Amazon in December 2020.

The days, weeks and months of writing were never a smooth sail. Many times, I was drenched in tears and unable to continue writing because the memories of some moments were so refreshed and painful.

Olum Douglas sharing a photo from his book, “The Captive: My 204 days with the LRA rebels.”
Olum Douglas sharing a photo from his book, “The Captive: My 204 days with the LRA rebels.”

On that sunny August 2022 day, I narrated to the students how I was abducted alongside several other children and adults on the night of April 4, 1998, by the Joseph Kony-led Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels. I was 11 years old at the time. 

I told them how some of my colleagues were tortured and killed while I watched, and how we were forced to do many despicable things. As I spoke, I could see some members of the audience occasionally wipe tears.

Unlike the days I was compiling the story, I stood strong during the presentation and never shed a tear. I told the students that I have now overcome the pain.

It was an honor to be granted the platform to address the students because they are future leaders who may change the trajectory on global peace if they are helped to access the right knowledge and understand the impact of war on local communities, especially in Africa, which is a battleground for ideologies.

Personally, such opportunities help me to self-check whether I am still emotionally attached to the past. As most writers will tell you, getting something out like this is therapeutic. One of the key outcomes of authoring that book is that it helped me discharge much of the pain. And any opportunity to talk about it helps me discharge even further.

During the August session, the students were curious to know whether I take time to reflect and ask myself why that happened to me. They also asked whether all my colleagues have returned home, and what caused the about 20 years of insurgency in northern Uganda.

I answered as best as I could, knowing that later, they would have more questions as I still do. 

I am thankful to Rachel Robinson, the USP director, and the entire team for stretching non-Ugandan students to learn and understand my culture, including the painful parts. I also thank my friend and mentor, Patty, for her continuous support along this journey I know I am still on. Overcoming such experiences is not easy, but I am winning. 

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Olum Douglas lives in Mukono, Uganda with his wife and two children.  Through the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, he is finishing his master’s degree in strategic communication at UCU. 

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Prof. Timothy Wangusa gives a speech during the celebration at Makerere University

Prof. Wangusa hailed for contribution to literature in Uganda

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education


Prof. Timothy Wangusa gives a speech during the celebration at Makerere University
Prof. Timothy Wangusa gives a speech during the celebration at Makerere University

By Kefa Senoga
A fountain of knowledge. A man gifted with words. A man who can weave words to create a magical appeal. These were some of the descriptions bestowed on Prof. Timothy Wangusa as the academia gathered on July 8, 2022, to celebrate a man who has contributed to Uganda through the spoken and written word. 

The event, whose theme was Celebrating Wangusa@80, was convened by Uganda’s Makerere University as part of activities to celebrate 100 years of the university. It also coincided with a celebration of 80 years of the literary giant. Wangusa, a poet and novelist, was born on May 20, 1942.


UCU lecturer Timothy Wangusa has a birthday that coincides with Makerere University’s centenary. The university applauded his service for literature in the country and region during his 80th birthday celebration and the launch of his four books.

Wangusa also is a name known at Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he played a key role in establishing the department of languages and literature in the School of Education. A research fellow at UCU from 2003 to 2005, he was a research supervisor and was instrumental in developing UCU’s Master of Arts and PhD program in literature. 

Prof. Timothy Wangusa receives gifts from Makerere University officials on July 8
Prof. Timothy Wangusa receives gifts from Makerere University officials on July 8

At 27 years, Wangusa joined Makerere as an academic. Six years down the road, in 1975, he bagged a PhD in literature, becoming the first person to acquire the qualification at Makerere. Six years later, Wangusa became one of the few African professors at Makerere.

Wangusa jokingly refers to himself as the mean point between Makerere University with it’s 100 years of existence and Uganda with its 60 years of independence this year 

“If you add 100 years of Makerere to 60 years of Uganda and divide by 2, you get me,” Wangusa explained to the July 8 audience. 

Wangusa, who hails from Manafwa district in eastern Uganda, says throughout his teaching and writing career, he has emphasized the mutual importance of the spoken and the written word. 

One of his inspirations for the “economy of words,” Wangusa narrates, is when, at the age of 10, he attended Sunday school in the eastern Uganda region of Bugisu, his native area. He says the preacher summed up his message in four words: “Always love one another.” To Wangusa, if anyone practiced the love for one another, they will have obeyed all the Ten Commandments.  

As a teacher, he says he found it difficult to teach what he calls the most difficult doctrine to comprehend, the doctrine of the Trinity. He says, in his wisdom, he attempted to define God to his students, by coming up with the Trinity Tree, which he described in a 15-word poem: 

The father in the root

The son in the shoot

The spirit in the fruit

Wangusa says that his discovery of the significance of the economy of words has informed his career and he testifies that he has been inspired by words which have guided his humanness of character and style of writing. 

“My first novel – Upon This Mountain – could have been four times longer if I had been an expansionist, but I am a ‘compactionist’,” he said. The novel, which is 116 pages, is part of the literature syllabus for many secondary schools in Uganda.

The event at Makerere University also was used to launch Wangusa’s latest books – I Love You, You Beast, a book where he shares reflections on faith and literature from 1969 to 2009; Pathfinders’ Footprints in Modern African Poetry, a collection of poems; Lost in Wonder, his autobiography; and Niyanga Nilaliila, a translated autobiography in Lumasaaba, his native language.

Arthur Gakwandi, a novelist, short story writer, diplomat and Makerere lecturer, said Wangusa creates “cryptic communication, packed with meaning and difficult to comprehend.” 

“He can find meaning in simple things,” Gakwandi said. “He can see the supernatural in ordinary things, a tree or object, which most people ignore. He then finds a word to communicate that momentary insight.”

Dr. Susan Kiguli, a poet and senior lecturer of literature at Makerere, said she always thought that great writers were only dead people. So, when she came across poems and novels by Wangusa in secondary school, she had no reason to believe that the professor was still alive.

“However, when I joined Makerere University, I was shocked to learn that Wangusa was one of our lecturers,” Kiguli said. “Being a man of small stature, he did not tower over us. But when he began to speak, he was larger than life. He is small, but carries a mountain of achievements.”

Peter Mugume, a lecturer at UCU, says he first met Wangusa as his undergraduate teacher at Makerere University. He says he later got the opportunity to work with Wangusa as a colleague lecturer in the department of literature at UCU. 

Wangusa attended Nabumali High School from 1958 to 1961 for O’level, before joining King’s College, Budo for A’level from 1962 to 1963. From Budo, he joined Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English course, and then to the UK’s University of Leeds for a master’s degree in literature.

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

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Some graduates pose after the UCU ceremony on July 29

UCU holds first total in-person graduation in more than two years

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business


Some graduates pose after the UCU ceremony on July 29
Some graduates pose after the UCU ceremony on July 29

By Vanessa Kyalimpa
On January 7, 2020, Uganda Christian University (UCU) awarded semester scholarships to 10 students in appreciation of their outstanding academic performance. While handing out the Vice Chancellor’s Awards to the students, former Vice Chancellor John Senyonyi said the gesture was a motivation for excellence at the university. 

Overall Best Student Mugagga Leslie Lubowa receives his award from UCU Bishop Alfred Olwa at the ceremony on July 29. Centre is Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.
Overall Best Student Mugagga Leslie Lubowa receives his award from UCU Bishop Alfred Olwa at the ceremony on July 29. Centre is Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

True to the intention of the award, two students did not take their feet off the pedal. Mugagga Leslie Lubowa and Hajara Nanziri – who were among the recipients of the scholarships in 2020 – on July 29, 2022, emerged top at UCU’s first part of the 23rd graduation. 

Lubowa, a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics with a First Class, walked home with three accolades. His Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.91 out of 5 earned him the accolade of Best Male Student, Best Science Student and Overall Best Student. 

Another recipient of the 2020 award, Hajara Nanziri, emerged the Best Arts Student at the July graduation. Nanziri, who attained a First Class with a CGPA of 4.72, graduated with a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The top university administrators and chief guest during the graduation
The top university administrators and chief guest during the graduation

The best overall female student at the graduation, Cynthia Birungi Muhumuza, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, garnered a CGPA of 4.76. Birungi’s life has been a true defiance of the phrase “a jack of all trades and a master of none.” While at UCU, she did not just belong to the elite class of the Honors College. She was a leader at the college, as its Prime Minister. Before joining UCU, Birungi was the head girl at Seroma Christian School, where she attended secondary education. She was also the school’s basketball team captain.

Mugagga, Nanziri and Birungi were among the 55 students who attained academic excellence at the July graduation, garnering First Class and, thus, walked home with plaques.

Boreen Natamba, who got a First Class in Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, was full of praises to her parents and lecturers. “Without them, I wouldn’t have graduated today,” Natamba said at the event, where 2106 students graduated. Of these, 55% were female. 

“The endless discussions have finally paid off,” Natamba said.  “I’m optimistic that with the skills and values we’ve acquired, the future is bright,”

The graduation ceremony, in a year when UCU marks 25 years of existence, was the institution’s first total in-person ceremony since the outbreak of Covid-19 more than two years ago. The previous two graduation ceremonies — on December 18, 2020, and October 22, 2021 — were virtual, in line with the Uganda Government’s policy of observing the Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures.

The graduating students were also coming from some of UCU’s constituent colleges – Bishop Barham and Mbale University College; and the Arua Campus. 

Unpacking the sendoff package of nuggets of wisdom for the graduates, chief guest Bishop Dr. Sheldon Mwesigwa emphasized the virtues of truthfulness, trustworthiness and timeliness as some of what will determine how much the graduates achieve in the field of work. 

He said deception has become the modern way of life in a world where the dividing line between the truth and lies gets blurred each passing day. Mwesigwa, a former Chairperson of the UCU Council, therefore, urged the graduates to be “ambassadors of truth, and not messengers of lies and deception.”

The Chancellor of UCU, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, hinged his message to the graduates on integrity. 

“You have a duty to uphold the flag of UCU, while remaining men and women of integrity, guided by humility and discipline, because it is through these attributes that you will remain useful to your families and community,” Kaziimba, who is the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Uganda, said.

He reminded the graduates that the virtues of diligence, servanthood and stewardship should be their guiding compass in life. 

Students and guests who attended the graduation ceremony walked home with printed souvenir copies of Ebenezer, a graduation publication produced in collaboration with Uganda Partners, UCU Department of Communications and Public Relations and the Standard under the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC). 

The graduation ceremony was preceded by two events – a public lecture held on July 27 and the commissioning ceremony of the graduands. Doug Fountain, a former UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and External Relations, now living in Maryland, USA, gave the public lecture on the topic, “The Strongest Asset for Building Resilient Local Health Systems.”

At the commissioning service held in Nkoyoyo Hall on July 28, the guest preacher, Canon Edward Gaamuwa, urged the students to always wait on God because “He has the right timing for every person.” 

“God has a definite plan and purpose for your life. He will go with you and be with you in every step of your life,” Gaamuwa said.

At the graduation, two students – Owen Alleluya of Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship and Alex Khauka, of Diploma in Information Technology – received their awards posthumously. Alleluya died after his final exams while Khauka and his father, Siraj Gidudu, died in a motor accident on their way to the graduation.

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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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Jonathan Ahurira Kivuna, UCU Guild Vice President, interacts with learners at Kisowera Secondary School.

UCU reboots to boost freshmen class in post-pandemic era

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, Students, UCU Alumni


Jonathan Ahurira Kivuna, UCU Guild Vice President, interacts with learners at Kisowera Secondary School.
Jonathan Ahurira Kivuna, UCU Guild Vice President, interacts with learners at Kisowera Secondary School.

By Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) is the best postsecondary choice in East Africa for its emphasis on character, academics, real-world relevancy and more.  

Under the leadership of UCU Church Relations, that’s the message being delivered to Ugandan secondary schools with an outreach goal to touch roughly 2,000 of the 3,000 sites with an emphasis on those with Anglican Church connections. In the aftermath of Uganda’s Covid-related, education shutdown, it is hoped that visits to church-founded/church-sponsored secondary schools will sway students into applying for courses that the university offers when they complete Senior Six. Because of very few Senior Six graduates due to the shutdown, Ugandan university first-year classes in September 2022 are sparse. 

One recent visit in the UCU post-pandemic reboot was to Kisowera Secondary School in Mukono district. The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, manager, UCU Church Relations, led the team to the school.  

Dinah Grace Nakabuye (left), headmistress of Kisowera Secondary School, during the career guidance sessions at the school.
Dinah Grace Nakabuye (left), headmistress of Kisowera Secondary School, during the career guidance sessions at the school.

“One of our main objectives is to popularize UCU to schools under the Church,” the Church Relations manager said. Mulindwa, a former student of Kisowera Secondary School, where he studied A’level from 2007-2008, used the visit to encourage students to work hard if they want to succeed in their professional life. He added, “With education, you can be everything you want in life.”

During the interaction, a couple university students shared career nuggets of wisdom with the secondary school students.

Ecora Faith Akile, a student of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, shared information on how agricultural production can be improved through innovations, especially to benefit commercial farmers. 

“The days of using a hoe to dig have long ended,” she said.  “Today, there are new innovations in farming that must be used to speed up production.”

The students and teachers of Kisowera told the UCU team that they were honored to have hosted the UCU team.


The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, manager, UCU Church Relations, discusses the value of UCU

Deborah Nantume, the school’s head girl, said the interaction inspired her to work hard so she can meet the academic requirements to pursue her desired course at UCU. 

Dinah Grace Nakabuye, the school’s head teacher, explained that the visit had paved the way for them to know that they are much valued by UCU and also establish a relationship between the two institutions.

Mulindwa said that UCU will engage other secondary schools in a move to inspire more students to join them. 

“We have been to other different church-founded schools, including Makerere College and Mengo Senior School in Kampala; many others will be reached,” Mulindwa said. The Church Relations Office is mandated to link the Province of the Church of Uganda to the university.

The move to drive sensitisation activities in secondary schools comes ahead of the annual UCU Sunday, where each and every congregation in the province receives a representative of UCU who is given time to speak about the university. Congregations are given time and opportunity for prayer and financial support to the university.

On the UCU Sunday, every Anglican church is expected to make financial collections to help in the running of the Church-founded institution. This year’s UCU Sunday will be celebrated on September 25.

Some of the collections that were made at last year’s UCU Sunday went towards the funding of the construction of an apartment section for the ordinands and the clergy who will be resident students at the university. UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said last year that sh400m (about $113,000) had already been secured for the project that is estimated to cost sh1.5b (about $424,000). 

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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 Twitter,  and Facebook.

Some UCU students who attended the dinner.

Media experts urge UCU students to uphold journalism ethics

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


Some UCU students who attended the dinner.
Some UCU students who attended the dinner.

By Kefa Senoga
To earn respect, journalists should be able to produce believable, accurate and impactful stories. It is such stories, veteran journalist John Kakande explained, that will influence policy and bring the desired positive change in society. 

“If you go to cover an event and, at the end of the day, you ask the spokesperson of the organisation to give you transport facilitation, they will not respect you again,” Kakande, a former editor of Uganda’s New Vision newspaper, told students of Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Journalism, Media and Communication. He said journalists who ask for facilitation from events organizers will be taken as “mercenaries for hire.”

Some dinner guests
Some dinner guests

Kakande, who retired in 2021 from 27 years with New Vision, made the remarks as chief guest at an annual media dinner organized by the students at a hotel in Kampala. Held under the theme “Media Ethics under Attack,” the dinner hosted students, UCU alumni, and media and public relations practitioners.

Tabu Butagira, the Managing Editor of Daily Monitor, a newspaper in Uganda, urged the students to look at ethics as their “personal value system.” He described the UCU students who have had their internship at the Daily Monitor as hardworking.

Kakande said a majority of those who had their internship at New Vision were retained as staff because “we found them well disciplined and respectful.” 


John Kakande  a veteran journalist who worked with New Vision and chief guest at UCU media dinner, speaks at event in Kampala.

Citing an example of emphasis on ethics and team work, the Dean of the School of JMC, Prof. Monica Chibita, referred to a video production of a news bulletin by the students that was shown at the dinner.

Veteran Ugandan journalist John Kakande speaks at dinner.
Veteran Ugandan journalist John Kakande speaks at dinner.

Chibita said the production was a result of team work between the students and the staff. She lauded John Semakula, who is the head of the undergraduate studies in the UCU School of JMC, for showing an “incredible commitment in leading the team of students that was able to exhibit their TV production.” 

Chibita said UCU has been deliberate in focusing on hands-on training to enable their graduates be able to compete favorably in the job market.

“Unlike the previous years, we now even have first-year students actually reading bulletins; that means we are getting better in terms of practical training,” Chibita said at the dinner that was held after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The head of communications at power distributor Umeme, Peter Kaujju, encouraged students to be truthful because the profession they are pursuing comes with the responsibility of being the eyes of the public. He also encouraged students to be resilient and determined if they are to pursue good stories. He said his organisation, Umeme, is ready to offer internship placements for the students, as well as giving career guidance tips. 

Hellen Mukiibi, an editor at New Vision, lauded the journalism students for the practical work they exhibited. The production was made under the auspices of the UCU Media Link Association. Mukiibi encouraged the students to develop skills in print, broadcast and online, noting that they are the new demands in a current newsroom. 

“You also need to be ready, strong and tough. Prepare for everything, as a journalist. You should be knowledgeable about the subject you’re covering, which means you will need to do a lot of research,” Mukiibi urged the students.

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

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Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.

Archbishop Kaziimba visits elderly at UCU

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


Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.
Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.

By Israel Kisakye
A few meters from the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main gate is a house with a lush green compound. The greenery in the home is a testament to the love for nature by the occupants. The sofa in the house’s sitting room and the art pieces dotting the walls convey owner ‘s appreciation for fine things.

In this Mukono residence lives a Church of Uganda icon, the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba, who has spent a better part of his life teaching the gospel. On June 13, 2022, this home hosted the Church of Uganda Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

In a tweet, Kaziimba summed up the purpose of his visit to Kasamba’s home: “This afternoon, I paid a courtesy visit to our mentor, Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba, in his home in Mukono, to pray with him and appreciate God for his contribution to ministry.”

Kaziimba arriving at the home of Kasamba (second-left) in Mukono. Second right is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa and right is UCU Chaplain, the Rev Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro
Kaziimba arriving at the home of Kasamba (second-left) in Mukono. Second right is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa and right is UCU Chaplain, the Rev Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro

Kasamba and Kaziimba met at Bishop Tucker College, where the former was a lecturer of Church history in the college, and the latter, a student at the institution. In 1997, Bishop Tucker College evolved into UCU.

Among those who accompanied the archbishop to the home of his former teacher, now age 82, were Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU Chaplain the Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro and the University’s church relations coordinator, the Rev. Richard Mulindwa.

“The Rev. Kasamba is a great resource to many people, especially as he taught Church history,” Kaziimba said during the visit, adding that Kasamba “had and still has a sense of humor…My visit is to pray with him and appreciate his contribution to God’s ministry.” 

In addition to teaching at UCU, Kasamba was a chaplain at Uganda’s oldest higher institution of learning, Makerere University, from 1978 to 1987.

As a lecturer in Theology, Kasamba acted as UCU chaplain, before the institution found a full-time job holder. Kasamaba eventually handed over the position of chaplain to the Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, upon the latter’s appointment in 2001.


Referencing John 16:33, the Chancellor, Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu thanks UCU management, staff and students for their contributions toward the university’s progress.

Kaziimba’s visit to Kasamba was part of the activities the archbishop performed during his second official pastoral visit to UCU, where he is the Chancellor. In March 2022, Kaziimba performed another of his pastoral visits to the university, noting that he was excited to be “back home,” when the institution is marking 25 years of existence and the university’s iconic structure, the Bishop Tucker Building, marking 100 years.

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

Archbishop Kaziimba at the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah (left).
Archbishop Kaziimba at the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah (left).

In the June pastoral visit, Kaziimba’s intention was to visit the elderly living around UCU. From Kasamba’s home, the archbishop headed to the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah outside the university. Kaziimba said he was pleased with the partnership that the university has with the Ankrah Foundation.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing stronger and faithful partnerships, many people will be blessed from the collaborations,” the archbishop said.

From Maxine’s home, Kaziimba then returned to the university, where he met the Dean and staff of Bishop Tucker School of Theology, as well as the students. He urged the staff to offer selfless service to students undergoing ministerial training and formation. 

The Rev. Canon Christopher Byaruhanga, the Dean of the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, told the archbishop that the discipline of the ordinands was commendable. Dr. Nimron Sekanabo, a student pursuing a master’s in divinity, commended Kaziimba for the visit and asked for more of such, saying they are inspirational.

Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi later hosted Kaziimba together with his team and some members of staff to a dinner at his home. Mushengyezi and his wife, Patience, expressed delight in hosting the archbishop. Mushengyezi noted that the university was ready to work with the Church of Uganda to contribute to ministry work. 

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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 Twitter  and Facebook.

Ouma John Baptist, Guild President of LDC Mbarara campus

UCU alum elected Guild President of Law Development Center western campus

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


Ouma John Baptist, Guild President of LDC Mbarara campus
Ouma John Baptist, Guild President of LDC Mbarara campus

By Ian Asabo
An alumnus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) has been elected the third Guild President of the Law Development Center (LDC), Mbarara campus.

John Baptist Ouma was only a student for a few days at the campus located in western Uganda when he heard of the process of nominating candidates for the post. He did not think twice before throwing his hat in the ring against three other contestants. He beat them all.

Ouma joins another UCU alumnus on the pedestal of guild leadership. Boss John Bruce became the Guild President of the main campus of LDC in Kampala on November 8, 2021.

Ouma (third-left) with some former UCU student leaders. Courtesy photos
Ouma (third-left) with some former UCU student leaders. Courtesy photos

LDC offers a postgraduate bar course, the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a mandatory course for all lawyers intending to practice law in Uganda. LDC is the only institution that offers such a course in Uganda. It has campuses in Kampala, Mbarara and Lira in northern Uganda.

Ouma’s former student colleagues at UCU have in the recent past achieved victory in elections. 

Ouma is fully aware of the challenges of being the Guild President. He acknowledges that it will be a daunting task for him to juggle the tight student schedule with leadership responsibilities and “making some tough decisions” as a leader. However, he is quick to add that he is mentally prepared for the challenges.

During his campaigns, he promised to be the medium through which students can pass to reach the administration to present their concerns as he tries to bridge the gap between the two parties. 

As he takes up the mantle, Ouma is aware that his leadership position can be used to launch himself into national politics after school. In fact, it is one of the reasons that propelled him to pursue the Bachelor of Laws course – he believed the course offers the best platform for “one to get the necessary knowledge before venturing into representation of people.”

While a student at UCU, Ouma served in the position of Prime Minister in the 2019 UCU guild government. 

Ouma says he did not have the money to finance his campaigns at the LDC Mbarara campus, but because he focused more on what he wanted to achieve, he easily raised funds from friends, especially the UCU alumni in the legal fraternity.

When Ouma joined UCU in 2017, he was appointed Class Representative for his Bachelor of Laws class. As a Class Representative, among many other duties, he was the link between students and the lecturers. He was later voted a student leader representing non-resident students at the university. 

Ouma has relished leadership since his formative years of education. He contested unsuccessfully as a leader in Primary Five at York Primary School in Bugiri district in eastern Uganda. While he didn’t succeed, Ouma says he picked up lessons from what did not go right in the contest. When he enrolled at Kiira College Butiki where he attended secondary school in eastern Uganda, he was elected a student leader. 

“The biggest failure is failing to appreciate that failure exists,” said the 24-year-old who hails from Namayingo district in eastern Uganda. “If you can’t take in failure, then success will never come your way because it is these hardships that we go through that make us better people.” 

He says no amount of obstacle should block someone from a dream, adding, “Let no excuse ever be too big an obstacle to stop you from pursuing …because you don’t want to have regrets down the road.”

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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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Bernard Okello poses with his family after UCU graduation on October 22, 2021; children hold the plaques he earned for UCU performance.

Okello: From school dropout to UCU First Class degree

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education


Bernard Okello poses with his family after UCU graduation on October 22, 2021; children hold the plaques he earned for UCU performance.
Bernard Okello poses with his family after UCU graduation on October 22, 2021; children hold the plaques he earned for UCU performance.

By Eriah Lule
A full-time job rarely gives space for good grades at school. But that may not be the only challenge. Previous school failure, age and family responsibility are three more.

Bernard Okello, age 38, working, married with two children and a former school dropout defied the odds.

Okello in graduation gown
Okello in graduation gown

In addition to his full-time teaching job at Global Junior School in Mukono, Okello was able to concentrate on his studies at Uganda Christian University (UCU) and receive a First Class in Bachelor of Arts in Education. He was part of the university’s 22nd graduation ceremony held at the institution’s main campus on October 22, 2021.

Okello says his wife was instrumental in helping him pull off this feat. Jackeline Okello decided that her husband’s salary would pay his tuition and that she would meet the rest of the financial needs of the family.

“I had only one option – to support my husband because any opportunity he chased after was for the wellbeing of our family,” said Jackeline, a nursery school teacher. The two have been married for 13 years.

When Okello got the green light from his wife, he embarked on a journey to upgrade from holding a certificate to a degree in education. Okello had graduated with a Grade Three Certificate in Education in 2004.

Resilience
The challenges Okello faced in his early life, he says, helped to mold him into a resilient man.

He grew up in an impoverished and dysfunctional family in Alebtong district, northern Uganda. At no time did his basic needs come on a silver platter. In fact, at one point, Okello dropped out of school during O’level.

“I lost my mother at a tender age,” he said. “My father rarely had time for us, so we had to struggle, sometimes, to meet our basic needs.”

The third born of four boys of Michael Otim, a primary school teacher, and Rose Otim, says his major challenges as a boy were lack of tuition to keep him in school and knowledge to lobby for available scholarships.

He was hopeless for a while, until a scholarship opportunity came his way, enabling him in 2001, to join Canon Lawrence Primary Teachers College Lira in northern Uganda. It is here where he got a Grade Three Certificate in teaching.

In 2009, Okello joined Unyama National Teachers College in Gulu, northern Uganda, from where he graduated in 2012, with a diploma in teaching. For the next two years, he taught at a school in Gulu.

In 2017, the Okellos relocated to Mukono, after he got a teaching vacancy at Global Junior School. The choice of Mukono was not by mistake. The Okellos looked for a school near a university, so that it would be easy for him to pursue his degree course.

Indeed, Okello soon got admitted to UCU’s undergraduate education program offered via a modular, blended (on-line and in-person) program. He says the modular, blended-learning arrangement gave him the opportunity to concentrate on his work better, since the sessions for face-to-face were during school holidays.

And, it’s not only the transcript that Okello says he walked home with, upon graduation at UCU in 2021. UCU imparted in him strong Christian morals that he had always admired. As a result, he notes that some of his workmates at Global Junior School as well as his family have been beneficiaries of the virtues implanted in him during the three years of his undergraduate study.

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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 Twitter and Facebook.