Category Archives: Uganda Partners

After graduation – What’s next? Recent alum share

November 22, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Journalism, News, Science and Technology, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Law, Uganda PartnersPatty Huston-Holm

By Christine Mirembe
Unemployment among Ugandans aged 15-24 is improving slowly. According to World Bank data via macrotrends.net, it was 4.5% for that age group defined as “available and seeking employment” in 2023 – slightly less than in 2022. For unemployment, low statistics reflect positive career moves.

While Uganda Partners continues to feature successes for seasoned Uganda Christian University (UCU) alumni, we decided to highlight a few more recent graduates to learn about the days leading up to graduation and their initial transitions from university life.

These five new alumni share some of their triumphs, including the value of work experience before graduation and UCU’s reinforcement of Christian faith, and struggles such as the university-required, pre-graduation signature sign offs and cost of gowns and certificates. Graduation day starts as early as 3 a.m. to arrive by 7 a.m.

Pauline Luba – ‘never settle for mediocrity’

Pauline Luba (2024 Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, School of Journalism, Media and Communication)
“You reach a point in your academics when you worry if you will make it to the tent, but to make it especially with your friends means a lot,” she said, noting clearance signatures, cost and time as obstacles to overcome.

Pauline, who graduated with a Grade-Point Average (GPA) of 4.32 of 5.0, expressed frustration about the UCU graduation signature clearance process. One expensive journey back and forth to the Mukono campus was because an office from which she was supposed to get a signature was understaffed. When occupied, only one person dealt with all the graduates.

Another challenge was an unexpected increase in cost for gowns and certificates of sh50,000 ($13) from July 2024 to October 2024.

“It was difficult,” she said. “Sh450,000 ($119) is not easy to produce.”

At that, Pauline shared how her pre-graduation work experience and the UCU Christian environment have been helpful since receiving her degree. She has worked as a writing intern for the USA-based Uganda Partners NGO for 18 months. Prior to graduation, she also was an intern for TotalEnergies EP Uganda, an oil and gas production and exploration company. With her interest in oil and gas, she hopes to retain her Total position to dive deeper in that sector over the next four years. This opportunity has given her a chance to dive into a different field and still apply her communications knowledge to write stories and interact with various people.

From UCU, Pauline carries on her reinforced faith in God, worktime adaptability and humility. All these have helped her to navigate work.

“Be still and know God,” she said. “Remember that failure is not failure but rather a learning point. You can achieve everything you put your mind to, and never settle for mediocrity.”

Kairanian Rooney – appreciates UCU friends and connections

Kairanian Rooney (2024 Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology)
In his current position as a graduate engineer at Infra Consulting Services (ICS) Limited based in the United Kingdom, Kairanian is part of a team providing integrated planning, management and engineering services in the transport, property, environment and natural resources sector.

Like Pauline, Kairanian’s final days toward graduation were a bit hectic with frustrations about getting signatures from faculty not present and/or long lines.

“The only signatures I got with ease were from the Guild President and the warden,” he said.

Unlike graduates from October who paid Sh450,000 ($119) for graduation gowns, Kairanian paid Sh400,000 ($105.85), which was the fee in July this year.

“We moved to the tents, and I met up with some of my colleagues and friends and we did some catching up,” Kairanian said of graduation day. “After the graduation ceremony at campus, my dad and stepmother took me for lunch to celebrate the day. I later attended a friend’s graduation party in the evening.”

Currently, he appreciates the friends and connections he made at UCU and advises future graduates to cherish these connections.

For future aspirations, Karanian, , who graduated with a GPA of 4.11 of 5.0, sees himself as an established registered engineer doing his masters’ degree and working at a big transportation project.

Kakooza Paul – ‘have fun, but do your best to excel’

Kakooza Paul (2024 Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology)
Graduating in July 2023 with a GPA of 4.08 of 5.O, Paul, unlike some of his peers, describes his graduation preparation journey as a smooth one. He credits this to his planning. He set apart a full 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. day to acquire signatures.

Financially speaking, Paul says that UCU being a private university, one must be ready for added costs so the Sh450,000 for the graduation gown did not come as a surprise to him.

“Graduation day was nice because of the people around that day,” said Paul, who described the ceremony as similar to finishing an exam and thinking about what to do next.

Paul is now working with Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), a government agency that manages, develops and maintains Uganda’s national roads. Credit for the ease of his work goes to colleagues as well as UCU’s curriculum with communication skills and engineering knowledge.

His advice for current students: “Make friends…Have fun, but also do your best to excel in your studies. Have dreams… Thank God, your parents, guardians, lecturers and friends.”

Byaruhanga Francis - ‘hone future skills, and stay on top of data’ — Byaruhanga Francis – ‘hone future skills, and stay on top of data’

Byaruhanga Francis (2024 Bachelor of Law, School of Law)
Currently working with KTA Advocates in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications/Intellectual Property and Sustainability Team, Byaruhanga Francis hopes to have a master’s degree and to be further established in his career over the next four years.

“My family arrived quite early, we were driven to campus in an SUV,” he said of graduation day. “Among those present were my mom and dad, my youngest brother and my only sister. We celebrated with a sumptuous lunch and were joined by my close friends from the USA.”

At UCU, Francis had the opportunity to participate in unique co-curricular activities like the Inter University quiz last year. Such activities shaped his world view, improved his work ethic and leadership opportunities that enhanced his skills.

“For future graduates, I’d advise them to embrace emerging fields of work such as AI, Space Law, Artificial Intelligence and Web 3,” he said. “They need to hone future skills and stay on top of data such as in the Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum.”

Christy Asiimwe with the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala – ‘grateful to God for his goodness to me’

Christy Asiimwe (2024 Bachelor of Arts with Education, School of Education)
Topping the October 2024 graduating group with a CGPA of 4.80 of 5.0, Christy Asiimwe credits her success to God. She applies UCU virtues of Christ-centeredness, perseverance, integrity and professionalism as her take away from her three years at the university.

In addition to focusing on studies, Christy was part of the Honours college and the UCU writing centre.

“With these, I will be able to support people as they become all God has called them to be, especially through engaging in education management and curriculum development studies and practice in the next few years,” said Christy. “I was exhausted after graduation, but really happy about how everything went and grateful to God for His goodness to me.”

Lucky for her, she was already teaching English and Literature at Acorns International School before graduation so she had no worries about job hunting but rather got back into her busy teaching schedule.

Christy advises future graduates to enrich themselves with as many productive experiences from the university because the skills and character they develop are invaluable in the field of work.

”Having a personal relationship with God and living for Him is what binds everything together, making it possible for everyone to succeed,” she said.

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To support UCU 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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American Christian university delegates seek global partnerships

July 17, 2024News, Students, Uganda Partners, USP#News, #students, Christian Universities, Study Abroad, USPPatty Huston-Holm

Professor Sherita Washington of Calvin University in Michigan, USA, shares a light moment with UCU's Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, at the university’s Principal Hall. — Professor Sherita Washington of Calvin University in Michigan, USA, shares a light moment with UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, at the university’s Principal Hall.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Uganda Studies Program (USP), run by Uganda Christian University (UCU), was formed with the expectation that the semester-long offering for North American students would survive on strong partnerships.

Twenty years later, the bond for the partnership that was envisaged has become stronger with the program registering milestones. The latest of the milestones was the recent visit to UCU by 21 representatives from 11 USA Christian universities and colleges that are affiliated to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

The spring 2024 visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, explore more opportunities for collaboration and give the United States faculty a feel of the experience that American students go through during the USP program at UCU. USP offers an opportunity for students to engage with the local culture and people and to experience contemporary realities in Uganda. Through classes, internships, and homestays, students experience authentic cross-cultural immersion.

CCCU representatives in photo with the UCU team

The USP social work students and their UCU counterparts often have regular meetings during the semester, facilitated by USP social work coordinator, Nazjè Mansfield , and Kasule Kibirige, the head of UCU’s social work department.

The meetings are intended to help American social work students to experience the culturally-embedded nature of their discipline, discussing ethical dilemmas and differing obligations in individual-based versus community-based societies.

The late May visit to UCU included representatives from Bethel University (Minnesota), Calvin University (Michigan), Grove City College (Pennsylvania), Liberty University (Virginia), Messiah University (Pennsylvania), Missouri Baptist University, Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida), Westmont College (California) and Wheaton College (Illinois).

UCU’s membership in CCCU dates back to 2002, when the university became an international affiliate. Although CCCU ceased coordinating study-abroad programs in 2020, individual Christian universities in the United States continue to maintain partnerships.

Mark Bartels, who launched USP at UCU 20 years ago and also serves as the Executive Director of the Uganda Partners nonprofit, said: “The visit was organized by UCU and USP, and it’s because of the CCCU that these relationships exist.”

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, often attends the annual conference for all CCCU presidents in Washington, D.C.

During the 2023 CCCU Presidents’ Annual Conference, Mushengyezi met with the CCCU President, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and other university presidents who send study-abroad students to UCU.

Bartels also expressed hope for potential collaboration beyond USP, acknowledging that they take time to develop and highlighted the benefits of potential partnerships.

“While partnership development is time consuming, when they happen, there are multiple benefits,” Bartels said. “They provide opportunities for connection, helping institutions grow through staff exchanges, benefiting both UCU and the sending institution.”

Eric Michael Washington, a Professor of History at Calvin University, shared his impressions of UCU during his first visit to Uganda and his fifth trip to Africa.

“I love the students’ dress code, it communicates that education is a serious proposition, and you should take it seriously,” said Washington, who was awarded Professor of the Year at his university in 2018. “It’s evident through UCU students that while it’s important to study hard, you should also dress in a way that reflects Christian values and the seriousness of your work.”

Washington also expressed admiration for UCU’s comprehensive degree programs, including PhDs, which are not offered at Calvin University.

As a professor, Washington was interested in learning about USP and exploring opportunities for his students to participate.

He was impressed by the flexibility of the USP, noting that it can accommodate students from various disciplines, not just social work, promising to recruit more students for the exchange program.

Paul C. Kemeny, a Professor of Religion and Humanities at Grove City College, said the impressions of UCU exceeded his expectations.

“My impression of UCU, after reading on its website, showed that it is a strong institution, but being here makes me realize it’s even stronger than I had imagined,” he said. “It’s not just about the size of the campus, but the university’s commitment to advancing the Christian mission and preparing the students to live meaningful lives that glorify the Lord.”

CCCU representatives with UCU staff during a break

Kemeny said both UCU and Grove City College have a wide range of majors and required Bible courses. However, he also acknowledged the differences such as size. UCU is a larger university than Grove City College.

He said his college offers two-week travel courses that allow students to travel to foreign countries.

Diane Krusemark, the Registrar at Wheaton College, Chicago, said the visit to UCU also was her first to Africa. She expressed delight in the local Ugandan cuisine, including green bananas and ground nut stew.

Krusemark described the 150-year-old Wheaton College as flat and with indoor buildings and a student union center that serves as a hub for activities. Her visit was motivated by Wheaton College’s desire to become a “School of Record” for USP, which would allow them to consider courses taken by students at UCU.

A School of Record is a United States-accredited institution that awards credits for courses or programs taken by students at non-U.S.-accredited institutions or through independent program providers collaborating with U.S.-accredited institutions for coursework taken abroad.

Sherita Washington, a Professor of Social Work from Calvin University, was impressed by the students she met, noting that their wit, love for Christ, and professionalism was evident. She expressed appreciation for the Christian aspect of UCU and the students’ bold expression of their faith. Her visit aimed to explore USP and establish a partnership for her department.

“I had the chance to meet some students and share a meal with them,” she noted.

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

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North American university program marks 20th year at UCU

May 7, 2024Faculty, News, Students, UCU Alumni, Uganda Partners, USPMark Bartels, Partners, Rachel Robinson, UCU, Uganda, USPPatty Huston-Holm

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

Story By Nathan Simbilyabo and Bena Nekesa

Photos, Video by Nathan Simbilyabo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UCU students, staff share perspectives on Lent

March 22, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, UCU School of Education, Uganda PartnersEdwin Byarugaba

By Bena Nekesa
As the campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) prepared for the February 14 to March 28, 2024, period of Lent, students and staff alike acknowledged the spiritual and academic benefits that this season offers. Lent, a 40-day period preceding Easter, holds deep meaning for many within the university community.

Lent is observed in many Christian churches as a time to commemorate the last week of Jesus’ life, his suffering (passion) and his death through various observances and services of worship. For UCU, a Christian institution established by the Church of Uganda in 1997, Lent is a time designed to be honored with prayers, fasting, and self-denial, all in the pursuit of drawing closer to God.

During Lent, the Mukono campus of UCU reinforces reverence. For many individuals, Lent is not merely a tradition but a transformative journey. It is a time to purify the soul, deepen faith, and cultivate discipline both spiritually and academically.

In 2024, six UCU students and faculty shared their perspectives and insights on the impact of Lent on their lives. Perspectives below reflect spiritual devotion and academic dedication, embodying the holistic approach to education and faith at UCU.

Lekobwamu Mukyelule - Theology Student — Lekobwamu Mukyelule – Theology Student

Lent, for Lekobwamu, is a time of solemn reflection and discipline. He views it as an opportunity to purify the soul’s desires towards divine beauty and truth through prayer and fasting, mirroring Jesus’ own fast in the Wilderness. In his eyes, Lent embodies spiritual growth, sacrifice, and generosity, echoing Romans 12:1. (So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us, I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.)

Dorothy Cherop - Theology Student — Dorothy Cherop – Theology Student

Dorothy finds Lent spiritually enriching, allowing her more time for Bible study, church services and even mission work. Academically, the period fosters concentration on coursework and group discussions, illustrating the balance between spiritual and academic pursuits.

Martin Kajubi - Writing and Study Skills Teacher — Martin Kajubi – Writing and Study Skills Teacher

Martin emphasizes Lent’s role in fostering spiritual discipline through fasting, drawing parallels with Isaiah 58:6. (The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed free,). He sees Lent as a dedicated period for self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth, leading to improved focus and discipline academically. The resilience cultivated during Lent aids in overcoming academic challenges, aligning with Proverbs 16:3.(Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.)

Harriet Asiimwe - Chaplain — Harriet Asiimwe – Chaplain

Harriet highlights Lent’s significance in drawing closer to God, citing Matthew 17:21.(How be it this kind goeth not out by prayer and fasting). She sees Lent as a time for spiritual battles, overcoming temptations and seeking renewal. Academically, Lent provides a platform for interdisciplinary exploration, stimulating critical thinking about faith and society.

Derrick Wepondi - Higher Education Certificate Student — Derrick Wepondi – Higher Education Certificate Student

Derrick explains Lent as a period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual preparation, drawing individuals closer to God and rejuvenating the spirit. Academically, Lent fosters self-discipline, aiding in gaining mastery over desires and habits, echoing the sentiments of 1 Corinthians 9:27.(I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.).

Ayikoru Scovia - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSHND) Student — Ayikoru Scovia – Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSHND) Student

Scovia values Lent for its emphasis on self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth. She sees Lent as an opportunity to deepen faith through prayers and acts of charity, leading to improved study habits and reduced stress academically.

Whether reflections, wisdom or the experiences, Lent at UCU is designed to be a season of growth, renewal and unwavering faith. As students and faculty embrace this sacred time, they carry with them the hope of spiritual and academic excellence, echoing the sentiments of Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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