Tag Archives: Mark Bartels

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

North American university program marks 20th year at UCU


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

Story By Nathan Simbilyabo and Bena Nekesa

Photos, Video by Nathan Simbilyabo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Some of many UCU graduates working in Bwindi, Uganda (UCU Partners photo)

UCU Alum Stories in Bwindi, Uganda

Some of many UCU graduates working in Bwindi, Uganda (UCU Partners photo)
Some of many UCU graduates working in Bwindi, Uganda (UCU Partners photo)

(NOTE: In September 2018, UCU Partners Communications Director, Patty Huston-Holm, visited Bwindi, Uganda to interview a handful of UCU alumni, including UCU Partners scholarship recipients. The list coming out of this remote, Western Uganda area was larger than expected. At that, it is believed there are even more UCU success stories than these 15 compiled and shared here. The story of one UCU graduate – Robert Kamugisha, academic registrar at the Uganda Nursing School – is not captured below; it will be published in expanded form this Thursday, February 7.)

UCU graduates and UCU Partners scholarship/financial aid recipients

Sylvia Kokunda
Education officer, Batwa Development Program

  • 2014 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Public Administration and Management

“The best part of UCU was what I learned about spiritual morals. UCU is the best university in educating a complete person.”

Sarah Tumuramye
Cashier, Batwa Development Program

  • 2018 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Business and Administration

“At UCU, I not only got knowledge but I learned to know Jesus Christ better.”

Rev. Elizabeth Abanelinela
Director of finance and administration, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2015 UCU Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology graduate with Master of Divinity

“At UCU, faith is integrated into all aspects of the profession and social life.”

Nahabwe Haven
Public health worker, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2011 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Public Health

“At UCU, I learned to respect people regardless of their backgrounds and values.”

Orikiriza Patricia
Volunteer, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2017 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Development Studies

“The best part of getting an education at UCU is the Christian values.”

Ritah Katumba
Kinkizi Diocese health coordinator

  • 2009 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration

“At UCU, I learned to work with commitment, compassion and respect for all. I recommend parents send their children to UCU because of the education focused on wholeness in all aspects of life.”

Praise Joyce Mugisha
Accountant, Bwindi Development Program

  • 2014 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Business Administration

“I am passionate about accountability. If I am faithful to God and do the right thing, I will be with the Father.”

Rev. Canon Jovahn Turyamureeba and his wife, Penny (UCU Partners photo)
Rev. Canon Jovahn Turyamureeba and his wife, Penny (UCU Partners photo)

Rev. Canon Jovahn Turyamureeba
Executive Director, Batwa Development Program

  • 1990 UCU/Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology graduate with Bachelor of Divinity
  • 1999 Virginia (USA) Theological Seminary graduate with Master of Theology

“At UCU/Bishop Tucker Theological College, I was trained to be a servant leader who is called to serve and not to be served.”

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UCU graduates but not UCU Partners scholarship recipients

Constance Koshaba
Manager/instructor, Women’s Craft Center, Batwa Development Program

  • 2009 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art

“I feel I am giving back by helping women learn skills like sewing, weaving and jewelry making.”

Samuel Okello
Clinical instructor (nursing), Uganda Nursing School, Bwindi

  • 2015 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Nursing

“At UCU, I not only got knowledge and skills but had moral values reinforced and instilled.”

Geneva Masika
Warden, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2006 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration

“UCU improved my chances of having a career by exposing me to opportunities. I’m happy to be part of the UCU family.”

 Barnabas Oyesiga
Communications team leader, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2011 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Public Health

“It was a friendly environment with holistic teaching that reinforced Christian values in academic and social life.”

Niwaha Bright
Communications officer, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2016 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communications

“Being able to work on the student newspaper better equipped me with skills and expanded opportunities for my career.”

Kabasomi Harriet
Personal assistant to executive director, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2012 UCU graduate with Bachelor of Public Health

“The Christian environment at UCU helped me spiritually and emotionally. It’s the best university that I would recommend someone to join.”

Rev. Caleb Turyabagyeni
Chaplain, Bwindi Community Hospital

  • 2011 UCU Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology graduate with Bachelor of Divinity

“The most positive aspect of UCU is the Christian environment.  I’m proud to say I’m a UCU alum.”

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If you are interested in supporting students who are making a difference in Uganda, contact Uganda Partners’ Executive Director Mark Bartels at mtbartels@gmail.com.

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