Tag Archives: #students

Student credits friends with work-world experience, parents and reading for ‘best’ designation

August 2, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, #technology, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Sarah Nsereko with UCU Chancellor Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

By Kefa Senoga
Reaching the top among 1,159 students at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was no walk in the park for Sarah Nsereko. With a Grade-Point Average of 4.72 out of 5.0, she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and beat other students’ academic standing at the July graduation.

While other students were engaged in extracurricular activities beyond classes, she was reading – often for long hours into the night.

“There was a lot of sacrifice,” Nsereko said during an interview with Uganda Partners. “There is nothing that comes out of being in the comfort zone; you have to put in the hours.” On weekends, it would not be a surprise to find her in the library.

Finding energy was sometimes a struggle.

“I always got the feeling that people were out there enjoying themselves as I was drained in books,” Nsereko says.

Sarah Nsereko receiving award from UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

For her effort, she excelled. The university gave her an award on graduation day. That achievement, Nsereko says, will inspire her siblings to do well at school. Nsereko is the first born of three children.

In addition to her own efforts, Nsereko largely attributes her success to the friends she had at the university.

“I kept the company of people who were working and many of them had industry knowledge, which they usually shared with me,” she says.

She names her classmate, Charles Muganga, as her mentor, saying he was always available to offer advice on any academic matter. Two months ago, Muganga led the best pitching team at a national hackathon in Uganda.

“Things became increasingly difficult each semester at school, but Nsereko persisted and kept pushing forward,” Muganga said. “She spent sleepless nights, sought additional consultations, but above all, she also kept on encouraging us.”

Nsereko also attributes her success to the Robotics Club, where she says she received academic guidance, especially on the practical aspects of the course.

Thanks to her parents — Mr. and Mrs. Hilda Nsereko — Nsereko says her tuition was always paid on time. To pay back her parents’ hard work, she studied hardl.

According to Mr. Nsereko, his daughter has had a positive impact by setting a good example for her younger siblings to emulate. He adds that the knowledge Nsereko has gained will be useful to the family, as well as the community.

He said his daughter, who he describes as God-fearing, always seeks clarity on anything not clear to her, in addition to seeking new knowledge.

Now that Nsereko has completed her bachelor’s degree, she is focusing on finding employment. But that will only be after she completes her current internship at Stanbic Bank, where she says she is gaining valuable experience.

“I hope to use my knowledge mostly to automate tasks because that’s what I specialised in,” she says.

Nsereko completed her primary education at Kampala Junior Academy and her secondary education at Nabisunsa Girls School. Both schools are in Kampala.

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

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Man of two lives in two worlds urges graduates to ‘make a difference’

July 31, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, Ghana, Millersville University, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, President of Millersville University, sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. — UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, President of Millersville University, sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding
between the two institutions.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, the keynote speaker for Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Annual Public Lecture (July 3) and guest speaker at their 25th graduation ceremony (July 5), leads a remarkable, diverse life in two continents.

In Africa, he is Nana Ofosu Peko III, a revered traditional leader in Ghana, his birthplace. There, he holds absolute power in his community. In North America, he is a respected academic leader at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he has served as president since 2018. Here, his authority is collaborative.

UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, presents a gift to Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah after his keynote address at the UCU Annual Public Lecture on July 3. — UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, presents a gift to Prof.
Daniel Asua Wubah after his keynote address at the UCU Annual Public Lecture on July 3.

In the USA, Prof. Wubah primarily resides in Millersville, Pennsylvania, but in Ghana, where he ascended to the royal family throne in 2017, he resides in his private home in the capital city (Accra) and his palace at Breman Asikuma. He skillfully bridges the distance by fulfilling his royal duties virtually, connecting with his council of elders each morning before his workday starts at Millersville. Additionally, he visits Ghana annually to connect with his people and perform essential traditional functions.

These seemingly disparate roles – traditional leader and academic – have a surprising synergy, according to Prof. Wubah.

“The training I received as a king has been crucial for my success as a university president, and the vice versa is true,” he explains.

Both roles emphasize active listening and thoughtful decision-making.

Growing up in Ghana, his mother often reminded him that there is a reason why humans have two ears and one mouth. His uncle, the previous king, bluntly advised him that it was essential to “Listen carefully before speaking.” This philosophy translates well to Prof. Wubah’s approach as a university leader, where he prioritizes collaboration and input from his cabinet, the trustees and other campus leaders before formulating decisions.

Wubah’s professional accomplishments garnered him recognition as a UCU keynote speaker in July. During the graduation ceremony, he challenged graduates to become agents of positive change. He emphasized that success goes beyond personal gain; it involves using one’s talents to improve the world.

“You have been prepared to make a difference,” he counseled.

Prof. Wubah highlighted UCU’s potential to excel due to its entrepreneurial leadership and Christian foundation.

“The university’s focus on programs like computer science and artificial intelligence, which address real-world challenges, sets UCU apart,” he said. “This is why Millersville University partnered with them through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 3, to facilitate student, staff and faculty exchange.”

Who is Prof. Wubah?
Prof. Wubah’s story is one of resilience forged in the face of tragedy. At the tender age of seven, his life took an unexpected turn. His father, also named Daniel, typically traveled home every weekend to reunite the family. However, a twist of fate intervened.

Daniel Wubah Senior, the Chief Accountant of Ghana Sugar Products Corporation at Asutsuare, worked far from his family. He maintained a residence near his workplace and traveled home on weekends. However, unforeseen challenges on January 20, 1968, prevented him from taking the entire family. He tragically left with only his wife on a journey of no return.

A devastating car accident claimed the life of Wubah Senior. His wife, Elizabeth Appoe, endured physical and emotional trauma, requiring two years of rehabilitation before resuming normalcy.

(From Right) UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Judith Wubah; Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah; Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration; and Dr. Charity Alinda, the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services of Millersville University. — (From Right) UCU Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Judith Wubah; Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah; Mr. David Mugawe, the UCU
Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration; and Dr. Charity Alinda, the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services of Millersville University.

Faced with this hardship, his mother, a professional seamstress, shouldered the responsibility of raising their four children. In turn, the children, including Prof. Wubah, displayed remarkable determination. They redoubled their efforts in school, vowing not to let the accident shatter their aspirations.

Prof. Wubah’s academic journey is a testament to his perseverance. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in botany and a diploma in education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, followed by a master’s degree in biology from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Georgia. He even pursued postdoctoral research at the EPA laboratory in Athens, Georgia.

Before assuming his role at Millersville University, he served as Provost and later Senior Advisor to the President at Washington and Lee University. Prior to that, he served as a faculty member and academic administrator at Towson University, MD; James Madison University, VA; University of Florida; and Virginia Tech. Prof. Wubah has been married to Dr. Judith Wubah, a developmental biologist, for four decades, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.

At Millersville, this esteemed microbiologist has spearheaded initiatives that have fostered a more student-centered and values-driven learning environment.

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Guild president becomes best student at July graduation

July 29, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, Information Technology, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Ddumba poses with his five awards for academic excellence and leadership. The Recognition Award (for being Guild President), The Academic Excellence Award (for first class), The Pinnacle Award (for being an exceptional visionary leader) and The Overall Best Male Award. — Ddumba poses with his four awards for academic excellence and leadership. The Recognition Award (for being Guild President), The Academic Excellence Award (for first class), The Pinnacle Award (for being an exceptional visionary leader) and The Overall Best Male Award.

By Pauline Luba
A Guild President in a university is the bridge between students and the university administration. The job holder relays any issues affecting students to the university, and this is usually done through correspondences and regular meetings.

That was the work of Timothy Ddumba, who was the Guild President at the Uganda Christian University main campus from December 2022 to December 2023. Even with such a demanding role, in addition to attending to his studies, Ddumba has shown that he is a special student. At the July 5, 2024, graduation, where Ddumba was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, he was named the Best Male Student of UCU with a Grade Point Average of 4.64 out of 5.0.

Ddumba was the 25th Guild president and best overall male graduate at the recent graduation.

How did he manage to pull off such a performance with the added responsibilities of leadership?

“I knew I didn’t have as much time as others did,” Ddumba said during the interview with Uganda Partners, adding: “So, I always made sure I sat at the front in class and paid maximum attention, to get the point. I would also be the first to do assignments.”

At that, he was shocked to learn that he was the best male student.

“I knew I had a first class, but I didn’t know I was the best performer,” he said. “I found out during an interview when asked about how it felt to be the best.”

His parents — Mr. and Mrs. Makumbi — could not contain the excitement as they watched their son on the red carpet, going to receive his prize – a plaque — on graduation day.

“It felt so good,” said Mrs. Makumbi, “There are so many students, but seeing yours walking down the carpet was amazing. I thank God. It has always been his dream, since he was in primary school, and we are so proud of him. I pray he gets a brighter future and achieves all his dreams.”

Mrs. Makumbi is Ddumba’s step-mother. His biological mother, Winnie Makumbi, died in 2008. In contesting for the position of Guild President in 2022, Ddumba did not have to look far for inspiration. While a student, his father was the guild president of Kyambogo University.

Ddumba with his parents during his graduation

“My mother is also a big part of who I am today,” Ddumba said. He explains that he grew up looking up to his mother and her leadership. Growing up, their home was always open to the community and they frequently walked around, talking to people about their issues and helping them to find solutions.

As early as primary school, Ddumba was a leader at school. At Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Kampala, he was the school’s president, the apex leadership position for learners. For his secondary education, Ddumba attended the elite King’s College, Budo near Kampala, where he was again one of the student leaders. In an earlier interview with Uganda Partners, Ddumba said Budo was the cradle of his leadership growth because, through his leadership at the school, he learned to communicate, and to manage people.

During his tenure as Guild President, Ddumba ensured the inter-faculty games competition returned to the main campus. Ddumba also led the drive for the Guild Run, where money for tuition is collected to benefit students facing financial hardships. The run, which covered six kilometers (three miles) around Mukono in central Uganda, took place on October 21, 2023. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, was the main guest at the event that collected over $6,000 in cash and hope.

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Culture week offers opportunity to discover what unites

July 24, 2024News, Students#News, #students, Burundi, MalawiPatty Huston-Holm

Somali students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Kondowole is a Malawian staple food. Made from cassava flour and water, the food is similar to the English posho and is normally eaten with fish. Because its preparation is labor-intensive, the food is not eaten often. It is eaten in Uganda but not as frequently as the cassava bread.

At a mid-June cultural gala held at Uganda Christian University (UCU), kondowole was among the cuisines that Malawi students exhibited. While the Malawians exhibited the starch-rich kondowole, those from the Congo exhibited a product of the cassava leaves. Famously known as pondu in Congo, the leaves are prepared into sauce that can be eaten with food, such as rice.

Cassava leaves are rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. They are reported to contain fiber, which is a big determinant in the health of the colon.

Malawi students exhibit their traditional food.

Kondowole and pondu were among the many displays that surprised students and other exhibition-goers. They discovered that people may be from different geographical regions and cultures, but are to a great extent united, justifying the theme of the International Students Week (ISW) “Different Culture, One People.”

The ISW provided a unique platform for students to learn that the more they thought they were different, the more they discovered that they were similar.

The week-long event, which took place from June 10 to 16, brought together students from various countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Liberia, Nigeria and many more.

On June 14, there was a gala, where different countries participated in activities like traditional dances. Renovat Nimbona, the First Counselor of Burundi in Uganda, who was the chief guest at the gala, said he was captivated by the event’s theme and dance performances.

Burundian students perform traditional dance at the UCU Cultural Gala.

“This day reminds me of our times at university, and my joy is when I see you all performing at the same place; my prayer is that this cultural gala day makes us one,” Nimbona said.

Daniel Mulengetsi, a year-four student from Congo pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship, who is also the student leader in charge of international students at UCU, said the ISW is intended to unite international students and Ugandan nationals.

The ISW had a lineup of activities, including cleaning the UCU main campus, leading the community worship, participating in a movie night, and sharing a meal at UCU’s Janani Luwum dining hall.

The week concluded with a community outreach on Sunday, where students visited Bishop West Primary School in Mukono, and offered the learners career guidance and tips on how to thrive in school.

During the ISW, Frank Zimba, a second-year student from Malawi pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management, said he learned about various cultures, challenging his initial perceptions because he got the opportunity to interact with the different nationals first hand.

Grace Tuza, a Rwandan national and a second-year student pursuing Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, said ISW created in her a sense of belonging and hospitality, making her feel loved, recognized, and valued as an international student.

Her highlights from the week included taking pictures with her country’s flag, enjoying the food exhibition, listening to music from her country, interacting with fellow international students, and participating in the cultural gala.

“I was so happy that I got to perform our cultural dance and sang our national anthem,” Tuza said. “I felt so proud to represent my country and realized that it’s my obligation to appreciate and celebrate my heritage.”

Blessing Magene Mwenyemali, a Congolese national and a second-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, said he was impressed by the performance of the Nigerian students, noting that they showcased their rich cultural heritage.

Viola Favor Momo, from Liberia, said she was able to discover similarities between Congolese and Liberian cultures, such as shared food traditions.

“I found out that both the Congolese and Liberians eat cassava leaves and palm oil,” Momo said.

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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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UCU students share experiences during internships

July 11, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Social Sciences#News, #students, Design and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Media and Communication, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

By Pauline Luba
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) handbook states three reasons that students are required to have internships: 1) practicing in real-world settings; 2) learning to set realistic objectives and meaningful processes for both supervision and reflection on the experience; and 3) for practicals to be measured in credits.

For the internship to be successful, students are required to complete certain tasks, as determined by programs within the universities 11 faculties and schools. At UCU, the internship requirements vary from faculty to faculty. For instance, in some, an intern is expected to spend eight weeks at a registered company, firm, or nonprofit that aligns with the student’s field of study.

The hours and the workload for students are not determined by the university but by their internship center. The supervisor and team dictate what the students’ tasks will be. The timing of the internships at UCU also varies. For example, some diploma programs require students to complete their mandatory internship after their first year, whereas degree programs may require students to complete their mandatory internships either after the second semester of their second year or after the first semester of their third year.

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is required to fill out an internship evaluation form, rating the intern. The intern is also required to produce an internship report and submit evidence of their work, such as daily diaries, pictures and other relevant documentation. Since marks are awarded for this, one cannot graduate without completing an internship and fulfilling the requirements.

Some of the students who undertook internships in the recent past shared their positive and negative experiences as follows:

Alikobakwoyo Leah Kabi shares her struggles.

Leah Alikobakwoyo Kabi, Bachelor of Arts in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication
I started applying for internships in December last year, shortly after exams. I applied to over 65 organizations and media houses but got no positive response. Eventually, someone connected me to an agency where I got a placement, but I resigned three weeks into my internship. I spent sh30,000 ($8 American) daily on transport to a place where I watched Netflix, ate food, and occasionally slept during working hours. I was supposed to be there from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Being a proactive person, I couldn’t stand a life of dormancy.

An organization reached out to give me an opportunity, but they kept me waiting for another three weeks. I regretted resigning from the first agency, but couldn’t go back. Eventually, I got a placement at a communication agency called Kalaz Media near Kampala. This opportunity was the best I could ever ask for. I learned a lot, and gained invaluable skills.

Aryatunga Eugene (left) enjoyed road construction.

Aryatunga Eugene, Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
I was an intern at a construction company. They really showed effort in trying to teach me because they all knew I was there to learn. They were friendly people. Many of them are below 30 years of age, so we could easily connect. Of course, we are not paid as interns because we were volunteers. Part of the work involved doing tests on the roads, and making sure that whatever we did was up to standard.

Mulezimuto Job, Bachelor of Governance and International Relations

Mulezimuto Job would love to return to his place of internship.

I had my internship at the Parliament of Uganda from January 31 to April 26. I was in the Department of Communications and Public Affairs as a protocol officer-intern. This internship was life-changing and full of many life lessons. Concerning my field of study, I found it quite relevant because I was looking at how the legislative arm of government works and how the business of legislation is conducted. On the protocol side, I learned how things are organized, how to receive guests, and how to organize events. It taught me a lot about administration, communication, events organization, and more.

Work was hands-on. For example, we welcomed parliamentary guests, visited schools, and provided them with tours or virtual tours of the institution, giving them an educational experience and interaction. This internship sparked ambitions in me, making me realize I could pursue more than just a career as a diplomat, governance expert, or political analyst. It made me consider becoming an active politician in the national politics of Uganda.

Ausi Rama, Bachelor of Procurement and Logistic Management
I had my internship at Ntinda Vocational Institute, located in Ntinda, near Kampala. My supervisor was a mentor to me, guiding me through the entire work process. I learned about procurement laws, the evaluation process, how to handle certain documents, and how to engage with suppliers. I also learned how to manage Excel sheets, take minutes for meetings, and conduct presentations during sessions, as well as pitch ideas.

Karuhanga Edward learned more about logistics.

Karuhanga Edward, Bachelor of Procurement and Logistic Management
I am Karuhanga Edward. I had my internship at the Office of the Auditor General, in the procurement department, where I was exposed to many aspects of procurement-related work. I handled many files, and learned the whole procurement process, from bid opening to contract management and evaluation. I also learned several skills related to working with people and being a team player.

(NOTE – Two videos, produced by Chris Mutch, supplement this story. One this is a student perspective is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T_vpEsNG_Q&t=55s. Another from an administrative and employer perspective is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eok5Y8mIfe8. Both address the issue of sexual harassment.)

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UCU seeks to improve student experience through transformation initiative

July 9, 2024News, Students#News, #students, business, EducationPatty Huston-Holm

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi explains the five key points of the UCU Campus Transformation Initiative.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
For seven years, starting this year, Uganda Christian University (UCU) will be striving to transform its face through digitization, infrastructure refurbishment and greening the campuses. To achieve this initiative that seeks to improve the student experience, the university also will pay attention to improving the staff motivation to enable employees to become agents of transformation.

According to UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the project, named the Campus Transformation Initiative 2024-2030, seeks to bring to life the vision of the founders of the university.

Speaking at the project launch in late May, Mushengyezi explained that the seven-year timeline is significant, drawing inspiration from biblical themes of perfection, completion and abundance. This signature initiative formed part of the report card that Mushengyezi gave to the university stakeholders during the Vice Chancellor’s address at the UCU graduation on July 5.

“God created the world in seven days and it was perfect, so we are believing in God for a season of perfection of his work here at UCU,” Mushengyezi said in May.

The initiative at a glance:

Digitized Campus Services: UCU aims to leverage technology to enhance the student experience, improve efficiency, and streamline campus operations. This includes the implementation of digital platforms for learning, administration, and communication.
“We want to emphasize a digitalized campus, so that our stakeholders can relate with us in a faster and efficient way,” said Mushengyezi.
Refurbished Campus Infrastructure: The university plans to renovate and upgrade its facilities to create a conducive learning environment. This includes the construction of new buildings and refurbishment of classrooms, libraries, and other infrastructure.
“Some of our buildings have served their time and may have to come down to give room for bigger and better infrastructure,” Mushengyezi explained. “Even the ones we can still use, we want to renovate them so that we can have a conducive environment for our lecturers and students to enjoy.”
Paved and Remodeled Walkways and Roads: UCU aims to upgrade its walkways and roads to create a safe and accessible campus environment. This includes paving and remodeling walkways, roads, and parking areas to enhance mobility and accessibility.
Landscaped, Green and Clean Campuses: The university is committed to creating and maintaining a beautiful, green, and sustainable campus. This includes landscaping, planting trees and flowers, and implementing initiatives to keep the campus clean and green. The goal is to create a conducive environment for staff and students, and to make UCU a benchmark for campus transformation globally.
Trained, Equipped, and Motivated Team to Lead the Transformation: UCU is committed to developing a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who will drive the transformation process. This team will be equipped with the necessary tools and resources to ensure the initiative’s success.

Students welcome initiative
Ryan Asabo, a year-one student pursuing a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistic Management, expressed joy for the ongoing transformations at UCU. Asabo, who is on a sports bursary at UCU, was drawn to the university due to its promise of academic and sports transformations.

“I’m excited to enjoy some of the transformations, like the paving of the walkways,” he said.”I’m sure many more students will be attracted to UCU because of some of the transformations being undertaken.”

Lillian Akao, a second-year student pursuing Bachelor of Business Administration, has expressed her satisfaction with the ongoing transformations at UCU. She says the value for her money is evident in the quality of services and facilities provided. She is confident that the transformations will further enhance the UCU experience.

Ruth Rebecca Lamo, a first-year student pursuing a Higher Education Certificate in Arts, finds the university “very attractive” and is thrilled to see the renovations and the five-point plan for the next seven years.

“This initiative will make UCU more competitive not only in Uganda, but also in the region,” said Lamo. “I’m looking forward to pursuing my bachelor’s degree here to experience what the university will be like through the initiative.”

Emmanuel Olelema, a final-year student pursuing Bachelor of Education, commends UCU for its well-planned activities: “I like the five-point plan and the fact that they have already started on implementing it, I now have faith there will be no more dust and mud at UCU,” Olelema said.

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

July 5, 2024Faculty, News, Students, UCU School of Dentistry#News, #students, Lake Victoria, School of Dentistry, Staff, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I wondered: Must fixing teeth be this hard?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would we go again?

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

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

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UCU new medical students share impressions

July 3, 2024News, Students, UCU School of Medicine#News, #students, UCU School of MedicinePatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nanteza Agatha Suubi – ‘can be demanding’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UCU first medicine/dental graduates share intern experiences

July 1, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Medicine#News, #students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of MedicinePatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Tushabe (SoM) – ‘importance of prayer’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Uganda red eye epidemic: ‘Not a joking matter’

June 26, 2024News, Students#News, #students, Allan Galpin Health Center, Conjunctivitis, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

UCU student, Bena Nekesa, healing from red eye disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 24, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, Theology, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

Muhoozi during his consecration as the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 20, 2024Faculty, News, Students, UCU Alumni#Mushengyezi, #News, #students, UCU Alumni, Uganda PresidentPatty Huston-Holm

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University

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

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

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

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

He narrated an incident at the age of 11

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

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

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

He wished his late parents had witnessed this moment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Maractho: Revised journalism curriculum ‘more practical’

June 18, 2024Faculty, Journalism, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication#News, #students, Media and Communication, Staff, UCU School of JournalismPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 14, 2024Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Faculty, News, Students#News, #students, Staff, Theology, UCUPatty Huston-Holm

Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Nsubuga takes the helm at Save the Mothers

June 12, 2024Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, Save the Mothers, UCU AlumniPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UCU computer student leads best pitching team at national hackathon

June 10, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Science and Technology, Students#News, #students, Science and TechnologyPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

Muganga (left) interacting with one mentor at the hackathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UCU main campus launches coffee club

June 5, 2024News, Students, UCU School of Business#News, #students, coffee, UCU School of BusinessEdwin Byarugaba

Lydia Natasha Muheire eager to taste the latte she brewed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tragedy propels Save the Mothers alum into advocacy for maternal health

June 3, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni#News, #students, Mbale, UCU Alumni, UCU Save the MothersPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‘I needed the PhD to bolster my capacity’

May 30, 2024Faculty, News, Students, UCU School of Social Sciences#News, #students, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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