Tag Archives: UCUSunday

Late archbishop nephew accentuates UCU Sunday at St. Stephens Nsambya

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By Anitah Mahoro
The House of Bishops from the Church of Uganda birthed the last Sunday of September as “UCU Sunday” three years ago to recognize Uganda Christian University (UCU) and its contribution to education and morality.

I was honored to journey and celebrate the event at St Stephen’s Nsambya, an Anglican Church in the heart of Nsambya Barracks in Kampala. Prior to my journey, Walter Apunyo, ordinand of the church diligently gave me directions. In the early hours of dawn, I set off from the southeastern Butabika area of Uganda’s capital city. As is common to Sunday mornings and unlike other mornings of the week in Kampala, the road was clear and streets deserted.

I arrived at the church at a quarter past 8 o’clock.  As I left the car, a cool breeze engulfed me almost as simultaneously as the sounds from children around the church. Careful not to trample on them, I made my way to the church entrance and found it filled to its 700-seat capacity. Walter greeted me warmly and informed me that I was just in time for the second of five services in five different mother tongue languages of the day. This service was in English.

As Walter and I spoke, we made our way to a corner office where I was introduced to the church Vicar, Reverend James Luwum. Enthusiastic in nature, Rev. Luwum is the nephew to the late Janani Luwum who was the second African archbishop of the Church of Uganda;  he held office between the years 1974 to 1977. The Late Janani Luwum is an instrumental figure in the modern African church due to his sacrifice, activism and relentless faith. He is celebrated with a landmark in his honour and a respected holiday that falls on the 16th of February every year.

Once seated in the church, I observed the ceiling, high and triangular, was covered in silver iron sheets and supported by wooden planks. Following a Prayer of Purity, the choir sang a hymn.

Through a prayer, Walter referenced the Bible making it known that, “If we say we have no sin, we make him (Christ) a liar.” These words seem neglected in an age where we are quick to make ourselves the victims of the cruelties around us without assuming our lion’s share in kind. After this brief message, he asked us to greet our neighbours and welcome them to the service. I turned to my right and embraced a gentleman who embodied the idiom, “Full of the joys of spring.”

Walter informed the congregation that he is currently enrolled at UCU as a Master’s student pursuing a degree in Divinity. Auma Prisca, another ordinand, came to the pedestal and started the third part of the segment with a song, “Bamuyita yesu,” translated in English to mean “they call him Lord.”

The Vicar, Reverend Luwum, delivered the sermon. He started his message with the proclamation of thanksgiving. He expressed appreciation for the contributions made by the congregation through tithes and offerings and went on to talk about UCU, its partners and its hearty support to the community. The Reverend’s voice rang loud as he recounted testimonies from parents who were pleasantly surprised with the behaviour and grades of the children they had sent to UCU. One father, he recounted, had sold 47 heads of cattle in order to educate his child and was overwhelmed with tears when he saw his son leading community hour praise and worship at UCU.

Reverend Luwum concluded his doctrine by urging the congregation to always remember the Lord, support the University and align themselves with part of UCU’s philosophy of “A complete education for a Godly legacy.”

After sharing breakfast with Walter and Church leaders, I remembered a scripture from the Book of Philippians 4:6-7 that was delivered by Grace Aneno Mary, an ordinand at the Church. The words re-echoed, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This verse aligned itself with the message in a hymn that was sung by Reverend Ester, Assistant Vicar in the Church. The message of the hymn is “We are Christians.” From this, we learn that in all things – good, bad, worldly or unworldly – we have a refuge as followers of Christ.

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To support Uganda Christian University’s UCU Sunday, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at mtbartels@gmail.com.

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Fort Portal Christians step up to give on UCU Sunday

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Child gives on UCU Sunday in Ft. Portal, Uganda

By Doreen Kajeru

Ghanaian diplomat and Nobel Peace Recipient Kofi Annan once said; “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress in every society, in every family.”

The Church of Uganda, through its child, Uganda Christian University (UCU), has embarked on a mission to provide a complete education for a complete person – an all-round education that will compliment someone’s life in society.  Since its inception in 1997, UCU has sent out cultured and trained reverends, engineers, academics and journalists, among others.

Being a church-founded and private university, the institution does not receive support funds from the government; instead, the government demands taxes from the institution. With branches in Kampala, Arua, Mbale, Kabale and other constituent colleges, much support is needed to foster the university’s mission of equipping students for productive, holistic lives of Christian faith and service.

It was in this light that three years ago the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda introduced UCU Sunday which is marked by all Anglican churches every last Sunday of September. The funds collected on this day across go to the university to support its operations.

Church Official auctions off donated watermelon for support on UCU Sunday

In western Uganda, St. John’s Cathedral located at the peak of Fort Portal town, opens its doors to worshippers at 6:30 a.m. The church seats about 300 people every service. On September 29, 2019, it was the annual UCU Sunday. Many were happy that they had the opportunity to support an institution birthed by their Church. They gave of their money and even fruits like watermelon.

Florence Nyakato was among those who said she is pleased to give to God. For the UCU Sunday, Nyakato, a mother, said she was more than privileged to be part of those supporting UCU. She said the university is great capital to the advancement of the nation.

Reverend Isaac Kaguma, a theology graduate of Balya Constituent College, UCU, said UCU Sunday was a good idea because the church owns the institution and should therefore uphold it proudly. He beseeched the rest of the churches to join in supporting the excellent education that UCU gives.

UCU’s representative to the church, Rev. Dr. Medard Rugyendo, the principal of Bishop Barham University College, Kabale (UCU), thanked the church for the continued effort invested in sustaining the university.

“We are a private university and we need your backing. As a contribution, you have marketed, given and prayed for us. Thank you for this effort and continue doing so because this university is for our church and province,” Rugyendo said.

As he took the church through the journey of his salvation in 1976, to the attainment of his doctorate, Rugyendo encouraged the congregation to always consider education so that they are better able to serve God.

The Bishop of the diocese of Ruwenzori, Rt. Rev. Reuben Kisembo, said the UCU Sunday has been owned in the diocese. He said in support of the day, circulars were sent out to all the Anglican churches for their contribution to the work that UCU is doing in the country.

“The church is happy to support UCU’s mission. I know the people gave and we await the collection. We shall always support this cause for the advancement of the nation,” he said.

The Sunday service also was dedicated to children. Little Kitinisa, who cautioned the church to live their lives with Jesus as the center, delivered much of the sermon message. “Let us love and seek Jesus. It is only then that we shall live peacefully,” Kitinisa said, amidst ululations from the congregation.

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For Americans and others outside of Uganda wishing to contribute on behalf of UCU Sunday, go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/ and indicate “UCU Sunday” in the special instructions/comment box that is part of the on-line form, or send a check in the mail (Uganda Partners, P.O. Box 114, Sewickley, Pa. 15143) payable to UCU Partners with instructions for the UCU Sunday designation.

Flour, eggs, bananas part of UCU Sunday support at Gulu Church

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UCU Master of Divinity student, Caroline Aber, accepts a tray of eggs as a donation during UCU Sunday at Christ Church

By Douglas Olum

In the heart of Gulu town, about 360 kilometers (224 miles) north of Uganda’s Capital, Kampala, stands Christ Church, an Anglican Church under Christ Church Parish in Gulu Municipality. Every Sunday, the quadrangular-shaped, brick-and-mortar-walled, flappy-winged and over 2,000-seater, blue and cream painted Church runs three services. With the first starting as early as 6:30 a.m., the services are conducted in Acholi (the dominant language in the area), English and Acholi again, respectively.

Some food items given to the Church in Gulu with Rev. Canon William Matuwa Ezekiah, at right

Key among the activities during the services, is a collection to support the clergy. Christians donate foods, household materials as well as cash to support the priests and their families.

But on Sunday, September 29, this northern Uganda Church joined other churches across the country for the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Sunday, Christ Church sacrificed its session for collecting funds and materials for supporting their clergy to be used for collection of funds to support the university. In addition to money, among the gifts were ripe bananas, bar soap, powder soap, sugar, maize flour, rubber floor dryer, hard brush and trays of eggs.

The UCU Sunday is an annual day declared by the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Uganda in 2017 to raise awareness about the university among Christians in all Anglican Churches in Uganda and collect funds to support its operations and training of clergy.

Unlike in other churches where the collections are not immediately disclosed to the congregation, Christ Church announced its collections for the UCU Sunday before the end of each service with a total after the third service.

About 1.1 million Ugandan shillings ($300) were collected through the three services, with the first service raising 510,000 UGX, the second raising 405,100 UGX, and the third 178,700 UGX.

Rev. Godfrey Loum, the Deacon of Christ Church, said it is important that Christians support UCU because some of the funds are used to train clergymen and women like him and his colleagues.

While preaching during the services, Rev. Canon William Matuwa Ezekiah, told the Christians that while there are many universities in the country, UCU desires to train and equip students with integrity and other values that enable them positively impact both on their communities and the country.

One example of UCU graduate honesty provided to the Gulu church congregation involved a West Nile region organization that was corrupted through money-skimming by 15 graduates of other universities. When these 15 were replaced by UCU alumni, the organization regained strength and thrived.  The main message delivered was: In an economically poor country suffocating from greed and corruption like Uganda, integrity and servanthood that form part of the UCU core values are key to development.

This year’s UCU Sunday services were conducted under the theme: Higher education for a Godly legacy.

David Mukiibi, the head of Ushery at Christ Church, said as a Christian, he feels proud to support the university because he knows that his money will be going towards the continuity of the Church. Mukiibi however, encouraged the university to put the collection to good use and also give accountability for that use to the contributors.

“UCU Sunday is a very good idea that will receive even more support from Christians if the university accounts for how our collections are used,” he said. “They also need to write a letter of appreciation to the Christians, not the church administration, when they receive the money. That will motivate people to give more.”

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For Americans and others outside of Uganda wishing to contribute for UCU Sunday, go to

https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/ and indicate “UCU Sunday” in the special instructions/comment box that is part of the on-line form, or send a check in the mail (Uganda Partners, P.O. Box 114, Sewickley, Pa. 15143) payable to UCU Partners with instructions for the UCU Sunday designation.

UCU legal aid clinic hope: Darkness to light

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Attendees listen to professional counsel during the legal aid clinic at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero.

By Constantine Odongo

Kafumbe Kiiza is a taxi driver in Kampala, Uganda. Although his dream was to earn a living off of cars, he never saw himself as a driver. His first love was repairing cars.

As such, six years ago, he enrolled into an institute in Kampala to pursue a course in motor vehicle mechanics. Kiiza had a steady flow of income to pay tuition for his course. The now 30-year-old was a salesman at a shop in the city suburb of Nsambya, opposite the St. Francis Hospital gate and about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city centre. His widowed mother, Petrolina Nakalema, and one of Kiiza’s brothers operated adjacent shops – all on land owned by and supporting the family of 12.

Solomon Byamukama, left, a fourth-year law student at UCU, is interviewed by a reporter from The Standard newspaper.

Darkness
One Monday morning in 2014, Kiiza and his family woke up to a rude shock. Five shops, including the ones where Kiiza, his brother and his mother worked, were razed and the plot of land fenced off with iron sheets.

They were alarmed and questioned who  might do this when they still had 23 three years on the lease. Never did it ever cross their minds that some other people also claimed ownership of the same plot of land. When they sought answers from authorities, Kiiza says the family was informed that a neighbouring school was responsible for fencing off the land.

In the process of seeking justice, Kiiza’s family changed lawyers three times, due mostly to high legal costs.

Light
Such is one case brought to light during a legal aid clinic conducted by Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) law fraternity on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero. Kiiza did not plan to attend the clinic. In fact, he did not even intend to be at All Saints Cathedral that Saturday.

Kiiza was going about his usual duties of driving a commuter taxi that day.  He received a call to transport people to and from a wedding at the cathedral. While waiting on his passengers for the return trip, he roamed the cathedral. He wandered pass UCU’s tear drop banners into a white tent for the free legal aid clinic conducted by UCU.

“It’s the first time I’ve heard ‘pro bono’,” Kiiza said of the term that means legal work without cost.

Lazaka Tibakuno, a development assistant at UCU, said the team that day was comprised of five lecturers (with four practicing lawyers) in the university’s faculty of law, 15 law students and representatives from the university’s law society. The clinic was timed to promote the Sept. 29, 2019, “UCU Sunday.”   The third annual UCU Sunday is set aside by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, marked on the last Sunday of September every year.  The purpose is to support UCU as the Anglican Church joins in solidarity to support her provincial university in prayer, to increase awareness of UCU value and accountability and offer UCU financial support.

Tibakuno says the university asked faculties to submit proposals about a corporate social responsibility event. From the submissions, he says, the law faculty’s legal aid clinic proposal was found to be the most cost-effective while also touching a core of community need. Two clinics were held on September 21 in Nakasero and on September 22 at St. Philip & Andrew’s Cathedral, Mukono.

Last year’s collection was $52,000, which was earmarked for two projects – 90% towards equipping the laboratories of the UCU School of Medicine and the remainder for scholarships for the clergy and their children under the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology. Tibakuno says the collections this year will benefit the same purposes.

Solomon Byamukama, a fourth-year law student at the university who has participated in several legal aid clinics before, said Saturday’s event had topics similar to other he has attended with questions involving custody of children and maintenance of the state of a deceased; land matters; the dos and don’ts in writing and executing wills; and issues pertaining to domestic violence.

While most at the clinic were seeking advice on the regular, expected issues like Kiiza’s land dispute, a security officer at a checkpoint asked for help for a brother wrongfully imprisoned on a murder charge.

“Someone had convinced us that we could bribe the prisons staff with some money, so they can release my brother,” he said. “However, I have been advised that we should instead look for ways of supporting the defense team so that they can better represent my brother in court, and, if possible, also secure bail for him.”

For Kiiza, he came, consulted, and left the clinic tent feeling optimistic about a nearly six-year-old land case.  As his wedding passengers entered his taxi, he held a piece of paper with contacts of people and organizations that the lawyers advised could be of help to his family, and for free.

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Individuals can be part of the UCU Sunday by contributing towards the special collection in all Anglican churches in Uganda on September 29. Money also can be deposited in Uganda on the UCU Sunday collection account number 16300370000131, in PostBank Uganda or deposited as mobile money on 0772770852.  For Americans and others wishing to contribute, go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/ and indicate “UCU Sunday” in the special instructions/comment box or send a check in the mail payable to UCU Partners with instructions for the UCU Sunday designation and to Uganda Partners, P.O. Box 114, Sewickley, Pa. 15143.