Tag Archives: Uganda

Doug Fountain (left) with some of the UCU School of Medicine of students in Mengo, Uganda. (UCUPartners’ Photo)

Partners American Consultant Message: Partnership value for Uganda Christian University School of Medicine (Part II)

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Doug Fountain (left) with some of the UCU School of Medicine of students in Mengo, Uganda. (UCUPartners’ Photo)
Doug Fountain (left) with some of the UCU School of Medicine of students in Mengo, Uganda. (UCUPartners’ Photo)

By Brendah Ndagire

In February 2019, Uganda Christian University Partners’ USA- based Consultant, Doug Fountain, conducted a series of consultation meetings in Uganda and other African countries. He met with medical education experts involved with the Christian Medical and Dental Association (USA), representatives from Johnson and Johnson Global Community Impact and Novartis Social Business, medical education leaders from Kabarak University, Kenya, and local leaders from the Ministry of Health and Mengo Hospital.  This interview, edited for clarity, explores why building partnerships is an important aspect of growing and sustaining Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine.

Could you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Doug Fountain. I am a consultant with Uganda Christian University (UCU) Partners, in support of the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine. Also, I am Executive Director for a Christian organization called Christian Connection for International Health. I’ve worked in health care for almost 30 years.

What does your role with UCU Partners entail?
As a consultant, I am supporting UCU Partners to develop a strategy for providing the resources needed to support the School of Medicine. In the past, I worked with UCU and helped to start the Department of Health Sciences. About a year ago, I finished working with an NGO and set up a consulting group to support organizations like this, and UCU Partners was actually the first organization that reached out to ask, “Can you help us with the School of Medicine?” I have been working with (UCU Partners) since June 2018.

Why are partnerships important to the School of Medicine?
There is no way that UCU can start a medical school on its own. It has to have partnerships that bring a combination of human resources, education materials, books, financial support, and research opportunities. The financial support helps implement the first phase of the project, such as to build the school and attract and retain high-quality staff. Partnership takes the form of donation of products, goods, (and) services like volunteers to work.

Dr. Miriam Mutabazi (left), Doug Fountain (second from left), and their consultation team, meeting with Dr. Henry Mwebesa (right) of Ministry of Health, Uganda. (UCUPartners Photo)
Dr. Miriam Mutabazi (left), Doug Fountain (second from left), and their consultation team, meeting with Dr. Henry Mwebesa (right) of Ministry of Health, Uganda. (UCUPartners Photo)

What can UCU do to best equip current medical and dental students?
It is going to take a combination of supporting them to have the right attitude and to have the right technical skills. This gets formed in part by the Christian character of training – an attitude that emphasizes dignity of the patient, compassionate care and high ethical standards. Those are critical, but then (the university) has to make sure that it is providing training that is current and informed by evidence-based practice. The medical field is always evolving with new information, research, and new insights. The medical school has to give the most important information to students as they come through. Medical practitioners have to think fast because what they memorized 30 years ago may no longer be the best practice. They have to take some time taking in new information, conducting research and figuring out how to adapt their practice to new evidence.

Uganda Christian University is a provincial institution of the Church of Uganda (CoU). Where do you see the role of the CoU in the School of Medicine project?
The Church’s role is critical. There are very few instances in the world that I know of, where such a large Church structure has both a well-developed university and hospitals, including Mengo. The Church is providing a vision for health that says, “we will seek to have the CoU health services be the best health services available.” We hope to see this thinking grow to include more support for medical training in the CoU system and, eventually, employment of graduates. There should be a syncing between the School of Medicine, the broader Church and all its health facilities in Uganda.

What already existing private or public health institutions can be partnership opportunities for UCU?
A university could offer to do research projects with UCU in which they support a part of the training that is happening. For instance, imagine training in cancer care. There may be research funding available to help UCU figure out oncology patient care better and the partner may provide some equipment, training and financial resources to help the School of Medicine do this. There are also grants that come from foundations and corporations. Corporations are interested in building capacity of the health systems to provide good quality care. I think there are many partners out there who haven’t yet thought about how to engage with medical education. For example, if (an institution) is doing a malaria control program, then can the NGOs think about sending people for advanced training?

During your time here, you also met with one of UCU’s potential partners, Medical Teams International. As a Christian NGO, where do you see its role in accompanying UCU School of Medicine?
Medical Teams International provides medical care for over 800,000 refugees in Uganda. And it is not just refugees; they also provide health care for more than 400,000 people through their network of 58 health facilities. So they employ lots of medical doctors, clinical officers, and nurses. Since it is a faith-based institution, they are potential employers for future UCU School of Medicine graduates.

What do you see as the challenges involved with the UCU School of Medicine?
I don’t think there is anything easy about raising resources for the School of Medicine. Sometimes people assume that medical and dental students are better off, they are privileged, and heading to jobs that would be better-paying jobs. The reality is most of the students who have come to participate in these programs do not have the means to pay for their basic education. It is really a testimony to the faith of students who have come to study that they will find the resources. We need to educate our donors to be able to support the School of Medicine. One of the threats to high-quality medical education is when universities start up programs but cannot get quality resources together. They start occupying clinical training spaces, and starting producing graduates that are crowding the field, and they haven’t been able to measure up to the quality of other high-quality programs. UCU has been able to measure up so far, and have a high-quality program.

Recognizing other challenges, such as the limited space for learning, the need for laboratory equipment, lack of full-time staff, the expense of medical school, and the need for quality medical doctors in Uganda, how do we mobilize people to support this needed initiative?
Keep raising awareness of the need and continuously telling stories of the amazing students who are part of the School of Medicine. We have very committed students who want to make a change in the health sector and do a great job serving people. We have to tell their stories.  Since this is a pioneer class, you have to create the path. This means UCU has to find the basic resources. Currently, it has 60 students. In 5 years, there will be 300 students in total. It would need more classroom space. And UCU is already thinking about that.

As a UCU Partners Consultant, what gives you hope and joy when you think about this project?
There is a lot of good faith from students and partners that the university is a high-quality (University). If it is committed to something, it will see it through well. UCU has a great history with its Nursing program, Law program and other programs that have made a huge impact in the country and beyond. It is easy to believe that the School of Medicine would do the same. What we see with the Nursing program alone, 14 years after it was launched, is it helping to change the face of nursing in Uganda.  What would it look like if 14 years from now a Christian medical program is able to change the face of medical care in Uganda?

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More information about the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine can be obtained athttps://www.ugandapartners.org/priority-projects.  To support the School of Medicine, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/.

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UCU Partners Consultant Doug Fountain (third from left) with affiliates from Johnson and Johnson Global Community Impact, Novartis Social Business and Kabarak University, Kenya at the UCU School of Medicine. (UCUPartners Photo)

USA Consultant Message: Partnership value for Uganda Christian University School of Medicine (Part I)

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UCU Partners Consultant Doug Fountain (third from left) with affiliates from Johnson and Johnson Global Community Impact, Novartis Social Business and Kabarak University, Kenya at the UCU School of Medicine. (UCUPartners Photo)
UCU Partners Consultant Doug Fountain (third from left) with affiliates from Johnson and Johnson Global Community Impact, Novartis Social Business and Kabarak University, Kenya at the UCU School of Medicine. (UCUPartners Photo)

By Brendah Ndagire
In Uganda, there is 1 doctor per 65,000 people, and 1 dentist per 175,000 people. With more health workers, Ugandans will have better access to adequate healthcare, live longer, and have more dignified lives. Higher learning institutions in Uganda such as Makerere University and Uganda Christian University (UCU) are already recognizing this great need for more medical workers.

In February 2019, Doug Fountain, former faculty and administrator at UCU, returned to Uganda and UCU to conduct a series of consultation meetings. He saw the persistent challenge of inadequate health workers as a need for “not just filling clinical or hospital positions with just anybody to increase the number of doctors or dentists in Uganda,” but “to have high quality and trained doctors and dentists come out to fill these gaps.” Medical practitioners and other stakeholders need to continually ask, “what do we have to do to increase access to affordable, quality health care in Uganda?” He added that if educational institutions in Uganda do not invest in providing high-quality medical education, the health sector systems suffer.

Medical education institutions, such as Uganda Christian University, need to start connecting these dots, Doug asserted. Part of that connection for training institutions involves building and sustaining strong internal and external partnerships. Partners during Doug’s recent Uganda trip and who echoed his assertions were affiliates of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (USA), Johnson and Johnson Global Community Impact (Kenya), Novartis Social Business (Kenya) and Kabarak University (Kenya). Sitting together at the UCU School of Medicine, they sought to learn from UCU’s new experience of launching a medical school in September 2018.

Pictured after one meeting are (left to right) Dr. Jim Smith of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (USA); UCU Head of Nursing Jemimah Mutabaazi; Doug Fountain; Dr. Miriam Mutabazi (acting SoM director, fourth from left); Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe; and a representative from Johnson and Johnson Global Impact, Kenya. (UCUPartners Photo)
Pictured after one meeting are (left to right) Dr. Jim Smith of the Christian Medical and Dental Association (USA); UCU Head of Nursing Jemimah Mutabaazi; Doug Fountain; Dr. Miriam Mutabazi (acting SoM director); Deputy Vice Chancellor David Mugawe; and a representative from Johnson and Johnson Global Impact, Kenya. (UCUPartners Photo)

Dr. Miriam Mutabazi of the UCU School of Medicine, and Executive Director of Save the Mothers, also was part of the partnership-seeking consultation meetings. While meeting with different stakeholders, other partners were identified. Among local partners targeted to be at the table were the Church of Uganda, Mengo Hospital, Makerere University, Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Ministry of Health.

“The formal role is that the University is operating under the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Ministry of Health through its branches, such as Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Council,” Doug said. “They approve the curriculum and the teaching facilities. They also certify the medical training.”

Doug defined the informal role that “both sectors should play, include creating a conducive context for the school.” Informally, the players create policies and standards for the practice for the school. According to Doug, these include “internship management, clinical practice management, and helping hospitals navigate how to do placements for students.”

The system would benefit if both the Ugandan Education and Sports and the Health Ministries were active in resource mobilization, Doug said. He also observed an education gap, noting there are “very few donors or organizations invested in supporting medical education, particularly among high-quality private providers.”

Among East African partners who can also be viewed as external collaborators, Doug identified Kabarak University in Kenya, and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Tanzania for UCU to consider. These universities have the same values of a Christ-centered higher education, integrated with science and medical education.

“We are seeing that Uganda is participating in the East African-wide set of medical standards,” Doug said. “That is helping to set an international or high bar for what quality health care means. (With about) 27 medical school across East Africa, if they are all held to the same standards, that is great. The whole region needs more high-quality medical practitioners, but it is good to have this higher level of standards. And by Uganda participating in that broader community, we expect overall health care quality to improve.”

Doug believes that the UCU School of Medicine can benefit from these coordinated partnerships in the form of faculty development workshops or curriculum development across institutions that are trying to define what it means to be a Christian and a medical practitioner.

“The partners that exist in East Africa are relevant,” Doug said. “Some of the multinational corporations that exist, such as Johnson and Johnson or Novartis, have global headquarters in North America or Europe, but they run their Africa strategy through an office in, for instance, Nairobi. The people in Nairobi have to know what is happening here in Uganda. That may look or feel like an internal partner when in fact they are also global partners.”

The School of Medicine students can benefit from the experiences of people who work with these companies, and who also have a comprehensive perspective on private and public medical practices in East Africa. According to Doug, the UCU School of Medicine can help in filling in gaps that exist in Uganda’s health sector, but it cannot do it on its own.

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In Part II, Uganda Christian University Partners will share an interview with Doug to explore further why building partnerships is an important aspect of sustaining UCU School of Medicine.

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More information about the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine can be obtained at https://www.ugandapartners.org/priority-projects. To support the School of Medicine, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/.

Also follow and like our Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin pages.

Samuel Kakuru (left); the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, UCU Vice Chancellor (center); and Andrew Kato (right) at a University Public Lecture in 2015. (Uganda Christian University Partners photo)

Twin brothers use technology to transform Uganda businesses, schools and more

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Samuel Kakuru (left); the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, UCU Vice Chancellor (center); and Andrew Kato (right) at a University Public Lecture in 2015. (Uganda Christian University Partners photo)
Samuel Kakuru (left); the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, UCU Vice Chancellor (center); and Andrew Kato (right) at a University Public Lecture in 2015. (Uganda Christian University Partners photo)

By Brendah Ndagire

In today’s globalized world, technology is an increasingly significant tool in improving and sustaining businesses. With the introduction of smartphones, cheaper computer brands and the influx of telephone companies, an estimated one million Ugandans have access to computers. This number could be higher but with poor and inadequate infrastructures, some people, especially in rural areas, are still struggling to have access to personal technology devices and the Internet. However, due to the presence and growth of a diverse private sector, which sparks competition and creativity, Uganda is making progress in advancing technology. With access to information, communication and technology, there is a positive shift in how small, medium-sized, and large-scale businesses are conducted in Uganda. Uganda Christian University alumnus Andrew Kato, with his twin brother Samuel Kakuru, are representative of this shift. They are co-founders of a company called The Wit Limited, which uses technology-based solutions to transform all forms of businesses in Uganda. Uganda Christian University Partners spoke with Andrew Kato to understand the role of his company.

Samuel KakuruConducting a Tech Training with students at Sheema Secondary School, Mbarara (Western Uganda)
Samuel Kakuru conducting a Tech Training with students at Sheema Secondary School, Mbarara (Western Uganda)

What did you study at UCU?
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Computing in 2015. My brother studied the same program; we both graduated on top of our classes. Our desire is to practice what we have always been passionate at, and that eventually translated into this business company.

Who are your clients at The Wit Bistech Solutions Center?
We work with local businesses, schools, institutions and non-government organizations. For example, we have worked with an NGO that works with orphans to create, design and maintain its website. We are mostly targeting local businesses to give them the latest information technology (IT) tools, and training business owners to become more acquainted with business management skills. We look at how they do their businesses and we seek ways we can improve them.

What might be future partnerships?
We hope to partner with local universities, to shape and open up opportunities for recent graduates. We want to support them to think about how they can get practical skills in implementing a business. We intend to start a Business Learning Community where we offer training to students pursuing business and IT-related programs at universities. Then those students can offer to volunteer, be trained and be connected to local entrepreneurs where they can learn practically as they help out in running businesses using the latest technologies and requisite business skills.

When you look at Uganda clients, what aspect of technology are you promoting?
Looking at the business as a whole, we ask our clients, “How are you managing your accounts? Who are your top customers? Which ones are your top selling products/services?” Many local businesses just do business without thinking deeply about how they manage their finances, and how general business operates. Many do not separate their personal finances from the business finances. They need to learn how to do record keeping, and how to track their transactions, manage inventory levels, and attract customers. Our company introduces and trains them on how to do computerized accounting. We start with cheap technology such as Microsoft Excel, or QuickBooks. Then, we support them to think about how they can do proper marketing. Today, all the marketing is almost done online. And we support our clients to learn about the power of digital marketing and to setup their strategies.

 How are you supporting people who are doing business in rural areas?
We have a very flexible team that is dedicated to train and work with them. We support rural business owners to learn how to manage their cash flows first. We train them to design small models of managing their money, for instance, to have a book to track their cash in, and cash out. At the end of the day or week, they are able to track how much they have made and spent using a cash flow statement. Step by step, we introduce them to simple methodologies. For example, from creating a table in their book to indicate cash in and cash out, we introduce them to a simple templates in Microsoft Excel.

What areas in Uganda are you focusing on?
We have opened our offices in Mbarara, but being an Information Technology (IT) company, we are not limited by geographical scope. For example, here in Kampala, we have a law firm that invited us to look at how they manage their finances and then offer a solution. We have supported them to come up with a better computerized tool to monitor their finances. We also have supported a Day Care Center with another software to improve their childrens’ learning abilities.

Where do you see the Uganda Christian University role in this company?
It was a life-changing experience to study at Uganda Christian University. UCU prepared us to have a holistic approach to life. It was very important to us to understand that the work we want to do is not for us, but the community and God. At UCU, I was a student leader in our department of Business and Finance. Now, I personally apply every leadership experience I had at UCU in my current work with the company.

What challenges have you experienced?
The main challenge is acceptability and adaptability. Many people, businesses, and schools are not embracing and/or adapting to these technological changes in our country. And we have to constantly think about creative ways we can engage with them. Secondly, we are still a new company, and we are still struggling to keep up with the cost of operation.

What message do you want to give young entrepreneurs coming out of UCU?
Current students need to take advantage of learning from local businesses near UCU. UCU’s Business Faculty needs to continue developing partnerships with local businesses, to create a platform where students can be integrated with the real business community as they learn from each other. Such businesses should act as a business laboratory for all UCU students especially those with interest in Business and offering solutions to community problems.

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For more of these stories and experiences, visit https://www.ugandapartners.org. If you would like to assist a current student or otherwise support the university, contact Mark Bartels, Executive Director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.orgor go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/

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Jovan Kyambadde, teaching assistant, UCU Department of Agricultural and Biological Science, with nakati from the Mukono campus planting area (Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)

Sub-Saharan Africa vegetable makeover part of what makes UCU best at exhibition

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Jovan Kyambadde, teaching assistant, UCU Department of Agricultural and Biological Science, with nakati from the Mukono campus planting area (Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)
Jovan Kyambadde, teaching assistant, UCU Department of Agricultural and Biological Science, with nakati from the Mukono campus planting area (Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)

NOTE: Uganda Christian University (UCU) captured first place among 48 higher education institutions in the 11th Annual Exhibition of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Uganda in March. Among displays representing UCU and contributing to this honor was the nakati experiment described in this article.

 By Patty Huston-Holm

Nakati juice (Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)
Nakati juice (Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)

What’s liquid, full of vitamins, green and with a name common to most East Africans?

Nakati juice.

Ummm. Yes, but perhaps it needs another title.  While some Ugandans have fond childhood memories of chewing onnakati as their parents wove a tale of how it would increase their intelligence, most turn up their noses at the green, leafy vegetable’s bitter taste and the remembrance of times when the family could afford little else.

Nakati, which also is known as African eggplant, needs to rise above its bad reputation, according to two Uganda Christian University (UCU) Food Science and Technology students and their teaching assistant. They aim to do just that by using it as the main ingredient in beverage and food recipes that reinforce nutritional value and good taste.

Jovan Kyambadde, teaching assistant, UCU Department of Agricultural and Biological Science, and students Athieno Sheilla and Alexis Ossiya, explain that the nutrition part is that nakati is full of iron and vitamins. Adding sweet-tasting ingredients masks the unpleasant flavor. After dodging raindrops to pluck nakati leaves from their Mukono campus garden and purchasing fruit outside the campus gate on the afternoon of March 6, they chopped, cut and blended the juice, sharing a not-so-secret recipe.

  • Four medium size mangos and one-fourth of a pineapple for flavor, one lemon for increased vitamin C and preservative, one freshly picked bunch of nakati (main ingredient) and honey for sweetener.
Nakati juice ingredients(Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)
Nakati juice ingredients(Photo by UCU Student Samuel Tatambuka)

Nakati is the main ingredient because it has certain special health benefits such as cancer-fighting compounds, and anti-aging properties, and aids proper bone and brain development. Mangoes and pineapples likewise are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help to prevent cancer, improve skin complexion and greatly boost immunity.

The taste-testers on this day were five nearby students, who gave mixed reactions about thickness, sweetness and whether they would prefer this no-added-sugar, vegetable and fruit juice over the more common, sugar-added, fruit-only beverages.

“We plan to do more testing with students in the large cafeteria,” Sheilla said. “We think we could make money and help others do it.”

While one end result is making money for the inventors and healthier lifestyles for their customers, this project also is about helping Uganda’s local farmers with their profits, Jovan explained, adding, “Everywhere you look in Uganda, there’s nakati.”

The students prepared the drink using an electric blender. But for locals without electricity and a mechanical mixer, the juice still can be made with added shredding, pounding and hand pressure, using a sieve to filter out the juice.

Under the title “Better Vegetables, Better Lives,” the UCU Department of Agricultural and Biological Science works with a dozen other partners to improve production and use of African indigenous vegetables for greater nutrition and income.  The plan is to not only share nakati products on the university campus, but also to teach local farmers how to do the same.

According to UCU Professor Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, changing dietary and lifestyle preference is one main reason that vegetables like nakati and another green leafy vegetable called doodo are being cast aside for less indigenous and less healthy fried chips and samosas. Sub-Saharan children have the highest rates of anemia and malnutrition in the world. UCU is on an action research mission to change that.

Each Wednesday morning, the students and staff of the Department of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at UCU board a bus, and after a 45-minute drive, are dropped off to work with local farmers.

“The farmers have come to regard themselves as university teachers, which they are in that they put our students’ learning in real context,” Jovan said. “At the same time, our students are teaching the farmers what they know about crop rotation, germination, higher yield and marketing.”

Nakati, for example, is going to waste when it could be used for juice, biscuits and other products. In addition to experimentation with nakati beverages, the students are exploring use of the vegetable with g-nuts and other ingredients for snacks.

“When I was a little girl, I was told that eating nakati would make me more intelligent,” Sheilla said. “I know now that’s not true, but using nakati in recipes is pretty smart.”

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

Dr. John Smith working a math problem on the white board in his UCU Tech Park apartment (UCU Partners photo)

Farewell to UCU’s longest-serving lecturer from the UK

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Dr. John Smith working a math problem on the white board in his UCU Tech Park apartment (UCU Partners photo)
Dr. John Smith working a math problem on the white board in his UCU Tech Park apartment (UCU Partners photo)

By Patty Huston-Holm

Legend has it that the Rev. Dr. John Denmead Smith loves mathematics so much that he counts his steps every day when walking to teach his classes on the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono campus.

“Well, I suppose I have done that,” the noted math teacher reflected in his British accent. “I hadn’t thought much about it really, but I do know precisely how long it takes me to get there.”

The rapid steps from his T1 apartment in UCU’s Tech Park area to a single-level building below the campus’ student dining hall took 10 minutes. The last week of February 2019, he walked them one last time. On March 11, he boarded a plane in Entebbe to fly to his Beverley, England, home – for good.

John Smith with a former student, Alex Kamoga, who calls the math instructor “a great pillar in my life…he paid all my school fees.” (UCU Partners photo)
John Smith with a former student, Alex Kamoga, who calls the math instructor “a great pillar in my life…he paid all my school fees.” (UCU Partners photo)

“Dr. John,” as he is known, has been a fixture at UCU for 13 years.  Hailing from the United Kingdom, he is UCU’s most tenured teaching faculty from the Western World.

“I won’t be back this time,” John said while stuffing clothes and papers into an opened green suitcase on his apartment couch. “I’m not sure how I feel about it really. But I thought about leaving a year ago. I am 75, you know.”

In truth, John, born in 1944 in the United Kingdom, will turn age 75 on June 13. In the days before leaving the university campus and with the acknowledgment of the difficulty in summarizing a quarter-century of living, he checked off six key areas:

  • Bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Keble and St. John’s colleges with the University of Oxford (England);
  • One year of teaching math at the Royal University of Malta in the Mediterranean at age 22;
  • Two years at the College of the Resurrection (known as Mirfield) in England to become a priest at age 28;
  • Thirty-two years (age 30 to 62) teaching math at an elite, boys’ boarding school called Winchester College;
  • Thirteen years as a math lecturer at Uganda Christian University; and
  • A girlfriend or two but never married.

Why mathematics?
“From when I was a small child, I always liked numbers, adding and multiplying them. I was about 17 when geometry hooked me in. I found the shapes and sizes and properties of space fascinating. It just went on.”

Why the priesthood?
“Even as a child, it occurred to me that I might want to be a priest some day. Then, when I was at Malta, a priest suggested the vocation.  And somehow, it did work out that way. At Winchester, I was a chaplain and a math teacher. I would go into the boarding houses and say prayers with the boys before their confirmation class. I was never a parish priest, but I did work part time in a parish.”

What about family?
“I was told our family original name was “Smelt” and not “Smith.” Ihad a brother, David, who died. I have an older sister who lives two miles down the road (in England) and lots of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. I enjoy company, but I don’t mind being on my own. Look at Albert Einstein. We remember him for his intelligence and theory of relativity and not necessarily his family.”

Why Africa?
“For a long time, I wanted to come and serve in Africa.”

Why UCU?
“When I was preparing to retire from Winchester, my Bishop (the late John Taylor, a former missionary in Uganda) suggested Uganda Christian University as a place for me to carry on both as a priest and a teacher.  Stephen Noll (former UCU Vice Chancellor) agreed. While I haven’t functioned formally as a priest here, inevitably being a priest influences the way that you live and work and how you relate to people.”

At UCU, John Smith taught undergraduates, generally around 35 in a class and mostly in foundational courses, but also in such subjects as financial management and linear algebra. He reached roughly 2,500 students in 13 years.

“I tried to help them, to make them think,” he said. “I hope I did.  I yelled at a few students, which wasn’t right, I suppose. I caught a couple cheating and that required a lot of meetings. But mostly it was enjoyable here.”

While most students at his school in Winchester were white, John was amazed at “how quickly I didn’t see color” in the students at UCU. A few students became special friends over the years with more than a few getting their tuition and other expenses paid by the math teacher they call “father.” Some came for dinner that his Ugandan helper fixed once a week in his modestly furnished apartment.

When he wasn’t teaching, he mostly stayed in the apartment. John’s occasional, always brisk walks out the university gate were generally to buy rolex (an egg-and-bread local food) on the street.

Prior to coming to Uganda, John published a couple research papers that garnered academic attention. He pulled out one on yellowed, stapled paper.  The title was “Ptolemaic Inequities with Odd Powers.” Ptolemy’s theory is that inequality becomes equality when four points on placed a certain way on a circle.

“Not sure why I kept this,” he said, turning it over. “It was important to me at a time, but not so much now.”

Discarding items is part of moving on. A small TV set went to the housekeeper. In early March and from John’s UCU apartment, eight pairs of shoes were scattered on the floor and books and clothes were on a table, trying to make it into three bags with 13 years of accumulation. A worn, open Bible rested on four, stacked plastic chairs.

“I have 27 people I would like to say goodbye to and give a few more things to,” he said, referring to the number of names handwritten on a piece of paper.  “Twenty-seven. That is a pretty good sum total, don’t you think?”

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The faculty members at Uganda Christian University are mostly from Uganda, but other professors come from around the world to provide curriculum.  To support programs at UCU, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at mtbartels@gmail.com.

New video conveys shift in mission goal

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Diane Babirye, right, UCU student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies, produced the video. BrendahNdagire, UCU graduate and UCU Partners communications assistant, was an editor. (UCU Partners photo)
Diane Babirye, right, UCU student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies, produced the video. Brendah Ndagire, UCU graduate and UCU Partners communications assistant, was an editor. (UCU Partners photo)

How can you best pull a country out of poverty?  Education support.

And what does that education support look like?  Books, supplies, technology, buildings, faculty and student scholarships.

Such is the message of a new video from Uganda Christian University (UCU) Partners, a Pennsylvania-based non-profit focused for the past 15 years on providing funds for these necessities at UCU.

The video contains part of this interview conducted on graduation day at the UCU-Mukono campus in October 2018 with UCU Partners Executive Director Mark Bartels. (UCU Partners photo)
The video contains part of this interview conducted on graduation day at the UCU-Mukono campus in October 2018 with UCU Partners Executive Director Mark Bartels. (UCU Partners photo)

“There is a shift in the idea of missions and ministry overseas,” said UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels. “Rather than bring as many Americans as we can to help, we know the best people to address Uganda’s challenges and problems are Ugandans.”

Bartels, who lived in Uganda with his wife, Abby, and children for 10 years until 2014, asserts that UCU is best equipped to deliver quality, university education for East Africans. UCU’s strength is not just because of its strong academic programs in eight faculty areas, but because Christian character building takes place alongside the high-level knowledge and skills.

The five-minute video contains remarks from Bartels and UCU’s Financial Aid Officer Walter Washika as well as testimonials and appreciation from seven scholarship recipients.It was produced by Diane Babirye, UCU student studying journalism and media studies; and edited by Brendah Ndagire, UCU graduate and UCU Partners communications assistant; and Patty Huston-Holm, UCU Partners Communications Director.

The video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlie4AmRJCk

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For more stories and experiences, visit https://www.ugandapartners.org.   To assist a UCU student or otherwise support the university, contact Mark Bartels, Executive Director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or go to https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/.

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The Rt. Rev. Associate Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop for the Lango Diocese, shows his welcome, joyous spirit at the March 1, 2019, UCU graduation(UCU Partners photo)

Lango Bishop urges new UCU graduates to develop ‘servant’s heart’

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, , , , ,
The Rt. Rev. Associate Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop for the Lango Diocese, shows his welcome, joyous spirit at the March 1, 2019, UCU graduation(UCU Partners photo)
The Rt. Rev. Associate Professor Alfred Olwa, Bishop for the Lango Diocese, shows his welcome, joyous spirit at the March 1, 2019, UCU graduation(UCU Partners photo)

By Patty Huston-Holm

The night before the Rt. Rev. Canon Professor Alfred Olwa delivered his message at the Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, graduation on the first day of March, he prayed that the 400 graduates and their parents, lecturers and professors would get it.

“Hopefully, two or three people will understand,” he said. “Actually, many more.”

Service was the message from the northern Uganda Lango Diocese Bishop – not just that day but on all days.  Education is a significant achievement, but the greater purpose, he said, is using God’s gifts of intellect, compassion and hard work to serve others.

Bishop Alfred Olwa in the faculty procession at UCU graduation(UCU Partners photo)
Bishop Alfred Olwa in the faculty procession at UCU graduation(UCU Partners photo)

“Now that I’m out in the field, I see even more that people desperately need to serve and be served,” said Rev. Olwa, who was Dean of the UCU Bishop Tucker School of Theology before the Church of Uganda elected him as a bishop nearly two years ago. “A degree is certainly something to celebrate, but if you think that it’s the degree that gives you status, and you focus on that status, you start to claim certain rights, and you become a bitter worker.”

On the evening before his graduation day remarks and after eight hours of travel from his home in Lira, the Bishop asserted that the best workers are those who “serve God by serving others.” He is especially troubled by some workers withthe 280,000 children in 188 primary schools in his diocese as he has observed their misunderstanding of leadership and authority (Mark 10: 43-44).

“Inspire others, help others,” Rev. Olwa said. “Be role models.”

Having a servant heart isn’t easy in a secular world that defines success by credentials and prestige, according to the Bishop. He advised that the closer a person walks with Christ and stays connected to Biblical scripture, the easier it will be to see how “the little things make the bigger difference.”

Specifically addressing men and women going into his career path of theology, he talked about the importance of having a curriculum that is well informed by scripture and infused with practical experience and the understanding of the need to “get your hands dirty.”

“Priests need to be with, understand and serve their flocks,” he said. “We want priests with conviction to God’s mission. That mission may be different if you are in a rural vs. urban area and with the poor vs. wealthy. Remember how Jesus was with his disciples.”

Regardless of the academic area studied at a university or career interest, all people are called to be priests, according to Rev. Olwa, quoting I Peter 2:9. (“ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”)

“I urge you, dear graduands, to be different,” he said, addressing the black-robed men and women under white tents on the UCU track. “Never arrive at the state of life where you are too important to help with menial tasks.”

For example, the apostle Paul, as exhausted as he was, gathered wood for a fire to warm people after a shipwreck (Acts 28:3). Jesus did such humble, lowly tasks as washing feet, fixing breakfast and serving lepers. Laughing, the bishop added that people are shocked to know that he washes plates and cups, cleans his house and sometimes cooks his own food.

To the graduands, Rev. Olwa said:  “Sometimes you will get jobs where you will serve upward to those in authority. And sometimes you will get an opportunity to serve downward to those in need. Either way, do well to develop a servant’s heart . . .Don’t seek the limelight. . . and don’t argue with your bosses.”

Personally, he said, “It took the Holy Spirit to teach me, but the practice to remind me…I have lived in both worlds.”

He reminded the UCU graduates that many people made sacrifices and served them as they were studying in school. Not just to repay these individuals but especially in a time when public service is “at its lowest” in many parts of Africa, the service of Christian-focused men and women from UCU is needed.

 “One way to show gratitude to God is to go out and help others with humility and sacrifice,”the bishop concluded, praying, “As we serve others, may we always be available, faithful and serve with dedication.”

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Developing countries with strong university programs are more likely to move out of poverty. UCU especially makes a difference in East Africa because of the infusion of Christian principles into the curriculum. To support programs at UCU, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at mtbartels@gmail.com.

Matende Wilson (UCU Partners Photo)

UCU Partners business program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners’ Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients. For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

 

Matende Wilson (UCU Partners Photo)
Matende Wilson (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Matende Wilson Paul

Program: Diploma in Business Administration (graduated)

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has given me a chance and opportunity to learn, and participate in forums such as, leadership and para-counselling forums which I enjoy.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
Among the many options I am exploring, I want to become an accountant. My program focuses mostly on accounting and I want to become that. I used to have a bias in mathematics in high school but when I joined the university, I chose to focus my career in accountant and be a tremendous accountant internationally. Depending on whether I receive funding for further studies, I would want to do a certified public accounting so that i can be a professional accountant.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you for the work you have done in helping me attain education.

 

Odogola Joshua Eli (UCU Partners Photo)
Odogola Joshua Eli (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Odogola Joshua Elishadai

Program: Diploma in Business Administration (graduated)

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
I wouldn’t have accessed this higher education without the blessings of this scholarship. God through this scholarship has been the centre of my studies here.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to be a lecturer and a job creator. I think unemployment is one of the biggest hindrances to accessing education in Uganda. When parents lost their jobs, things become worse in our lives, and I give thanks for my scholarship to attain higher education at Uganda Christian University. Now that I have finished studying business administration, I want want to be a job creator and employ especially single mothers in my community to be able to earn income to educate their children. To God be the Glory!

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Your support and donation through Uganda Partners is like resurrection of the dead to life! Thank you so very much, God used to restore my hope. I never thought I would join a university. May God bless you!

Kalule Toney (UCU Partners Photo)

UCU Partners social work, art program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners’ Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients. For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

Kalule Toney (UCU Partners Photo)
Kalule Toney (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Kalule Toney

Program: Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has exposed me to the world here. It has helped me to acquire knowledge, made friends and have been able to redefine myself.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to be an advocate and an activist for girl education, employment opportunities and human rights. I want to get a platform for sensitizing fellow youths about the value of education. I hope someday to start an organization for training vulnerable groups of people in my community.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you so much!

 

Bwambale Bernand (UCU Partners Photo)
Bwambale Bernand (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Bwambale Bernard Molcho

Program: Bachelor of Arts with Education (graduated)

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has helped me to focus on my studies and I am proud to graduate with a great GPA! The scholarship helped to restore hope of completing my degree. If I had got this opportunity earlier, I would have got a first class degree.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to become an artist, to make art pieces to fundraise for the well-being of other unprivileged people particularly in acquiring skills through formal education. I want to be an art teacher and inspire young people in high school to view a bright future beyond the life of lack of enough resources.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you even though I think it is not enough other than praying for blessings to them, their family, and their work.

Gaborya Charles (UCU Partners Photo)

UCU Partners communications, journalism program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners’ Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients. For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

Gaborya Charles (UCU Partners Photo)
Gaborya Charles (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Gaborya Charles

Program: Master of Journalism and Media Studies

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has been a great and fundamental push towards my study and without It I do not think I would have been able to take up a master’s degree.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to have a deeper understanding of development, communication and gender. And I want to use the degree in the field of development, specifically gender-based development.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I want them her/him to know that I am very appreciative of her/his support.

 

Odongkara Emmanuel (UCU Partners Photo)
Odongkara Emmanuel (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Odongkara Emmanuel

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has created a good environment for me to learn, and share ideas with other fellow students, and lectures It has transformed the way I think.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to become an investigative journalist and a writer. I have a passion for writing and serving others. I am influenced by great writers such as Ben Carson who inspires and leaves you challenged.

What do you want to say to your sponsor
Thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in UCU!

 

Byron Otto (UCU Partners Photo)
Byron Otto (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Byron Otto Andrew

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has helped me in every way of my life and my education’s journey in general.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to be the best in journalism, reporting specifically on children’s and women’s issues affecting their humanity. I also want to be what God wants be to be in His Kingdom. I had a hard childhood that makes me cry often times. From surviving death, life on the streets, to living without parents, my life has been a very challenging journey to where I am at the university. I have learned to respect humanity,God, and appreciation to what is happening in the humanitarian sector, and I want to use my communication degree to report on what is happening in the humanitarian community. That is why I am studying journalism at UCU. I remember when I was a child I wanted to be President of Uganda. Now, and if God allows it, I want to represent the children on streets and tell my testimony.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you and may God Bless you! You are my parents now and would love to meet you someday!

Kucel Newton (UCU Partners Photo)

UCU Partners agricultural science, engineering program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners’ Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients. For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

Byakatonda Gerald (UCU Partners Photo)
Byakatonda Gerald (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Byakatonda Gerald

Program:
Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has provided funds for my tuition, accommodation and other fees at the university.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to do many things. First,I want to be a crop scientist. I have worked with farmers and found out that they have challenges such as crop diseases, poor yields, among others. Becoming a crop scientist will give me the opportunity to offer solutions to such problems. Secondly, I want to start FARMHELP-AFRICA, an organization that would seek partnership with farmers and other stakeholders.I will also become a professional farmer of coffee and oil palm in Uganda. Lastly, I want to be agricultural-entrepreneur and christian-principled leader for young people who lack a professional example to direct them into farming business.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I want to thank them for their genuine support towards my academic journey.

 

Kucel Newton (UCU Partners Photo)
Kucel Newton (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Kucel Newton

Program: Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Entrepreneurship

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has been of great help to me since I am always guaranteed to do my examinations.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to become a professional farmer with a holistic background in caring for consumers of what I will produce.  I see the rising population in Uganda and the World at large; hence, there is a need to improve food supply for this rising population. I have also seen farmers selling products contaminated with chemicals not minding about the consumers and with this; I am looking at producing good and safe food for my consumers.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
May God bless her in everything.

 

Mutesasira Ivan (UCU Partners Photo)
Mutesasira Ivan (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Mutesasira Ivan

Program: Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
I have attained knowledge and skills in the engineering field, and how to appreciate and live with others.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to become a good engineer who will work with people in society. I also want to help other people/children who have problems with studying when I become a practising engineer. Further in the future, I want to be a professor of Civil Engineering.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I appreciate the support, love, and efforts they have put in to see that I become an important and great engineer who will benefit the society I live in. May God bless her!

UCU Partners procurement program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients.  For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

Ochora Walter (UCU Partners Photo)
Ochora Walter (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Ochora Walter

Program: Diploma in Procurement and Logistic Management

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has helped me to study at a Christian University and getting knowledge which I can apply after my studies.It has also helped me to meet different people not only in Uganda but other parts of the world.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to help other needy people in our society by offering and giving back to them what God has done for me. Of course, I want to acquire a job to do after my studies. I also am looking forward to continuing with education if God wants me to continue; I will be appreciative of that as well.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I appreciate them for what they have done in my life and other children/students to be part of UCU. 

Nakungu Patricia (UCU Partners Photo)
Nakungu Patricia (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Nakungu Patricia

Program: Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
I am able to concentrate on my studies because I don’t have to worry about incomplete tuition.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to become a very successful business woman that’s what I have always wanted. And I want to put my degree to use by becoming a procurement officer with a difference.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I want to thank them so much for the opportunity they have given me to be part of a great institution and attain a quality education.

 

Oweta Paul (UCU Partners Photo)
Oweta Paul (UCU Partners Photo)

Name: Oweta Paul

Program: Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Management

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has brought a bright future which seemed darker a few years ago. The scholarship has brought hope in my life.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to work as a procurement officer in the military. I am inspired by my uncle who studied a similar program, and when he graduated he joined the military and went on to live his other dream of opening a powerful church and charity home which helps needy children in his community.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you maximumly!

UCU Partners health program scholarship recipients

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(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients.  For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

 

Name: Nansereko Idah

Program: Bachelor of Community Health(Renamed Bachelor of Public Health)

 

 

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has enabled me to timely pay my tuition and utilize university facilities and services.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I am already a clinician, when I finish my degree in community health, I would like to build a health facility in my village to bring health services to people there and offer job opportunities to people in different departments

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you for your efforts to keep in school.

UCU Partners nursing program scholarship recipients 

Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Scholarship, , , ,

(NOTE: In the fall of 2018, Brendah Ndagire, UCU Partners’ Communications Associate, came on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus to interview some UCU Partners scholarship recipients.  For a 10-day period, UCU Partners features a summary of their feedback. To support students like these, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/)

Name: Uwimbabazi Sarah

Program: Bachelor of Nursing Science

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
The scholarship covers my fees, and I attend classes with no worries. This has helped me to perform better in classes.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I will go back to my hospital  and deliver holistic nursing care to the people within and outside the hospital with interest in maternal and child health for the betterment of our community and nation.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I want to express to her how much I am grateful. Thank you for making me who I am today.

Name: Murezi Mereth

Program: Master of Nursing Science

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
I have had timely access to university services including lecture rooms and library. And I have been able to focus on my academic work without interruptions.

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to engage in teaching activities so as to strengthen the nursing profession further. Secondly, I want to become an education specialist and largely engage in policy formulation.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
I am very thankful for his/her support and devotion in seeing  progress in the academic arena in Uganda.

Name: Monday Edson

Program: Master of Nursing Science

How has the scholarship helped you in your course of study?
It has relieved me a lot. I have been able to attend all my classes without worries, and this has improved my concentration in class. I love my program and I have been able to take of my family alongside studying.

 

How would do you want to use your degree and why?
I want to be a university lecturer and a researcher in the nursing field.

What do you want to say to your sponsor?
Thank you so much!

UCU dentistry student, Peter Kabuye (UCU Partners photo)

Student Profile: Dental Surgery Student aims to be instrument of change in Mpigi District

UCU School of Medicine, , , , , ,
UCU dentistry student, Peter Kabuye (UCU Partners photo)
UCU dentistry student, Peter Kabuye (UCU Partners photo)

(NOTE:  In September 2018, Uganda Christian University launched a School of Medicine with 60 students. To “put a face” on Uganda’s future doctors and dentists, some of these students, including this one, were interviewed after the completion of the first semester.)

By Brendah Ndagire
Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine student, 20-year-old Peter Kabuye from Kimbugu, Mpigi district, Uganda, hopes to fill the huge gap in his country’s dental needs.  He hopes he can be an instrument of change through providing dental services, especially in rural areas where there is the greatest need. Even though he comes from a family where his parents are mostly interested in the arts and business careers, Kabuye is not shying away from his primary interest in sciences.  Part of his story is shared here.

How did you get drawn to the dental surgery?
In high school, I had a dental appointment with Dr. Timothy Mawano, at his dental clinic. And the way he talked about dental surgery and his experience in the dental field, it made an impression on me. I asked more questions about it and he encouraged me to study dentistry. He essentially inspired me to study this program. But, I also am continually inspired by the owner of Jubilee Dental Clinic; his name is Dr. James Magala, a father of my colleague here at UCU. Going forward, the main reasons for being part of this program are to address the need of dentists in my community, and contribute something good to our country.

In your community, where have you identified the need for dentists?The main need is lack of financial resources to construct dental clinics in Kimbugu Village, Mpigi district. Secondly, there are some dentists in my village but there are not qualified professionals. They do not have resources to conduct dental services. Most people in my rural village if they, for instance, have a cavity, the only option they have is to extract their tooth. If the same people were living in Kampala, they would be exposed to more options such as dental cleaning and refilling the cavity.

Peter at UCU’s School of Medicine in Mengo, Kampala.
Peter at UCU’s School of Medicine in Mengo, Kampala.(UCU Partners photo)

Have you always wanted to be a dentist?
It has always been a combination of medicine and dentistry because when you study medicine, you can also decide to end up in dental surgery. But I was more drawn to understanding/studying the parts of the head, mouth, teeth, etc., and that’s what dental surgery is all about.

What challenges have you observed so far that contribute to a shortage of dentists in Uganda?
The main challenge is that it is expensive to study science programs in Uganda. For example, most Ugandans can only afford to study science programs at Makerere University, if they are sponsored by the government (since it is a public university). And there are only a few universities teaching dental surgery, namely, Kampala International University, Makerere University, and currently Uganda Christian University. The economic problem, coupled with limited universities teaching dentistry, contribute greatly to this shortage.

Why study at UCU?
I wanted to study at a university that embraces God. The second reason was that compared to other universities, UCU has smaller classes and I wanted to study at a university where I can study in small groups and get the best out of your lecturer.

What has been so far the most positive aspect of studying at UCU?Small classes which contribute to team building, relationship building and a better learning environment are a plus. Secondly, community worship is conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It helps us to take time to get to know more about God. And lastly, professors are very engaging and love teaching us.

What classes do you find interesting so far?
Anatomy. It is so new to me, and gives me a new language. I derive my current happiness in the process of discussing different and new concepts in that class. I also like Bio Chemistry but currently it is getting harder to engage with.

So far what challenges have you experienced as a student at UCU?
My current and major challenge is commuting for a long time to get to school every day. I live far from Mengo Hospital where UCU School of Medicine is located. And I have observed that because I spend so much time commuting, I rarely get time to rest and concentrate on studying my books. That had a negative impact on my grades last semester. I hope to move soon to a closer neighborhood.

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More information about the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine can be obtained at https://www.ugandapartners.org/priority-projects. To support science students, books and facilities at the medical school, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org  or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/

 

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Beatrice Birungi at UCU School of Medicine (UCU Partners photo)

Student Profile: Ebola was dose of inspiration

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Beatrice Birungi at UCU School of Medicine (UCU Partners photo)
Beatrice Birungi at UCU School of Medicine (UCU Partners photo)

(NOTE: In September 2018, Uganda Christian University launched a School of Medicine with 60 students. To “put a face” on Uganda’s future doctors and dentists, some of these students were interviewed at the completion of the first semester. This is a story about one of these students.)

By Frank Obonyo
As I sat down to write her story, one thing became clear. Beatrice Birungi’s aspirations are comparable to those of Dr. Bernard Rieux in the novel, The Plague.

In his fictional account, Rieux was one of the first people to urge the public to take stringent measures to fight the deadly epidemic that struck the French Algerian City of Oran. When it is placed under quarantine, Dr. Rieux continues to battle the plague despite signs that his efforts make little or no difference. Although he is separated from his wife, he does not allow his personal distress to distract him from his battle to relieve the collective social suffering.

Just like Oran City, Beatrice’s village Bumate in Bundibugyo District Western Uganda was swept by an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemic in 2010 when she was just eight. Four of her relatives died because of the deadly virus, and the surviving ones were not allowed to take part in the burial ceremonies. In any African tradition, telling one that they cannot bury their loved ones can be tormenting.

As a little child, she saw her surviving relatives quarantined by the government to reduce any further spread of the virus. Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids—and the disease can cause people to excrete blood and other bodily fluids as they die. Thus, the precaution of the quarantine occurred.

Beatrice then made up her mind to study and become a medical doctor in order to raise awareness about Ebola prevention and treatment with the hope of saving her community. She is one of the pioneers of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine.

“I want to become a doctor so that I can help my people should that kind of epidemic strike again,” Beatrice said. “I felt that there was much more that would have been done such as educating health workers on better understanding of the disease and strengthening clinical care.”

Time and time again, it has been necessary for Beatrice to have a strong will and determination. She has never been the type of student who looked down on herself. She has a heart to help the community and believes that an African girl deserves to achieve much even amidst all odds.

Medical Laboratory head, the Rev. Bernard Simeon Bakunda, demonstrates the Estimation of Haemoglobin by Sahli's Technique to student Beatrice Birungi. (UCU Partners photo)
Medical Laboratory head, the Rev. Bernard Simeon Bakunda, demonstrates the Estimation of Haemoglobin by Sahli’s Technique to student Beatrice Birungi. (UCU Partners photo)

“Girls should not be put in this little picture of a small person who is only supposed to be beautiful and speak nicely,” she said. “They also can become doctors.”

She chose UCU’s School of Medicine because she was told by her dad and three other siblings who studied at UCU that she would receive a holistic education – one that addresses the hands, head and heart.

“We have a tight schedule at the School of Medicine but it is all about setting priorities right,” she said. “Our school is new, but there is a bright future for it. I love the small class because it enables us to interact with lecturers so freely, and we hope to get more and better equipment which will be used to train us into better medics.”

Beatrice also is a writer. She started working on a fictional story in 2017 and believes she will be a published author within the next two years.

Against equal opportunity challenges common to most African girls, Beatrice decided she would not allow negative people to keep her from achieving her goals. She has hope and a “no-give-up” spirit.

“I am proud to say that I have always been determined to pass and graduate as a medical doctor even though my society often believes that the girl child is only good for marriage,” she said.

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More information about the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine can be obtained at https://www.ugandapartners.org/priority-projects To support science students, books and facilities at the medical school, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, atm.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/

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Student Profile: Scarcity of dentists in rural areas ignites interest

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Ayikoru Hilda, UCU School of Medicine Denistry Student (UgandaPartners Photo)

(In 2014, the Uganda Ministry of Health reported only 200 dentists in the entire country. In the same year (the latest available data), more than 51% of Ugandans had dental diseases, and 76% of children under age 5 and 93% of adults reportedly suffered tooth decay. If dentists were distributed geographically equitable throughout Uganda, there would be 1 dentist serving about 175,000 people – a deficit in itself but an even greater problem because Ugandan dentists tend to be located in urban and not rural areas despite the fact that Uganda’s national health policy requires that every district has at least one dentist. The rural community challenge especially hits home for Ayikoru Hilda Diana, a “freshman” student in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program within the recently opened Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine.  She’s from the sparsely served area of Arua in Uganda’s northern region. In this interview, Ayikoru Hilda shares her hopes and dreams for the field of dentistry in Uganda.)

By Brendah Ndagire
How did you get drawn to Dental Surgery?
During high school I loved sciences. With my interest and academic proficiency in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, I wanted to go medical school. When I was presented with the opportunity to go to Uganda Christian University’s School of Medicine, I knew that I wanted to study Dental Surgery because I have always found dentists interesting people. Besides, there are few dentists in Uganda. I have always wanted to make an impact in my community, and I thought since there are few dentists in my country and especially in the area where I was born, I would make a better impact in that field.

Apart from the shortage of dentists in Uganda, what challenges have you observed?
The current challenge with dentistry field is that in most cases when some people with a toothache go to a dental clinic in Uganda, a dentist just extracts the tooth. Yet, there is more to being a dentist than just pulling out a tooth. It seems like most dentists here are only taught how to remove a tooth instead of examining different ways they can engage with patients about dental and oral hygiene and treatment.

Hilda, center, with other Dental Surgery students at the UCU Kampala Campus.(UgandaPartners Photo)

Why study at UCU School of Medicine?
There are only two Ugandan universities that have a bachelor’s degree program in Dental Surgery, namely, Makerere University and Uganda Christian University. I chose UCU because I come from a Christian family, and two of my siblings have studied/are still studying at UCU. Beyond that, it is really the integration of a Christian perspective with different classes. For example, this semester, I had three science classes, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, and humanity classes such as Understanding the New Testament and Old Testament. I love having a christian perspective on issues affecting our daily lives.

In Arua District, where do you see a need for dentists?
There is a lot of need for dentists in the Arua District. I remember every school term, whenever I used to go for a dental check up as a requirement for school entry, I had never seen an actual dentist. For more than 7 years, I had never seen an actual dentist! I also have lived in Fort Portal, Kabarole District, and I never saw a dentist there either. I am saying “actual” because the only thing they knew how to do was a check up and pulling out a tooth. But dentistry goes beyond tooth extraction. And the only time I have seen an actual dentist is in Kampala and neighboring urban areas, where dentist examine the oral conditions of a patient, recommend measures to take to prevent dental diseases and so forth.

Recognizing the challenges and reality of dentists in your community, what do you hope to do differently as a dental surgeon?
I want to primarily teach people about the importance of teeth and oral hygiene. My mother was a midwife, and I used to go with her at the hospital. One day, a woman came and without telling the doctors what problem she had with her tooth, she asked them to remove the tooth. And I thought to myself, “you can’t just remove teeth. Learn about the problem causing the toothache, and find out whether it can be prevented or treated without removing the entire tooth.” As a dentist, the first approach is to teach people about everything regarding teeth and oral hygiene.

(UgandaPartners Photo)

Where do you hope to practice as a dentist?
I would like to work in my home district of Arua because I see the greatest need for dentists there. I hope to work as a dentist, but I also hope to teach dentistry to the people there. I believe working as a dentist in Arua would help people in my community but I also think teaching them would make a greater impact. If I can do both, the better.

What has so far been the most positive aspect of studying at UCU School of Medicine?Professors/lecturers teach to make sure that we excel in our classes. Not many professors/lecturers love to teach. Some teach to fail students but I think our professors really love teaching us. I can see that they really care about us, and about the university’s good reputation.

Who do you look up to as you pursue this journey?
My mother and father have been my inspiration in this field of medicine. My mother was a midwife; she passed away in 2014.  And my father used to be a veterinary doctor.  At UCU, I am inspired by Dr. Albert Kasangaki, the head of dentistry who also studied dental surgery and everything related to oral surgery.

More information about the Uganda Christian University School of Medicine can be obtained at https://www.ugandapartners.org/priority-projects.To support science students, books and facilities at the medical school, contact Mark Bartels, executive director, UCU Partners, atm.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org or donate directly at: https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/

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Two Ugandan nurses gear up for expanded UCU leadership roles

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Elizabeth Ekong and Faith Sebuliba at Uganda Christian University (UgandaPartners Photo)

By Brendah Ndagire

In 2006, Elizabeth Ekong and Faith Sebuliba were part of the pioneer group of students enrolled in the Nursing Program at Uganda Christian University (UCU).  A dozen years later, they are close to leading it.

When they began, they did not think about the prospect of being considered the future leaders of UCU’s Nursing Program. Once they graduated with bachelor degrees in 2008, they got employed and started working as tutorial assistants for new students. As teaching assistants, they were intentionally mentored by the current founders and heads of UCU’s Nursing Department, Mrs. Jemimah Mutabaazi; and Dr. Karen Drake of Bethel University in Minnesota, USA. The mentorship process is geared towards sustaining the program leadership by putting it in the hands of Ugandans.

UCU nursing program growth
UCU nursing has deepened from certificates, diplomas and bachelor degrees to offerings at the post-graduate (PG) level. The first PG program leads to a Master of Nursing Science. Other graduate degree programs are planned in midwifery, women’s health, and psychiatry as these relate to nursing.

As trailblazers, Faith and Elizabeth graduated with their Master’s in Nursing Science in 2011. They were appointed lecturers, teaching undergraduate students in nursing classes such as foundations of nursing, medical surgical, anatomy, physiology, research, and midwifery. With Mrs. Mutabaazi, they were among only four full-time lecturers in all nursing classes for a long time. In their full-time lecturer roles, “we were expected to be an all-round teachers,” Elizabeth said. Today, they still work as lecturers as well as being online PhD students of nursing through Texila American University.

Faith with some of her students, Magdalene Kokor (right) and Kemigisha Misk (left)  –  (Uganda Partners Photo)

What makes UCU’s Nursing Program different from other programs in other universities in Uganda is that the Bachelor of Nursing curricula at UCU includes foundation courses like world views, Christian living (New and Old Testament), Christian ethics and others that ground students in reflecting and managing their future clients as individuals that deserve the best of care.

“To me, as a nurse, it is really important to strengthen my professional as well as my Christian ethics,” Elizabeth said. “As a Christian it is important to know what kind of professional ethics I am going to portray as I practice nursing.”

“All we are and what we do is the result of our faith. It is not all about being like any other nurse or teacher, but being a Christian nurse and teacher begins with serving the Author and Giver of this life we have, and inviting others to be part of that service in our communities.” Faith Sebuliba

Passion to serve
Reflecting on lessons learned as lecturers, Elizabeth and Faith both remember how they started their passion and inspiration for teaching and becoming nurses.

  • Faith remembers the time when she was a 6-year-old child and damaged her eardrum. She had accidentally put a stick in her ear. While she was at the hospital, she loved the nurses who took care of her in the entire healing process.
  • In earlier years, teaching wasn’t Elizabeth’s passion. “I had been a student and saw how teachers treated students, and I remembered that when I finished my first diploma in midwifery, I never wanted to be a teacher. Over time, I learned that I can be a teacher with a difference. This means valuing students and the work we are doing. And that’s what I wanted to do as a nursing teacher.”

Speaking about the challenges facing UCU’s Nursing Program, they have seen the main obstacles of being under-staffed due to limited funding and lower student enrolment. The program currently has some part-time staff and “the challenge with that is we are unable to stretch part-time staff. They only give you the time they have available. Our hope is that we are able to hire and have full-time lecturers in the future,” Faith said.

Regarding low student enrolment, since the program is full-time, many prospective candidates are not able to apply for full-time classes. “Many of them are already working and cannot afford to hold their work and study full-time. The enrolment numbers have been going down over the years, so our responsibility is to make sure that these number start increasing,” added Faith.

Elizabeth in class with her student Esther Gidongo.  (UgandaPartners Photo)

The main question they ask themselves is how they can keep providing good quality education and also attract a good number of students in the nursing program. In future, they are looking at revising the nursing curriculum, modifying their teaching methods to include more dialogue, and the possibility of having both online and classes on campus for undergraduate students.

“We (also) intend to increase work-based learning so as to create an impact on the employability of our graduates, and strengthen employability skills for professional nurses,” Elizabeth said.

Partnerships are key
Partnerships are one way of increasing the number of students coming through the bachelor and master degree pipeline. Two years ago, partnerships were forged with Bwindi and Kagando Schools of Nursing, which both offer Diplomas in Nursing. The two women intend to maintain this partnership, with the hope that if diploma graduates are interested in getting their BA in nursing, they would come to UCU.

They also hope to continue the tradition of grooming other students. And part of doing this is having an inclusive education. According to Faith, “students have different learning needs. Our responsibility is to come down to the level of students, and make sure that every student is included in the conversation we are having on a particular subject.” Being humble as a teacher also is important.  Teachers can learn from students.

Success viewpoints
What does success look from the two mentored nurse perspectives?

For Elizabeth, success is “when students graduate and excel in every sphere of their lives. I understand that teaching is not about me, but about what kind of graduates we put out in our communities. What makes me happy is when I see a nursing graduate having a job… [and] when our graduates are confident in what they are doing in the field.”

For Faith: “We want to see as many people come to the program and when they go out there, they are relevant to the communities they are serving.”

They are excited about the future of nursing in Uganda. According to Faith, nursing in Uganda was previously the career for someone who couldn’t qualify for university learning.

“People have looked at nursing as some kind of diversion in career,” Elizabeth said. “If you failed in this field, you can be a nurse. This led to so many people in Uganda to disrespect the field and the nurses themselves.”

Having PhD graduates within Uganda’s nursing field would enhance the profession’s credibility.  “The more qualified nursing graduates are, the more chances there are that Uganda’s healthcare system is going to improve,” Faith said.

This is pertinent to their responsibility as nurses and lecturers themselves, to change the perception of nursing and nurses at UCU and in Uganda.

“We want to let people know that the nursing field is for academicians and professionals who want to give quality nursing services to the communities in Uganda,”  said Elizabeth.

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The Nursing Department at UCU is grateful for the special partnership they have with Bethel University. And  these two women are specifically  thankful to God, Uganda Partners’ support,  and UCU leadership for investing in their growth as lecturers. If you are interested in supporting UCU’s Nursing Department or its students, contact the Uganda Partners’ Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at  mtbartels@gmail.com.

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Uganda Christian University faculty member’s book, which is published in 30 languages

‘Mother tongue’ translation project elevates literacy for Uganda’s children

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Uganda Christian University faculty member’s book, which is published in 30 languages
Uganda Christian University faculty member’s book, which is published in 30 languages 

By Patty-Huston Holm

What if after years of affectionately calling the woman who gave birth to you by the name “mother,” you are told she had to be addressed as “maama wange?” At the same time, your mother’s brother that you grew up knowing as “uncle” is now “kojja wange.”

The words you heard and spoke with emotional attachment in your western, predominately English-speaking country since birth takes a back seat to a Ugandan tribal language called Luganda. Now, everything you read and say is no longer in English, but in Luganda.

Cornelius Wambi Gulere, senior lecturer in literature, at Uganda Christian University (UCU)
Cornelius Wambi Gulere

That, according to Cornelius Wambi Gulere, senior lecturer in literature, at UgandaChristian University (UCU), is similar to what happens with Ugandan children born into tribes speaking more than 65 different languages and dialects before going to schools where English is spoken and read. Not only do the children drift from the native language but also pull away from the feelings associated with those first words, the desire to be creative when putting words together and the excitement for reading and writing.

Project possible because of UCU Partners
The UCU Department of Languages and Literature project of creative writing, translation and publishing for children strives to change that – one book at a time.  With most of the financial backing from an anonymous donor through UCU Partners, English stories with illustrations are being translated and published into the “mother tongue.” From April to October of 2018, students and staff members at UCU and Uganda’s Kyambogo University had translated 1,000 stories into around a dozen languages.  Among the languages in the project are Ateso, Acholi, Kumam, Rukhonzo, Lusoga, Luganda, Kiswahili, Rufumbira, Kinyarwanda, Runyankore-Rukiga, and Runyoro-Rutooro.

Peer review to assure literacy quality is part of the process. In addition to Cornelius, others helping with that review are Manuel Muranga, Monica Ntege, Constance Tukawasibwe and Peter Mugume, among others.

A western humanitarian strategy has been to increase literacy in underdeveloped countries by donating books in English – an appreciated action especially in a country like Uganda where the government does not provide financial support for libraries. The less recognized but effective approach to fighting illiteracy, however, is to reinforce reading through the words children hear first.

“When reading is familiar, it is easier and more enjoyable,” said Dr. Cornelius, who has had his original children’s book, “A Very Tall Man,” published in 30 languages. “Plus, literacy increases with the more languages you can read.”

Words + illustrations = Creativity
And the value of illustrations with stories should not be overlooked.

“Pictures often carry more messages,” he said. “Ask a child to tell his own story by looking at the pictures, and watch something amazing happen. The illustrations increase creativity and lifelong enjoyment with books.”

For the Department of Languages and Literature in the UCU Education and Arts Faculty, the children’s literature project has benefits beyond serving Uganda’s children. It offered opportunities for interdisciplinary and off-campus collaboration.  Translators include UCU’s own students and staff – undergraduates from Journalism and Media studies and the librarian at the Mukono campus, for example – and students at Kyambogo University in Kampala. Support also comes from the Uganda Community Libraries Association, local community families and the free on-line children’s Web sites of Story Weaver and African Storybook. Besides UCU Partners, other literacy support has come from Hewlett and Neil Butcher Associates.

UCU Student translator, Buryo Emmanuel Noble
UCU Student translator, Buryo Emmanuel Noble

“I started learning English when I was 6 or 7,” second-year journalism/media studies student Buryo Emmanuel Noble recalled. “I wanted to keep speaking my native language, but it was hard because I was in boarding school.”

Buryo was one of the project translators, doing the work from English to Runyankore-Rukiga without charge because he not only enjoyed doing it but felt it would help young children from his Kiruhura home in western Uganda.  He smiled as he recalled the story he translated.  It was about a sheep who wanted to leave the city and get back to his country home.

Another UCU student translator, Babirye Dinnah, also in journalism/media studies, translated from English to Luganda a story about a hare and hyena. The lessons were about trust, honesty and laziness.  Her first career goal is to be a news anchor, but after the project, she realizes that with her knowledge of five languages, she might be able to get a job as a translator after obtaining her bachelor’s degree.

“It’s very important for children to know their local language to interact with family and know about their family history,” she said.

According to Cornelius, the next step beyond the initially funded translation is to have a doctoral studies program focused on children’s literature.

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One of UCU’s core values is service. Faculty and students seek to live this out by connecting what they are teaching and learning in the classroom to the broader society, meeting the needs of Ugandans who may never set foot on the University campus. If you are interested in supporting projects like this one in Uganda, contact Mark Bartels, UCU Partners’ Executive Director, at mtbartels@gmail.com.

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(BarefootLaw Photo)

UCU graduates in BarefootLaw seek justice in un-just world (Part II of II)

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By Brendah Ndagire

Timothy Kakuru, BFL Program Director (BarefootLaw Photo)
Timothy Kakuru, BFL Program Director (BarefootLaw Photo)

This second of two segments follows last week’s story of how UCU Law graduates are making a difference in the lives of Ugandans with the non-profit BarefootLaw (BFL) organization. This week features an interview with BarefootLaw’s Program Director, Timothy Kakuru,  to understand why BFL is doing the type of legal work across Ugandan communities. This interview is edited for clarification purposes.

What attracted you to Uganda Christian University Law School?
When I applied for the law program at UCU, it had a very good reputation among legal practitioners in Uganda. Before I came to UCU, all I knew about (studying) law is that you were in the program to graduate and make money. That I would become a lawyer, go to court, (argue a specific case) and get money – to somehow become rich. After I got to UCU, I learned that they were other ways to use my law degree. Primarily, UCU School of Law put a Christian aspect to legal practice, which changed the dynamics (of practice) for many of us (law students and graduates). I know many UCU graduates who are working within the non-profit field, because for the most part, the law program at UCU was about service, doing work for the greater good of the community, than serving to gain some sort of financial gain. Most other law schools in Uganda teach law in (the lens) of justice, but in UCU, it was not only through (the perspective of) justice but also in terms of Christian ethics.

How is the Christian ethic approach different?
Justice is what is right, according to the law. The difference lies in how a crime is prosecuted. For example, if someone burns your house, justice for you would be in terms of (monetary) compensation. To put a Christian aspect to that example, then one seeks to understand why the other person burnt your house, and seek to reconcile the two parties. The big gap is that often time in the legal system, there is no element of reconciliation, where as at UCU we were taught to try to reconcile the two parties by looking at the whys and the hows of a specific wrong action, and then solve the issue amicably.

How did BarefootLaw evolve?
The BarefootLaw was incorporated in 2013 as non-profit legal agency.  The idea of BarefootLaw came from Gerald Abila in 2012 who begun a Facebook Page to share legal information. I met him at Law Development Centre in 2013 and he shared the idea with me, I liked it and agreed to join him and slowly the team grew from there. The grand idea was to make justice available to people through giving them legal information. The crux of it was that if people knew their rights, then they would be able to enforce them. They would not really need legal representation because they would be able to avoid (potential) conflicts. For example, if that businessman knew that defilement was a crime, he would avoid having relationships with young girls. Many people are not aware that certain actions are legal offenses. The idea was to provide as much legal information that people would know that they would avoid engaging in crimes.

Left to right, Isaac, Timothy and Gerald, Co-founders of Barefoot Law. (BarefootLaw Photo)
Left to right, Isaac, Timothy and Gerald, Co-founders of Barefoot Law. (BarefootLaw Photo)

What did the implementation process of the idea look like?
We thought using technology would be our best strategy. Gerald (CEO) had already opened up a FaceBook page and I came on board to partner in writing content and publishing. Later, we came up with the an idea of doing sms, small call centers, website platforms and other mechanisms including community outreach and legal training with people in rural communities. We thought this would be our way of empowering people with legal information so that they may be able to avoid crime, or know what to do in case of a criminal offense.

But why BarefootLaw as a non profit legal agency and not as a profit-making law firm?
I had worked with the Uganda Law Council during my time at LDC, and had witnessed how many people had been taken advantage of. The Uganda Law Council disciplines lawyers. There were cases where lawyers were accused of taking someone’s property such as land, and in other cases a son of an elderly man working with corrupt lawyers to take away his father’s land. I thought I was already in a toxic law field. There were backlog of cases dating to 1994, and just so many unethical issues that was disillusioning, and I was not ready to jump into such a legal (justice) system.

I had always wanted to do something more meaningful and impactful to the ordinary person with my law degree. BarefootLaw to me was an opportunity for us to have every individual be ‘their own lawyer’ – we thought if people knew just enough information about law or human rights, they would be able to know if, for instance, you are entitled to bail once you have been arrested and detained for more than 48 hours. BarefootLaw is about making sure that ordinary people are empowered by understanding their human rights.

How do you reach out to people?
We have a very big social media presence. We have over 200,000 Facebook followers on our platforms, and in that sense most people do come to us for legal help. We do have community outreaches in some Districts, such as Soroti, Arua, Apach, Lira, and we try to get as many people as possible. We have an SMS and call center platform where most people can reach us. In a day, we can get about 50 cases. Some days are more others days less. Some cases are serious, others are not.

What has stood out for you working with BFL?
Most of the lawyers who work with us at BFL are from UCU. They are UCU graduates. And this shows that we are attracting young lawyers to do things differently within the Uganda legal system. As you may know, money drives most people, including in Uganda. And at BFL we try to challenge that by providing our services at a free cost in most cases. The admirable thing about BFL is that people who work with us are aware that they are not doing it primarily for the money.

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Stories such as Timothy’s and the experiences of the people they have walked with to seek free legal support, are the reason why Uganda Partners supports law students so that they may have access to empowering and Christ centered education – a type of education that is making a huge difference in their communities. If you are interested in supporting students who are making a difference in the communities around Uganda such as Timothy Kakuru and the UCU graduates team at BarefootLaw, contact Mark Bartels, UCU Partners’ Executive Director, at  mtbartels@gmail.com. Also follow our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.