By Irene Best Nyapendi
Roughly 2,165 first-year students were enrolled at Uganda Christian University (UCU) at the start of the Trinity semester that kicked off on May 2. The freshmen, who were visibly thrilled to be accepted, joined over 1,761 continuing students at the Centre of Excellence in the heart of Africa.
New students starting their university education at UCU and continuing students who went for holidays in April (short holiday) and January (long holiday) appeared glad to resume their academic journey. Freshmen and their parents expressed appreciation for security and safe water, among other aspects of UCU.
The programs at UCU are offered in three intakes: Easter (students report in January), Trinity (May intake) and Advent (starts September). More than 11 undergraduate programs wee available for the Trinity intake. These included schools of law, education, medicine and social sciences. Seven of these Trinity 2023 intake students provided comments.
- Majorine Narwambala, pursuing Bachelors of Law, hails from Kasubi-Makerere in Kampala. She selected UCU over universities closer to her home.
“I am very excited to be admitted to UCU, one of the most prestigious universities in Uganda,” she said. “I was inspired by my brother who studied from here. I am also pleased with the way UCU kept us updated online – they always updated us on Twitter.”
- Lucky Opwonya, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and environmental engineering, is likewise following in the footsteps of his elder brother, who assured him that he would never regret studying at UCU.
“I heard a lot about UCU from my brother who was here for a bachelor of procurement and logistics in 2022, and I hope to see the good things he told me about,” said Opwonya, who is looking forward to living on campus, as is expected of
all first-year students.
- Martina Mary Mugabi, who was admitted for a diploma in business administration, was impressed by the warm hospitality during registration. She said the staff were very helpful and friendly in ensuring her
Martina Mary Mugabi, a first-year student admitted for a School of Business diploma in business administration. documents were in order.
“I was so happy to receive calls and emails from UCU as a follow-up on my application process.,” Mugabi said.
- Dorcus Kwagala Natabo, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, was inspired by her parents who work at UCU as well as by the university’s focus on Christian values.
I hope to join the choir,” she said.
- Walter Bwambale heard about how good UCU was when a lecturer visited his high school (St. Mark Senior Secondary School). He spent over six hours on the road to reach UCU to study a Bachelor of Law.
“I traveled from Kasese, western Uganda, to come to UCU, and I am glad I don’t have to suffer looking for where to sleep because I will be staying in the university hall of residents,” he said.
- Esther Twikirize, a second-year student (Bachelor of Law) is happy to be back for Trinity semester after breaking off in November last year. “I was missing my friends and WiFi while I was at home,” she said.
UCU’s main campus has 75 percent WiFi coverage in addition to its 10 computer laboratories mainly for teaching and research purposes. Twikirize also is happy about the opportunity to worship during Tuesday and Thursday services.
- Emmanuel Gerald Abura, a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, from Lira, northern Uganda, praised the green and beautiful environment. “Some of us joined UCU because of its appearance,” he said.
Abura, who still stays in the university hall on campus, said the residency has made it easy for him to attend classes and save him from spending time and money on transport.
“Unlike outside the university, where sometimes there’s no power, at campus, we always have power which helps us read even when there is a blackout,” he said.
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To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities, and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.