By Kefa Senoga
Two law finalists from Uganda Christian University (UCU) have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) program. The selection of Agira Birungi, a former Guild President, and Namara Kezia, a former Guild Deputy Attorney, marks a milestone not just for their personal journeys but also for UCU’s growing engagement in global academic exchange.
The five-to-six-week academic program focuses on topics in U.S. studies for groups of foreign undergraduates, scholars and teachers. It is often hosted by universities and colleges throughout the United States. According to the program’s website, the study includes an intensive academic residency, an academic field experience to another region of the United States and opportunities for participants to engage with American peers. Institutes also include community service activities and leadership development.
Organized under the theme of Women’s Economic Empowerment, this year’s SUSI program will be hosted by the University of Delaware (Newark, DE) and will include intensive academic seminars, leadership training, cultural immersion and policy engagements, including a visit to the United Nations in New York. The program is slated to begin mid-June and run throughout July 2025.
“What captivated me was the theme,” said Namara. “It focused on women’s economic empowerment, something I’m quite passionate about.”
The opportunity to attend this program emerged during a session organized by UCU’s Directorate of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation (DRPI). The session featured Ezra Nuwenyine, the Education Outreach Coordinator from the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.
“He introduced us to various U.S. programs and encouraged us to stay alert for when the SUSI advert would be announced,” said Agira. “When it came through DRPI, many of us applied. The process was competitive.”
Over 12 UCU students were shortlisted for the interviews. The applicants went through a two-phase selection process of written applications followed by oral interviews before a diverse panel comprising representatives from the U.S. Embassy and UCU. This was in November last year.
“The oral interview was nerve-wracking,” says Namara. “That’s when the reality of the opportunity really hit.”
Agira says: “I read and prepared for that interview like it was an exam. After our second-last exam on April 14, I checked my email and saw the message ‘Congratulations!’ Namara had been copied in the same message. I was overjoyed and immediately called her to break the news.”
Namara said she was looking forward to having conversations with women from across the world. “This experience will change us,” she said. “I admire the American work ethic, and I’m eager to see what drives them.”
For Agira, her curiosity to experience a different type of climate had made her wish for a trip during winter. “I wanted to experience the snowstorms we see in movies. But even without the snow, this is still a dream.”
It will be the first time either of them will be traveling beyond Africa, Agira having previously visited Nigeria and for Namara, it was Tanzania. For Namara, the SUSI program is more than just a trip, it’s a stepping stone toward her long-term goals.
Namara says she wants to use her U.S. trip to explore possibilities of pursuing a master’s in the U.S. and build a community-based organization. This is a gateway for networking and personal growth,” she said
Agira adds that they carry more than personal dreams because they also carry the name of UCU.
“We are ambassadors of the university,” she said. “People will judge UCU by our values, conduct, and contribution. We’re going to showcase what UCU can offer the world.”
Namara echoed the resilience that’s brought her this far, stating: “This isn’t my first application. I have received many rejection emails, but I don’t give up. I keep going.”
Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation at UCU, expressed pride upon receiving the news.
“It means a lot for UCU,” she said. “These young women will interact with brilliant minds from across the world. I encourage them to network widely and lobby for graduate opportunities. They are our ambassadors.”
According to the SUSI program brief, the initiative, especially under the Albright Young Women Leaders Program, honors the legacy of Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State.
With their eyes set on transformation, both Namara and Agira say they are ready to engage, learn, and return with new ideas and fresh vision not just for their future careers, but for the communities they represent. “We won’t return the same,” said Namara. “This is just the beginning.”
Both Namara and Agira say they are ready to begin preparations for joining the Law Development Centre (LDC) as soon as they return from the U.S as it marks the next step in their journey to becoming fully qualified advocates.
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