All posts by Edwin Byarugaba

Jeremiah Mbulamani with one of the beneficiaries from the charity of his organization.

How a UCU alum transforms maternal health in Uganda

Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, UCU Alumni, , , ,


 

Jeremiah Mbulamani with one of the beneficiaries from the charity of his organization.
Jeremiah Mbulamani with one of the beneficiaries from the charity of his organization.

By Pauline Luba
In the mountainous village of Mutoto in the eastern Uganda district of Mbale, a quiet revolution is underway. At its helm is Jeremiah Mbulamani, a man whose journey from an orphan to a public health leader has inspired the creation of Mother’s Heart Uganda, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers and children in rural communities.

Mbulamani, the 19th of 21 siblings, faced immense challenges early in life. He lost his mother at seven years and, seven years later, his father. From then on, he fought off life’s challenges, succeeding to pass through Uganda’s education system, attending Kolonyi Primary, Kabwangasi Secondary School, Seeta High School and Kyambogo University. 

Golden Hill Academy currently has more than 400 children.
Golden Hill Academy currently has more than 400 children.

From Kyambogo University, he headed to Uganda Christian University (UCU), where he pursued a Master of Public Health Leadership, graduating in 2016. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in “Women and Gender Studies” at Makerere University.

“After my graduation at UCU, I didn’t know what to do,” Mbulamani recalls. “They prepared us for employment; but with my background, I wanted to do something else.” 

It is that desire that planted the seed for Mother’s Heart Uganda. He decided not to simply chase for employment but to mobilize his own community and put into practice the maternal health issues that he had studied in class. 

Mother’s Heart Uganda was founded in 2016 to create a supportive environment for mothers, improve access to healthcare and provide opportunities for education and empowerment. The organization, now eight years old, has grown into a vibrant body that is deeply woven into the fabric of the Mbale community.

One of the key pillars of Mother’s Heart Uganda is education. Recognizing how literacy, empowerment and health outcomes are interlinked, Jeremiah and his team established Golden Hill Junior School, a primary school that now has an enrollment of more than 400 children. The school not only focuses on academic excellence, but also integrates life skills, hygiene, and nutrition education into its curriculum.

For the mothers, the organization offers functional education programs in tailoring, agriculture and hairdressing. Such skills provide women with opportunities to earn an income and gain independence. 

“Every day, I deal with mothers,” Jeremiah said. “I get countless stories of struggles and triumphs, and it’s clear that giving women the tools to support themselves changes everything.”

Beyond education, Mother’s Heart Uganda has also ventured into healthcare provision. Understanding that safe motherhood goes hand in hand with access to medical services, the organization started the construction of a community hospital. Though still under development, the medical center currently allows families to access basic health services, a lifeline for those who previously had to trek long distances over rough terrain for medical help.

The medical facility in the rural heart of Mutoto community was a direct response to the community’s request for a nearby medical health facility. According to the facility’s website, these activities at the health centre are partially funded through volunteer-organized donations. To further enhance healthcare accessibility, a community tricycle ambulance was procured with funding from a visiting volunteer to Mothers Heart Uganda Project. The tricycle offers a cost-effective transport solution for urgent medical needs.

Mother's Heart Uganda has created significant development in Mutoto.
Mother’s Heart Uganda has created significant development in Mutoto.

The organization has also extended its impact through rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities and environmental conservation initiatives, demonstrating that sustainable community health involves caring for both people and the environment.

Jeremiah describes his typical day as active: “Being busy is not the only thing; I talk and implement the projects.” His energy is mirrored by his team, whose grassroots approach through community meetings, home visits, and publicity keeps them connected to those who need help the most.

While the victories are many, the challenges remain real. Jeremiah points to limited technical support from policymakers, lack of funding, and the logistical hurdles of operating in a mountainous area. Yet, his optimism remains unshaken. 

“What has surely motivated me is that I started working and I am still alive,” he says, a simple but profound testament to perseverance.

Mother’s Heart Uganda envisions a future where maternal deaths are a thing of the past and literacy levels soar. As they continue to seek medical equipment, complete their hospital, and expand their school, the invitation for support remains open. Volunteers, donors, and partners are all welcome to join their mission of transforming lives in Uganda.

Through Mother’s Heart Uganda, Mbulamani continues to uplift his community, proving that even the humblest beginnings can lead to extraordinary change.

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

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Emmanuel Golyo in one of the tour vans they use

‘the real Africa: game parks, fresh waters, birds, moonlit skies’

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, News, Students, , , , ,


Emmanuel Golyo in one of the tour vans they use
Emmanuel Golyo in one of the tour vans they use

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Growing up in a small community in central Uganda, Uganda Christian University (UCU) student, Emmanuel Golyo, had a simple childhood but with a rich connection. For instance, fetching water from the borehole or welcoming visitors to his home wasn’t just a chore; it was a way of life. 

And that practice followed him as he grew older. The 25-year-old narrates that while in secondary school at Hope High School in Mpigi, central Uganda, he loved interacting with international volunteers who came to the country to work on community-based projects. He enjoyed sharing the rich Ugandan culture with them and was proud to see how intrigued they were by it.

“I noticed that they were fascinated by things we take for granted, for instance, the close-to-12-hours of sunlight we have or seeing cows walking around in the compound,” he said. “To us, it’s normal, but to them, it’s extraordinary.” 

Golyo (right) with some of the tourists whose itinerary his firm managed
Golyo (right) with some of the tourists whose itinerary his firm managed

That realization created more thoughts in the mind of Golyo: What if he shared the tourist attractions in Uganda and all of East Africa with the world?

In 2017, as a volunteer guide for a tour firm, he moved with a man and woman, showing them tourism destinations in Uganda as well as people’s ways of life

“They asked me how much I was being paid,” Golyo said. “When I told them I was doing it for free because it was my passion, they were shocked.” 

The couple suggested that he start his own company – an idea that had not before crossed his mind. Two years later, that same couple began recommending clients directly to Golyo, bypassing the agency. 

Word spread, and soon, Golyo was guiding tourists himself, offering something other companies didn’t: authentic, hands-on experience. 

That spirit of hospitality ingrained in Golyo from a young age has now become the heartbeat of his business – Golyo Safaris – a tour agency he said offers him an opportunity to blend his love for travel, culture, and community with tourism business. All this he does while he is pursuing a degree in Food Science and Technology at UCU.

“Most companies take people to the big parks, and that’s it,” he explains. “At Golyo Safaris, we also take you to homesteads. You dig with us, cook with us, live like we do. That’s what makes it different.”

Golyo posts photos of trips with his clients on his personal social media account. The people he took on these trips tag him, and their friends began reaching out for the same experience. However, he realized that many preferred to tour with a well-registered company. So, in 2020, he registered Golyo Safaris.

Initially, the focus was solely on destinations in Uganda. However, as their social media and website gained traction, people began asking for recommendations in Rwanda. He took the time to study the Rwanda market and started recommending clients to his tourism colleagues there, on the condition that he could join them for free.

This approach allowed him to learn more about the market, and he did the same for Kenya and Tanzania. Now, they offer services within East Africa.

Balancing university studies with a growing business isn’t easy, but Golyo makes it look effortless. 

“At school, I’m all in,” he says. “At night and weekends, I handle pickups and guide tours. If I can’t, I delegate.” 

He partners with Tips Car Hire, a transport firm which provides him with professional drivers and over 10 branded vans for his tours. 

“One day, we hope we’ll have our own vans,” he says. 

Golyo said his firm also takes tourists to experience the way of life in Uganda.
Golyo said his firm also takes tourists to experience the way of life in Uganda.

For Golyo, his tour firm is more than a business, it’s a mission to reshape how the world sees Africa. 

“When you search for Africa online, many times you read negative stories such as insecurity or poverty,” he says. “At our firm, we show people the real Africa: the game parks, the fresh waters, the birds, the moonlit skies.” 

Occasionally, he takes his clients to experience the beauty of UCU, and their positive comments about the campus fill him with pride. 

Golyo’s impact goes beyond profit. His earnings cover his tuition, support friends’ education, with the biggest part being invested into the company’s growth. As a Christian, he also shares his faith with clients, inviting them to local churches. 

He says the firm’s business peaks during summer, where he handles sometimes up to five clients per week, a remarkable feat for a student-run startup. 

With his final year at UCU approaching, he’s determined to excel in both academics and business, proving that passion can turn dreams into reality.

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Nicholas Opiyo, a UCU alumnus and Ugandan lawyer, is among those speaking out about the danger of individuals possessing unmerited qualifications.

UCU academicians frown over ‘doctored degrees’

News, UCU Alumni, , ,


 

Nicholas Opiyo, a UCU alumnus and Ugandan lawyer, is among those speaking out about the danger of individuals possessing unmerited qualifications.
Nicholas Opiyo, a UCU alumnus and Ugandan lawyer, is among those speaking out about the danger of individuals possessing unmerited qualifications.

By Jimmy Siyasa
In Uganda and elsewhere in the world, titles are cherished and coveted. When a name has a prefix such as Professor, Dr. or Honorable, a person often is considered more esteemed than folks with none. In some cases, people take offense when not addressed by their titles.

The race for these word-based badges of honor rages in political, social, economic, religious and academic arenas. The intense rivalry can breed misappropriation. The practice of acquiring false credentials, including from what is known as diploma mills, is the subject of debate within Uganda’s higher education regulator, National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The discourse has garnered on-line attention. 

The term “diploma/degree mill” refers to institutions that sell counterfeit diplomas and degrees without rigorous curriculum requirements and little or no coursework requirements. The increase of degree mills is viewed by many as a consequence of capitalist systems and the increasing emphasis on academic credentials for professional advancement and social mobility. The pursuit of financial gain in a competitive labour market, coupled with the demand for degrees to enhance one’s career prospects, has created an environment where degree mills thrive. 

UCU’s strong curriculum includes a focus on Christian education with values – not fake credentials.
UCU’s strong curriculum includes a focus on Christian education with values – not fake credentials.

According to the Uganda NCHE, “honorary degrees are ceremonial in nature and recognize contributions [of a given individual] to society or a field.” The regulator in a memo issued in May 2025 further advises that “recipients should not use them as academic or professional titles.”

However, many notable figures, including religious leaders, continue to flout the guidelines by maintaining unmerited titles in official documents and publications such as fliers, newspaper column bylines and social media platforms. Some of these are listed on the no longer obscure “Wall of Fake PhDs” whistler website.

Nicholas Opiyo, a UCU alumnus and prominent Ugandan lawyer, is among those who have been vocal about the issue, to the extent of running a social media campaign to name-and-shame such individuals. He argues that people who pursue such unmerited qualifications do so to seek “cheap” social validation. 

“The problem is endemic, usually involving evangelical groups seeking to impose their ethos and influence on some (public and opinion leaders) and external actors selling these qualifications to Ugandans seeking validation,” he wrote on his X timeline.

Enrolling into a diploma mill or self-styling academic profiles seems to be the easy way out. These weak institutions don’t require serious essays and research. 

When asked about this “academic plague,” UCU’s Manager of the Research Ethics Committee (REC), Osborne Ahimbisibwe, said the “doctored degrees” reveal a “deep moral decay in society.” The UCU REC is tasked with upholding research ethics and integrity among graduate students.

“Beyond mere credentials, they reflect a life of pretence and a desire for unearned status built on lies,” he said. “Such individuals are driven by laziness and discontent. They are thieves, posing a danger to society.” 

In March this year, a hospital administrator in Monrovia, capital of Liberia, was charged with manslaughter after conducting a botched surgery. Investigations by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) found that he had “misrepresented his credentials and this directly led to the victim’s death.” 

Back home in Uganda, Makerere University, in 2017, dismissed 15 students who allegedly forged diploma transcripts to gain admission to the College of Health Sciences. Had these sneaked their way through successfully, the health and care of men, women and children would be in jeopardy.

Former UCU Guild President Amanya Bruce, posted on his X page, calling for such “opportunists” to be “ridiculed and vilified for taking the easy way out because their practices demoralize actual academics and set bad examples for younger scholars.”

As one who endured the steep terrains of postgrad school, graduating with a Master of Civil Engineering, Bruce says “Academia is not an easy feat; it takes sacrifice and sleepless nights to [for instance] finish a PhD.” 

While delivering his inaugural lecture at UCU on May 21, 2025, Prof. Peter Nyende, Biblical Scholar at UCU, urged for the need for character within scholarship, reinforcing that UCU’s emphasis on Christian education with values has never been more relevant.

“You must want to read and must have the ability to spend long hours alone studying because scholarship is a lonely business,” he said. 

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Denison Ssekiziyivu is a year-three student in UCU’s School of Business and already employed by a bank.

Persistence pays off for work and school

News, Students, UCU School of Business, , ,


Denison Ssekiziyivu is a year-three student in UCU’s School of Business and already employed by a bank.
Denison Ssekiziyivu is a year-three student in UCU’s School of Business and already employed by a bank.

By Christine Mirembe
Denison Ssekiziyivu, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) diploma graduate and final-year bachelor’s degree student, is juggling school and work. Neither came easily. 

On a day in late May and at the UCU Mukono campus guild square, the 26-year-old shared his journey that began in 2020 when he was pursuing a diploma in Business Administration. At the same time, he thought about getting employment while continuing to study for a bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management. 

With diploma in hand in 2022 and knowing jobs are not plentiful in Uganda, he started his search for work.

“It was so hard,” Denison said. “I was using my diploma to apply to different organizations but they turned down the applications because I had a diploma and not a degree.”

Every organization he applied to asked him for a bachelor’s degree. Nevertheless, his consistency pushed his vision to keep applying for various jobs because he believed in his skill set more than his academic credentials. 

Development Finance Company of Uganda Bank Limited (DFCU), a leading commercial bank in Uganda, issued out a call for applications, which he took on. He didn’t make it instantly. However, due to persistence and willingness to voluntarily work, he earned the job.

In the middle of September of 2022, he received a phone call from a DFCU bank branch manager in Kampala. She informed him that he had been hired as a direct sales representative on temporary terms in that his salary was dependent on his daily work output. 

“At first, I was excited because my main focus was to get a job.” expressed Denison.

For the next one month, he made it a point to travel from Mukono to Kampala and report to work by 8 a.m. daily.  Transportation time and cost were barriers. Another obstacle was his ability to sell because of his lack of a bank Identification Card (ID).

Additionally, in December, the bank branch he was working at announced its closure because it had very many branches in the same proximity. As the rest of the people were being relocated to other branches, Denison wasn’t because he was not a registered staff member. 

During a branch farewell party, he was given an opportunity to speak. His words and ideas that day opened another door. This interaction propelled him to a digital banking officer position on a contractual basis in a DFCU branch in Mukono. With a recommendation and an interview, along with proof he was working on a bachelor’s degree, he got the job. 

“This time I wasn’t incurring a lot of expenses because I live in Mukono,” he said.

Denison is paying his UCU tuition from his bank salary, piggery farming and maize growing, 

His boss at the bank, alongside his lecturers, have played an important role in his academic journey as they are understanding and accommodate him since he’s studying and working at the same time. He appreciates them while giving gratitude to God for leading him throughout his trek.

Denison has managed to successfully juggle school and work roles and should graduate in July 2026.

“If you go to any of my sites (Instagram, etc.), you’ll find familiar words like loyalty, integrity and honesty,” he said. These are the core principles by which he lives.

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To support  UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Kyobutungyi says at UCU she learned virtues such as humility, equity and integrity.

UCU alum’s journey: From babysitter to police officer

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , , , ,


Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Kyobutungyi says at UCU she learned virtues such as humility, equity and integrity.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Kyobutungyi says at UCU she learned virtues such as humility, equity and integrity.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As a pupil at Kibimbiri Primary School in the western Uganda district of Kanungu, a typical life for Ruth Kyobutungyi would go like this: Wake up early to till the land, after which she rushed home to prepare for school and ensure she arrived before lessons began.

Over the weekend and during holidays, she crossed Uganda’s border into the Democratic Republic of Congo to sell foodstuffs to the Congolese. 

The fuel for this resolve in Kyobutungyi was in the fact that after completing her O’level studies at Trinity College Kabale in southwestern Uganda, she sat home for one year because her parents had run short of money for her school fees.O Level stands for ordinary level.  It is the first half part of the General Certificate of Education (GCE), the second part being Advanced Level (A Level).

“I would call my friends, and they would update me on how far they had gone with studies at school,” Kyobutungyi says of her time during the one year at home.

She eventually joined Kinyasano Girls High School in Rukungiri district for A’level, but again sat home, this time for two years as she pooled resources for university education.  

Yet, even after completing Senior Six, she again spent two years at home, as she pooled resources enough for her to start university education. During the two-year break, she worked as a babysitter in people’s homes.

In 2006, she eventually joined a university, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Uganda Christian University (UCU). Today, Kyobutungyi is a police officer in Uganda’s Police Force.

While at UCU, Kyobutungyi continued to do menial jobs to be able to pool enough resources for her tuition needs. For instance, there are times she worked for half a day before travelling to the university to attend lectures.

Even with the menial jobs, there were days the financial situation got too tough for Kyobutungyi to bear. In situations like those, she often resorted to advances at her workplace. There were times she also turned to the institutional channels at UCU for people with challenges like hers. For instance, one time, the UCU Guild Fund gave her sh200,000 ($55) as tuition top-up so she could be able to write her examinations. 

In addition to academics, Kyobutungyi says at UCU, she learned virtues such as humility, equity and integrity. In 2009, Kyobutungyi, a fresh graduate at the time, came across a newspaper advertisement calling for people to join the finance department of the Uganda Police. She applied and was eventually hired as an accountant. However, along the way, she switched roles from finance to the traffic department. She is currently a Regional Traffic Officer at the rank of Superintendent of Police.

Kyobutungyi’s days are quite demanding. Her work can start as early as 3 a.m. though her typical day starts at 5 a.m, when she gets to the road, to ensure proper guidance of traffic, especially during the peak hours. 

She says in all her work what pleases her the most is seeing drivers follow traffic rules.

“Being from UCU, I am trusted, and I do not want to disappoint those who trust me or view the university in high regard,” she says.

Kyobutungyi’s lessons from her life struggles have made her put UCU’s Just for 10K initiative close to her heart. And she says it gives her joy to contribute to such a cause. In June 2022, UCU launched a fundraising campaign intended to support the education of needy students at the institution. Named “For Just 10k,” the campaign was intended to raise money to support students who struggle with their tuition and other needs.

Kyobutungyi, a wife and a mother of twins, has defied skeptics who thought her demanding career would prevent her from building a family.

“When I started as a traffic officer in 2012, people said I would never marry or manage night shifts,” she says. Thirteen years later, she has proven them wrong, balancing her roles as a wife, mother and officer.

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Ronnie Mugabi at the UCU School of Medicine

At 40, Mugabi narrates journey from classroom to hospital ward

News, Scholarship, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU Bishop Barham University College, UCU School of Medicine, , , , ,


 

Ronnie Mugabi at the UCU School of Medicine
Ronnie Mugabi at the UCU School of Medicine

By Kefa Senoga
At age 40, when many people are usually mastering knowledge in a career, Ronnie Mugabi is switching his path, preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM). He returned to school at 35, juggling family, business and the demands of medical school. All this was to achieve his childhood dream and contribute to the fields of medicine and science at large.

“I had always wanted to be a doctor,” Mugabi says. “Even at home, my siblings used to call me doctor because I was a bright student, especially in sciences.”

Despite scoring a first grade in O’level (also known as ordinary learning at lower levels) , excelling in biology, chemistry and mathematics, Mugabi notes that he could not proceed to A’ (advanced) level due to financial constraints, especially being raised by a single mother of six children. Instead, in 2002, he enrolled at Busubizi Teacher Training College, Mityana, under a government sponsorship program and qualified as a teacher.

Though he didn’t enjoy teaching, Mugabi found it to be a stepping stone. He taught at Seeta Boarding Primary School and Kampala City Parents Schools, saving up enough to leave the country.

Mugabi during one of the practical sessions at medical school
Mugabi during one of the practical sessions at medical school

In 2006, he moved to South Africa in search of greener pastures. Without proper documentation, life was difficult until he secured an asylum permit seven months later, which legally allowed him to work and study in the country. He says this marked a turning point in his life and eventually led to him attaining a South African citizenship many years after.

With his academic papers in hand and a dream still alive, Mugabi notes that he applied and got admitted on a mature entry program at the University of South Africa, where he first completed bridging courses to earn a Matric Exemption Certificate. He then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, majoring in Biochemistry and Physiology. He graduated in 2015.

“That degree was the foundation, which allowed me to work in Corporate, but the dream of becoming a doctor still lingered,” Mugabi says.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and global lockdowns happened, Mugabi, now married with two daughters in South Africa, used the unexpected pause to dream again.

“I was at home and thought, why not apply for medicine? I did it partly as a joke, but deep down, I was serious,” he says.

With South African universities paused due to the pandemic, Mugabi says that he applied to several medical schools in Uganda. UCU stood out, offering online learning to newly admitted Year 1 students. That option made it possible for him to start the MBCHB journey while still in South Africa. 

“The interview panel asked if I would be willing to come for physical classes once the university reopened,” he recalled. “I said yes, and the rest is history.”

Mugabi further notes that he later relocated to Uganda for in-person learning, even though he frequently traveled to South Africa to maintain ties with his family and businesses.

Mugabi after one his practical class sessions
Mugabi after one his practical class sessions

“I didn’t want to abandon my role as a father,” he said. “I would fly back, just to watch my daughters perform at school. However, as we approached the fourth year, the course became intense, with a lot of academic work.”

Studying medicine in his late 30s wasn’t easy, but he still felt at home among his younger classmates, nonetheless. 

“These younger colleagues became like my younger sisters and brothers,” he said. “I was never mocked or looked down upon. Everyone knew I was older, married and with children.” 

According to Mugabi, his age, in fact, gave him an edge in discipline and perspective as one of the elders in the team. “At first I looked like other International students, some people thought I was a foreign, until they heard me speak fluent Luganda.”

Mugabi notes that his academic journey has been smooth at UCU, something he attributes to the supportive learning environment. He is now set to graduate as a medical doctor this July. 

He notes that his long-term goal is to become a “medi-preneur”, specializing in Aesthetic medicine and Plastic surgery.

“I want to set up a modern medical facility in Uganda, offering affordable plastic surgery, saving people expensive trips to the US or Turkey for procedures.” says Mugabi, the husband of Scovia and father of Pearl and Perry. 

He believes his medical training will help him build a practice that balances quality care with business sense. 

“I needed to understand the field technically, if I’m to succeed as a medical entrepreneur,” he says.

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Sharon Longora showcases eco-friendly briquettes.

Longora’s mission to save the environment

Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , , ,


Sharon Longora showcases eco-friendly briquettes.
Sharon Longora showcases eco-friendly briquettes.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In the dry, dusty village of Iriri in northern Uganda’s Napak District, water is scarce, but bushfires are common. Sharon Longora grew up often seeing thick smoke from burning bushes, a quick way her community cleared land for farming. 

But she says that hurt her as much as it hurt the environment. 

“People seemed not to know how their actions harmed the environment,” she explains. “Someone might cut and burn a tree without understanding the damage.” 

These challenges planted a seed in Longora’s heart, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Science in 2019, and, later, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business and Renewable Energy in 2023 – both at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

After graduating with her postgraduate diploma, she joined a group that was planting trees back home but noticed that something was missing. 

A trip to Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, and University of Cadiz, Spain, for a UCU study exchange program in 2023 opened Longora’s eyes to how the world tackles climate change.

“I came back thinking I should share stories to inspire others,” Longora said. “If we do not teach people about sustainability, laws and policies will not work.”

So, she turned an old YouTube channel she had created into EcoRise 256, with “Eco” standing for nature and “Rise” standing for uplifting stories of Ugandans fighting climate change. 

The channel can be described as a hub for inspiring stories of environmental action, hope and community-driven change. She uses it to explore climate change and mitigation solutions for a sustainable future, ranging from solar-powered homes to community-led eco-projects.

Her videos show simple ways to protect the environment, like managing waste or using clean energy.

Longora’s videos are easy to understand and full of ideas. One shows how to turn farm waste, like leftover crop bits, into briquettes – clean, cheap fuel for cooking that doesn’t require cutting trees. 

Another video teaches how to recycle plastic waste and sell it for money. Her goal is to lead each person to care for their environment, explaining that the Bible teaches people to be caretakers of the earth.

And people are listening to her gospel. Pacific Joshua Okwera from Kitgum in northern Uganda says Longora’s videos changed his life. 

“I stopped using charcoal after watching EcoRise 256,” he says. “Charcoal is messy, has soot and dirties my kitchen. Briquettes are cleaner and better for my health.” 

Longora holding briquettes. Her videos show simple ways to protect the environment, like using clean energy
Longora holding briquettes. Her videos show simple ways to protect the environment, like using clean energy

Winnie Iriama, a student at Makerere University Business School and Longora’s friend for over 10 years, says: “When I watched Longora’s video about briquettes, I started using them. Briquettes are clean, easy to carry and save money compared to charcoal. I even want to start to make my own.” 

More than 10 people, Longora says, have called her to buy briquettes, and others want to sell their waste to briquette-makers, showing how her work is spreading.

Some people did not take Longora’s gospel seriously, thinking she was just trying to make money. 

When she visits projects, some think she has come to spy on them or to profit from their efforts, she says. She had no equipment for producing the videos, except her phone which she used for recording and editing. She says she learned to make videos on her own. There are times she says she had to ask strangers to record her, especially if she wanted to be in the videos.

Her hard work paid off when a resident of her village in northeastern Uganda saw her videos and invited her to join his group, Atedo, which helps women fight climate change. 

At UCU, Longora says she found mentors in Prof. Sarah Nkambwe and Dr. Miria Agunyo, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology. They have guided her, taught her and still check on her to date. 

She is grateful to UCU for the exposure and for the opportunities to grow, including the trip to Italy and Spain. 

Longora says members of her family have been her biggest cheerleaders. Her father watched one of her videos and called her to say how proud he was of her. Longora, the third of four siblings, says her family has encouraged her to follow her passion.

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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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

Ben Bella Illakut, wearing a black cap, receives an award from Uganda’s Minister of ICT & National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi. In the center is Irene Ssewankambo, the former head of Uganda Communications Commission in 2022.

Ben Bella Illakut: Journalist’s journey through fear, exile and legacy

Journalism, News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, , , , ,


Ben Bella Illakut, wearing a black cap, receives an award from Uganda’s Minister of ICT & National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi. In the center is Irene Ssewankambo, the former head of Uganda Communications Commission in 2022.
Ben Bella Illakut, wearing a black cap, receives an award from Uganda’s Minister of ICT & National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi. In the center is Irene Ssewankambo, the former head of Uganda Communications Commission in 2022.

By Kefa Senoga
Born under a mango tree in Agaria village, Kumi district in eastern Uganda, Ben Bella Illakut’s life began in the most modest of ways.  

According to Illakut, at the time of his birth on November 30, 1945, it was common for expectant mothers in the village to give birth with the help of neighbors or traditional birth attendants. 

Illakut recalls a story his mother, Eseza Amongin, shared with him years later about the afternoon he was born: She had gone out to collect firewood for cooking when labor pains began. With no one around and no nearby hospital, she made her way to a mango tree, where she gave birth to Illakut. A few hours later, when Illakut’s father, Stephen Odele, along with his children – two girls and a boy – returned home, they were astonished to find Amongin calmly cooking, while the newborn baby lay quietly on a mat nearby. Illakut is the last born of four siblings. 

Illakut is now retired and residing in his native village, Mukongoro in Kumi district.
Illakut is now retired and residing in his native village, Mukongoro in Kumi district.

His early education started at Mukongoro Primary School, after which he joined Sir Samuel Baker Secondary School in Gulu, where he completed his O’level education. He then proceeded to Teso College Aloet for A’level.

Illakut’s journey into journalism began while he was a student at Makerere University. At the time, he took up freelance reporting roles for various publications. 

However, he says it was during the 1971-1979 era of President Idi Amin that his career faced its greatest test. 

“The country was gripped by fear, and the press operated under intense scrutiny,” Illakut recalled. “Journalists and editors frequently found themselves in trouble over what appeared in print, with even minor errors carrying serious consequences.” 

As a court reporter in 1972, Illakut says that he witnessed events that would mark the country’s darkest chapters, including the arrest and disappearance of Uganda’s then chief justice, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and the assassination of a fellow journalist who reported on the Israeli hostages killed during the 1976 Entebbe Airport raid.

A directional sign at UCU’s main campus of the Ben Bella Illakut Studios
A directional sign at UCU’s main campus of the Ben Bella Illakut Studios

While working as editor at the Uganda Times, Illakut narrates that a spelling error nearly cost him his life. A headline that was meant to read “Amin Raps Nyerere” was altered to “Amin Rapes Nyerere,” referring to Julius Nyerere, then president of Tanzania. 

“Someone added an ‘e’ to the word to put me in trouble,” Illakut recalls. “I was summoned to meet the President (Amin). I didn’t know I was walking into danger until I was inside the President’s office.”

As he entered, he was confronted with the newspaper and its headline. 

“Tears started rolling down my face,” he remembers. In the room was Isaac Maliyamungu, Amin’s dreaded right-hand man, notorious for carrying out executions.

“What did you say I did?” Amin barked at Illakut. Paralyzed by fear, Illakut says he lost control of himself. “I defecated right there in the President’s office.” 

Amin responded by punching him hard in the eye, a wound whose damage he still carries. 

“He shouted at me to get out of his sight,” Illakut said. “That’s when I knew I had just escaped death.”

Illakut (back row, right) with his siblings
Illakut (back row, right) with his siblings

Illakut says that terrifying experience forced him into exile in Kenya, where he worked for four years at the East African Standard before returning to Uganda after Amin’s government was toppled in 1979.

Upon his return to Uganda, Illakut redirected his passion for journalism into training. He served as a journalism trainer at the Uganda Management Institute and later mentored young reporters and sub-editors at the New Vision newspaper in Uganda.

But it was at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono where his legacy truly took root. For more than a decade, he not only taught, but also served as the Head of the Department of Journalism, helping to shape it into one of Uganda’s most respected journalism training institutions. He played a foundational role in establishing the department, and in recognition of his immense contribution, the university named its radio and television studios, “The Ben Bella Illakut Studios.”

Illakut notes that he would later teach at UCU’s constituent college, Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) in Kabale, before moving on to Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara and All Saints University in Lira, where he continued nurturing future journalists.

Illakut’s students and colleagues remember him as a man with a deep love for storytelling. 

“He didn’t just teach, he lived the history he shared with us,” said one of his former students, Douglas Olum. “His lectures were full of humorous stories, from the newsroom to the line of fire.” 

Olum, who is also leading an initiative to support Illakut in retirement, reflects on the profound impact his former teacher had on their lives.

“Ben Bella was more than just a lecturer to us, he was a friend, a guardian, and a mentor,” Olum says. “Many of us felt safe confiding in him about our personal struggles, and he would step in like a parent, offering guidance and support during a time when we were just students searching for a future.”

Olum recalls Illakut’s gentle and affirming teaching style, noting that he never rebuked a student in a way that would embarrass or shame.

“To me, he was a father figure,” Olum adds. “The support we’re trying to offer him now comes from that place of gratitude and love. He played a crucial role in shaping our professional journeys.”

Illakut’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized for his outstanding work in journalism and media training across the country. According to the Uganda Media Sector Working Group, which awarded Illakut in 2022, they noted that Illakut is one of the most enduring faces of Ugandan journalism who excelled as a reporter, editor and trainer in a period spanning close to 50 years. 

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

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Namayanja Christabel

Hospital internship welcomes UCU graduate to the weight of being a doctor

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Medicine, , ,


Namayanja Christabel
Namayanja Christabel

By Kefa Senoga
On the second day of her medical internship, Namayanja Christabel faced a test no textbook could have prepared her for. It was night shift. She was asked to confirm the death of a patient. The hospital was St. Francis Naggalama Hospital in Mukono.

“The child was just eight years old,” she recalls. “When I arrived, he was barely breathing. We tried resuscitation, but all efforts were futile, and he didn’t make it.”

It fell on Namayanja, a young and fresh intern, to deliver the devastating news to the grieving mother.

“I was hurting too, but I had to stay composed and professional,” she said. “That’s what this job demands of us.”

Namayanja on her graduation at UCU
Namayanja on her graduation at UCU

For Namayanja, this moment was a clear reminder of some of the weight of the career she had opted for – being the bearer of the sad news to relatives who are looking up to you with the hope of saving their loved one. 

After completing the first half of her internship at the hospital, Namayanja says that she was transferred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for the final half, which she is set to complete by July 2025.

To practice medicine in Uganda, all medical graduates are required to undergo a one-year mandatory internship. It involves supervised medical work, where interns are deployed to train in hospitals under the supervision of senior doctors. However, due to the shortage of medical personnel, most of the government hospitals rely heavily on medical interns to attend to overwhelming numbers in medical facilities.

“The journey to practicing medicine has been long, filled with sacrifice and deep resolve,” Namayanja explains. 

She studied at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine and graduated in July 2024.

“My parents always encouraged me to focus on science disciplines,” she says. “They saw this path even before I did.”

Namayanja’s parents – Christopher and Florence Bwanika – wanted her to pursue medicine. She says that they encouraged her to put emphasis on science subjects in secondary school in order to prepare her for this path. Namayanja studied at the Church-founded Gayaza High School, near Kampala. 

She believes that the knowledge she acquires in medical training enables her to offer the first line of treatment to her close relatives. Despite the intensity of the work in the medical field, Namayanja says that she finds fulfillment in the everyday victories.

“The most rewarding moment is when a patient walks out of the hospital, and you remember how bad their condition was when they came in,” she said.

Namayanja has already completed rotations in several departments in her internship. She has handled minor surgeries, prescribed treatment plans and discharged patients after noticeable recovery. In essence, she notes that she has been actively practicing general medicine, applying what she learned in class to real-life patient care.

She highlights that the medical profession is like the military, noting that when she was still in medical school, she thought the intense schedules and tight deadlines were the toughest it could get, but once she stepped foot in the field, she realized it only gets more demanding. 

A doctor’s work schedule doesn’t recognize weekends or public holidays. Any day can be a full working day – because people do not make appointments with sickness. 

“We usually have a day off, the most you can have in a week is one day off,” Namayanja said. “On average, I work about 12 hours a day. It’s only during the occasional free moment that I get to catch up with family and friends.”.

Amid the medical grind, Namayanja keeps her eyes on the bigger picture. Beyond treating patients, she hopes to, one day, influence Uganda’s health policies. 

“Working at Mulago Hospital has opened my eyes to how unequal access to quality care is,” she notes. “I don’t know how yet, but I want to be part of the solution, maybe through leadership, or another platform.”

She’s also set her sights beyond the hospital ward. “I want to improve my financial literacy. It’s something many medical professionals struggle with,” she said. “And in this digital era, I’m interested in AI and other technologies. The world is moving fast, and I want to stay equipped.”

Despite all the learning that happens on the job, Namayanja believes UCU’s training gave her a strong foundation. 

“The lecturers really prepare you,” she said. “Everything I’m doing now, I was taught in class in one way or another. But nothing prepares you for the emotional reality of being in the ward. You learn that during your internship.”

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi (left) with fellow leaders of the UCU Alumni Association and UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (center)

‘You can lead even outside your technical field’

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU Bishop Barham University College, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, , , , ,


Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi (left) with fellow leaders of the UCU Alumni Association and UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (center)
Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi (left) with fellow leaders of the UCU Alumni Association and UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (center)

By Kefa Senoga
When Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi began his journey in communication, he quickly felt at ease behind the microphone. As a student at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) in Kabale, he became a well-known voice on the campus radio, where his shows were broadcast across the university. He says both students and staff enjoyed listening to him.

“Everyone thought I would end up as a journalist or a news anchor,” Beinomugisha recalls. “I was doing well on radio, and I also used to moderate and emcee at student events. It just seemed like the natural path.”

But his journey took a different direction – one that eventually led him into the center of Uganda’s public relations field.

Recently, Beinomugisha, the General Secretary of the UCU Alumni Association, was elected Vice President of the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), becoming the first UCU alumnus to be elected to such a position. PRAU is the umbrella body of all public relations professionals in Uganda.

Born in Bugongi, Kabale district, in southwestern Uganda, Beinomugisha is the fifth of seven children. 

“I come from a humble background,” he says. “My parents – Fred and Sarah Katungi – taught us to rely on God and to work hard.”

Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi
Ronald Beinomugisha Katungi

Just months after graduation, Beinomugisha notes that he was called back to BBUC to serve as the university’s Public Relations Officer. 

“That’s where my PR story really began,” he says.

Although journalism was his first love, Beinomugisha says he was drawn more to the broader field of public relations. 

“I discovered that PR allowed me to tell stories, build reputations and influence institutions in ways that were meaningful and impactful,” he says.

According to Beinomugisha, he later served as an Assistant Lecturer in the Departments of Mass Communication and Social Sciences at BBUC, teaching communication skills for four years. In 2020, he moved to Victoria University as Head of Recruitment, a role that also involved communication duties due to the absence of a PR officer at the time. At Victoria University, he spearheaded national student recruitment campaigns, significantly boosting enrollment and forging key stakeholder relationships. 

In 2022, Beinomugisha joined the Uganda Society of Architects as Executive Secretary and the chief executive, a position he held until 2024. At this organization, he directed organizational strategy, professional events and industry partnerships while strengthening stakeholder relations. 

“That role taught me that with the right skills, you can lead even outside your technical field,” he says.

Now serving in PRAU leadership, Beinomugisha says he is committed to spreading the association’s presence beyond Kampala. 

“Many activities have mainly happened in the city, but we want to start PRAU chapters in different parts of the country,” he explains.

Beinomugisha reveals that together with his colleagues at PRAU, there are plans of advocating a Public Relations Bill. Once it becomes law, it will weed out non-professionals who have infiltrated the field of PR. 

“As PRAU Vice President, we want to guide young PR professionals and ensure that university curricula reflect industry needs,” he said. “It’s important that students graduate with market-relevant skills.” 

Despite juggling several leadership roles and running his PR agency, Beinomugisha notes that he remains committed to his faith and family. 

“I put everything I do in God’s hands,” he says. “And no matter how busy I am, I always make time for my wife and children, especially on weekends.”

His wife, Patience Beinomugisha, with whom he has three children, is his greatest supporter who “constantly motivates” him and serves as his “first source of inspiration.”

He completed his primary education at Kabale Parents School and later moved to Kabale Trinity College for his entire secondary education before enrolling at BBUC-UCU to study Mass Communication and Public Relations. He graduated in 2016, emerging the best student in his class. 

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To support UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Nkundizana Epaphra Muhammed sorts the coffee beans before starting the production. (Courtesy Photo)

Epaphra’s love for agriculture propels him to coffee processing

News, UCU Alumni, , ,


Nkundizana Epaphra Muhammed sorts the coffee beans before starting the production. (Courtesy Photo)
Nkundizana Epaphra Muhammed sorts the coffee beans before starting the production. (Courtesy Photo)

By Eriah Lule
Early this year, the Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) reported that the country’s coffee export revenue has risen to $115 million from the exported 413,221 60-kg (132 lb.) bags of coffee, in December 2024.  Uganda is among the top 10 coffee exporters worldwide, and second in Africa after Ethiopia, according to Ugandan Stewart Ategeka’s study published on Research Gate titled, Trend Analysis of Uganda’s Coffee Sector 2024.

Such data, growing at an exponential rate, triggered Nkundizana Epaphra Muhammed to join the Uganda coffee industry. 

Epaphra records the coffee moisture content using the moisture meter every hour before production. (Courtesy Photo)
Epaphra records the coffee moisture content using the moisture meter every hour before production. (Courtesy Photo)

His journey began with pursuing and, in 2021, receiving, a Bachelors of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship from Uganda Christian University (UCU). 

“The desire to help out coffee communities by adding value addition components to improve their standards of living was my absolute motivation,” Epaphra said. 

The 29-year-old is the quality controller of the robusta plant at UGACOF LTD. This leading coffee processor and exporter in Uganda is a subsidiary of Sucafina in Switzerland and a multinational coffee merchant and a premier supplier of East African coffee with operations in 32 countries, including Uganda.

Epaphra analyses, monitors and oversees all quality aspects in the production line until coffee is loaded in containers for export.

“I carry out cupping, which is the sensory evaluation of coffee to trace the quality and origin of the coffee,” he said. “I also participate in arranging coffee samples for Uganda Coffee Development Authority inspectors for laboratory analysis before they issue us certificates for exporting the coffee.”

Epaphra attends to beans during the production process. (Courtesy Photo)
Epaphra attends to beans during the production process. (Courtesy Photo)

In one of his engagements with the media, David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary at MAAIF, noted that Uganda continues to expand its footprint in the international coffee market. Authorities focus on improving production standards, enforcing regulations and supporting farmers with better extension services. Kyomukama warned that all actors in the coffee value chain must comply with existing quality control measures to avoid penalties. 

“The public is hereby informed that all the mechanisms, including enforcement, that existed before the rationalization of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into MAAIF remain in full effect,” he emphasized.

Epaphra credits his education at UCU for changing his perspective from seeing agriculture as a work profession to a life-wealthy project. Course units like Agribusiness were a game changer. Throughout the various outreach and demonstration programs, the Faculty of Agriculture sharpened its students’ workplace skills.

“Community outreach programs and the demonstration gardens that were set up by the faculty enlightened me how agriculture is a gold mine for wealth,” he added.

He believes that adoption of modernized agricultural farming techniques to elevate farmers from subsistence farming and value addition is the only way to generate an appealing income from agriculture yet pushing Uganda’s coffee to compete favorably on the global market. He envisions being a prominent farmer in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Epaphra’s love for coffee is sweeping. In March 2024 and before joining UGACOF, he applied with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (currently liquidated into MAAIF), pursued a short course in basic coffee quality control that ran for one month, passed and became a certified coffee quality controller by Uganda Coffee Development Authority.

“l was unemployed at the time, l started selling some ground and roasted coffee beans to survive,” he said. “I later wrote to the quality manager asking him to be around UCDA as l do more practice and experience other hands-on activities. It is the exposure and experience gained at UCDA that helped me land a job at UGACOF.”

Born to Ndinda Epaphra and Nyangoma Annet of Kagadi District in the western part of the country, Epaphra is the first born and the only boy of the couple’s six children.

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To support  UCU 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.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.

Students in front of Hamu Mukasa Library, built, in part, with USAID monies

UCU’s connection to USAID funding

Faculty, News, Uganda Partners, , , ,


Students in front of Hamu Mukasa Library, built, in part, with USAID monies
Students in front of Hamu Mukasa Library, built, in part, with USAID monies

By the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll
Modern Uganda was largely related to the United Kingdom in the 20th century – first as a “protectorate” and later as a member of the British Commonwealth. Similarly Anglican missions in Uganda were sponsored by the Church Mission Society in England, which fortunately was led by the philosophy that “the evangelisation of Africa must come from the Africans.” For this reason, African church leaders took over the bulk of educational work, including training clergy at Bishop Tucker Theological College (1913-1996).

When the Anglican Church of Uganda determined to “enhance” Bishop Tucker College to the university level, its leaders turned to America, and I became UCU’s first Vice Chancellor (President). This statement is overly simplistic. My wife, Peggy, and I received an unexpected call from God in 1999. At the time, we frankly could not understand why the Lord would choose two people who had never sought mission work and who had never even been to Africa. 

But He did.

Looking back, I count my experience as an orthodox Anglican and an American citizen as one reason for the University’s remarkable progress during my 10 years. Let me list some ways:

UCU (Mukono campus) residence halls, including Nsibambi Dormitory (right corner) that was constructed, in part, with USAID funding
UCU (Mukono campus) residence halls, including Nsibambi Dormitory (right corner) that was constructed, in part, with USAID funding

Global Anglicans – In the late 1990s, I had become increasingly involved with Anglicans from the Global South, capped off by my presence at the 1998 Lambeth Conference. During my ten years at UCU, I traveled around the world twice and contacted numerous church leaders and mission societies. In return, we hosted visitors and missionaries on campus from many countries, including a cohort of American college students each semester who lived with and studied with their African counterparts.

U.S. Embassy – I was fortunate to have two supportive U.S. Ambassadors during my time. Ambassador Jimmy Kolker (2002-2005) in particular was a model of cooperation, endorsing our application for a University Charter, helping our staff to get travel visas to the USA, and even speaking to the student body immediately after the Afghanistan invasion in 2003. His successor, Steven Browning (2006-2009), supported us in obtaining the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grants described below. 

  • Books. When I first visited UCU in January 2000, I discovered that it had a good theological library but almost no books in other subjects. By God’s grace, I found out about and applied for a USAID grant to receive (new) textbooks; in July of the same year, a container van with 16,000 books arrived on the campus. We received two subsequent shipments over the next 10 years in the same program.
  • Grants for Capital Projects. I became aware of USAID’s “American Schools and Hospitals Abroad” (ASHA) program in 2001 when President George Bush announced his “Faith-Based and Community Initiative,” which was extended to overseas partnerships. UCU Partners, the non-profit organization I had helped found, provided the home base for a series of four grants under ASHA, totaling $2.1 million toward the building of a residence hall and the beautiful Ham Mukasa Library. The University more than equaled the USA contribution from its own capital funds.
  • Fulbright Scholars. Fulbright Grants are offered to U.S. scholars to have a study period overseas. When I first arrived, Fulbright scholars were restricted to Uganda Government universities, but after UCU was chartered, we began to receive an increasing number of research scholars to the campus. Most notably, the first Fulbright grantee, Dr. Karen Drake from Bethel University in Minnesota, helped found the Nursing Program at UCU, which is recognized as the best in the country. 

The Hamu Mukasa Library and Nsibambi Dormitory were partially paid with USAID money, 

The cooperation UCU received from the United States in the university’s formative years was critical to its growth and reputation. Over the past quarter century, it has graduated more than 30,000 students and has a current enrollment of 14,000 spread over six campuses The University now offers a full menu of degrees, including engineering, law and medicine; and it is considered one of the top universities in East Africa.

Uganda Christian University has always been self-sufficient, reliant on tuition and fees paid by Ugandan students and their families. However, as outlined above, support from the US government has provided strategic investment to UCU, increasing its quality and ability to equip Ugandans to make a difference in their country and communities.

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The Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll, author of this article, was UCU’s first Vice Chancellor (2000-2010) and is a Board Member for UCU Partners, based in Pennsylvania, USA.

Agira Birungi and Namara Kezia.

Law finalists from UCU selected for prestigious U.S. Leadership Program

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law, , ,


Agira Birungi and Namara Kezia.
Agira Birungi and Namara Kezia.

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. 

Agira Birungi
Agira Birungi

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.”

Namara Kezia
Namara Kezia

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

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A screengrab of David Ijjo reporting for his employer, NTV

UCU alumnus Ijjo living his journalism dream

Journalism, News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, , , ,


A screengrab of David Ijjo reporting for his employer, NTV
A screengrab of David Ijjo reporting for his employer, NTV

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As a young boy in Entebbe, Uganda, David Ijjo’s eyes would be glued to the television screen, captivated by the faces and voices that filled the frame. He did not just watch TV. He imitated the voices he heard, often recreating news broadcasts in his living room. 

“I was so intrigued seeing someone in a TV frame,” Ijo recalls. “I wondered how that was possible; immediately, I decided that was the career path I wanted to take.” 

His parents recognized his passion and guided him toward journalism. They explained to him that the magic of television was crafted by media practitioners. That revelation set the course for a remarkable journey, one that has seen Ijjo rise from a curious child to a fearless journalist.

Ijjo says he remains committed to holding power to account.
Ijjo says he remains committed to holding power to account.

Growing up, Ijjo thought journalism was all about TV glamour. But as he matured, he discovered that it was far more than bright lights and cameras; it was a calling to inform the masses, challenge the people in power and uplift communities. That realization deepened when he enrolled at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media, and Communication.

UCU was no random choice. 

“Many consultations I made pointed to UCU as the best in teaching journalism,” Ijo says. “Most of the media players I admired were UCU alumni, which cemented my decision.” 

At UCU, he found a practical, hands-on learning environment that prepared him for the world of work. With access to a studio, television, newspaper, and equipment, Ijjo worked on his craft under the guidance of dedicated lecturers. By the time he graduated in 2022, he was ready to make his mark.

Ijjo’s big break came through the Media Challenge Initiative, an annual inter-university challenge for journalism students as contestants and editors/managers as judges. That challenge opened the door to an internship at NBS-TV, one of the television stations in Uganda. 

As an intern, he dived headfirst into the deep end, reporting on everything, from politics and social justice to crime and religion. His versatility and work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. After his internship, NBS retained him as a sub-editor for their online newspaper, Nile Post. For Ijjo, this was a milestone. 

“Working at NBS was enough for me to say I was living my dream,” he says.

But Ijjo’s ambition did not stop there. In August 2024, he joined NTV, another Ugandan broadcaster, as a political reporter. Before that, he sharpened his investigative skills through a journalism fellowship at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AAIJ). It was during this time that Ijjo tackled one of his most impactful stories: an investigation into the controversial Akon City project.

In 2020, Senegalese-American musician Akon announced plans to build a futuristic city in Mukono, Uganda, after the government allocated land for the project. Two years later, with little progress to show, Ijjo and his editor at NTV decided to dig deeper. Traveling to Mukono, he uncovered that residents faced threats of eviction, and those compensated received as little as sh500,000 (about $130 USD). 

The investigation exposed impunity and gave a voice to the people of Mukono. For Ijjo, the impact was its own reward. 

“When stories like that cause panic, it means they have had impact, and that the powerful are held to account,” the 25-year-old says. “That’s my reward as a journalist.” 

The experience strengthened his belief that journalism is about serving the public, not personal gain. 

His work isn’t without challenges, though. On March 13, 2025, while covering a by-election for a parliamentary seat in Kampala, he and other journalists were brutally attacked by security agencies. Narrowly escaping arrest, Ijjo fled the scene after receiving beatings. 

He urges aspiring journalists not to wait until graduation to start practicing the trade, but rather to utilize the equipment they have, and use social media to practice because employers want people with experience.

In a country where political interests often overshadow the rights of ordinary citizens, he remains committed to holding power to account.  He explains that politics is a game of interests, and that a majority of Ugandans are affected by the decisions made by the few politicians. 

“As citizens, we have the right to good governance, democracy, and freedom of speech,” Ijjo said. “My job is to ensure those rights are upheld.”

Ijjo had his primary education at Entebbe Christian School and later joined Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Moroto district for his secondary education.

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

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Trevor Wabwire, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) journalism graduate

Wabwire’s sweet transition from journalism to pastries

Journalism, News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, , ,


Trevor Wabwire, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) journalism graduate
Trevor Wabwire, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) journalism graduate

By Irene Best Nyapendi
When Trevor Wabwire qualified to join a university, his parents gave him two options: Either pursue a course in law or journalism. He chose the latter.

He said he feared to pursue a Bachelor of Laws because he had the impression that it was a tough course. But deep inside Wabwire, he preferred neither of the two courses. His heart was set on business. But his father said “no,” and Wabwire obliged.

At Uganda Christian University (UCU), Wabwire pursued a Bachelor of Journalism, Media and Communication. The pressure to please his parents was heavy, but Wabwire’s brilliance was not shaken. He sailed through his classes with ease, until he hit a wall during a field internship. Once in the world of work, he saw journalism’s rough side: long hours, low pay and grumpy mentors who made the job sound like a dead end. His passion for it faded fast, and his grades started to slip. Still, he pushed through, and graduated in 2021.

With his degree in hand, Wabwire did not look back. He ditched newsrooms for his real love – business. 

Wabwire’s sweet spot, Uncle Trev’s Eateries, in Busia, eastern Uganda
Wabwire’s sweet spot, Uncle Trev’s Eateries, in Busia, eastern Uganda

Wabwire’s passion for business emerged early. Growing up in Busia, a town on Uganda’s border with its eastern neighbor, Kenya, Wabwire noticed a gap in the market for paraffin. In Africa, paraffin, often referred to as kerosene, is primarily used as a source of fuel for cooking, heating and lighting – especially among the poor. As a teenager, he started buying it cheaply in Kenya and selling it in Uganda. Easy money, right? Not to his parents. They thought that act was embarrassing to the family and even punished him for it. But Wabwire wasn’t the type to quit. Their disapproval only firmed his belief in entrepreneurship.

When he got to UCU, he turned his hustle a notch higher. He sold sweets to classmates and owned a chapati stall that he gave someone to run for him in Busia. This taught him important lessons about trade, customer service and hard work, which laid a solid foundation for his after-school business – confectionery. 

His “Uncle Trev’s Eateries” is known for snacks like samosas, pies, juices and pastries like cakes and fresh bread.

Among the many products he offers, Wabwire particularly enjoys making passion fruit juice mixed with carrots and ginger. When asked why he chose the food business, he replied; “Food is a basic need of life. People eat every day, which is why I chose this path.”

At 30, Wabwire is not just running a business, he is building a name. He called his place Uncle Trev’s Eateries because he wants it to last – something his children and their children will know. 

Since opening it in 2023, his bakery has quickly become the supplier of bread to local schools in the eastern Uganda district of Busia. His consistency and commitment to quality and community service sets him apart, he says.

One could easily say that business runs in Wabwire’s DNA. His grandmother had a successful chapati business, and his mother, too, operated a dry-cleaning business.

One of his proudest moments in pursuing his passion for business was securing a contract with Hot Loaf, a bakery and confectionary company in Uganda. This achievement cemented his belief in his purpose and dedication to his craft. Hot Loaf has been a trusted brand since 1986, widely preferred for bread, and pastries. 

Through this partnership, Wabwire benefits from franchising, which allows Uncle Trev’s Eateries to operate under Hot Loaf’s brand name, business model and product offerings. This arrangement enables him to leverage Hot Loaf’s established reputation, marketing resources, and operational support, enhancing his business’s success.

Wabwire started off with Sh10,000,000 ($2,726), putting together his savings and some help from friends and family. At first, his mother was not excited about his switch from journalism to business. But when she noticed his passion, she has now become his biggest cheerleader. 

“I proved to her that business is my thing,” he said.

Wabwire has his eyes on the future. He is opening a restaurant at UCU’s Highfield hostel in May, and plans more of such.

Looking back on his time at UCU, he is grateful for the well-rounded education he received. Prior to joining UCU in 2017, he attended Busoga College Mwiri for O’level and St. Peter’s Naalya for his A’level.

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

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Maureen Mutoni with some of the children aided by her program.

UCU alum mission to transform rural Rwanda

News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, , , , ,


Maureen Mutoni’s mission is to promote education and social development in Rwanda.
Maureen Mutoni’s mission is to promote education and social development in Rwanda.

By Pauline Luba
She is just 27, but Uganda Christian University (UCU) graduate, Maureen Mutoni, already has a mission to be one of Rwanda’s most passionate changemakers. 

As a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, Mutoni recently completed a business and entrepreneurship leadership program at Drake University in the United States. From this course, she says, she learned “how to build systems that work,” and it is this spirit that she has taken back to her roots in Rwanda.

In Rwanda, just like it is with many developing countries, she says education is often more of a privilege than a right. Born to a Rwandan family that spent decades in Uganda as refugees, Mutoni’s father, a farmer with four wives and 18 children, and her mother, a housewife, did not fully have the benefit of having a formal education. 

But Mutoni was determined to chart a different course. 

“Moving when I was younger was very significant in my life,” she reflected. “It contributed so much to the person I am today.” 

Her educational journey took her from Kagarama Secondary School to Cornerstone Leadership Academy Rwanda, and eventually to UCU, where she pursued a Bachelor’s of Economics and Management. 

“I loved the community at UCU,” said the soft-spoken Mutoni. “It was serious, disciplined and had a tight-knit Rwandan community.” 

Behind her gentle demeanor is a relentless spirit, one that refuses to be confined by circumstance or complacency. Her passion for education and youth empowerment took root during her time working with schools in remote Ugandan communities. 

Maureen Mutoni with some of the children aided by her program.
Maureen Mutoni with some of the children aided by her program.

These experiences laid the foundation for what would become the Inspire Change Foundation, which Mutoni officially launched in late 2022, to provide inclusive and equitable opportunities for education, empower the youth and support the women to promote financial inclusion.

By 2023, the foundation had begun full operations, focusing on improving education access for children in rural Rwanda. Today, the organization supports 133 learners, providing essentials like books, uniforms and school supplies. It also works with parents to form savings groups that ensure continued education into secondary school.

But the road hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges she faced was the mindset of parents. 

“They didn’t value their children’s education,” she said. “Some would say, ‘I can’t afford this,’ even when it was about a simple pen.” 

Mutoni persisted — often funding the initiative herself in the early days. Over time, partnerships with local governments, schools and Non-Governmental Organizations like Kidzone helped the foundation gain traction.

According to her organization’s website, she also took the initiative to reach out to the parents and guardians of these learners. She believed that finding sustainable ways to support them was the key to unlocking true potential.

Technology, Mutoni believes, will play a critical role in shaping the future of education in Rwanda. Her foundation is now working to introduce digital learning tools, creating school libraries, and launching nationwide competitions that celebrate creativity and literacy. Some of children there have never even seen an iPad or a toy, according to Mutoni.

Balancing her full-time job and her work at Inspire Change is no easy feat, but Mutoni says it’s all about time management and the passion she has for what she does. She is currently the program’s head at Afri-Farmers Markets. 

For aspiring young social entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Mutoni, who believes her ultimate goal is to touch people’s lives, offers a simple, but powerful advice: “Just do it. Share your ideas and act on them. Have a vision for where you want to be.”

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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. 

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

Dr. Nsubuga Mushin and Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese share a photo moment with a new mother at Amai General Hospital, located in Amolatar, the Lango sub-region in Uganda.

Save the Mothers marks 20 years of saving lives in Uganda

Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, UCU Alumni, , , , ,


Dr. Nsubuga Mushin and Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese share a photo moment with a new mother at Amai General Hospital, located in Amolatar, the Lango sub-region in Uganda.
Dr. Nsubuga Mushin and Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese share a photo moment with a new mother at Amai General Hospital, located in Amolatar, the Lango sub-region in Uganda.

Story By Jimmy Siyasa, Photos by Andrew Bugembe
In the heart of Northern and Eastern Uganda, Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Save the Mothers East Africa (STMEA) program is delivering profound change. 

As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations in April 2025, STMEA launched transformative healthcare initiatives, including a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Amai Community Hospital in Amolatar District and a Labour Ward High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Tororo General Hospital. 

These milestones are possible through the generosity of various donors, notably Diane Reader Jones, who designated some initiatives in honor of her mother, the late Leila Reader. 

Diane Reader Jones (with white cap) observes a baby inside an incubator.
Diane Reader Jones (with white cap) observes a baby inside an incubator.

The NICU at Amai Community Hospital, launched on April 15, 2025, is a ray of hope for Amolatar, Kaberamaido and Dokolo Districts, which are on the peninsula of Lake Kyoga. Serving a District where some mothers reportedly walk over four miles for antenatal care, maternity cases are frequently referred to this poorly equipped hospital. Now, with the HDUs, their capacity has been boosted to care for up to 10 preterm babies per day and those with complications. 

Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, STMEA Executive Director, emphasized the units’ significance, noting that upon setting them up, STMEA supports these health facilities through “in-service staff training of health workers on matters of safety, professional management of mothers in delivery units.” He urged health workers to maintain the equipment and called on the clergy under the Church of Uganda within the Lango sub-region, headed by Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, to advocate for facility-based deliveries. Olwa is the Bishop of Lango Diocese and chair of the UCU governing council.. 

Reflecting on his own beginning, Bishop Olwa testified about the “privilege” he had, being born in a hospital. Many of his contemporaries for reasons such as poverty and lack of access to medical care were born at home or in dire circumstances; and some tragically passed away. 

“The people of Amai are so blessed to have that hospital because then lives are saved,” said Olwa. “The new expanded antenatal facility means our children are going to be born in a wonderful environment, with professional support. There is no reason why people should die from childbirth because now the facilities, professionals and knowledge is accessible.”

A memorial plaque on a wall at Amai Hospital
A memorial plaque on a wall at Amai Hospital

STMEA is committed to comprehensive training for NICU staff, ensuring long-term impact. According to Dr Mushin, STMEA has so far set up seven HDUS at various Uganda health facilities, three NICUs and up to 15 “mother-baby-friendly” facilities. With more support, they hope to establish more because the need remains dire.

On April 16, 2025, STMEA, alongside Tororo District Officials, celebrated the launch of the Labour Ward HDU at Tororo General Hospital. This unit is already reducing maternal and child mortality in the region. Patricia Cheptoek, Midwife and In-Charge Maternity, shared her optimism.

“Having this unit in place is making our work of service delivery easier,” she said. “We pledge our best in ensuring it is put into proper use.”

Tororo’s District Health Officer, Dr. Stella Owere, a UCU alumna, joined officials in expressing gratitude for STMEA’s support. They pledged to maintain and enhance the HDU, ensuring its sustainability. 

Face lit with joy and pride, Dr. Jean Chamberlain-Froese, Canadian founder of the STMEA, is thrilled by STMEA’s progress over the last 20 years, ensuring “No baby or mother dies” as their mantra says. 

“It has been so exciting how the mother-baby-friendly hospitals through the Save the Mothers program have been established,” said Dr. Chamberlain-Froese.  “We saw a mother receive a blood transfusion and another with high blood pressure being cared for and their lives saved.”

STMEA’s work extends beyond establishing infrastructure. During the launches, Dr. Chamberlain-Froese and Dianne Jones, a Canadian donor, brought joy to mothers in both hospitals by distributing gift packs for new-borns.

For 20 years, STMEA has championed maternal and child health, driven by its founders, alumni and donors. Through the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, Master of Public Health Leadership program, alone, they have trained over 500 leaders spread across the world to advance maternal and other public health causes. The NICU and HDU are but only a few of the many interventions being rolled out in service of thousands in hard-to-reach Uganda communities, equipping health facilities to serve thousands. 

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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. 

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

Vilma Achieng taking a shot at the court. (Courtesy Photo)

‘Basketball can open doors, but education unlocks them’

News, Sports, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education, , , , , ,


Vilma Achieng taking a shot at the court. (Courtesy Photo)
Vilma Achieng taking a shot at the court. (Courtesy Photo)

By Eriah Lule
When you search Google for Vilma Achieng, you will see images of a 6’2” melanin damsel dribbling a ball on a court. You might compare her to LeBron James or Stephen Curry, but also to a potential female Michael Jordan on the African Continent. 

The former captain of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) women’s basketball team, the Lady Canons, has an accomplished athlete reputation. With four seasons of play, three Ugandan national titles, participation in the World Cup 3*3 in Xiamen, China, and the East African University Games in 2015 and 2017, Achieng was the most valuable player in the National Basketball League (NBL), the nation’s top league, for three (2015, 2016, 2017) straight seasons. She has been a star at the Kenyan National team since 2013.

With her transfers to play for the National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) Shimbahills in Kenya, Eagle Wings in Kenya and Mont Fleuri in the Republic of Seychelles, as well as her current position as captain of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women’s team, the Kenyan national over time has established herself as one of the NBL and the Kenyan Basketball National League’s (KBF) most courageous and dominant centers.

Vilma during one of her Camp sessions with children at the KPA facility in Mombasa Kenya. (Courtesy Photo)
Vilma during one of her Camp sessions with children at the KPA facility in Mombasa Kenya. (Courtesy Photo)

Considered an African female celebrity, the 31-year-old has signed professional contracts and captained nearly every team she has played for – something she never would have imagined 20 years ago. 

She started playing basketball in 2006 when she enrolled at Raliew Girls Secondary School, one of the old basketball powerhouses in Nyanza, a Kenyan province near Lake Victoria. 

Despite her erratic performance in the nationals, Achieng remained passionate about basketball, and in 2010, she received a sports scholarship to attend Asumbi Training Teachers College following her high school graduation.

Before being given the 2011 opportunity to play in the local premier league by Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) winners Eagle Wings, she was recruited by Shimba Hills Academy.

Vilma stayed for only a year with Eagle Wings before joining UCU through a sports scholarship. At UCU, she played for UCU Lady Canons in the Uganda National Basketball League.

Vilma’s commitment to her academic journey is evident in her decision to enroll in a three-year Bachelor of Arts with Education program in 2015. Through this program, Vilma honed her skills and knowledge in education, preparing herself for a successful career in teaching and mentoring students.

“My experience at UCU has shaped me into a well-rounded individual, equipped with the skills and the mindset necessary for success in both my professional and personal life,” she said. “UCU’s faith-based values and commitment to holistic education developed my passion for teaching, community development and servant leadership.”

Throughout her time at UCU, Vilma faced various obstacles, including injuries and the pressures of maintaining a high academic standing. Yet, her resilience shone through. She often shared her experiences with younger players, mentoring them on and off the court. 

“It’s important to uplift others,” she said. “Basketball can open doors, but education is the key that unlocks them.”

Vilma graduated in 2018, earning her degree with honors. Armed with her education and basketball experience, she joined the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Women’s basketball team and, later, moved into management as a sports supervisor of the club’s facility called KPA-Welfare Centre – Makupa in Mombasa, Kenya.

Her responsibilities include overseeing sports programs, coordinating tournaments, training youth and ensuring facility safety. She credits UCU’s emphasis on ethics and pedagogy for preparing her to mentor athletes holistically. Despite her managerial duties, Vilma still makes it to KPA’s first team at the court.

“As the captain and supervisor, I coordinated with the head coach to launch and run a free kids camp during holidays, to ensure the youths are fully engaged, and the teaching of life skills to ensure a holistic individual,” she noted.

Born to Joseph Owino and Rose Akinyi of Asembo-Rarieda, Siaya County, in the South Western part of Kenya, Vilma is the couple’s only child whose dream is to establish a sports infrastructure in their home village and pursue a master’s degree in Sports Management.

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

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Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala preaching during a service at UCU

UCU Assistant Chaplain Majwala: A life of never giving up

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students, UCU Alumni, , , ,


Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala preaching during a service at UCU
Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala preaching during a service at UCU

By Kefa Senoga
The word “Kivebulaya” means “from Europe.” The Rev. Dr. Henry Majwala got that nickname from a grandmother who prophesied that her grandson would one day travel to the Western world to gain more knowledge. That prophesy, Majwala narrated, left him unsettled until he eventually travelled to the West, to fulfill his grandmother’s wish.

“I promised her that one day I would study abroad and return as a learned person,” Majwala, the Assistant Chaplain at Uganda Christian University (UCU), said during a recent interview he granted Partners. 

Indeed, for his second master’s degree, Majwala pursued the Master of Divinity at the Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. Majwala’s PhD, which was in the discipline of theology, though not from a university in the West, but still away from Uganda in South Africa. Majwala got his PhD honors in December last year.

Majwala, who recently acquired a PhD in education from the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, says he has been a student pursuing different courses from diploma level, progressing through different postgraduate courses leading to his doctorate.

It was Majwala’s paternal grandmother who took up the mantle of raising him, but that was not for long. By Primary Five, she was not in a position to continue educating her grandson as she had run out of resources. For the next two years, Majwala was at home. 

Naiga Alexander, who was a teacher and the wife of his father’s uncle, eventually came to Majwala’s rescue, supporting him to return to school again.

“When she heard that I was not studying, she came home and took me to another school, St Joseph’s Kinoni Primary School in central Uganda,” Majwala said. “She requested the headteacher to allow me to study without paying.”

From Kinoni, Naiga enrolled Majwala into Seeke Islamic Secondary School, which took him in as a school dependant.

“I was supposed to work as a manual laborer for the school in exchange for fees, so I engaged in making bricks, slashing the compound and fetching water for the teachers,” he recounts.“Back home, I would sell firewood, brooms, and bananas to acquire other basic needs and upkeep.”. 

In 1995, shortly after completing Senior Three, Majwala’s grandmother died. It meant that he was unable to remain at home on his own.

It’s then that he moved to Mukono to look for his maternal uncle, Jackson Matovu, the retired bishop of central Buganda Diocese. Matovu offered to support his nephew, enabling him to enroll at Bishop Senior School in Mukono, where he completed both his O’level and A’level.

Having given his life to Christ earlier in 1996, Majwala recommitted himself to Christ again in 1999. A year later, he joined a group of young people from Mukono diocese who went to train as clergy following a call from the diocese. They pursued a diploma in theology at Uganda Martyrs Seminary Namugongo. In 2003, he was ordained a deacon and assigned to serve in a parish within Mukono Diocese.

While ministering in a parish, Majwala met the Bishop of Mukono at the time, Eria Paul Luzinda, who encouraged and supported him to join UCU and pursue a Bachelor of Theology. From UCU, he joined Ndejje University in 2007 to pursue a postgraduate diploma in education. From Ndejje, he did not take any break. In 2009, he was back to UCU, to pursue a master’s in Human Resource Management in Education. Upon graduation, Majwala was appointed the diocesan secretary of Mukono Cathedral. In 2017, Majwala joined St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, as part of the clergy. 

In addition to church administration, Majwala has also been actively involved in teaching for nearly two decades. His teaching journey began in 2006 at his alma mater, Uganda Martyrs Namugongo Seminary and continued at Ndejje University in 2016, where he lectured on Christian ethics and human resource. Currently, he teaches theology and foundational courses at UCU.

Majwala is married to Irene Nakamatte, a professional nurse. 

“When Irene and I met, I had a diploma, and she had a certificate from Mengo School of Nursing,” Majwala said. “Now, she has a master’s degree, and I have a PhD.” 

The couple has three children with the oldest in Senior Six, the middle child in Primary Seven and their youngest child in kindergarten.

Majwala says he hopes to undertake a postdoctoral program and continue inspiring others through his story of resilience, faith, and determination. 

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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. Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

UCU student at stalls during 2025 exhibition

Artificial Intelligence focus of annual Uganda university showcase

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, Science and Technology, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Law, , , , , ,


UCU student at stalls during 2025 exhibition UCU student at stalls during 2025 exhibition

By Christine Mirembe
At 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, a bus parked by the gym on the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono campus was filled with students and their bags, art pieces, computers, robots and more. It was March 26 as they headed for participation in the 15th National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) exhibition, held this year on Kamukuzi grounds in Mbarara. 

Neither too sunny or rainy, the climate provided a soothing atmosphere for the exchange of innovation and vision with the theme of “Strategies, Challenges and Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence Integration in Higher Education in Uganda.” UCU was one of the 37 universities sharing from March 27 to 29 for an audience that included potential students and their parents.

UCU, a first-place winner for five previous years, took second place this year to Mountains of the Moon University in Fort Portal, Uganda. 

UCU was represented by 50 students from various schools and faculties, including the School of Law; School of Business; School of Social Sciences; School of Education; School of Journalism, Media and Communication; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; and the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology. UCU student exhibitors were led by staff members, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) for Academic Affairs, Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa; the DVC for Finance and Administration, David Mugawe; and the Dean for the School of Business, Vincent Kisenyi.  

The following is a summary of some of what UCU shared:

School of Journalism, Media and Communication
Meant to display how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated in their various disciplines, AI tools in the media like Perplexity and Otter AI in print were the focus. Perplexity provides instant summaries of an article or webpage, sharing the information most relevant to a search, whereas Otter transcribes audio to text. Intrigued parents and students continuously approached the journalism tent to see what was happening with the screens, mixers, microphones and cameras. 

Timothy Okurut, one exhibitor, said attendees were especially interested in his demonstration of vlogs, a video documenting thoughts, opinions or experiences. 

“We had an overload of students at some point,” he said. “Space between the stalls would crowd up, and I would not have room to do the recordings at one point.”

Tirzah Atwiine, right, explains some of what she has learned as a student within UCU’s Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Tirzah Atwiine, right, explains some of what she has learned as a student within UCU’s Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology

Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
From sleepless nights of planning to 3D design printing, Tirzah Atwiine from the Department of Computing and Technology displayed an English AI-powered, voice-activated humanoid robot that responds to questions. She built it using a learning language model called Lama, and used an open AI Application Programming Interface (API) key to get data to train it. This humanoid responds to many questions, including those about geography, mathematics and  literature.  Her inspiration came from wanting a late-night study buddy who would interact when the human prepared for an exam or a test.

“Most people were excited because it’s a fully functioning robot that can move and do different things,” Tirzah said. “The parents and lecturers were interested in it and said it was very nice and innovative.”

She said she hopes to partner with Makerere University that is working on a Luganda data set, enabling the robot to speak in that tribal language. 

School of Business
The display connected to local business relationship building, demonstrating how students can help businesses with accumulating and using their data.

Elvis Segawa was among students who showcased how these amounts of data can be integrated into Marketwise, an AI tool allowing analysis, sorting and summarizing data. The display was in collaboration with computer science students.

Faculty of Agricultural Science
“Working water” is a method of cultivating plants without soil. The agriculture students displayed a hydroponic system that they integrated with an alarm sensor that uses AI to detect change in the water levels, thereby alerting the farmer to add more water.

Uganda’s agricultural sector is challenged by limited access to extension services, meaning farmers lack crucial information and support, which hinders productivity, leading to low yields and impacting food security. To tackle this, this faculty came up with a UCU Farm Chart.

“This UCU Farm Chart is where we put all the information from our sources,” said Joy Kirabo, an agricultural science student.  “They (farmers) are able to access all the materials using this chart and if they have any questions, they are able to ask and get answers  immediately.” 

Kirabo added that people were amused, especially by how the hydroponics system worked. They gazed at how the water levels rose and dropped and also came running whenever the alarms went on to see how more water was added. Students are optimistic that this project can go beyond school and be adapted by farmers around the country.

School of Law
Edonu Emmanuel, Turiho Danita and Eugene Kironde represented law. The trio presented an AI-powered chatbot that incorporated a number of cases and legal material from Uganda. Particularly, they were trying to solve the problem of the lack of AI chatbots that had been trained on Ugandan jurisdiction material. 

“Through this, we were able to collect datasets that were particularly designed to record legal material,” Eugene elaborated. The end goal was to help  law students to read case material in a short period of time.

Their biggest challenge, however, is that Uganda does not have a number of data sets and data material for legal cases. There are only a few repositories like the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII), a website with quite a number of cases that law students usually access in research. 

“The issue was for us finding one repository that had a number of data points,” Eugene said. 

School of Education
This team showcased a health link app created by an AI tool called Jotform. The purpose of this app was to enable UCU students to access health services online rather than trekking to the Allan Galpin Health Center for any health concern. Here, the doctors are to be accessed online. By the time of the exhibition, this app was still at basic level as it had not yet been linked to Allan Galpin. For future prospects, they intend on following up and linking the app so as to serve its intended purpose.

The awards were presented in three categories: 1) tertiary institutions; 2) provisional licensed universities and other degree award-winning institutions; and 3) public and chartered universities, where UCU was categorised.

 “I think it was a very successful event,” said Dean Kisenyi. He also mentioned that while UCU ranked second, it was the top among private institutions. 

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