All posts by Edwin Byarugaba

Joel Atuhaire (center) and his co-host Joanna Akunda (right) shooting an episode of the podcast. At left is a guest, Juuko Shallom

Atuhaire: Studying law, practicing podcasting


Joel Atuhaire (center) and his co-host Joanna Akunda (right) shooting an episode of the podcast. At left is a guest, Juuko Shallom
Joel Atuhaire (center) and his co-host Joanna Akunda (right) shooting an episode of the podcast. At left is a guest, Juuko Shallom

By Pauline Luba
In today’s world of social media, increasingly, there is evidence of the reality being filtered or purposefully misrepresented. And that casts doubt on if we are truly living the truth or merely consuming digital illusions. That is one of the issues that Joel Atuhaire and Joanna Akunda dissected recently when they hosted their guests – Shallom & Leighton Barungi – for a 52-minute podcast.

In this episode of the We’re Gonna Talk About It podcast, the conversation starts by exploring how social media misrepresents reality, rewriting both self-perception and the understanding of other people. This, therefore, begs the question: How far will the world go with the carefully constructed narratives that are fed to the people, sometimes as the ultimate truth?

For Joel Atuhaire, podcasting was not just a career choice but a calling.
For Joel Atuhaire, podcasting was not just a career choice but a calling.

This podcast, posted on March 14, is one of the many that Atuhaire and Akunda have hosted, in an attempt to explore the true meaning of purpose, faith and love. 

According to an online blurb about the podcast, “through engaging conversations and personal stories, the podcast delves into the transformative potential of reprogramming the subconscious mind, and the intricacies of building meaningful relationships” and bringing societal transformation.

For Atuhaire, podcasting was not a career choice he stumbled upon — it was a calling. He says the idea of hosting a podcast began with deep conversations with his close friends – Mark Trevor Kamukama and Leyton Barungi – at the university. Atuhaire is a final-year student of Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

“I wanted to create something that could guide people, helping them navigate life with clarity, resilience, and faith,” Atuhaire says, as he explained the reason behind starting the podcast. 

“Our generation is often taught to shy away from responsibility, but I believe it is through responsibility that we find purpose. If everyone gets access to the right kind of guidance, they can face the world in a way formidable enough to make a difference.”

Atuhaire’s upbringing seems to have played a significant role in shaping his values and work ethic. As the eldest of four children, he grew up with a strong sense of responsibility instilled in him by his parents. His father, Henry Nyesigye, emphasized the importance of accountability, while his mother, Kyobutungi Christine, ingrained in him the value of hard work. 

Atuhaire’s academic journey took him through diverse educational institutions, each playing a role in his personal and intellectual growth. Kibuli Secondary School in Kampala exposed him to a broad spectrum of cultural perspectives. It was here that he discovered his love for literature, even as his parents initially pushed him toward science-related courses. 

St. Mary’s SS Kitende, near Kampala, where he completed his A’level, cemented his belief in the power of relationships and the importance of personal growth. These formative years shaped his ability to engage in deep, analytical conversations — a skill that would become instrumental in his podcasting journey.

Left to right: Co-host Joanna Akunda; podcast guest Barungi Leyton; and Joel Atuhaire, after shooting an episode.
Left to right: Co-host Joanna Akunda; podcast guest Barungi Leyton; and Joel Atuhaire, after shooting an episode.

Balancing his undergraduate studies with podcasting has not been without challenges. The logistical demands of traveling from Mukono to Kampala to record the podcast, coupled with tight academic deadlines, have tested his time management skills. Yet, he remains committed. “It’s all about sacrifice and planning. There are moments when tough decisions have to be made, but structured scheduling has helped me stay on track.”

Atuhaire believes that many of life’s greatest mistakes stem from what people choose to ignore — what he calls “sins of omission.” From personal relationships to historical atrocities, he emphasizes the importance of addressing issues head-on. 

“People often avoid discussing small matters in relationships or society, thinking they don’t matter. But over time, these ignored issues accumulate, leading to major breakdowns. That’s why we named the podcast We’re Gonna Talk About It — because no topic is too small or insignificant.”

One of the biggest hurdles in podcasting has been financial sustainability. Studio sessions are costly, and without personal income, Atuhaire and his team have had to rely on pocket money and occasional support from well-wishers. Editing, social media management, and content creation were initially unfamiliar territories. However, through teamwork and dedication, they have navigated the challenges. His co-host, Akunda, took up graphic design responsibilities, while fellow law student Samora Tumushabe volunteered to manage their Instagram page.

Despite obstacles met, the impact of the podcast has been deeply fulfilling. Messages from listeners expressing how the show has inspired personal growth affirm the importance of their work. 

“Seeing a simple idea grow into a fully-fledged podcast with a dedicated community has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that purpose-driven work, no matter how small it starts, can have a lasting impact,” Atuhaire notes, indicating that he wants the platform to be more than just a podcast, but a movement that inspires change.

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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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Jovia Kusiima (wearing white T-shirt) teaching young girls how to make reusable pads

Kusiima fights for menstrual justice in Uganda


Jovia Kusiima (wearing white T-shirt) teaching young girls how to make reusable pads
Jovia Kusiima (wearing white T-shirt) teaching young girls how to make reusable pads

By Pauline Luba
Growing up in Nyakabonge, a village in Kikuube district, western Uganda, Jovia Kusiima witnessed firsthand the dreams of many young girls cut short simply because they could not afford to maintain menstrual hygiene. 

One particular story still lingers in her mind: The love for education by one brilliant and ambitious girl was overshadowed by the shame and isolation she faced during her menstrual cycle. She was eventually forced out of school because she felt she could not stand the humiliation of going through menstruation without sanitary towels. 

Kusiima awarding a girl goodies during one of the outreaches for her organization, High Hope Uganda.
Kusiima awarding a girl goodies during one of the outreaches for her organization, High Hope Uganda.

In Nyakabonge village, one woman was sent away from her home for asking her husband to help provide her with sanitary pads. Her departure from her home also marked the beginning of the collapse of her family. Societal injustices like these gave Kusiima, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum, a passion: Becoming an advocate for menstrual justice. 

In 2021, she started High Hope Uganda, a grassroots organization founded with a mission to break barriers to menstrual justice, create vocational skills and encourage entrepreneurship. Kusiima’s intention was to make her story one of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination to challenge societal norms and advocate policy changes in Uganda.

In Uganda, estimates indicate that millions of girls aged 12-18 years have challenges in maintaining menstrual hygiene. According to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, menstruation is the leading cause of absenteeism among school-going girls in Uganda.

 School children listening attentively during a presentation by Kusiima
School children listening attentively during a presentation by Kusiima

Through High Hope Uganda, Kusiima turned her personal struggles into a mission to ensure that no girl is left behind as a result of period poverty or lack of reproductive health education. 

Her organization afforded her the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, hence witnessing firsthand the barriers women and girls face. This, in turn, fuelled her deep commitment to menstrual justice. This exposure became a catalyst in shaping her expertise and driving her to create sustainable solutions that empower women and girls in schools and communities.

High Hope Uganda focuses on training and equipping women, girls and youth with skills to engage in social and economic activities for sustainable development. The organization operates three key programs: SheCycle Program, which promotes menstrual health through producing and distributing reusable pads; Uplift Program, which provides mentorship and educational support; and the Safety Program, which addresses child sexual violence.

Starting her organization was no easy feat. With minimal external support, Kusiima relied on family encouragement and personal savings. She emphasizes the need for research-backed advocacy and practical interventions, ensuring her work remains culturally-sensitive while also addressing critical issues, such as menstrual justice, youth empowerment, and reproductive health education. She has also formed partnerships with student-led organizations to expand her impact.

One of the most impactful moments in Kusiima’s advocacy journey came in 2022 when she met a 15-year-old girl in the western Uganda district of Hoima, struggling with menstrual health. Unable to afford sanitary products, the girl had resorted to using rags, an issue many young girls face due to period poverty. Kusiima stepped in, providing her with reusable pads and menstrual health education. Another case involved a mother of 12, among which were eight daughters. She could not afford pads for her children. Initially requesting help for just one daughter, the woman was overwhelmed when Kusiima ensured all the eight received reusable pads. Through the SheCycle Program, High Hope Uganda has since distributed reusable pads to over 150 learners. It has also educated more than 100 students on how to maintain menstrual health.

Kusiima teaching girls about menstrual hygiene
Kusiima teaching girls about menstrual hygiene

Over the next five to ten years, she hopes to expand the SheCycle Program countrywide, establishing production centers for reusable pads, and pushing for policy reforms to institutionalize menstrual health education in schools.

Kusiima was born 27 years ago in Kikuube district, western Uganda, to Misaki Tibaijuka and Monday Oliver. She is the firstborn in a family of four children.

She studied at Our Lady Queen of Africa Rubaga, Daystar Christian Secondary School, and Buddo Secondary School before joining UCU in 2018. At UCU, she pursued a Bachelor’s in Project Planning and Entrepreneurship. It was at UCU that her passion for entrepreneurship flourished — she started making jewelry, crocheting, and selling reusable pads. During the Covid-19 lockdown, she launched a poultry project, which she says sustained her until she could establish a stable career for herself.

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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 academic leadership unveiling the competence-based education model included (L-R): Rev. Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education of the Province of the Anglican Church of Uganda; Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs; and Dean of the UCU School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire.

UCU transitions to competence-based education model


UCU academic leadership unveiling the competence-based education model included (L-R): Rev. Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education of the Province of the Anglican Church of Uganda; Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs; and Dean of the UCU School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire.
UCU academic leadership unveiling the competence-based education model included (L-R): Rev. Dr. Paul Kakooza, Director of Education of the Province of the Anglican Church of Uganda; Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs; and Dean of the UCU School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire.

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has embraced the transition to a competence-based education model, aligning with the government’s broader education reforms that are aimed at producing highly skilled and employable graduates. The decision reflects a significant shift in Uganda’s education system, from rote learning to applied knowledge and hands-on experience, making the learners more adaptable to the job market. The new curriculum direction offers the opportunity for a more learner-centered approach, with the aim of developing specific skills and competencies.  

In 2007, the country rolled out the thematic curriculum, starting with Primary One. In 2021, the competence-based education model, which prioritizes practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving over rote memorization, was rolled out in Senior One. The pioneers of the curriculum sat their end-of-Senior-Four national exams towards the end of last year.

The National Curriculum Development Centre – the agency charged with making curricula in Uganda – has since been working on reviewing and modifying the A’level curriculum to ensure a seamless transition for students progressing through the system. 

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, addressing the press at UCU main campus recently.
The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, addressing the press at UCU main campus recently.

UCU is, therefore, restructuring its academic programs as a direct response to the national agenda,  to ensure that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also competent in real-world applications of their studies. The move underscores the university’s commitment to shaping a workforce that meets industry demands and promotes self-employment.

In 2023, the National Council for Higher Education, Uganda’s regulatory body for higher education, asked universities and other tertiary institutions to review their programs and ensure they are aligned to the ongoing curriculum reviews. 

According to the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, the university is redesigning its academic approach to emphasize knowledge application, behavioral change, and practical experience.

“Students will no longer be in class for five days a week. Instead, they will attend classes for four days, with one day dedicated to real-world engagements,” Kitayimbwa explained recently. “This initiative will equip them with essential skills, such as starting and managing small businesses, tracking sales, and maintaining financial records.”

To further enhance hands-on learning, UCU is making fundamental changes to its assessment methods. The university is transitioning from the traditional summative assessment model, which relies on final exams, to a formative approach, where students receive continuous feedback to improve throughout their studies.

One of the most notable changes in UCU’s transition is the restructuring of internships. Unlike the traditional system where students participate in internships for a brief period before graduation, UCU is introducing continuous internship experiences from the first year through to graduation.

“Internships at UCU will now be a continuous process, allowing students to integrate academic knowledge with hands-on experience throughout their university journey,” Kitayimbwa explained. This initiative is expected to enhance students’ practical skills and industry readiness.

The Dean of UCU’s School of Education, Dr. Mary Ocheng Kagoire, emphasized the importance of aligning teacher training with the evolving education landscape.

“As the changes are taking place in the education system, we felt it important that instead of conducting in-service training for teachers in the field, it is better that by the time students leave the university, they are already competent enough to put into practice what they have learned,” Kagoire said.

Rev. Dr. Paul Kakooza, the Director of Education at the Anglican Church of Uganda, said the reforms align with the church’s broader vision for education.

“We appreciate these changes, which are designed to improve the quality of teachers and their ability to deliver within the new curriculum framework. Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable, but also capable of creating opportunities for themselves,” he emphasized.

Beyond the curriculum changes, UCU is integrating mentorship programs to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations. Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, UCU’s Director of Academic Affairs, highlighted the university’s “Code Buddy” initiative in the ICT department, where alumni mentor first-year students.

“Through this mentorship program, students engage with professionals both on and off campus, leading to remarkable outcomes,” Napakol said.

She also highlighted similar hands-on experiences in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, where students publish news stories, films, and related articles through platforms like UCU’s community newspaper, The Standard. This practical exposure ensures graduates are well-prepared for their respective careers.

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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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Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo in the UCU Deanship gown

Noted health communicator is new School of Journalism, Media, Communication Dean


Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo in the UCU Deanship gown
Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo in the UCU Deanship gown

By Eriah Lule
To see the school prospering among the best schools of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) in Africa.”

Such is the vision that drives the new Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of JMC dean, Professor James Kiwanuka-Tondo.

In January 2025, he took over from Prof. Monica Chibita, a dean who for over a decade steered the then journalism/communications department under the School of Education into its own school.

Kiwanuka-Tondo’s determination for the school’s potential to excel as a model in the Media and Communication space is a manifestation of UCU’s motto of A Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa.

Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, new dean, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication
Prof. James Kiwanuka-Tondo, new dean, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication

“The school runs programs from diploma, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and PhD,” he said. “If well marketed and positioned, we can’t fail to be a model school since there not many universities with programs in Media and Communication cutting across from undergraduate to PhD level.”

Kiwanuka-Tondo argued further that there is a need to highlight the expanding opportunities in media and beyond traditional journalism that will keep the school relevant. 

According to the changing employment landscape, he believes that the school should explore private and public opportunities such as media specialist or spokesperson for government and non-governmental organizations, communication campaign designers, digital and social media experts and campaign managers for political, health, environmental and others issues. University curriculum needs research, basic skills and alignment with real-world careers. 

But who is Kiwanuka-Tondo?
Professor. James Kiwanuka-Tondo is a household name painted on the walls of the Ugandan and Global Public Health sector; his main area of research is health communication campaigns with particular emphasis on HIV/AIDS.

The number of infections and high mortality rate of HIV/AIDS registered in the early 90s led  many academics like Kiwanuka-Tondo and government to research and join the fight.

He has a reputation as a health communication expert/consultant. His research in Uganda and elsewhere in East Africa has provided literature for key stakeholders worldwide to take necessary measures to curb the HIV/AIDs spread for over 20 years.

He has published an edited book on HIV/AIDS in Uganda, 18 peer-review journal articles, four peer-reviewed book chapters, one peer-reviewed conference proceeding, and four peer-reviewed research reports and has been a principal investigator (PI) on several research grants.

Because of his efforts in academia, Kiwanuka-Tondo received the prestigious Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal from the Board of Trustees at North Carolina State University (USA) on May 4, 2021. He also was acknowledged as the Outstanding Graduate Professor 2021/2022. In 2019, he was recognized as a member of the Academy of Excellence in Global Engagement for outstanding achievements in international education and research, North Carolina State University.

Work Experience
The son of the late Abraham Shamrock Ntanda Tondo and Esther Namayanja of Mukono District in the central part of the country, he pursued his Bachelors of Arts in Literature at Makerere University in 1978. After graduation, Kiwanuka-Tondo worked with the Ministry of Information in the Publication Section, which is currently the Public Relations Department.

In 1986, he was transferred on promotion to the Uganda School of Journalism at Uganda Management Institute as a senior lecturer and later course director.

In 1987, Kiwanuka-Tondo received a scholarship for his masters from the British Council at the University of Leicester, England, where he pursued his Masters in Mass Communication and graduated in 1989.

He later was appointed as the Acting head of Uganda School of Journalism and later substantive head in 1990 at Uganda Management Institute (Kampala).

In 1992 Kiwanuka-Tondo received a Fulbright scholarship for a PhD; he pursued his PhD in Communication Sciences from the University of Connecticut (USA) and graduated in 1999.

“After graduation in 1999, I was invited back by the Department of Communication Sciences at Connecticut as visiting assistant professor for three years,” he said.

In 2002, he was appointed as an assistant Professor at the Department of Communication at North Carolina State University and later promoted to Associate Professor in 2006 and full Professor in 2021. 

Kiwanuka-Tondo, age 71, serves as the Vice President of East African Communication Association (EACA) and Editor for the Africa Journal of Communication. Tondo and Dorothy Kiwanuka, his wife of 40 years, have three  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.

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Deo Musekura (center) receives his award from UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi. At left is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa.

Musekura lives his calling as a driver


Deo Musekura (center) receives his award from UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi. At left is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa.
Deo Musekura (center) receives his award from UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi. At left is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa.

By Kefa Senoga
For Deo Musekura, driving is not just a job. It is a calling. The call is to work and ensure the safety of  passengers.  

He believes that it is his dedication, humility and work ethic that have made him a valued member of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) community. In December last year, the university formally recognized  Musekura’s contributions with an award for his exceptional service during the university’s end-of-year community worship in Nkoyoyo Hall.

According to Musekura, he was inspired into a career as a driver by someone who drove an ambulance in the latter’s home town in Kisoro, southwestern Uganda. Determined to follow in his role model’s footsteps, Musekura learned how to drive and secured the same job at Kisoro Regional Referral Hospital.

For 17 years, Musekura transported patients, many in critical condition, from Kisoro to Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala.

“Through that job, I was able to help save people’s lives,” Musekura recalls. “No patient ever died under my watch while I was transporting them, even in emergency cases.”

He remembers some of the lives he helped save, including an acid attack victim and a stroke patient.

UCU Vice Chancellor with staff who got awards last year
UCU Vice Chancellor with staff who got awards last year

In 2019, Musekura changed work stations, from the hospital to UCU, having responded to an advertisement that the university put out in the media.  Three months into his new job at UCU, there was a shutdown in movement in Uganda because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Despite the challenges, Musekura mentions that he remained steadfast, ready to serve once normalcy returned.

Currently in his fifth year at UCU, Musekura attributes his continued success to his strong work ethic, punctuality, and ability to collaborate with both staff and students.

“What has kept me going is my commitment to hard work and teamwork,” he says. “I cooperate well with everyone in the UCU community, whether student or staff. I believe in building strong relationships.”

Musekura was on duty at UCU’s Kampala Campus when he received an unexpected phone call from the Human Resource Directorate of the university. He had been selected as one of the university’s outstanding employees for his exceptional administrative support.

“I was pleasantly surprised and overjoyed to hear that I would be among the staff recognized at the end of 2024. This shows that the people I work for appreciate what I do.”

During the awards ceremony last year, UCU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration, David Mugawe, explained the significance of the awards.

“The University Council asked management to create a way to reward outstanding staff,” Mugawe noted. “The evaluation criteria included staff performance, contributions to research and grants, leadership roles, and excellence in teaching.”

UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi emphasized the importance of maintaining a culture of excellence and acknowledged that while no one is without flaws, the contributions of the awardees were commendable. Each awardee received a plaque and a financial reward.

Annually, UCU has been awarding staff members who make a milestone of 10 years of service. However, last year, it was different. A total of 31 employees were recognized for exceptional service, as part of UCU’s new performance-based staff awards.

For Musekura, the award is not just a personal achievement, but also a reminder of the values he upholds: integrity, punctuality and flexibility. He takes immense pride in his timekeeping skills and his ability to adapt to various challenges.

“I want to be remembered as a time-conscious and flexible worker,” he says.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, one of the things that excites him most about UCU is the fact that his first born, Manzi Emmanuel, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in ICT on a full scholarship offered by the university.

As Musekura continues his journey at UCU, he notes that he remains committed to serving with excellence, proving that dedication and a heart for service do not go unnoticed.

Musekura hails from Kisoro District and is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Beatrice Nyinazekkuhozi, have four children. He notes that his parents – Habyarimana and Tereza Habyarimana – have played a significant role in shaping his values and dedication to service.

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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

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi receiving church instruments of power

UCU Vice Chancellor cements footprint in church leadership


Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi receiving church instruments of power
Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi receiving church instruments of power

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, was recently installed as a Lay Canon for Education and Human Resource Development in Bukedi Diocese in eastern Uganda.  The January 25, 2025, ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Tororo. 

Reflecting on his appointment, Prof. Mushengyezi recalled his initial reaction when he received the call from Bishop Samuel George Egesa Bogere.

“I asked him, ‘Are you sure you are calling the right person?’ He assured me that it is by God’s grace that we receive such honors,” he shared.

“We have a bountiful harvest today—ten ordinands and eight canons, including UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. We give God all the glory,” Bishop Baalwa said.

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi
Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi

The service was officiated by Bishop Bogere, who preached on the theme, “Imitating God’s Goodness by Doing Good” (Galatians 6:9-10). The UCU delegation included staff and student representatives who traveled to the diocese to witness the occasion.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, was represented at the event by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Jackson Baalwa, the Assistant Bishop of Kampala Diocese. Baalwa commended the Church in Bukedi for its positive community impact and efforts in nurturing new church leaders.

The role of a Lay Canon in the Anglican Church in Uganda is deeply rooted in lay leadership and ministry. Lay canons contribute to the life and work of the church. Their responsibilities include advising the cathedral chapter on administrative matters, promoting the church’s mission, acting as a bridge between the clergy and the laity, offering mentorship, and providing spiritual leadership. The position is an acknowledgment of an individual’s long-standing service and commitment to the church.

Prof. Mushengyezi with this wife, Patience
Prof. Mushengyezi with this wife, Patience

Mushengyezi has been actively involved in church activities for decades. Since accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1980, he has served in various leadership roles, including as a member of the St. Francis Chapel Council, the Fathers’ Union, and as Chairperson of the Kigezi-Ankole Anglican Youth Missioners. His passion for serving the church and community development led him in 2010 to co-found the Franciscan Investment Cooperative Society, a financial institution based at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University. By December 2023, the cooperative had grown to 2,877 members, with a portfolio of sh26 billion (about $6.94 million).

Mushengyezi’s installation as Lay Canon comes just a year after he was honored by the Ugandan government with a Golden Jubilee Medal for his contribution to the education sector. He was among 57 individuals recognized at the national celebrations in Fort Portal City. The Office of the President of Uganda bestows these medals to individuals who have made remarkable achievements in leadership and service to the nation.

And it is by God’s grace that Mushengyezi lived to see adult life. At age 11, he fell very ill while in Primary Five. His mother rushed him to the hospital, where doctors warned that he had only 48 hours to live if treatment was delayed. After recovering, they advised his mother to take special care of him, warning that he might not live past his 16th birthday.

A cross section of some UCU staff at the event
A cross section of some UCU staff at the event

“Those words always haunted me, but doctors are not God,” the Vice Chancellor said. “We believe in the report of the Lord.” He reflected that even though the doctors had made their report, God had a plan for him, leading to his eventual service as UCU Vice Chancellor and now as a Lay Canon.

Born July 24, 1969, Mushengyezi and his wife, Patience Rubabinda Mushengyezi, have four children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (First-Class Honors) and a Master of Arts from Makerere University, as well as a PhD from the University of Connecticut, USA. Before joining UCU, he served as the Dean of the School of Languages, Literature, and Communication at Makerere University. He also held positions such as Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication, Chairman of the University Council at Africa Renewal University, and Project Coordinator for Development Partnerships in Higher Education at Makerere University.

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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

John Lufafa having a light moment with a “kid” at the farm

‘Starting with just two goats, I realized the potential…’


John Lufafa having a light moment with a “kid” at the farm
John Lufafa having a light moment with a “kid” at the farm

By Eriah Lule
According to the Tridge agri-food data and intelligence website, New Zealand was the top goat meat exporter in 2024. 

Nowadays, Uganda Christian University (UCU) graduate John Lufafa is watching these statistics with a goal to bring Uganda up on the list with his adult goat meat, also known as chevon. He knows that goat loin is the most desired cut, followed by leg and shoulder. 

He never started out to be a goat farmer, but now that he is, he wants to be the best. 

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown led to a closure of many income-generating activities, a gap that opened many people’s minds to the need for a sustainable source of income. At the same time, the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu famous quote “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” haunted Lufafa and drove his vision of goat farming. The years 2020 and 2021 were the perfect time to begin.

Some goats grazing at Lufafa’s farm
Some goats grazing at Lufafa’s farm

“Starting with just two goats, I realized the potential of livestock farming for long-term financial growth,” he said. “Goat farming has reinforced my belief that small and well-managed initiatives can grow into significant economic ventures.”

Lufafa, who now has 60 goats, focuses on scalability, reinvestment and sustainability. He shunned goat farming as just an immediate source of his livelihood. 

“I noticed it as a long-term investment, growing the herd, improving breed quality and exploring better feeding and healthcare practices to maximize productivity,” he said.

The UCU graduate of a Bachelor of Development Studies in 2015 learned this process as a university student.  The UCU course exposed him to principles of sustainable development, resource management and economic empowerment –  all of which are essential in agriculture and livestock farming.

Lufafa ventured into local goats with a particular interest in Mubende goats that originated in Uganda and are known for their hardness and disease resistance.  He also has the South African breed called Boer. 

He has learned that selective breeding improves herd quality and productivity over time with regular veterinary check-ups for disease prevention and early detection. Additionally, proper nutrition with balanced feed and access to clean water helps to ensure sustainability and profitability.

In a media interview, the Rev. Associate Professor John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa emphasized UCU’s theme statement, A complete education for a complete person.

“We are determined to producing a graduate that can compete in all walks of life and be of great service to the community” he said “Our major aim isn’t educating our students but preparing them for the world ahead of them and how better to tackle it for better lives.”

Lufafa affirmed that the university shaped his perspective on sustainability, economic empowerment and self-reliance. Through coursework and field experiences, he gained a deeper understanding of how small-scale enterprises can create lasting impact, especially in rural communities.

He acknowledges value addition, market linkages and community-based development as some of the factors that have influenced how he has managed to grow from two goats in 2020 to 60 goats in 2025 on his farm in Iganga District in the eastern part of the country.

Lufafa, 35, is the first born of five children of Duncan and Justine Lufafa of Jinja District in the eastern part of the country.  The goat farmer and his wife, Nakidde Patience, have two 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.

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Rev. Dr Simon Masiga

Masiga seeks to take church to people with disabilities


Rev. Dr Simon Masiga
Rev. Dr Simon Masiga

By Kefa Senoga
A few minutes after 9 a.m on November 11, 2024, the Rev. Simon Masiga stood in front of an audience both physical and virtual in CHUSS Smart room at Makerere University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

This morning engagement for Masiga, one of the faculty members at the college, was not an ordinary one. This time, Masiga was before a panel of examiners and the public, as he tried to defend his PhD research, under the topic: “An Interpretive Study of the Perceptions of Disability in 2 Samuel 9 and among the Bamasaaba in Eastern Uganda.”

2 Samuel 9 tells the story of how King David showed compassion to Mephibosheth, the disabled son of his late friend, Jonathan. King David restored the land of Mephibosheth’s family and invited him to the King’s table by restoring his family’s land. This action demonstrated David’s loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan, despite Saul’s hostility towards him and that act showed his empathy and faithfulness to promises made. 

2 Samuel 9 was the biblical text that Masiga, a lecturer in the Department of Religion and Peace Studies at Makerere University, hinged his PhD research on. The aim of the study, Masiga explains in his abstract, was to explore how the interpretation of disability in 2 Samuel 9 and the social cultural construction of disability among Bamasaaba can promote social and religious inclusion of persons with disability. 

And for more than four hours Masiga, clad in a navy-blue suit, white shirt and matching neck tie, labored to convince the panel before him during the oral presentation that he had extensive knowledge of his research and field.

Masiga acquired his PhD from Makerere University
Masiga acquired his PhD from Makerere University

Based on the findings, the study recommended a positive and inclusive interpretation of disability among religious communities that can transform perspective and enhance inclusion by integrating people with disability fully into society through deconstructing normative notions within religious communities.

The November PhD defense was a success and, on January 17, 2025, Masiga was among the 20 students who earned a PhD from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He notes that his research is already making an impact, as he has been invited to various platforms to share strategies on how the church can better include individuals with special needs in ministry.

“I was recently invited to the special needs congress at Uganda Christian University and I based on my research study to educate the church leaders about how they can involve individuals with special needs in daily church activities,” Masiga said. 

At the Congress held in the Nkoyoyo Hall at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono, Dr. Masiga, emphasized that physical differences do not diminish an individual’s humanity. “People with disabilities are also entitled to normal lives. They deserve justice, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity.” 

He believes that his research will continue to influence how the church is going to train pastors to minister with people with disabilities. “I am planning to do a dissemination documentary project where I will collect stories of people who participated in my research study and I use the stories to do sensitization campaigns on the rights of people with disability to participate in church and community activities,” he explains.

Masiga recalls that before pursuing his PhD, he frequently received questions about the Bible that he felt unable to fully address with his knowledge at master’s level. And he reasons that it is this thirst for knowledge that motivated him to pursue further studies in Biblical Research in African contexts.

During his master’s course in Biblical Studies at UCU, Masiga notes that he explored how African cultural perspectives on circumcision align with biblical teachings, aiming to contextualize biblical texts in African cultural contexts. This exploration became the foundation for his PhD research. 

Besides his passion for research on his areas of interest, Masiga says that he pursued a PhD to continue his career in university teaching, recognizing that obtaining a doctorate was essential for maintaining his position in academia.

Masiga started his university teaching career in 2015, at UCU, as a teaching assistant in the Department of Foundations. He says that his vision was to serve the church as a clergy while practicing teaching as a career. Masiga earned a Bachelor of Divinity at UCU and was ordained in 2015 at St. Matthew Cathedral, North Mbale Diocese. 

He recalls serving in the church as early as 2008 when he was just completing his secondary school studies. “I never imagined I would become a priest, nor did I ever think I would earn a PhD,” he says.

Masiga began his education in eastern Uganda at Kikobero Primary School, before advancing to Muyembe High School, for O’level and then Mbale High School for A’level. All the three schools are in eastern Uganda. He initially enrolled at Kyambogo University to pursue a Bachelor of Education, but his academic journey was disrupted when his sponsor could no longer afford to support his university education.

Masiga and his family
Masiga and his family

When he dropped out of school, his home diocese of North Mbale offered him an opportunity to study for priesthood at UCU, after recognizing his dedication as a lay servant in the church.

In 2018, he married Esther Tabitha, a lady he met as a student at UCU. The couple has no biological children yet but are looking after four foster children. 

In 2019, Masiga transitioned from UCU to Compassion International, where he took up a new role as a child advocate, focusing on program training and discipleship. It was from Compassion International that he later moved to Makerere University in 2021. This experience along with his educational background has paved the way for Masiga to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities. 

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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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How Mpox spreads

UCU’s health and safety response to Mpox


 

How Mpox spreads
How Mpox spreads

By Jimmy Siyasa
Typical weekend activity at the Uganda Christian University (UCU), Main Campus, has a temporary lull. 

Usual Saturday nights are filled with laughter and the sound of cheerful play echoing from Nsibambi Hall, named after a former Ugandan Prime Minister and designated as a male resident common; the students consistently meet there to watch the English Premier League soccer match. The mood is mirrored on a typical Friday evening in Sabiti Hall, the female residence named after a former Ugandan archbishop. There, girls have an impromptu movie night, watching Spanish telenovelas and sharing shawls and snacks as their carefree spirits light up their cubicle-size rooms. 

On some weekend nights, there is a “Worship Night” organized by the Chaplaincy in Nkoyoyo Hall where no less than 500 students engage in vibrant musical praise and worship. Across campus, it is not uncommon to spot a group of friends squeezed into a crowded Toyota Vitz after a late study session. Within a sub-compact car, shoulders brush as they chatter about the week ahead. 

These scenes of vibrant, social life—hallmarks of university culture— took a turn in February  when UCU determined added vigilance was necessary.  For students whose days involve handshakes, hugs and shared spaces, such a contagious disease could be fertile ground. 

Just as with Covid-19, the emergence of the Mpox (commonly called monkey pox) virus in Uganda sparked a united response at UCU and across the country to protect the community and curb a threat. 

Mpox spreads primarily through close, personal contact, including skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an infectious rash or by touching contaminated objects or materials. 

Uganda’s fight against Mpox began with its first case on July 24, 2024, in Mpondwe, Western Uganda. On Feb. 11, 2025, the country confirmed 2,896 cases. This outbreak follows Uganda’s triumph over Ebola, contained in just 69 days thanks to a swift, coordinated intervention in 2022. Today, that same resolve drives the Mpox effort.

Addressing the public on February 18, Uganda’s Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng noted that the ministry continues to “monitor and contain” the disease with much hope of overcoming it. 

“Uganda remains safe, and we have the capacity to manage the outbreak,” she said, reassuring both natives and foreigners. 

The management involves tracing, diagnosing and educating. 

  • The Ministry of Health deployed investigation teams, like Mukono’s Surveillance Department, to trace contacts on UCU’s campus during the last week of February. 
  • Mobile labs, once key to rapid Ebola testing, were converted to diagnose Mpox swiftly. 
  • Nationwide education campaigns, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), teach millions about prevention including impact of vaccination. 

Uganda’s history—from pioneering Yellow Fever research to ending Ebola outbreaks — demonstrates safety. USAID’s $22 million boost during the 2022 Ebola fight, funding labs and treatment centers, laid groundwork that aids the Mpox response, proving past investments endure.

While the UCU campus is not impacted by widespread Ebola or Mpox, the Directorate of Medical Services, hosted at the Alan Galpin Health Centre, is proactive – sharing facts, safety tips and calling for vigilance. 

Dr. Geoffrey Mulindwa, UCU Director of Medical Services
Dr. Geoffrey Mulindwa, UCU Director of Medical Services

“If you or someone around you feels unwell, promptly notify health workers for assessment and care,” wrote Dr. Geoffrey Mulindwa, the Director of Medical Services, on Feb. 25, 2025.  “Let’s all do our part to prevent Mpox at UCU.”

Their plan targets habits that define student life. Handshakes are out; frequent handwashing with soap or sanitizer is in. Sharing clothes and piling into close quarters are discouraged. 

“Limit unnecessary physical contact,” the Directorate urged. 

Students feeling unwell were instructed to call the Directorate’s hotline for immediate care. With Mukono’s contact-tracing team arriving soon, UCU is fully cooperating, ready to isolate risks. This blend of discipline and care reflects UCU Christian values, turning a wake-up call into a collective stand for safety. 

Ironically, this action occurred a week away from the Easter Semester 2025 Health Awareness Week. To assist with disease mindfulness, the normal weekend wind-down at UCU has been replaced by quiet and a mantra of “health first.” 

While assistance through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been halted, Uganda and the WHO are engaged in efforts to combat Mpox and Ebola. 

“Controlling outbreaks is about saving lives,” Dr. Aceng 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.

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Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, the Principal of UCU-BBUC, in her office.

Kyobutungi’s journey to first female principal at BBUC


Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, the Principal of UCU-BBUC, in her office.
Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, the Principal of UCU-BBUC, in her office.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In September 2021, Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye stumbled on an advertisement that attracted her attention in the newspapers. The advertisement was seeking a person to fill the position of Principal of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Bishop Barham University College (BBUC). 

“My husband told me to apply for that job, saying it was mine.  I could also see that if I applied for the job, I would surely get it,” Kyobutungi said.

Kyobutungi, indeed, applied for the job. After several rounds of interviews, she was selected to lead the institution, thus becoming the first female principal of UCU-BBUC. A principal’s role is to oversee and manage all aspects of the university college’s operations.

The first thing that Kyobutungi did when she walked into her office after her appointment as principal was to pray to God and ask Him to walk with her on this journey. She even pinned up a prayer on her office wall, which she says every morning. According to Kyobutungi, her time at UCU has improved her spirituality, enabling her to put God at the center of her work.

From day one, when Dr. Kyobutungi joined UCU- BBUC, she was struck by the muddy road from the gate into the university. 

The writer conducting an interview with Dr. Kyobutungi in her UCU-BBUC office.
The writer conducting an interview with Dr. Kyobutungi in her UCU-BBUC office.

“An institution of higher learning should look better than a secondary school,” she said.

Although she was told that the budget for that year had already been approved, she did not give up on her quest to pave the road. With her team’s consent, Kyobutungi used the money that had been earmarked to procure a vehicle and instead obtained the car on hire purchase. In addition, they set up retainer walls and renovated the institution’s multi-purpose building. Other than the paving of the road, the other developments were achieved using the collections from the UCU Sunday. 

In 2017, the House of Bishops of the Province of the Church of Uganda resolved to designate the last Sunday of September as a UCU Sunday. UCU Sunday was established to mobilize financial resources to support the university’s projects, especially infrastructure and to raise awareness about the institution. This tradition spans across Uganda, with every Anglican Church in Uganda participating.

As the principal, Kyobutungi is committed to ensuring that the academic standards at the institution are upheld, particularly in terms of qualification among the faculty. 

One of her major achievements has been enforcing strict policies in tuition payments. On many occasions, students used to complete their studies without paying their fees, something which generated financial instability. 

She established a policy where students had to pay at least 45% of the tuition fee before sitting tests and allowed leniency for only one semester. She believes that unless the fees are paid on time, the university will never be able to meet its costs promptly.

“I have worked at several universities, but I can say that UCU is special,” she said. “At UCU-BBUC, we groom the students both morally and intellectually.”

A new face for UCU- BBUC.
A new face for UCU- BBUC.

Currently, BBUC has books but owns no library structure. It rents library space at the cathedral. But Kyobutungi has plans to resolve that. Five years from now, she hopes that the institution will have its own library. 

Kyobutungi is the ninth of 10 children, although most of her siblings have passed away. Only her family’s fifth-born, a brother, is still alive. Because of this, she grew up as the apple of everyone’s eye.

She is well-known for her passion of reading and writing. The love for reading, she says, was first lit in her Primary Three when she was asked to recite a folk tale before her class. She did not share any because she had none. However, when she returned home, she asked the wife of her brother to narrate folktales to her. 

It’s then that she learned that stories dwelled in books. From that moment, she dived into literature and read everything, from novel series to Bible stories. 

In primary school, she read all the books in their small library. By Primary Seven, she says, her teacher saw her as a candidate with immense potential after she scored 99% in essay writing. 

“If I can write a good essay, then I can write,” she told herself. 

After primary school, she joined Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School in western Uganda. Unlike her primary school, Bweranyangi had a large library. Here, they held class reading sessions, where books were brought in a box, and each student would pick one to read. 

At the end of the week, each student would discuss what they read. If a student completed reading the book, they qualified to receive another one. This motivated her to complete her books so she could continue to explore new ones. And that is how her love for literature was awakened.

Kyobutungi has held various positions, spanning from head of the English Department at Mbarara High School and, later, at Rutooma Senior Secondary School. Both schools are located in western Uganda. During her higher education teaching career at Mbarara High School, the students loved her so much that they gifted her a heifer when she graduated with a PhD.

She then graduated to the position of Head of the Languages and Literature Department at Bishop Stuart University and later became the Dean of the Faculty of Education. 

Kyobutungi has over 15 publications, including the poetry collection Dance of the Intellect, Building the Nation: A Romance, Gender and Rural Transformation: A Post-Modernist Perspective, Fireplace Experience in Ankole, Henry Barlow’s Poetry a Romanticist Reading Science and Development: Bridging the Gender Gap in Rural Communities of selected Countries of East Africa, The Hidden Princess, Wondering and Wandering of Hearts, Poems from Uganda among others.

Kyobutungi holds a BA Lit/Lin and Dip Educ. from Makerere University, and a Master of Arts (Lit) Makerere University and a PhD in Language Culture and Society (LCS) (Literature bias) from Bishop Stuart University. 

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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. Martin Kizito, the newly appointed Dean of the School of Social Sciences at UCU.

New dean Kizito’s vision for UCU School of Social Sciences


Dr. Martin Kizito, the newly appointed Dean of the School of Social Sciences at UCU.
Dr. Martin Kizito, the newly appointed Dean of the School of Social Sciences at UCU.

By Best Nyapendi
Dr. Martin Kizito is the new Dean of the School of Social Sciences at Uganda Christian University. Kizito, who was appointed last month, succeeds Rev. Assoc. Prof. Andrew David Omona, who has held the position for the past five years.

“I consider this a divine calling. Being redeployed back to social sciences meant a possibility of being appointed dean because, while I was in the school, previously, I had already served in the other different leadership roles and more so committedly, except that role of deanship. But honestly, I had not seen it coming this soon,” Kizito said. He has worked in UCU since 2009.

Having previously served the university as Head of Grants and Partnerships in the Directorate of Research Partnership and Innovation, Kizito will be replaced by Dr. Jonathan Tumwebaze, who will oversee grants and research, while Dr. Miriam Mutabazi will spearhead partnerships and community engagements.

He  believes  that  this  new  position  will  empower  him  to  implement  best  management  and administrative practices he’s been observing in different institutions across the world. 

Rev. Assoc. Prof. Andrew David Omona (left) handing over office to Dr. Martin Kizito.
Rev. Assoc. Prof. Andrew David Omona (left) handing over office to Dr. Martin Kizito.

His vision builds on the foundation laid by the previous dean, with a focus on revitalizing the school’s legacy, especially after Covid-19 impacted negatively on the students’ numbers and overall engagement activities.

Kizito’s revitalization agenda prioritizes growing student numbers through national and international students’ recruitment, applied teaching and learning, students’ engagement activities, improved customer care, staff research and publication. 

In order to ensure that more postgraduate students complete their courses within the recommended timeframe, Kizito intends to use the e-dissertation management system. The system will cultivate a culture where supervisee-supervisor interaction is monitored, to provide tailored support virtually through research clinics.  He has also targeted collaborating with the rest of the faculty to develop a more generalized PhD program. The program can attract more students and boost the school’s profile, capitalizing on the recent abundant harvest of over 5 PhDs in the last year. 

Kizito said they are closely being supported by the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, to run several market-driven professional short courses in areas like Child Development and Ministry, Development Monitoring and Evaluation, Counselling Psychology, Special Needs Care, Public Policy and Governance. 

“We are also in the process of introducing a monthly symposium, to promote scholarly debates and showcase the expertise in the school. Already, several teams have been established to promote multi-disciplinary grant writing, research and publication, leveraging the experience from the Directorate of Research Partnership and Innovation.

To attract more students to the undergraduate programs in the school, Kizito chairs a committee working on an aggressive marketing strategy for the school’s unique programs. He plans to revive the schools’ traditions of regular community engagements with non-governmental organizations and local governments, the annual anti-corruption week with partners in the transparency and accountability sectors, as well as reputable guest lectures for students’ career guidance. 

“We also count on extending our networks to the churches, working with the Office of Church Relations and building partnerships of mutual benefit with schools where most of our students have been coming.” 

It is also timely for us to revive students’ activities through their different professional associations, which provide a platform for students’ mentorship by senior practioners. 

He noted: “Our alumni have exceled over time and are well placed in international, regional and national organizations, and are very much willing to support their school regain its dominant position in the university.” 

And he believes that the faculty should be able to guarantee excellent customer care at the school, effective teaching and timely release of results. “It is for that reason that we are going for a retreat to reflect on where the gaps could be and lay strategies for improvement.”

In 2016, when Kizito sensed that the university had started entrusting him with big assignments, he returned to school to pursue a doctorate, knowing well that fortune favors a prepared mind. At the time, he had been appointed the Head of the Department of Public Administration and Governance at UCU.

“Being head of department meant I built the standard for the rest of the staff, so I felt challenged,” Kizito  said during an interview he granted  Partners last year. “At some of the committees where I represented UCU as head of department, almost everybody was a professor.”

At the time Kizito was appointed head of department, he had a Master’s in Public Administration and Management (Makerere University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation (Uganda Management Institute) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Makerere University).

A few months into his role as head of department, Kizito was also appointed as coordinator of the Master of Research and Public Policy program, jointly run in 13 African countries and representing UCU on the steering committee of Partnership for African Social and Governance Research, based in Nairobi, Kenya

As head of department, he was central in establishing the Master of Governance and International Relations program, as well as the review of the programs of Master of Research and Public Policy and the Master of Public Administration and Management.

 “I would feel that God had granted me opportunities to serve, but I needed the PhD to bolster my capacity,” Kizito said. 

“So, going by my previous training and experience, I needed a PhD in Public Policy Evaluation to be ready to maximize any opportunities that would come my way.”

In hindsight, Kizito’s appointment could be attributed to his attaining of a PhD from the University of Pretoria in South Africa last year, further cementing his belief that fortune favors the prepared.

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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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Bruce Amanya Mugisha

Former UCU guild president eyes Ugandan national politics


Bruce Amanya Mugisha
Bruce Amanya Mugisha

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Bruce Amanya Mugisha is a man on a mission. He is on a mission to solve the infrastructural challenges faced by his native district – Sheema – in western Uganda. He is also on a mission to join the country’s legislature, and contribute to its lawmaking function. Amanya also wants to give back to his alma mater – Uganda Christian University – where he served as the institution’s guild president from 2018-2019.

Sheema, known for its significant contributions to Uganda’s agricultural sector, particularly in tea and coffee production, faces a critical challenge: the poor state of the road network. 

Bruce Amanya Mugisha during his recent Master’s graduation in Civil Engineering at Makerere University.
Bruce Amanya Mugisha during his recent Master’s graduation in Civil Engineering at Makerere University.

Amanya says farmers in the district struggle to transport their goods, hindering economic growth and development. And his is a voice joining the many, urging the Ugandan government to intervene and address the critical issue of road network, to enable easy and faster access of markets by farmers.  

In fact, he believes that to have a bigger say, he should voice his concerns where decision makers are at Fora. And it’s one of the reasons, he says, why he is joining the Ugandan Parliament. In addition to contributing to the country’s legislative agenda, Amanya thinks he will push for the needs of his constituents.

Amanya’s desire to contribute to addressing Uganda’s pressing infrastructure challenges, particularly the roads, is not something he’s just woken up to. In fact, because of that desire, he carefully chose his university course, one which he felt would give him the opportunity to push that agenda. At UCU, which he joined in 2016, Amanya pursued Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His master’s degree at Makerere University was also in the same field – civil engineering. 

After completing his undergraduate degree, Amanya worked on several high-impact projects. As a pavement engineer, he worked closely with the National Enterprise Corporation to ensure the paving of the Entebbe Pediatric Hospital Road. 

The paving of the road, which had been plagued by potholes, has improved access to emergency surgical services at the hospital. Amanya has also worked on the rehabilitation of 62.5 km Olwiyo-Pakwach road in Nwoya district, northern Uganda. The route connects northwestern Uganda to South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The road is also a tourist route leading to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. 

These experiences not only honed his technical expertise but also deepened his understanding of the critical role that infrastructure plays in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.

Currently, Amanya works as a pavement engineer with the Ugandan government. His ambitions extend far beyond his current role. With a keen interest in politics and public service, he is still building his career. In September this year, Amanya plans to enroll for a PhD. 

Amanya attributes his desire for politics and making the world a better place to what he learned while at UCU. He fondly remembers the friendships he made and the invaluable support he received from the faculty. 

The upgraded Entebbe Pediatric Hospital Access Road.
The upgraded Entebbe Pediatric Hospital Access Road.

“UCU is more than just an institution; it is a community that fosters growth, excellence, and integrity,” he explained, adding: “I am proud to be an alumnus, and I am committed to giving back to my alma mater.”

Among the many mentors from UCU, Amanya singles out Mr. David Mugawe, who still performs that role to date.

He plans to provide internship opportunities for UCU students at his company, Machbolt Engineering Limited, an engineering firm in Uganda that provides services such as project costing, contracting, consulting, and rehabilitation.  

One of the hurdles he says he encountered as a student was securing an internship placement. Now, he wants to mitigate such challenges for as many students as possible by collaborating with the UCU Faculty of Engineering to provide internship opportunities for the students. 

Amanya had his early education at Paragon Boarding Primary School and secondary education at Ntare School, after which he joined UCU. Paragon and Ntare are in western Uganda. In addition to Master’s in Civil Engineering, Amanya also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management.

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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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Joan Abeera in a room she designed.

The arty life of Abeera’s creatives


Joan Abeera in a room she designed.
Joan Abeera in a room she designed.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
So, this is how Joan Abeera introduced herself to the world: She took a leap of faith and opened a Facebook page to showcase the work she would do whenever she was off duty.  To her surprise, her first post on the social media platform caught the attention of a potential client. People started noticing her posts. 

“After my first post on Facebook, a client reached out to me, asking for a similar art piece that I had posted,” Abeera said. It was a TV unit and a mirror.

That positive feedback, the 29-year-old said, fueled her passion, and soon, more orders came in, including projects for an entire apartment. In less than six months, she was earning up to 1 million UGX from a business she started with only 200,000 UGX. (1M UGX = 272.65 USD)

Lampshades Joan Abeera designed.
Lampshades Joan Abeera designed.

As the business grew, she realized she needed a physical space for her creations. With profits from her work, she rented a two-roomed house that became her showroom. This space was essential for clients who wanted to “see” and “touch” her designs.

With each design, she strives to make something different and amazing, drawing inspiration from her name and her rich cultural heritage.

The name ‘Abeera,’ means ‘pure’ in Rufumbira, a local dialect in southwestern Uganda. She says by naming her business Abeera Creatives, she wanted her brand to reflect her commitment to creating unique, handcrafted pieces that are both amazing and durable. 

“Whenever I look at an item, I think of how unique I can create it; if I see a lampshade in metal design, I try to make it differently and better, in wood,” she said.

Her creative process is collaborative. She works closely with a team of four skilled people — a carpenter, a metalworker, a painter, and a support staff. Together, they mix materials and ideas to bring Abeera’s visions to life. For instance, if a client requests a specific shade of grey for a piece, she might mix paints to achieve the perfect color.

Her husband, she says, has been a support pillar in the business: He often refers clients from his network, something Abeera says has helped her grow from strength to strength.  

What sets Abeera Creatives apart is its commitment to personalization. She believes every project should reflect the client’s lifestyle and personality. By using locally-sourced materials and collaborating with Ugandan artisans, she creates designs that celebrate both global inspiration and local craftsmanship. 

Her most cherished project is a Scandinavian-inspired home, the space is not only functional and elegant, but it also tells the story of its occupants, reflecting their personalities. This project required extensive time and effort, but it remains one of Abeera’s proudest achievements.

Abeera’s most cherished project, a Scandinavian-inspired home.
Abeera’s most cherished project, a Scandinavian-inspired home.

Like any entrepreneur, Abeera faces challenges in her work. One of the most significant hurdles is managing client expectations. Many clients rely heavily on social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest for design inspiration. 

Often, they request designs that may not be feasible in the materials they desire and she often finds herself negotiating with clients who want the cheapest options.

“Sometimes you get the South African boards which are durable, but the client will say it is expensive because it is twice the price of boards made in Uganda,” she said. 

Time constraints also pose a challenge. Clients sometimes expect projects to be completed in unrealistic timelines. To manage this, Abeera communicates clearly about her timelines, often adding extra time to ensure she can deliver quality work without rushing.

While she acknowledges the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in keeping up with trends, she believes that true creativity comes from within. 

She cautions fellow interior designers against relying too heavily on AI, stressing that while the technology can provide ideas, it cannot execute the detailed work of an interior designer.

For those looking to work with an interior designer, Abeera offers valuable advice, stressing the importance of understanding the purpose of the space, whether it is residential or commercial. She encourages clients to involve designers from the early stages of construction. By working together, they can avoid potential issues, like ensuring there are enough electrical sockets for lighting fixtures.

“Sometimes a client wants lights on her dressing mirror yet there is no socket in her bedroom; had they involved an interior designer earlier, she would have advised a socket close to where the dressing mirror would be,” she said. 

Her passion for design is deeply rooted in her childhood – she grew up in a family that valued creativity and craftsmanship. Her mother introduced her to jewelry making. Together, they would select colors and textures, laying the groundwork for Abeera’s keen eye for design.

In 2018, Abeera graduated from Uganda Christian University (UCU) with a Bachelor of Industrial and Fine Art. Her time at UCU was transformative, filled with creative projects that honed her skills. One class project, an interior design exhibition featuring Scandinavian-inspired designs, portrayed her ability to blend cultures and styles. 

She credits her education at UCU for shaping her entrepreneurial mindset, instilling in her discipline and the practical skills she acquired in areas such as tailoring, fabric mixing, and creating mood boards.

The exhibitions she participated in at UCU provided hands-on experience, boosting her confidence to present her work and connect with clients. For instance, she was hired to make furniture for the UCU Kingdom View Pavilion where, to meet the preferences of the client, she used metal and mugavu wood to create a rustic, local feel on the folding round and rectangular tables.

With a growing clientele and a passion for design, she envisions opening more showrooms and producing custom-made furniture in-house, offering clients a complete design experience. She hopes to, one day, set up a design academy, where she can mentor young creatives, sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of designers.

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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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UCU Kampala Campus where the main academic building at the School of Law, is soon to be called the John Senyonyi Building.

UCU names buildings after exceptional contributors


UCU Kampala Campus where the main academic building at the School of Law, is soon to be called the John Senyonyi Building.
UCU Kampala Campus where the main academic building at the School of Law, is soon to be called the John Senyonyi Building.

By Jimmy Siyasa
The honor-tradition of naming buildings after individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contribution toward a given cause dates back to the first century Common Era. One of the notable instances of the practice was when Roman General Agrippa had his name inscribed on the Pantheon Temple, a towering temple he built and dedicated to the worship of all Roman gods between AD 25-27, although in later centuries it was taken over by the Roman Catholic Church. 

This tradition is still alive and well, even after two millennia, and including with the recent Uganda Christian University (UCU) re-naming of seven buildings. In 2016, American business news television channel, CNBC, reported that sometimes organizations, especially charities, also use naming-of-facilities as a strategy to both encourage more donations from the honored persons or others who covet having their names emblazoned across a building somewhere. 

Just like many human endeavors, this tradition has both its pros and cons. 

One downside is that putting a person’s name on a building may detract from the actual purpose of what the building serves or houses. An additional downside of naming buildings after still-living persons is a debate in some circles that a living person may stray or change-for-the-bad, betraying the cause for which they were honored. 

The upside is giving honor to whom it is due. This rationale is mirrored by the UCU Council when at the end-of-2024 meeting, it resolved to honor seven “distinguished persons who have contributed greatly to the growth and development of the university over the years,” as stated in a December 4, 2024 memo from the Vice Chancellor. An additional upside is that this honor-tradition can serve as a means of inspiring more people- especially the young to do good.

The seven persons at UCU are: Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Bishop Dunstan Bukenya, Dr. Alex Kagume, the late Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagenda, Dr. Jean Chamberlain, Dr. Karen Drake and Ilakut Bella Bella. Below is an overview of their contributions and the corresponding university building/facilities named after them.

 

Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi
Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi

Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi: He served as University Chaplain, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Development and External Relations and Vice Chancellor. He was instrumental in the growth of the University for about 20 years. He led in the development of many academic programs and university policies. He also played a key role in negotiating the purchase of the land where Kampala Campus is now located.

After him, the main academic building at the UCU Kampala Campus School of Law, is now called the “John Senyonyi Building.” 

 

Bishop Dunstan Bukenya
Bishop Dunstan Bukenya

Bishop Dunstan Bukenya: Now a retired cleric of the Anglican Church of Uganda, Bishop Bukenya was at the center of the transition from Bishop Tucker Theological College to Uganda Christian University in 1997, and the first University Secretary. He led in the development of university policies and programs. He trained and mentored multitudes of theologians in the country who are now key leaders in the Church and the region. 

The Library for Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology students, formerly known as the Bishop Tucker Library, is soon to be the “Bishop Dunstan Bukenya Library.” 

 

Dr. Alex Kagume
Dr. Alex Kagume

Dr. Alex Kagume: Now serving as the Deputy Executive Director of Uganda’s National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the regulator for all tertiary and higher institutions of learning, he was recognized for his leading role in the establishment of UCU. He also served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and contributed to the development of many academic programs and policies. He also taught in the School of Divinity and Theology for over 17 years.

The Science laboratory building for the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, formerly “Tech Park Science Labs” block, is designated the “Alex Engineering Building.”

 

Dr. Jean Chamberlain
Dr. Jean Chamberlain

Dr. Jean Chamberlain: She established the Save the Mothers program at UCU with the aim of reducing child and maternal death in selected referral hospitals in the country. She contributed greatly to the starting of the Master of Public Health Leadership that has trained many prominent leaders in the Nursing profession in the country.

Save The Mothers House, located at the UCU staff quarters at the Besania foothill, is designated the  “Jean Chamberlain House.”

Prof. Karen Drake
Prof. Karen Drake

Prof. Karen Drake: She was at the center of establishing the Nursing Science program at UCU from Diploma to Masters, and now the developing PhD program. Karen has trained PhDs in the Nursing Program by sourcing for funding. She still teaches in the program as a Visiting Professor.

The Nursing Skills Laboratories located at the ICMI Building at UCU, will from now on be the “Karen Drake Nursing Laboratories.”

Ilakut Ben Bella
Ilakut Ben Bella

Ben Bella Ilakut: A pioneer print and broadcast journalist in Uganda, Ben Bella, as he is famously known by the Uganda media fraternity, was at the center of establishing the studios of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC). He taught for over 10 years in the school, and he has mentored many prominent communication and media personalities in Uganda. 

The radio and television studios of the School of JMC have been “baptized” as the “Ben Bella Ilakut Studios.” 

Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda
Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda

The late Rev. Canon. Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda: He played a leading role in starting a Church of Uganda Radio Center and the Department of Communication at UCU, which overtime morphed into the school. Dr. Turyagenda was the architect of “radio ministry’” (radio evangelism) of the Anglican Church in Uganda. He was a leading Radio evangelist and he mentored many Christian media communicators and practitioners. 

While he passed away at the end of 2024, Turyagenda’s legacy will remain etched on with his name inscribed on the building that formerly hosted the university community newspaper, Standard; it is named the “Jackson Turyagyenda building.” 

Anyone who has been acquainted or worked with at least one of the UCU “fantastic seven’’ can attest that the honour bestowed on them by UCU is due. 

The plan is for the names to be put on the buildings by the end of the UCU Easter 2024 Semester this April. 

The last time a building name designation was made was in 2015 when the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll and his wife, Peggy,  had the Mukono campus’ 22 lecture room block named after them.  

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Uganda Christian University has many 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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UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi delivering his speech during the research dissemination workshop at African Village Hotel in Mukono

UCU research project empowers smallholder farmers in Uganda


UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi delivering his speech during the research dissemination workshop at African Village Hotel in Mukono
UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi delivering his speech during the research dissemination workshop at African Village Hotel in Mukono

By Kefa Senoga
A project by Uganda Christian University (UCU) researchers has linked close to 500 Ugandan farmers to buyers of their produce for the last three years. The AIRTEA project, which targeted people growing indigenous vegetables in Uganda, linked the farmers to buyers through contracts with specific requirements for the vegetables produced. 

Speaking in January 2025, Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Director of Research, Partnership, and Innovations at UCU disseminated the project results. The Principal Investigator of the AIRTEA project, said, “they trained farmers on sustainable production, business planning and on post-harvest management.” 

Prof. Elizabeth Kizito addressing the audience at the workshop.
Prof. Elizabeth Kizito addressing the audience at the workshop.

Kizito noted that one of the major goals of the project was to address the supply constraints, and how small scale farmers reliably supply the required product quantities and quality in time as demanded by the market. The project was conducted in the Ugandan districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Nakaseke, Luweero, Mityana and Kayunga in central Uganda along with Jinja and Bugiri in eastern Uganda.

The AIRTEA project is transforming agriculture in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda by bridging gaps in agricultural knowledge and innovation through enhanced entrepreneurial skills and access to inclusive platforms.

Another notable achievement of the project by the UCU researchers involved pumpkin farmers, who secured a contract to supply seed grain for snacks. Kizito noted: “We supported the farmers to access the variety of pumpkin that was specified, trained them in how to improve their productivity, yields, and post-harvest management for quality.”

Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU, emphasized the significance of the project, noting that it fosters a vital partnership with farmers. He commended the researchers for actively involving farmers, noting that it was “transforming lives and communities.”

He further commended the project’s coordinators, particularly the UCU Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships for extending UCU’s impact beyond the lecture-rooms and into the community. 

Part of the audience during the workshop.
Part of the audience during the workshop.

The project, which started in 2022, has been funded by the European Union through the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in partnership with the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA) and East African Farmers Federation (EAFF). UCU has been implementing it with partners, including Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE), Syova Seeds Ltd and FARMGAIN Africa Ltd, a market information company.

Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba, the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UCU, noted that UCU focuses on teaching students practical skills, including product processing and value addition. She highlighted the faculty’s alignment with the AIRTEA project, which integrates seamlessly with their initiatives.

Perez Kawumi, the Deputy Executive Director at UNFFE, noted that the AIRTEA project has served as a beacon of hope over the past two-and-a-half years, transforming lives and empowering communities. He acknowledged the successful execution of tasks through collaboration with dedicated partners and underscored the importance of sustaining the lasting impact of the project.

Dr. Joshua Okonya, the Programs Officer at ASARECA, one of the consortium funders of the AIRTEA project, thanked the technical and financial partners for their teamwork and dedication, which, he said, led to the attainment of the goals that were set. 

He commended UCU’s approach of producing hands-on graduates, saying it equips them with skills to navigate challenges in the field of work. 

Mugisha Johnson, the Sales and Marketing Manager at SYOVA Seeds Uganda, said their roles in the project were ensuring the production of high-quality seeds, establishing demonstration gardens, and providing guidance and training to farmers in seed and vegetable production.

David Luwandaga, an official from Farm Gain Africa, which was responsible for linking and connecting farmers to markets, said, “several buyers were successfully mobilized, an achievement whose glory was also shared by Alex Mukotanyi, the Head of Membership at UNFFE.”

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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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UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaking at the congress

Church urged to embrace more people with disabilities


UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaking at the congress
UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaking at the congress

By Kefa Senoga
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi has called for a “louder” advocacy for children with special needs, arguing that every child is a blessing from God. Mushengyezi said the “dynamics” surrounding children with special needs have evolved, highlighting their growing prominence in family and school life.

Society has come to recognize that children with special needs are equally human, with emotions, and needs, and are also very clever and talented. Mushengyezi explained to guests during a conference held in Nkoyoyo Hall at the UCU Main Campus in Mukono, on January 13.

The second Annual Special Needs Congress 2025 was held as a collaboration between UCU School of Social Sciences and Promise International, a US-based non-profit organization advocating basic human rights and supporting children with special needs in Uganda.

People who attended the congress. Front-left, wearing hat is Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican assistant bishop of Kampala
People who attended the congress. Front-left, wearing hat is Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican assistant bishop of Kampala

While giving a historical context to special needs, Mushengyezi noted that issues concerning children with special needs have been happening over centuries. “When you go back to the Middle Ages, for example, you will notice that children were highly neglected, infant mortality was high, the number of children who died per capita was high and the level of literacy was quite low,” he explained. 

“Formal education had not become widespread because in the Middle Ages, it was mainly the church and monasteries that championed education, which mainly focused on basic literacy. A lot of schooling was done at home by the parents and societies, that’s why you often hear them say that it took a village to raise a child,” Mushengyezi noted.

The inaugural special needs congress, which was hosted in February last year focused on fostering interaction with special needs children, along with their parents and teachers. The objective was to gain insights into their challenges and to advocate support. 

This year’s congress sought to promote a more inclusive and compassionate church that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. It also aimed to advocate the integration of disability issues into theological education and training, setting a model for holistic ministry and outreach.

Daniel Tulibagenyi, the CEO of Promise International, narrated how the partnership between his organization and UCU came into being. “In 2022, I knocked at the doors of UCU, to see how we could work together, especially within the church, and the Vice Chancellor welcomed us. We signed a Memorandum of Agreement and since then, UCU has opened its doors wide, which is why we are here today.”

Tulibagenyi’s connection to UCU runs deep, as it is his alma mater. He credited the university for laying the strong foundation that has shaped his life and career. “Helping children with special needs is a powerful way to demonstrate our love for Jesus, as they, too, are created in the image of God. The church is meant to be the hope of the world,” he said.

Daniel Tulibagenyi, the CEO of Promise International
Daniel Tulibagenyi, the CEO of Promise International

Rev. Andrew David Omona, the Dean of the UCU School of Social Sciences, provided a biblical perspective, reminding the audience: “Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are all created in the image of God. Everyone is wonderfully made and bears his image, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.”

And for that reason, Bishop Jackson Fredrick Balwa, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of individuals with special needs, particularly children. “God is calling us to advocate for those with special needs. We must work to influence policies that support and uplift them,” he said.

Zac Niringiye, a former Anglican Assistant Bishop of Kampala, noted that children with disabilities are our teachers of the good news of the kingdom of God because “they are the centre of God’s vision of the kingdom of God”.

The Rev. Dr. Simon Masiga, a priest and a lecturer of Religion and Peace Studies at Makerere University in Kampala, emphasized that physical differences do not diminish an individual’s humanity. “People with disabilities are also entitled to normal lives. They deserve justice, self-confidence, and a strong sense of identity,” he said.

Lay reader Kizito Peter from Kisowera Parish near Mukono said the congress had had an impact on him. As one of the church leaders who attended the congress, he pledged to apply the knowledge gained, particularly the strategies for including and engaging individuals with disabilities and children with special needs in church programs.

“In the church I serve, my congregation includes children with special needs. When we involve them in activities like singing in the choir or playing musical instruments, it inspires them and affirms their sense of humanity,” Kizito said.

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

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Canadian journalist Thomas Froese interacts with UCU writing center coaches in the Hamu Mukasa Library on January 21, 2025.

Canadian writer finds home at UCU


Canadian journalist Thomas Froese interacts with UCU writing center coaches in the Hamu Mukasa Library on January 21, 2025.
Canadian journalist Thomas Froese interacts with UCU writing center coaches in the Hamu Mukasa Library on January 21, 2025.

By Christine Mirembe
At a cosy table outside the Eunice Guest House, near the historic Bishop Tucker Building of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, I had a cup of tea with the Canadian journalist Thomas Froese.

“There’s a need for people like myself to help build skills of writers,” he said, while we sat amidst nearby palm trees and in a gentle breeze. “So, I came and have been engaged in encouraging training sessions for young writers and journalists.” 

Thomas is a veteran journalist, adjunct creative writing lecturer, a husband, father and Christian.  For him, they’re all things that he can write about. So is Uganda, which feels like home, considering his family had lived at UCU for 12 years.

“We lived eight months a year here at UCU and four months in Canada,” he said of the years 2005 to 2017. “The children went to school in Kampala every day. We would drive them to KISU in Bukoto, Kampala International School.”

Thomas, who was born in Berlin, grew up in Canada’s Niagara Region. He now lives in the Canadian city of Hamilton with his wife, Dr. Jean Chamberlain Froese, an obstetrician. Their children are Liz, 21; Jonathan, 19; and Hannah, 19, a native of Uganda and adopted into the Froese family when she was young.

Thomas is well recognized as a journalist and author with 35 years of experience in newspapers. He’s written columns for the Hamilton Spectator for more than 20 years, often about “news, travel, fatherhood and life.”

In 2009, he published “Ninety-Nine Windows: Reflections of a Reporter from Arabia to Africa  and Other Roads Less Travelled,” which was awarded Best Book (Culture) by the Canadian writers’ organization, The Word Guild.

As we meet just down the hill from the Save the Mothers residence, where his family had lived while at UCU, Thomas shared how he and his wife came to UCU. While living in the Middle East, he and Dr. Jean first visited the university in 2003 as she was imagining a new public health leadership program to address Uganda’s needs in maternal health.

Froese, a founder of the UCU Standard newspaper, during his annual visit at UCU-Mukono in January 2025
Froese, a founder of the UCU Standard newspaper, during his annual visit at UCU-Mukono in January 2025

“The university was very accommodating,” Thomas recalled. “It was Stephen Noll, the vice chancellor at that time, and his wife, Peggy, who were our encouragers. They said they wanted to strengthen the university’s health program and felt our vision fit perfectly.”

The program, a Masters in Public Health Leadership called “Save the Mothers,” was launched in 2005. To house the program in 2008, Save the Mothers and UCU built Mirembe Hall, named after Dr. Florence Mirembe, a well-known Ugandan physician working with Dr. Jean. The Save the Mothers name had originated with a previous program run by the Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that Jean was involved in.

While Thomas and Jean raised their children at UCU, Dr. Jean had her hand in the Save the Mothers curriculum and Thomas helped start the campus newspaper, The Standard. With the support of Vice Chancellor Noll, the Standard’s first edition was launched in 2007. John Semakula, the current Head of Department, School of Journalism, was among its first four interns.

“It is very gratifying to know there’s this continuity,” Thomas said.  “People who were here at the beginning of The Standard have returned to UCU to serve and to build the next generation.”

With the newspaper’s shift to digital, Thomas acknowledges change and its inevitability. The Standard currently also prints once a month, but he is optimistic it can go back to printing twice a month, which it did for many years. He also points out the newspaper’s role in building UCU as a community, how a greater printing frequency will help this.

Life is not always a straight path. Thomas has met with challenges in his career. As a freelance columnist in particular, he understands that newspapers are going through changes that can make the profession uncertain. But he encourages other journalists to stay optimistic and remember there are now various platforms for their work.

Another lesson is to read good role models, Thomas notes. One of his is Frederick Buechner, an American author and theologian.

“I will read Frederick Buechner to anybody who will listen, including my dog, Grace,” he says.

During his stay on campus this January, Thomas took part in both organized and impromptu sessions with various students on campus. One session was with the UCU Writing Centre coaches. During that January 21 gathering, he shared basics of good writing with a reminder of the importance of reading widely across different genres, both fiction and non-fiction.

Currently, the Froese family lives in Hamilton, which is near Toronto, Canada. Thomas writes columns alongside teaching creative writing at Redeemer University, in Hamilton, every fall semester.  Jean continues to travel to Uganda twice a year while working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, and teaching in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at McMaster University. Liz, Jonathan and Hannah are preparing for careers in nursing, engineering and teaching, respectively. 

More information about Thomas is at  https://thomasfroese.com.

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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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Dr. Rhoda attends to a patient as the mother looks on

School of Medicine pediatrician: ‘I felt I had found my place’


 

Dr. Rhoda attends to a patient as the mother looks on
Dr. Rhoda attends to a patient as the mother looks on

By Eriah Lule
From 6am to 6pm, one can’t fail to notice Dr. Nakiriba Rhoda Mayega within the in-patient Paediatric Wing (children’s ward) at Mengo Hospital, a private, faith-based teaching facility in Kampala, Uganda. 

As many embraced medicine as a career, for Mayega it was more. She holds it as a deeper calling with the passion to both heal the sick and to pass on her 10 years of medicine experience as a lecturer within the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM). During her 12-hour days, five days a week, she can be seen with patients and SoM students at what many call Namirembe Hospital, which was founded by Sir Albert Ruskin Cook, a British medical missionary in Uganda. 

Growing up as a young girl, Mayega excelled in science, leaving her at a crossroads of being either an engineer or a doctor.  The late Richard Wabwire, her former sciences teacher at Trinity College Nabbingo, an all-girls boarding school, counseled her to lean further toward medicine. 

Having finished her Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery at Makerere University, she did an internship at Mulago National Referral Hospital in 2009. As a trainee doctor in an emergency ward handling many fragile cases, her love for adult medicine was ignited.

Dr. Rhoda supervises UCU medical students in the ward.
Dr. Rhoda supervises UCU medical students in the ward.

“For adults, diagnosis was easy, but in the Paediatric Ward, cases needed thinking fast and hard as most of them were a life-and-death situation,” she said “I didn’t like the Paediatrics Wing at all.”

Later in 2010 after her internship she applied in a private clinic within the former Louis Medical Centre in Kampala. It was a job that excited her while causing some dismay because she saw a major gap of services in the Paediatric ward. 

“After three months of working, I felt the environment wasn’t stimulating,” Mayega recalled.  “I felt underutilized.”

She took her credentials to Kayunga District Hospital in the central part of the country. There were two medical doctors on staff with one being the medical superintendent and another, Dr. Sabiiti Perezi, engaged in administrative tasks more than patient care.  

No sooner had she started her conversation with the hospital’s Human Resources, than an emergency happened in the labor ward; an operation had to be done to save a mother and child.

“First head to the ward and save them, then we can talk later, HR told me,“ she remembered. “I carried out a successful Caesarean section. In me, I felt I had found my place.”

With such tidings and talent, the District Service Commission (committee in charge of hiring civil servants at Local Government level across all sectors/departments) held an emergency meeting and agreed that Mayega should join the Hospital. In 2010, she was confirmed into Government service.

According to the Analysis of Health Labour Market in Uganda report 2022, the total stock of health workers in Uganda was estimated at 158,932 in 2022 with a density of 25.9 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10,000 people. The highest number of health workers were nurses and midwives (106,915), followed by laboratory technicians (16,098) and clinical officers (13,627).

With such statistics and few skilled medical doctors at the time, Kayunga Hospital had no doctor attached to obstetrics and paediatrics, leaving Mayega no option but to join the ward and serve.

The smiles from children after a relief of their medical challenges, along with the prayers and thank yous from their parents, was the beam of hope that further cemented Mayega’s service in paediatrics.

Dr. Rhoda, at right, attends to a patient.
Dr. Rhoda, at right, attends to a patient.

“A child’s smile and a relieved parent spoke directly to my soul,” she said. “This is what I am going to do for the rest of my life.”

Mayega credits her supervisor, Dr. Edson Mworozi, a senior consultant paediatrician from Mulago who visited Kayunga every two months, for much of her success.  He told the Medical Superintendent not to “let the young lady go… her talent is a living testimony for the people of Kayunga.”

“I was in paediatrics but we still collectively managed emergencies as the three doctors,” she recalled. 

In 2013 and despite insufficient human resources at the hospital, the District Service Commission granted her a study leave, allowing Mayega to leave Kayunga to pursue her Masters of Paediatrics and Child Health at Makerere University for three years.

In 2016, she worked part-time at Mengo’s Paediatric Ward while serving at Kayunga.

The District Health officer of Kayunga District at the time retired, and the Hospital Medical Superintendent was appointed to the position. Dr. Sabiiti, who was more senior, had advanced in age so he couldn’t replace the Superintendent; Mayega was called to fill the position to steer the hospital leadership, an opportunity she turned down.

“I wasn’t going back to Kayunga,” she said. Being married with children was part of the reason.

Mengo Hospital wrote to the Government asking Mayega to join there. She first served as a visiting paediatrician at the out-patient ward later transferred to the in-charge of the Paediatrics Ward to today.

Before joining, the hospital Paediatric Ward was referred to as a “death bed” as it was difficult to go a day without multiple mourning for the loss of  children. When Mayega joined, the mortality rate dropped.

“The department was well known for not generating any income for the hospital,” Mayega said.  “It is now recognised for its tremendous efforts.”

UCU journey
When the UCU SoM started in 2018, Dr. Edward Kanyesigye (the first Dean) sought to leverage on the experts of the hospital to champion a holistic education for the students –  a goal he achieved. Mayega was among the experts who invented her own style of passing knowledge. She highlighted the course’s rich communal transformation in a unit called Maternal and Child Health, which requires students to go into communities and learn about a child.

In one of his engagements, the UCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, highlighted the need of academic staff to advance their careers by pursuing PhDs that would help them to get grounded in research, partnerships and grants.

This statement is an affirmation of Mayega’s aspirations.

“I want to advance for my PhD to get grounded in the area of research to add onto the literature around Paediatrics in the country,” she said.

Her continuous encouragement and influence for further studies has led two of her subordinates at the hospital to pursue their Masters in Paediatrics. After them succeeding, she could have time to focus on research and hospital supervision.

Background
Mayega is married to Dr. Roy William Mayega, a medical doctor and a senior lecturer at Makerere University School of Public Health. The couple, married for 15 years, has four children.

Mayega is the last born of four children of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Baptist Buyisi. 

Mengo is the first hospital in Uganda, established by a missionary and physician Dr. Sir. Albert Cook with his wife who belonged to the Church Missionary Society in 1897; Mengo is owned by the Anglican Church.  

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Uganda Christian University has many 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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Muwanguzi and his wife in New Zealand.

Muwanguzi: The accountant who never dreamed of being one


Muwanguzi and his wife in New Zealand.
Muwanguzi and his wife in New Zealand.

By Pauline Luba
Joshua Muwanguzi had never dreamed of pursuing higher education. Passing through primary and secondary education in Uganda had been a struggle for him. Since he knew well the financial capacity of his parents – who were ministers in church – he didn’t know whether he would be able to complete university. 

But God had other plans.

And it was part of those plans that Muwanguzi found himself applying for university education. He had initially dreamed of studying other courses, but fate made him have a change of mind. 

“I wanted to pursue a course in architecture or engineering, but the opportunity at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was one I couldn’t afford to miss,” Muwanguzi said during an interview he granted Partners in early January.

UCU had admitted him for a Bachelor of Business Administration course. The next immediate challenge was where the resources to meet the financial demands of the course would come from. It was then that a friend of his parents, inspired by their (his parents’) ministry work, introduced him to UCU Partners — where he could seek out a scholarship opportunity. Muwanguzi’s request was successful and, today, the 31-year-old is an accountant.

Before Muwanguzi joined UCU, he was spending his holidays selling jackfruit and working to support his mother’s restaurant business in Jinja, a district in eastern Uganda. Born into a family of four children, Muwanguzi is the second child of Julius and Margaret Muwanguzi, both church ministers dedicated to their community and faith. 

Joshua, as a facilitator at the Aspiring Leaders Forum in Wellington, New Zealand shaping a brighter future, one leader at a time.
Joshua, as a facilitator at the Aspiring Leaders Forum in Wellington, New Zealand shaping a brighter future, one leader at a time.

From a young age, Muwanguzi’s parents imparted in their son virtues of integrity and hard work. They did not serve only as spiritual guides, but also as administrators for an orphanage, setting an example of leadership and compassion. 

“My parents didn’t just talk about faith; they lived it,” Muwanguzi recalls. “They taught us that integrity isn’t just what you do when people are watching — it’s what you do when they aren’t.”

During his time at UCU, Muwanguzi thrived both academically and as a leader. He joined the Honors College – a leadership development program for the top undergraduate students at UCU where he was paired with the Vice Chancellor at the time, as his mentor. 

“Dr. John Senyonyi didn’t just guide me in leadership; he taught me how to carry myself with grace, even in failure.” 

Although Muwanguzi once unsuccessfully ran for the office of guild president, he continued to lead initiatives like the entrepreneurship club at the university and developed thick skin against challenges.

After graduating in 2016, he embarked on a career that showcased his versatility and ambition. His first role was with African Queen, a marketing company in Uganda. While this wasn’t directly related to his degree, it was an invaluable experience that taught him adaptability. He later transitioned to BDO, an international accounting firm, where he worked in auditing and pursued a chartered accountant qualification.

It was during his time at BDO that Muwanguzi teamed up with like-minded young professionals who shared his vision for socioeconomic development in Uganda. Together, they prayed, planned, and eventually founded Dream Solutions, a startup focused on empowering entrepreneurs. Around the same time, he met his wife, Pamela, a tech-savvy entrepreneur from New Zealand. Their marriage brought new dimensions to his life and career.

In 2019, Muwanguzi made a bold decision to resign from his job to focus on building Dream Solutions. “We ended up consulting and training organizations like BDO, which I had quit. What started as a small idea has turned into something much bigger.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economies, Muwanguzi and Pamela relocated to New Zealand, taking advantage of a special visa for returning citizens’ partners. There, they continued to expand Dream Solutions while raising their two daughters. Joshua also found opportunities to consult for businesses in New Zealand, combining his financial expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. He begun consulting for his wife’s family-owned farm and honey business. 

“One thing I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service. Whether I’m coaching startups or raising my daughters, it’s always about giving my best to others,” he says.

Muwanguzi envisions a future where Dream Solutions is a global hub for empowering entrepreneurs. With operations in Uganda and New Zealand, the company aims to foster socioeconomic development and create sustainable solutions for businesses worldwide. “Our goal isn’t just to succeed; it’s to help others succeed alongside us,” he emphasizes.

For Muwanguzi, the scholarship from UCU Partners was more than financial aid; it was a lifeline. It bridged the gap between a boy selling jackfruit on the streets of Jinja and a man building a legacy of impact. “UCU Partners didn’t just sponsor my education; they gave me a chance to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.”

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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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Mwiima swearing in as the new Guild President

The vision of new Guild President for UCU Kampala campus


Mwiima swearing in as the new Guild President
Mwiima swearing in as the new Guild President

By Pauline Luba
As a primary five pupil at St. Eugene Primary School in Uganda, Ivan Emmanuel Mwiima desired to be his school’s timekeeper. However, he was too shy to express his interest to fellow students. That failure haunted Mwiima for many years to come, and he kept looking for solutions to his challenge. 

Luckily, there were options readily available for him. He went on a search for opportunities that he believed would improve his confidence levels. “I tried everything — sports, poetry, peer counseling. Each experience taught me that I could be greater, and it motivated me to train and develop myself,” Mwiima said during an interview he granted Partners in December 2024.

And sooner than he could realize, his classmates started to take notice of his approachable demeanor, wit, and ability to bring people together — qualities that eventually earned him a class leader role at Uganda Christian University (UCU). 

“My classmates at UCU Kampala Campus said I was dependable and fun to be with. That encouragement pushed me to always aim higher. Their belief in me fueled my determination to serve.”

The belief that Mwiima’s classmates had in him gave him the confidence that he could win
The belief that Mwiima’s classmates had in him gave him the confidence that he could win

When friends suggested he contests for the position of Guild President, UCU Kampala Campus, Mwiima hesitated. The notion of a second-year student taking on such a prestigious role was virtually unheard of in the school. However, their faith in him proved infectious to him. 

“I didn’t think I could win. I had never competed in anything like this before. But having failed many times in life, I wasn’t afraid of losing. I just wanted to try.”

Against all odds, Mwiima not only secured the nomination but also triumphed over his opponent. “The win was a shock,” he says, adding: “It showed me the students believed in my vision.”

“During the rally, I expected a small crowd, but students showed up in large numbers. That day, I realized the impact of having a good character. People I had never spoken to before came to show their support. It was humbling.”

Following the campaigns, in November 2024, Mwiima beat Aaron Arinda to the position.

One of the toughest challenges Mwiima has faced since taking over office has been selecting his team to run student government. “Imagine choosing just a few people from the 700 who voted for you and those who worked tirelessly alongside you,” he explains. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to communicate openly and stay true to the principles of service and fairness.” 

Mwiima’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and innovation, with a clear focus on improving student welfare. His slogan, Empowering Minds, Enriching Lives, reflects his desire to create a campus environment where every student thrives.

Key priorities during his tenure include addressing security concerns, expanding library furniture, and fostering constant communication with the university administration. Mwiima also envisions a campus where talent and academics intersect. “The new guild government is launching essay competitions with cash prizes, promoting inter-university sports, and creating platforms for students to showcase their talents. Everyone has something unique to offer,” he says passionately. 

Balancing the demands of leadership and academics might seem daunting, but for Mwiima, passion makes all the difference. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” he says. “I’ve learned to integrate my responsibilities into my daily routine, like preparing reports during breaks. Leadership, for me, is a form of leisure.”

Outside his official duties, Mwiima enjoys writing poetry, singing in the choir, and watching motivational videos. 

Mwiima’s dream is to leave behind a legacy of servant leadership — service beyond self. “I want students to remember me as someone who gave his all to make their lives better,” he says. His story, rooted in resilience and faith, reminds us all that leadership isn’t about position but about purpose and 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