Category Archives: UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication

UCU advice for internships, work

April 25, 2024News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

For many university courses, students are expected to engage in internships or have work placements as one requirement for the award of their degree. Pauline Luba of the UCU School of Journalism gleaned information from some key university staff, an employer/alum and two students to learn how students should conduct themselves in the world of work, especially during internships. UCU Law alum, Chris Mogal, created a video to reinforce the message, including how to avoid harrassment.

**Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, university chaplain, UCU**

I am the university chaplain at Uganda Christian University (UCU). I’m in my fifth year here in this position. Internships come with temptations, “predators” and things that could be dangerous to a student. However, when students go into the internship with strong values, they can always cope. Know the value you attach to yourself, and you need a solid character base from which to draw the values. At UCU, we give opportunities to students to grow spiritually. Once you join any workplace, make your stance clear. Speak back to whichever predator, and the good news is the predators know that what they are doing is wrong.

**Frank Obonyo, UCU alumnus, Senior Public Relations Officer at LDC**

I am the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Law Development Center (LDC). From 2003 to 2006, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at UCU. The transition from student to work is really different. As a student, there are lots of dos and don’ts in the guidelines at school to help keep someone in check, but when you move out to the professional world, it is all about you, and so there is interconnectedness between the two. The professional life is informed by the student’s life. There is no disconnect between the two; how you handle yourself as a student will reflect professionally on how you also will live the working life. My transition was formed when I joined UCU. Some of the things that I learned seem to be small, but mean a lot in life. For example, things like worship are not in every university. But when I joined UCU, I felt my level of faith improved because of the opportunity, such as the worship hour every Tuesday and Thursday. I am one of the people formulating the sexual harassment policy at LDC. If you know yourself, you will not give in. Alumni are a big force in change. They contribute to the reputation of an institution. So, we cannot leave them out. They can guide the students. We can invite alumni to speak to students on how they can be prepared to manage their life of work.

**Joel Tusiime Mwesigwa, 3rd year student of Bachelors of Law at UCU**

I have been an intern at places such as Pearl Advocates — a law firm and Resilient Africa Network, a partnership of 20 African universities in 13 countries. Our university usually guides us on where to go for internships. The talks they give us also provide insights into what to expect at the internship. There are some principles we need to uphold in order not to cast the university in a bad light. I have never faced sexual harassment or discrimination at the workplace, and I pray that my peers never get to experience such. Students need to be God-fearing. The university could counsel students on how to keep safe at work.

**Margaret Kiwanuka, teacher, Quality Assurance Coordinator at UCU**

UCU prides itself in professionalism and developing the character of students. We expect students to have integrity when they go to the workplace. We also expect our students to be diligent and to live by the core values we instilled in them. We expect them to serve others, and not to behave as if they are above everyone else. Servanthood and stewardship are some of the values we instil in them. They are also taught foundational courses that help them to conduct themselves out in the world. The university organises career affairs and invites several employers to speak to our students. In addition to this, UCU runs mentorship programs for the students.

The programs equip students with tips and tricks to deal with issues like sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. In case of any harassment at the workplace, students need to identify who is harassing them and inform the authorities.

**Irene Nabwire, university counsellor, UCU**

At UCU, we offer several services that prepare students for internships and work placements. One of the key trainings that we have is the para counsellors training, where we discuss matters like the dos and don’ts in the world of work, as well as issues about sexual harassment. Students need to know the right steps to take in case of harassment. Harassment comes with a lot of consequences, including pregnancy. So, we try to “journey” with people who may find themselves in such situations.

We also teach the students about emotional stability — when you go to a workplace, there are little things that can provoke someone, but once you are emotionally stable, you can respond, as well as execute your duties.

Laetisha Asio Seth, student of Bachelor of Governance and International Relations, UCU

It’s advisable that one holds their values high when going into the world of work, for instance, being God-fearing, assertive, able to communicate and defend oneself. I advise that you just stay away from instances that could compromise you.

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Young creatives demonstrate projects at career exhibition

April 10, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

The Uganda Christian University (UCU) Honors College recently collaborated with Usanii Village-Africa, a non-governmental organization, the UCU Directorate of Student Affairs, and the university’s 26th Guild Government to conduct a career exhibition. Themed “Navigating Horizons; a Journey Through Diverse Careers,” the exhibition, held at the UCU main campus in Mukono, was intended to showcase ideas from different faculties and schools, in addition to linking the students to industry players. The Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology was recognized as the top exhibitor, with the School of Business and the School of Law following in that order. Partners Intern Kefa Senoga talked to some exhibitors.

**Atwiine Barinaba demonstrating his art skills.**

I use the proceeds from the sale of the art pieces to support myself at school. The cost of the art pieces ranges from sh10,000 (about $2.6) to as high as sh2.5million (about $644). The business of selling art is not one where someone can depend solely since the money does not come in every day.

Art can also be a service. For example, it would be a better option to hire an artist to perform the work of interior design, rather than one without any knowledge of art. I have also started private classes for children, so I can teach them the subject of art outside the classroom setting.

**Okot Innocent, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering**

The technologies we’re exhibiting represent clean cooking solutions. Among the technologies is a stove that utilizes bi-ethanol, derived from fermented starch-producing foods like sugarcane waste, maize and sorghum. It’s considered a sustainable clean-cooking method because we get the bi-ethanol without burning charcoal or cutting down trees.

When bi-ethanol is poured into this stove, it produces a blue or luminous smokeless flame, which is ideal for cooking. By using this stove, we not only decrease reliance on burning fuels, but also mitigate gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

We are also exhibiting a gasifier, another cooking technology, where you can put in your biomass, for example charcoal, wood or briquettes. This technology produces some soot or smoke, but it is thin. When this smoke goes out, it mixes with the clean air, but the effect is less because it’s thin, with fewer particles or pollutants.

**Michael Ainomugisha conducts an interview for his podcasts.**

We have fruits in our stall because we can’t talk about fitness without talking about nutrition. Fruits are an essential component in ensuring a healthy and fit body. In our community, many eateries do not include fruits on their menu. We, however, prioritize the inclusion of fruits as we preach the gospel of fitness

As the UCU Fitness Club, we support our members to access their essential fruits. We support students on different fitness endeavors – some people come to us with a request to reduce their weight, while others just want to keep fit.

Our club works with different organizations to foster holistic health like mental, physical and spiritual, among their employees. Currently, our activities are primarily conducted at the main campus, but we intend to expand our presence to other university campuses in the near future.

I am showcasing an innovation of a podcast, which is best explained as an audio storytelling platform, for issues to do with mental health.

Last year, when the New Vision newspaper published an article stating that 14 million Ugandans were affected by mental health issues, they did not delve deeper into the specific impact of that on the youth. In the Ainomugisha Podcast, there’s an episode titled “Life Experiences,” where youth openly share how they overcome mental health challenges.

I once interviewed a woman who shared her journey of using alcohol as a coping mechanism to forget the challenges she was facing at the time. She also explained to us how she managed to stop taking alcohol. Subsequently, she started a sobriety platform. Our podcast aims to share such experience to inspire others who could be facing similar challenges.

**Byaruhanga Joshua Morris, Bachelor of Laws**

As the School of Law, we created a user-friendly “UCU Law” app to help both legal professionals and the laypeople. The app is intended to make it easier to draft tenancy agreements and to access legal documents in text and audio format, including statutes, acts, laws and cases.

We chose tenancy agreements because it affects a majority of Ugandans who are either owners of property or tenants in the properties they occupy. Processing a tenancy agreement on the app only requires entering the necessary information requested on the portal, such as name, address, and contact details, among others.

The developers created the app with students in mind, since many of them seek accommodation in hostels outside the university. The other advantage that can be accrued from using the app is access to a statute board that allows students to easily access the statutes through the platform.

The app, which is available for free access through the UCU International Humanitarian Law blog, also provides audio cases, which law students can take advantage in their course.

Dickson Tumuramye, head of the Honors College at UCU

According to Tumuramye, they organized the exhibition to provide a platform for students with different innovations.

“Since we are in an era of innovations and employment, this was an opportunity for the students to showcase their work to potential employers who could either hire them or offer them placements for internship opportunities,” Tumuramye says.

He added that the organizers wanted to showcase what UCU students can do.

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Solar lamp gifts transform lives of UCU students

March 20, 2024Faculty of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, News, Solar Power, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawEdwin Byarugaba

Rev. Brian Kluth demonstrating how the solar lamps work

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Whenever there is a power blackout in Mukono town, it affects the hostel where Diana Nakiyemba lives. As a result, the only option the fourth-year student of Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University (UCU) had was traveling back to the main campus, so she can access electricity light to read her books.

Diana Nakiyemba poses with her solar lamp.

And she would not be alone. Nakiyemba, whose hostel of residence is hundreds of meters away from the university, says she often returned to the campus to get light for reading with a group of friends. There were days they would stay on campus up to midnight, reading. Some of such evenings were those the night before they wrote exams.

However, it is now safe to say such scenarios are a thing of the past for many at UCU. Nakiyemba and a group of other UCU community members are recent recipients of solar lamps donated to them by Brian Kluth, an American missionary. Kluth, a Christian speaker and writer, was at UCU as a guest preacher during the university’s Mission Week in mid-February.

The Mission Week is dedicated to spreading the message of Christ both on and off campus. Spearheaded by the UCU chaplaincy, the Week is intended to foster spiritual growth and community outreach through a series of impactful initiatives.

Rev. Brian Kluth with recipients of the solar lamps

One of the highlights of the Mission Week was the “Share the Light” event, where Kluth donated solar-powered lamps to more than 600 people who attended his talk. Kluth, known for his teachings on faith, delivered a sermon on the importance of generosity in Christian living.

Kluth said he was able to distribute the solar lamps after an unexpected encounter with a generous donor, who entrusted him with $40,000, which he was asked to use to bless others.

“Many people are hesitant to give because they fail to recognize the blessings that come from generosity,” Kluth said during his sermon.

The congregation during one of the services during the Mission Week

For the solar-powered lamp that Nakiyemba received, she is already reaping the benefits: Recently, she overcame her hostel power blackout to finish a class presentation. She turned to her newfound lifeline, the solar lamp, which she used as light to help her get her assignment ready.

“For as long as we have the lamps, I doubt we shall ever stay on campus till late in the night again,” she said.

Nathanael Simbilyabo, a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism, Media and Communication at UCU, said he had never imagined the challenges that awaited him when he started staying in a private hostel outside the university. Simbilyabo had previously been living in a university hostel, which had access to a standby generator, to provide power whenever there was a blackout.

“Living without light is hard,” Simbilyabo said, adding: “This solar lamp has helped me, especially now that I’m writing my research dissertation.”

Some of the missioners who preached the gospel during mission week

Victoria Nantambi, a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science at UCU, says she cherishes reading late in the night. And that cannot be supported by the unpredictable electricity power supply. So, whenever there was a power blackout, she would just abandon reading and go to bed. However, that is not happening anymore as she now takes advantage of the light from the solar-powered lamps whenever there is a blackout in her hostel.

The Rev. Henry Majwala, the Assistant Chaplain at UCU, explained that the intention of the Mission Week is to guide new students in their journey with Christ while providing opportunities for spiritual renewal and discipleship.

“Mission Week is about making Christ known, nurturing spiritual growth, and serving the community,” Majwala said.

Central to this semester’s theme of “Living by Faith,” derived from Habakkuk 2:4 were sermons on the role of faith in personal growth, financial stewardship and servant leadership.

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UCU students share internship experiences

February 28, 2024News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Many students from the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Main/Mukono Campus and other campuses and constituent colleges are engaged in internships at different places of work. The internships are intended to enable students gain work experience while satisfying requirements for their university qualifications. Pauline Luba talked to some education, business and journalism students currently doing internships to learn their perceptions of this knowledge and training.

Christy Assimwe is an intern at an international school. — Christy Asiimwe is an intern at an international school.

Christy Asiimwe, Bachelor of Arts in Education, third year, main campus. Intern at Acorns International School.

I am having a good experience. It is great that I get to serve as an intern at an international school. Due to the differences in the curriculum, many national universities will advise one to stick to a school that teaches the national curriculum. However, I like the fact that I will be able to learn about the International Baccalaureate curriculum so that I can see how it fits in our new national curriculum. I also like the exposure and the supportive environment. It has taken me some time to get a feel of what it means to work in the classroom. But I know I will, soon.

Ninsiima Barbra looks forward to improving her accounting skills.

Ninsiima Barbra, Diploma in Business Administration, Second year Bishop Barham University College, Intern at Pride Microfinance, Kabale branch.

I will be spending two months as an intern at this microfinance institution. We are two UCU students here. To get here, I have to travel four kilometers (2.5 miles), which is quite far, but I am determined to make it happen without any challenges. I look forward to improving my accounting skills and understanding the banking system.

Jonathan Okello wishes he could continue working after the internship.

Jonathan Okello, Bachelor of Arts in Education, third year, main campus. Intern at Mpoma School, Satellite Campus.

I was welcomed to the school well. There are other interns from different other institutions. At such postings, one can easily tell a student from UCU, based on how they dress and conduct themselves. The challenge we sometimes face is that since we have one more semester to study, we have to leave the schools and return to the university yet in some cases, some of the schools would like to retain us as staff. It feels like there will be a gap left when we return to the university. The co-operation and guidance from the other staff members at the school have been exceptional.

Dickson Twecungwire, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, third year Bishop Barham University College. Intern at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, communications department.

My earlier days of internship first proved a challenge because at the university, we were taught the theory regarding public relations, which I am majoring in. Now, here, you have to put what you learned into practice. I like the fact that I get to write articles for the hospital newsletters and press releases. I also like that I get to do graphic design work. I’m currently working hard so that I can impress the management here and get retained as full-time staff.

Ainembabazi Shivan is an intern at her former school.

Ainembabazi Shivan, Bachelor of Arts in Education, third year Bishop Barham University College. Intern at St. Theresa’s Girls School, Kanungu District.

I am an intern at a school where I was a student. And now I get to go back and share my knowledge with the students. The students here are quite friendly, which makes the working environment welcoming. Since this is my last internship before graduation, I hope to gain all the necessary skills and the experience that will enable me to succeed in the world of work.

Aaron Gamushabe has been posting content on the university website.

Aaron Gamushabe, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication, third year Bishop Barham University College. Intern at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

I like the fact that there are people ready to guide me, especially my supervisor. The team is also quite friendly. I have learned many new things, such as posting content on the university website, and writing reports. I hope to get more practical skills and come out as a real professional who is ready for the world of work.

Ainembabazi Annah says the work environment is welcoming.

Ainembabazi Annah, Bachelor of Arts in Education, third year, Bishop Barham University College. Intern at Rwentobo High School.

This is a private school in Ntungamo district, western Uganda. The work environment is welcoming and we are learning quite many things as interns. There are some things that we never imagined in the world of work, but with the internship, we get the real experience of what it means to be in the world of work. For instance, we can only leave the workplace after 5 p.m. Now, that is something I did not expect, but thank God, I am now getting to learn it.

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UCU students share thoughts on completing exams

January 3, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

The exam season in any school is usually a tense period, with all students doing last-minute checks on their notes to ensure they have grasped everything they consider important to enable them pass. Pauline Luba talked to some students at the end of exams just before Uganda Christian University closed for the Christmas holidays. Below was what they said.

Birungi Phillipah, Bachelors of Law, third year
All my exams were difficult, especially the closed-book ones. (In law, there are two types of exams – one where the student is allowed to use their books, otherwise called open-book exams. The other is closed-book, where they are not permitted to have their books in the exam room.). To make matters worse, the papers were one after another, with limited rest days among them. The advantage of that was that it enabled us to complete early, so as to be able to prepare for Christmas.

Isaac Elogu, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, third year.
It rained most of the mornings. That meant that I had to wake up quite early to make my way to the university before the rain started. Waking up so early, for instance at 6 a.m., was a challenge to me. However, all those challenges are forgotten when one completes the exams.

Nsaba Mellissa Kamikaze, Bachelors of Law, third year.
Sitting exams symbolize the end of a chapter. It shows that the semester is coming to an end. What I dislike about the exam period is the tension and the fact that we get less sleep, therefore we cannot get enough rest. If there was one thing I could change, it is developing compassion towards people who have not completed paying their tuition.

Kyaligonza Gary Timothy, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, third-year.
I don’t like the stress and the panic around the exam season. But, somehow, with time, we learn to take control of the situation. My most memorable moment during this semester that we’re ending was the engineering gala. I really enjoyed it.

Masolo Adrian, Bachelors of Law, second year.
I like the increase in the level of reading during the examination time because it prepares me for the career. Truth is if it was not for exams, there is a lot of information I would not get to know. However, I request that two weeks to the start of the exams, all lectures should stop, so we have adequate time to prepare for the papers. I dislike the unnecessary pressure.

Mirungi Marvin, Bachelors of Law, second year.
I don’t like it when the invigilator puts pressure on you towards the end of the paper. I have anxiety disorder because I am a slow writer, so maybe the invigilator should only tell us when it’s time up, at the end of the paper, not issue constant reminders. And, are exams really a gauge of the extent of our knowledge? I would prefer an evaluation of the learners after every topic taught.

Auma Immaculate, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, third year
I am excited that I have completed my examinations and are heading home for the holidays. If there was one thing I could change about the exams, it is to leave the weekends free, so that at least the students can rest on Saturdays during the exam period.

Talemwa Deborah, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, third year.
I like the exam period because I get the chance to see everyone on campus. However, I dislike the fact that the library gets crowded and becomes noisy because everyone is reading and preparing for their papers. The underside of the exam season is the WiFi gets slow, possibly because the traffic increases during that time.

Administrative view
Kisaakye Joshua, Assistant Registrar in charge of Exams, Academic Affairs Directorate.
We received reports of students going into the examination rooms with bags and phones and leaving them outside the rooms. We urge all students to follow the rules and leave their property in hostels during examinations.

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University quiz: UCU students hold their heads high despite loss at finals

December 25, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

Dismas Nuwaine attributes their success over the other universities to being calm and composed.

By Pauline Luba
Francis Byaruhanga, Davis Asiimwe Mugisha, Nataline Judith Afoyorwoth and Dismas Nuwaine lost the finals of the inaugural Vision Group Ultimate University Quiz, but the students of Uganda Christian University (UCU) headed home with their heads high.

To them, a presence in the finals alone was more than they could have asked for. After all, a place in the finals already guaranteed each of them and their coach $138 (sh500,000) and a laptop. UCU lost to Mbarara University of Science (MUST) in the final battle of the university quiz that was televised on Friday, December 15.

Prossy Byaruhanga, the mother of Francis Byaruhanga

Each of the participating students of MUST and their coach received $263 (sh1m) and a laptop. Administrators of MUST got equipment worth $6,573 (sh25million) while those of UCU were awarded equipment worth $3,943 (sh15million) in the competition that has been airing on Vision Group TV every Friday and Sunday since October 27.

“From the time I started participating in the quiz, I have been reading newspapers more, in order to acquaint myself with current affairs. This is a new culture I have developed,” said Afoyorwoth. She noted that participating in the quiz has boosted her confidence levels.

For Byaruhanga, appearing in the press has been a dream come true. Whenever they participated in the quiz, in addition to appearing on TV, the names and photos of Byaruhanga and his colleagues also appeared in the New Vision newspaper. Nuwaine has been taking photos of the stories in the newspaper where he appeared and sharing them on his Whatsapp status, as well as on his X (formerly Twitter) page.

“Sharing photos of the articles was my way of thanking God for what He has done in my life,” Nuwaine said.

Byaruhanga (right) with his siblings — Daniel Manige and Maria Kansiime

To Afoyorwoth, the quiz has enhanced her research skills. Two weeks to the start of the quiz, the students engaged in intense research, to be ready to face the quiz mistress, Lydia Lakwonyero. When Afoyorwoth informed her father, Dr. Julius Adubango, about being selected to represent her university at the quiz, he walked with her throughout her journey of preparation for the contest.

“My father often called me to ask random questions, trying to gauge my level of preparedness. Shockingly, some of the things he asked me appeared in the quiz. For instance, the name of the current Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, as well as the names of former governors,” Afoyorwoth said.

However, Davis Asiimwe Mugisha believes the two weeks of preparation would not enable one to gather all the knowledge they needed to answer the questions. He says at the quiz, he discovered that one ought to have been paying attention to history, as well as news and current affairs throughout their life.

A photo of one of the articles published in New Vision that Dismas Nuwaine posted on his Twitter handle after the finals qualification in the Ultimate University Challenge

“I took advantage of the information I learned from as early as Primary Three to answer the questions,” Asiimwe said.

How did UCU navigate past three universities to reach the finals?Asiimwe said that each time they prayed, they asked God to show them the fruits of putting all their trust in Him. “It is that belief in God,” he said, “that enabled us to overcome a tense quarterfinal contest against Soroti University.” That contest was televised on November 19.

To face off with Soroti, UCU had to knock out Kampala International University in the first round. In the semifinals, UCU defeated Victoria University to book a contest with MUST in the finals. Nuwaine attributes their success to being calm and composed.

“We respected all our opponents and took each game with the level of seriousness they deserved,” he explained, noting that of all the contests before the final, it was Soroti University that gave them a run for their money. They thus aptly named that contest the “final before the final.”

UCU beat Soroti by only one correct answer, scoring 240 points against 230 points. Each correct answer earned them 10 points. A total of 80 questions were asked for both teams in each episode of the quiz. The team says they watched lots of online university quizzes to get a feel of the kind of questions that are asked.

Nataline Judith Afoyorwoth said participating in the quiz has helped enhance her research skills.

Parents, friends add to the fanfare
Speaking on the phone from Nakibizzi in Buikwe district, eastern Uganda, Prossy Byaruhanga, the mother of Francis Byaruhanga, could not hide her joy, saying her son had uplifted the status of her family. Prossy, a housewife, said whenever Byaruhanga appeared on TV during the debate and in the newspaper after the debate, people who know him would call her, to express their happiness.

“Francis has been a good debater; he is disciplined and respects people in the community. No wonder everyone is excited about his performance in the quiz,” said Prossy, a mother of four — Byaruhanga, Daniel Manige, Maria Kansime, and Edgar Atuheire. Prossy was unable to watch the quiz because she does not own a TV set.

Byaruhanga, a year-four student of Bachelor of Laws at UCU, said to continue inspiring his family members, he will use part of the $138 (sh500,000) that he has earned from the quiz to buy for his brother — Manige — a scientific calculator and an Oxford Learner’s Dictionary for Atuheire. Manige will be in Senior Six next year while Atuheire will be in Primary Seven.

Byaruhanga said his father, Damiano Byaruhanga, who, because of sickness, moves with the aid of crutches, will also receive a gift from him when he goes home for holidays soon.

At UCU, Byaruhanga has already started enjoying the fringe benefits of participating in the quiz. For instance, his friend, Charles Miti, who sells fruits, delivered fruits to his room at the university, thanking him for “participating in a competition that enables you to think.” Actions like these, Byaruhanga says, have helped to build his self-esteem.

The inaugural Vision Group quiz attracted a record 16 universities in Uganda. The media conglomerate partnered with the country’s central bank — Bank of Uganda — Net Studios Africa, Centenary Bank and Georgina to execute the quiz. According to Wanyama Wangah, the co-ordinator of the quiz at Vision Group, the questions were designed to encourage students to read widely and beyond their academic fields. The questions covered the areas of banking, economics, agriculture, current affairs, world geography, global history, science, sports, arts, commerce and world trade.

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UCU starts new PhDs, Masters programs

December 22, 2023Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

(Left to Right) Dr. Mary Kagoire (Dean of the School of Education), Dr. Vincent Kisenyi (Agriculture Director of Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (UCU Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Monica Chibita (Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication) during the launch of the newly accredited programs at Uganda Christian University. The new doctoral programs are in Journalism, Development Studies and Business. The newly accredited programs are PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication; Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies; and PhD in Business Administration. The reaccredited doctoral programs include: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Doctor of Ministry and PhD in Literature. — (Left to Right) Dr. Mary Kagoire (Dean of the School of Education), Dr. Vincent Kisenyi (Acting Director of Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (UCU Vice Chancellor), and Prof. Monica Chibita (Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication) during the launch of the newly accredited programs at Uganda Christian University. The new doctoral programs are in Journalism, Development Studies and Business.
The newly accredited programs are PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication; Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies; and PhD in Business Administration. The reaccredited doctoral programs include: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Doctor of Ministry and PhD in Literature.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has new innovative courses on its illustrious list of academic programs. The Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, recently declared the commencement of new programs that were accredited in August.

“We have good news to share,” Mushengyezi said. “We have received communication from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE) about the approval of our new and reviewed programs.”

NCHE, the body mandated to regulate and guide the establishment and management of Uganda’s higher education institutions, recently accredited a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC); a PhD in Development Studies; a PhD in Business Administration; a Master of Arts in African Studies; and a Master of Literature.

Others re-accredited are: PhD in Literature, Doctor of Ministry, Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theology, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, Master of Social Work, Master of Library and Information Science and Bachelor of Laws. This is according to a letter from the NCHE, dated September 6, 2023, addressed to the UCU Vice Chancellor.

UCU was also authorized to start a two-semester program, the Higher Education Certificate, which provides learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for further higher education studies. NCHE also reviewed other universities’ programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics, the Master of Social Work, the Master of Library and Information Science, and the Bachelor of Laws.

Mushengyezi said the university is set to admit students in all the new programs. He encouraged students at UCU and beyond to consider applying for the programs.

UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi launching the PhD in Journalism, Media and Communication. The program will start off with an 11-strong faculty, comprising four professors, two associate professors and five lecturers drawn from UCU, University of KwaZulu Natal, University of Rwanda and NLA University College, Norway.

“The interesting thing about our PhD and Master’s degrees is that you can complete your degree online in the comfort of your office or home,” the Vice Chancellor said. “We promise you will get quality education at the Centre of Excellence in the Heart of Africa.”

Vincent Kisenyi, the Ag. Director of Academic Affairs and previously Dean of the School of Business, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed PhD program in Business Administration scheduled to start in January.

“The School of Business is very delighted to have the PhD in Business accredited,” Kisenyi said. “This is in line with the strategic direction that the university is taking to provide quality education to the highest level.”

Dr. Mary Kagoire, the Dean of the School of Education, is thrilled about the reaccredited PhD in Literature. She said the program targets change agents, researchers, and lecturers at higher institutions.

“Through our online studies, we can easily tap the rich collaboration of other professors,” she said. “They don’t have to be within UCU. They can teach from wherever they are, and the students too can study from anywhere.”

Kagoire said the PhD in literature will tap into the global space with possibilities of interconnection and collaboration in research in literary and cultural studies. UCU aims at promoting rigorous, focused research that leads to improved understanding and innovations to solve specific challenges in Uganda and abroad.

The JMC PhD, slated to commence by December, will start off with 10 candidates and cover four broad areas — media democracy and development in Africa; media, gender, identity and participation; media and crisis; and health and science communication.

“This is the first PhD with coursework in Uganda, and this is important because we conducted a needs assessment and found out that there’s a big gap in terms of capacity for research as well as strong teaching skills at the university level,” Prof. Monica Chibita, the Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, said.

The program will start off with an 11-strong faculty, comprising four professors, two associate professors, and five lecturers drawn from UCU, the University of KwaZulu Natal, the University of Rwanda, and NLA University College, Norway. The faculty composition reflects strong collaboration between the partner universities and continued support for capacity development in higher education and research for development from the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED).

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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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Uganda Partners internship a ‘privilege’

November 8, 2023UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Kefa Senoga, a finalist for a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, is an intern with Uganda Partners

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Kefa Senoga’s journey into the world of mass communication started with a desire to know and to be informed. His fascination with current affairs and politics, combined with his family’s background in journalism, led him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU). Senoga awaits graduation this November.

As a child, he was usually the last to get off the TV set with his biggest interest in the news.

“I was also intrigued by my father’s knowledge about everything,” Senoga said. “I knew it was because of his profession, so I was inspired by that.”

Growing up in a household where journalism was not just a profession but a way of life, he was deeply influenced by his father, who was involved in both journalism and teaching journalism. His father, Geoffrey Senoga, is a lecturer in UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication.

Through his academic years at UCU, the younger Senoga has been a proactive student, seeking opportunities to gain practical experience. In 2022 he applied to Uganda Partners for an internship. He was successful and started writing stories about UCU for the NGO’s website.

“Before I joined Uganda Partners, I used not to write much, but ever since I joined, I now write articles every month which has made me a better writer,” Senoga said.

He has gained insight into how stories are assigned and the persistence required to secure interviews. He said sometimes it takes immense determination to secure interviews with prominent figures.

“Through my experience as a writer for Uganda Partners, I’ve grown to become assertive, learned how to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds and capable of securing interviews,” Senoga said.

Balancing academics and internship
Senoga started writing for Uganda Partners in his second year at UCU. Unlike most internships offered during holidays or the off-studies semester, this one is offered concurrently with studies. Through the experience, Senoga learned that work/study balance and time management are essential. He learned first-hand that journalism is a profession that demands flexibility, efficiency and consistency with often overlapping deadlines.

Senoga also had the responsibility of UCU Media Link Association president.

“I used to get caught up by time doing class work and the association work during the day, so I started waking up at 4 a.m. to finish the writing assignments,” he said. “I used daytime for academic work which I gave priority because I wanted to excel. I also used night times for writing my articles.”

He advises students to be proactive, inquisitive and seek out opportunities for growth and improvement with the understanding that people you need for a story or guidance “are often very busy with their own tasks.”

The Uganda Partners internship enabled Senoga to build a portfolio, network with professionals and open doors to other career opportunities such as one placement at Vision Group, Uganda’s leading media organization.

“It is a privilege to work with Uganda Partners,” he said. “Many students would want to be part of the team. I am grateful to my mentors for helping me to improve my writing skills.”

Constantine Odongo, Senoga’s editor and mentor at Uganda Partners and also an editor at New Vision, said writing has become an integral part of every professional’s life.

“Senoga is lucky that he has gone through the formal training on how to write, and indeed, communicate,” Odongo said. “I cannot wait to see him put this skill to use to help companies and corporations expand their frontiers in terms of profit and visibility.”

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New UCU students share decisions, expectations

October 9, 2023Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

The Advent (September) semester at Uganda Christian University (UCU) welcomes a cohort of newly admitted students pursuing various courses at the institution. The university held an induction ceremony for all new students on September 26, 2023, to officially welcome and absorb them into the university culture and community. Just as in other higher institutions of learning, at UCU, the newcomers are commonly referred to as “freshers” since they are embarking on a fresh journey in the university. Kefa Senoga had a chat with some of the freshers. Some expectations are shared here.

I am a first-year Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UCU. My choice of UCU was influenced by my relatives who have studied at the university and excelled in their careers. I believe that UCU will provide me with the essential training needed to realize my goals. I anticipate encountering a stiff academic environment, given the nature of my course. Nevertheless, I believe that with access to qualified lecturers and a well-equipped Hamu Mukasa Library, I will successfully overcome the challenges.

As a sports enthusiast, I am eagerly anticipating the use of the sports facilities at UCU. I look forward to engaging in various sports activities, such as soccer and basketball, which I actively participated in during my time in high school.

Khauka Ronald

My motivation for enrolling at UCU and pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology was because I wanted to enhance my technological competence. I have already taught myself some aspects of information technology and hope to use the course to further my understanding of the field, as well as receive formal academic recognition, as well as further refine my skills.

I don’t expect to face significant challenges because of my deep passion for the subject. My main concerns at campus revolve around non-academic aspects, particularly to do with social well-being. As a non-resident, my primary concern lies in ensuring I’m well-prepared in terms of food and sustenance.

The first time I visited the main campus at Mukono, I was blown away by its beauty. I am also hopeful that the training that I will receive at UCU will make me one of the best journalists in the country. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication course.

I also look forward to forming friendships with people who have a strong faith in God during my time at UCU, since the institution is rooted on Christian values.

I believe UCU grooms the best law students in Uganda. My parents, too, share this belief, which is why they never considered any other institution for my law studies. UCU has earned a reputation in teaching law, and that’s why I chose it – to excel and build a name in my career.

As a Christian, I was determined to ensure that my Christian values remained steadfast as I embarked on my university journey. That’s why I made the deliberate choice to attend UCU, a prestigious Christian institution. In fact, my hope is to emerge from UCU even stronger in faith.

Welikhe Sam
I am eager to grow and upgrade in my studies at the institution. After falling short of the required points for my preferred course, which is Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with the support of my parents, I made the decision to enrol in the Higher Education Certificate program so that I can eventually be able to qualify for the engineering course. The minimum duration of the Higher Education Certificate program is nine months.

My other goal at UCU is to seize the opportunity for spiritual growth and development. I plan to engage in chapel services, prayer groups and various Christian ministries as part of my personal journey. This aspect of the university is one of the reasons I find UCU appealing.

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Alumna combines IT, media skills for today’s competitive market

October 4, 2023Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Melanie Owomugisha, an IT professional embracing the world of communications at UCU, applied IT skills in her media work to communicate with the Department of Computing and Technology online audiences as a content creator.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
In a world where specialization often reigns supreme, Melanie Owomugisha’s journey at Uganda Christian University (UCU) demonstrates the power of embracing diverse skills. Her story is one of mentorship and commitment to both Information Technology (IT) and communications.

Owomugisha joined UCU in 2020 and received a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in July 2023. Her decision to delve into the world of IT was driven by her determination to break gender stereotypes.

“Actually, I wanted to do things men do; that’s the reason why I wanted to do IT,” she said.

In high school, she had realized that it was mostly the male students who were interested in computers; girls showed little or no interest. Owomugisha also envisioned a world that was going to be highly digitalized, so she saw a future in studying IT.

While she was deeply passionate about IT, her journey at UCU introduced her to the realm of media. As a recent graduate, she has applied for IT work in several companies. But just before she could walk out of the university, a different opportunity came her way.

In May 2023, the head of the Department of Computing and Technology called Owomugisha. She was hired and assigned to a mentor, Jimmy Siyasa, the Acting UCU Communications Officer, with the directive to train her in communications, public relations and management of the department’s social media.

“After I completed my IT studies, the department introduced me to the world of communication,” Owomugisha said. “I learned communication skills and took on responsibilities like managing social media, photography and videography.”

She said her new role as a journalist was rewarding and fulfilling. She made simple videos on “how to apply to UCU” that prospective students and online audiences found useful. Her tasks included making phone calls to hundreds of freshmen to clarify the UCU registration processes.

“Helping applicants (both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants) and making those calls gave me immense satisfaction,” she said.

Owomugisha excelled at being a content creator for the department. She captured videos of students narrating their experiences at the university and the memories they created, as well as curating profiles of graduates.

She was the lead on student engagement in department activities, including outreaches such as innovation hubs, career talks and ideation sessions. She mobilized the students in the Computing and Technology department.

She fell in love with the field of communication, and is now pivoting to studying a course in strategic communications. She views her move into media as part and parcel of expanding her skill set and effectively growing in the two careers. She believes the world today is looking for individuals who have more than one skill.

“The job market today requires more than one skill, and I believe having IT and media skills will make me stand out wherever I go,” Owomugisha said.

Owomugisha said she applied a lot of technical skills in her media work, particularly her ability to adapt to various software. She credited her IT background for making her versatile and enabled her to learn new software quickly, which was needed in her daily tasks.

As a student of media and an IT professional, she discovered that both fields require effective communication. She is now better in IT because of the ability to communicate IT concepts simply.

“In IT, people often lack communication skills,” she said. “They can develop great software, but struggle to present it. With my IT background and communication skills, I can bridge that gap and explain software effectively.”

Owomugisha fondly recalls one working trip to Ntare School in Mbarara western Uganda and how she covered UCU’s online audience. She was proud of the job she did during the outreach and found joy in communicating the information in real-time.

Emmanuel Isabirye, a lecturer and mentor, said he was impressed by Owomugisha’s transition from a meticulous observer to an effective communicator.

“Melanie is a fast learner who goes against the odds to add a new skill set to her already promising collection,” he said. “She’s hungry for growth as evidenced in her willingness to sojourn in the communications department.”

Isabirybe said applicants appreciated her work with feedback from some that UCU was a “university of first choice boosted by Melanie’s courteous and informed phone calls.”

Owomugisha is committed to evolving in her media career and expressed gratitude to UCU for the rare opportunity to work as a communications person at the Computing and Technology department.

“I am excited about the future as I plan to continue my journey in the media,” she said. “I am grateful to UCU for giving me a platform to learn and grow. I appreciate everyone in the Communications and IT Department for their guidance.”

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School of Journalism unveils first PhD program

September 29, 2023UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

The School of Journalism, Media and Communication building on the Uganda Christian University Mukono campus

By John Semakula
A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.

This is true for Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) whose journey of 22 years has led to the launch of its first PhD program.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), a body charged with regulating higher education in Uganda, accredited the advanced degree program on August 21, 2023. The School of JMC then launched the PhD in September. The launch meant advertising, admitting new students and JMC professors initiating a high-quality curriculum.

In 2002, when the UCU Department of Mass Communication started with only one undergraduate degree program, it was not easy to envisage this level of transformation. At that time, 21 years ago, the department had no academic staff with a PhD.

But today the School of JMC prides itself in having several renowned communication scholars with doctoral degrees. These include Prof. Monica Chibita and Prof. James Kiwanuka Tondo. The PhD accreditation required a detailed consultative needs assessment, which involved industry practitioners, academics, current and prospective students.

“The assessment established that indeed there was demand for PhD training in communication in Uganda, where only Makerere University was offering a PhD in the field by research,” the School of JMC statement said.

Prof. Chibita, the Dean of the School, affirmed the need for the introduction of the PhD.

“The PhD program seeks to fill a gap in teaching, research and supervision at institutions of higher education in the East African region, using contextual curricular and innovative methods of delivery,” she said.

She noted that the program is aligned with the University’s strategic vision of growing research, innovations and partnerships.

“The University aims to promote rigorous focused research that leads to improved understanding and innovations to solve specific challenges in Uganda and abroad,” Chibita said, also emphasizing that the PhD will contribute to the University’s goal of recruiting and retaining staff with excellence in teaching and research.

According to the School, the program started off with an 11-strong faculty, comprising four professors, two associate professors, and five senior lecturers drawn from the UCU School of JMC, the University of Kwa Zulu Natal (South Africa), the University of Rwanda; and NLA University College in Norway.

Chibita said, “The faculty composition reflects strong collaboration between the partner universities, and continued support for capacity development in higher education and research for development by the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED).”

The program covers four broad areas: media democracy and development in Africa; media, gender, identity and participation; media and crisis; and health and science communication. There will be a strong emphasis placed on innovative teaching and research methods and on the need to decolonise communication theory, method and curricula. PhD candidates will undertake coursework, proposal writing and research. They will be encouraged to conduct collaborative research with faculty members and partner universities.

Full-time students will be expected to complete the program within three to four years while part-time students in five to six years. The program will accept at least 10 doctoral students for the start.

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UCU student dinners offer networking platforms

July 14, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of LawPatty Huston-Holm

Cutting cake at last year’s dinner of the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) are (Right to left) UCU’s JMC Head of Undergraduate Studies John Semakula, Corporate Communications Manager at Umeme Peter Kaujju, veteran journalist and chief guest John Kakande, School of JMC Dean Monica Chibita, Managing Editor for Nation Media Group in Uganda Tabu Butagira and student leaders.

By Pauline Luba
“People are lonely because they build walls, instead of bridges.” That timeless quote, by Joseph Fort Newton, an American 20th Century priest and author, is relevant today and fitting to social and networking opportunities at universities.

For university students, including at Uganda Christian University (UCU), dinners among students, faculty and professionals are among the ways of building these bridges to support and not interfere with studies. Of the 11 faculties/schools, one third usually have such dinners.

The live band that performed at last year’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication dinner

In July last year, after a four-month preparation, the UCU community, majority from the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC), alumni and invited guests descended on Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi in Kampala, for their annual media dinner.

Held under the theme “Media Ethics under Attack,” the dinner hosted students, UCU alumni, and media and public relations practitioners.

At the dinner, Ugandan veteran journalist, John Kakande, advised the students that to earn respect, journalists should be able to produce “believable, accurate and impactful stories.” It is such stories, Kakande argued, that will influence policy and bring the desired positive change in society.

From a meal and networking to live jazz music and speeches, most of which were by renowned media professionals who painted for the students a picture of the kind of journalist today’s job market needs, the evening’s activities gave the students value for their time and money – at just sh100,000 (about $27) that they paid for the dinner.

“We were blessed to have a very talented team,” one of the organizers, Elsie Tukahirwa, said when asked how they managed to pull off the event. “Many students offered services, such as photography and decorations, at a subsidized fee.”

A screengrab of Uganda’s Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka (left) presenting a plaque to a student at last year’s UCU Law Dinner. Right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

And several other faculties, too, hold annual dinners. The UCU School of Law, for example, also held its dinner last year, at an event where students used the opportunity to socialize. At the event, the student leaders of the UCU Law Society, an umbrella association of law students, were recognised. And this year is not any different. Students from both schools are again organizing their annual dinners.

Tukahirwa said it is the duty of the students to “push for their dinners to take place.” She adds that sometimes some students do not wish to have one, because of the level of commitment and engagement required to organize it.

This year, the UCU School of Business will host its dinner on July 22, at Silver Springs Hotel, Bugolobi. At the dinner, according to the organizers, there will be recognition of outgoing student leaders and introduction of new ones.

Elsie Tukahirwa at a dinner she helped organize last year.

Sidney Mugenyi, a third-year student pursuing Bachelors in Procurement and Logistics Management, and is one of the organizers of the July dinner, said they have faced challenges of funds and marketing of the event to the students.

“In spite of the challenges, this dinner is important because it will provide a platform for the students to get entrepreneurship advice from sector players,” Mugenyi explained.

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department at the School of JMC, said the dinners are a platform for students to interact with colleagues in different years of study.

The students also invite special guests from the industry who give them tips on how to be a successful professional, Semakula explained.

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Out-of-class experiences help prepare students for careers

July 5, 2023UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Social SciencesPatty Huston-Holm

Kefa Senoga during his internship at New Vision

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The 11 undergraduate faculties and schools at Uganda Christian University (UCU) have classroom and hands-on learning opportunities. Students are especially encouraged to apply for internships that may be paid or unpaid and year-round or during the one of three semesters each year that students do not have classroom lectures. These experiences reinforce the meaning of studies and make graduates more employable.

Merick Wandera, a UCU Bachelor of Business Administration student interning with the Uganda Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development, is among students reaping the advantages of applying his education in the context of the work world. He also recently was named the best intern among student workers at this government site.

“I am so glad that my internship was fruitful because after I emerged as the best intern student,” he said. “They advised me to consider going back there after graduation so that I can join their team.”

Wandera said he had a great internship experience and got new knowledge about governance and finance. He learned that the first role of the government is to provide services to the citizens and not to make profits.

“I used to wonder why the government continues to fund projects that didn’t produce any profit, but during my internship, I learnt that the government is after offering services and not making profits,” Wandera said.

As a result of the internship, he is more conversant with the process of formulating sound economic policies and accountability for public resources aimed at achieving a sustained economic growth and development for the country.

Kefa Senoga, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism in Media and Communication, applauded one UCU lecturer for preparing him for his two internships – one with the New Vision newspaper and one with Uganda Partners.

“I am so grateful to Mr. John Semakula, the lecturer, who taught us how to shape and write an article with a capturing introduction, good middle and end, which made me stand out amidst other intern students at New Vision,” Senoga said, adding that his writing skill was reinforced during an Economics and Business Journalism class.

At New Vision, Uganda’s biggest media house, Senoga learned more than honing his writing skill. His biggest lesson was in time management. He discovered that at school, students are given ample time to write an article, yet in the newsroom, completion deadlines were shorter.

“At campus, we were given three weeks to submit our work, but at New Vision, I was given the same article and asked to hand it in in two hours. I had to be at New Vision at 8:00 a.m. every morning, dressed professionally and ready to take on assignments,” Senoga said.

Both for Uganda Partners and New Vision, Senoga learned to apply the rules of accuracy, balance, truth and objectivity. He discovered that not all stories written are published, but was fortunate and inspired that all of his did appear in the New Vision print newspaper during his internship.

Sarah Thon Nyanachiek, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration who interned at Smile Again Africa Development Organization in Juba, South Sudan

To Sarah Thon Nyanachiek, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration, a paid internship at Smile Again Africa Development Organization in Juba, South Sudan, gave her an added opportunity to build her career skills. She said she frequently applied the theoretical knowledge she learned from class, gained a clearer view of what it meant to be in the professional world and realized the importance of teamwork.

“I improved my communication skills by engaging with people from different walks of life since my profession is all about working with different communities,” Nyanachiek said. “During my internship, students and staff members from the agency worked together in the implementation of the project, and this increased our productivity,” she said. Where there was no cooperation, she suffered with heavy workloads as a result of others not delivering the tasks in time as required by the supervisor.

Doreen Nyakato, a finalist pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, who had an internship at Ahumuza Child Development Center

Doreen Nyakato, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, gained more skills on strategic planning and managing an organization’s finances during her internship with Ahumuza Child Development Center. Among her applied skills were putting vouchers in the system and paying fees using checks for this organization under the Bunyoro Kitara Diocese that looks after the vulnerable members of the community such as orphans and widows.

“Every day was a learning experience for me,” she said. “However, my major take away was the lessons I got from my office supervisor who taught me to better align an organization’s financial status to their goals and objectives.”

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UCU gets additional $24,000 in multimedia equipment through Norway partnership

June 12, 2023News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Francis Acaye (holding pen), the studio technician, checks out the donated equipment

By Kefa Senoga
The Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED) recently donated multimedia equipment worth over sh98million (about $24,000) to the School of Journalism, Media and Communication of Uganda Christian University (UCU).

The cooperation between UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) and the Norwegian NLA University under the NORHED project is one of the partnership models that has played a role in the growth of UCU’s School of JMC.

Among the equipment received in May were still and video cameras, laptops, projectors, and other assorted accessories. Because of the partnership, there has been a positive change at the school, most especially in terms of equipment. During the first phase of the $1.3milliom NORHED project that was signed in 2013 as a collaboration between the Norwegian NLA University and the Department of Mass Communication at the time, the latter acquired equipment, such as 10 Handycam video cameras, more than 15 DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras, with their accessories like tripods and a comprehensive journalism and communication book bank.

To build on the success registered in the first phase of the project last year, UCU signed another partnership, NORHED II, which is intended to bring more equipment support and faculty development through training, to attain doctoral degrees up to 2026. The funds under NORHED II also are intended to help the school to start a PhD program in Journalism, Media Studies and Communication.

The multimedia equipment that SJMC received in May is geared towards enhancing practical training in multimedia storytelling and production, a key emphasis for journalists today.

Film making, news broadcasting, drama and documentary production are some of the many practical projects within the School of JMC. The students produce a weekly TV news bulletin through the online channel The UCU Focus and multimedia stories on the The Standard website, the university online newspaper.

Geoffrey Ssenoga, the technical instructor at the school, says that the equipment donated by NORHED consists of user-friendly devices that will enable the students to appreciate the profession that they are pursuing, noting that it will also enable a smoother, more-real world teaching and learning experience.

Emmanuel Ilungole, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication and the head of production at the UCU Focus TV, says the new equipment will improve the quality of their production.

“Modern equipment offers good visuals, good sound, enhanced sound effects and easier editing tools which enrich the production experience,” Ilungole says.

John Semakula, the Head of the Department of Undergraduate Studies at the School of JMC, says with the new equipment, students will be able to produce quality multimedia stories. One of the key focus areas for JMC is producing competent and multi-skilled journalism graduates who meet the demands of the current job market. Semakula believes availability of the equipment will support the objective.

Prof. Monica Chibita, the Dean of the School of JMC, affirmed that the support from the NORHED project has played a vital role in the school’s capacity building since 2014. The support has helped build the school’s reputation as one of the top journalism, media, and communication institutions of higher learning in the region.

The first phase of the NORHED program led to the training of five members of the faculty to acquire PhD, as well as sponsoring graduates for master’s studies. The graduates have since joined the school as members of the faculty. Cumulatively, UCU also has procured equipment and books worth over sh800 million ($214,500) for the school. This includes over 600 book titles and equipping of four training studios.

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UCU student Kabogozza takes advantage of adversity to start producing films

April 28, 2023News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Brian Kabogozza (right) directing the camera man during the production of My Background.

By Pauline Luba
What originally seemed an adversity has turned out to be a blessing for Brian Kabogozza, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication. Kabogozza did not have the tuition for his final year studies at Uganda Christian University (UCU). As such he asked the university if he could sit out studies in 2022.

It was during that dead year that Kabogozza developed the idea of creating a short film about the lives of students at UCU. However, when he mentioned his idea to some people, many did not consider him serious, he said.

Brian Kabogozza and his counterparts have been funding the production of their films.

Nevertheless, he persevered. It took him time and effort to convince students that his idea was worthwhile, persuading some to take part in the movie project. On September 16, 2022, Kabogozza’s first movie, the 11-minute-long My Degree, premiered in UCU’s Nkoyoyo Hall. At that function, Kabogozza and his crew promised another production not long after. On February 24 this year, the team released another film, this time named My Background. And they are not about to rest. The production of their third movie is already underway.

My Background, which is a sequel to My Degree, is about how one of the protagonists negotiates an extremely poor background and drunkard father to make it to becoming a student at a university. “I see myself in these characters,” said Kabogoza, who is looking forward to resuming his studies in September.

To illustrate the extent of the quality of Kabogozza’s work, at 26 minutes, My Background is more than twice as long as My Degree. It features better camera quality, a stronger plot line, and the shooting has been done at more locations. The film took three days and four nights to shoot in a rural setting, and the number of actors was higher than it was for My Degree. This time around, the team took advantage of the experience they had garnered from the production of My Degree. However, they met new challenges, such as higher costs with limited resources and uncertain weather conditions. Kabogozza and his counterparts funded the production of both My Degree and My Background movies. The team used sound recorders from UCU’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC).

My Degree was recently nominated for Best Student Film at the Ikon awards, a local film and television awards in Uganda. This category celebrates outstanding college or university film makers. Though Kabogozza and company did not take home the award, the nomination cemented the belief that their works were being noticed.

Kabogozza has always had a knack for entertainment. Even while in primary school at Cornerstone Junior School Mukono and at Namilyango College for O’level and Makerere College School for A’level, he was part of the music, dance and drama groups.

Producer Emma Ilungole (foreground) directing the camera man with Kabogoza (on Emma’s left) during production.

Kabogozza expresses appreciation to UCU students Emma Ilungole, Conrad Galdino, Richard Sekitoleko, Bill Dan Borodi, Kefa Ssenoga and Agatha Nema, and alum Douglas Byaruhanga as people he has worked with to produce the films. Byaruhanga has directed a number of student films and has extensive production work experience.

“What I love about UCU students is that their passion comes before their love for money,” Kabogozza said, adding: “It is because of that that we were able to produce the films.”

Despite what Kabogozza faced when they were just starting the production of their first short film – unwillingness by the students to participate as protagonists – this time round, as they begin the production process for their third film, Kabogozza says they are getting requests of participation from not just UCU students, but also those from other universities.

Movies are just one of the many practical projects within the School of JMC. The students also produce a weekly TV news bulletin through the online channel The UCU Focus, podcasts and multimedia stories on the Standard website. They previously produced a bi-monthly newspaper, The Standard.

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UCU sports men and women shine at October graduation

December 19, 2022News, Sports, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

UCU sports women pause with their medals during their graduation. Left to right: Basketballers Rose Akon, Agatha Kamwada, Sera Precious Yaweh and Aziida Nabayunga.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
A large number of Uganda Christian University (UCU) sports personalities exchanged their football and basketball jerseys for caps and gowns at UCU’s 23^rd graduation ceremony – a reminder that education and athletics can go hand in hand.

Samuel Lukaire, the Sports Administrator at UCU, said the university develops talent by recruiting young players who have shown potential to grow in their sports discipline. Along with attending classes, the players are trained and exposed to competitive games as UCU also has hosted major national sports events, often selected as the venue because of the Mukono campus modern sports facilities. Among the competitions that have been hosted at the UCU main campus in Mukono are the Inter University Games Uganda in 2007 and 2013, the East African University Games in 2014, and the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization in 2017.

UCU athletes share graduation thoughts

“The university engages in as many sports disciplines as are available in the university competitions,” Lukaire said, noting that they have teams for basketball, volleyball, rugby, football and netball. Other sports disciplines that UCU participates in are athletics, badminton, chess, wood ball, karate, taekwondo, handball, swimming and lawn tennis.

Some of the sports graduates at the October 28, 2022, ceremony, which also was an event marking 25 years of UCU’s existence, talked to our reporter.

**Rodgers Kukundakwe, Bachelor of Business Administration.**

“As players, we’ve been able to study, play, and eventually graduate.” Kukundakwe, a football center back, said, adding a reminder that for one to achieve success at university, they have to manage their time well. He thanks God for the successes registered as a player, including being on the team winning the University Football League in 2019 and the Association of Uganda University Sports games the same year. Kukundakwe is grateful to the university for meeting the costs of his tuition, meals, and accommodation throughout his stay at UCU.

**Francis Jurua, Bachelor of Business Administration.**

“At UCU, much as you are on a sports scholarship, education is given priority,” Jurua, a footballer, said. He adds that the university’s emphasis on education helped him balance both studies and games.

Sera Precious Yaweh, Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
While studying at UCU, Yaweh played for A1 Challenge, a basketball team in Uganda. She attributes her victory of completing studies and graduation to God. She says that she had to go to school during the day and attend training twice a week in Kampala, about 15 miles away from school. And, as a student, she dedicated most of her weekends to playing basketball for her team. Some of the games would be played late in the night, and, as a member of the team, she had to be available for them. With such a schedule, Yaweh says she had to sacrifice several hours of sleep to read books at night and participate in group discussions with her colleagues.

**Muhammad Lubega, Diploma in Business Administration**

“It was not easy to balance books and football, but I pray we go out there and make history,” Lubega said. He also expressed gratitude to UCU and his family for all the assistance he got during his three years of study at the institution.

**Geoffrey Gaganga, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics**

Gaganga was the captain of the UCU football team. Gaganga, who played in the midfield position, explains that it wasn’t hard for him to balance books and games because it’s something he has done since secondary school. He encourages fellow players to put as much effort in their academics as they do in sports because their profession will come to their rescue once they retire from professional sports.

**Rose Akon, Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.**

Akon emerged as the best defensive player, rebounder, and most valuable player of the year, after her team won the 2022 National Basketball Association Women’s Championship. She attributes her achievement to being able to manage time well.

“While at university, I rarely got the time to relax and have fun,” said Akon, noting that her life rotated around the basketball court and class. Her greatest inspiration, she says, has been her family. During school, Akon says she discovered another side of her – laziness. However, she said the fact that she understood herself well enough gave her the opportunity to push herself beyond comfortable limits, in order to register success.

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UCU alumnus named World Vision best employee of year

December 16, 2022News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Derrick Kyatuka interviews a woman during his field activities. Courtesy Photos.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Derrick Kyatuka’s work gives him the opportunity to listen firsthand to stories of people in rural Uganda. It is these stories, many about refugees, that he crafts in a way to trigger help from donors. While oftentimes the stories are painful to hear, recording and sharing them has brought about change in their lives.

Kyatuka was voted the best employer of the year by World Vision Uganda.

Kyatuka is a humanitarian communicator with the World Vision’s Uganda Refugee Response program, where he has worked for the past four years, shooting videos, writing stories and taking photos. And for the sweat that he broke in 2021, World Vision named him employee of the year.

To the 30-year-old who received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication from Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2016, the award is an opportunity for testimony.

“This award is a true testimony of how faithful God is and how he rewards his humble servants,” said Kyatuka, a son of Fred and Annet Kagyenzi of Rukungiri district in western Uganda.

But he is also aware that, many times, to earn recognition, in addition to hard work, luck must also be on one’s side. Kyatuka says that he does not see himself as the best humanitarian communicator that World Vision has ever had, but that he has been incredibly lucky and fortunate in the work that he has been able to produce.

And he has evidence for how luck has been on his side. In December 2021, one of his photos was chosen as the third-most powerful of the 47 favorite photos from around the world that were selected by World Vision.

“Such global moments of recognition have inspired me to work harder and devote more time to producing quality work,” he says, adding that when “good work is rewarded, it means more work.”

Kyatuka and some of the refugee children in the community he serves.

“As I go about my work, I keep reflecting on Colossians 3:23, which says ‘work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people’.”

His writings, photos, and videos have been used all over the world by World Vision Partnership, and they have helped World Vision Uganda get funding for some of their programmes. But he is quick to add that getting his works to a publishable level is no cup of tea. Kyatuka explains that for many of them, he has to burn the midnight oil to deliver quality work.

He has trained some communication champions in the areas where he works, to help him get timely content for the different projects he supports. “I believe everyone can become a great communicator if given the right mentorship and skills,” Kyatuka, who hopes to set up a mobile journalism training school one day, said.

He also has extended the training in mobile journalism to some of his fellow staff members to enhance their skills. He makes most of his videos using his smartphone, a growing trend that further reinforces the expansiveness of skills and knowledge that can be guided to create content.

“In this digital era, people should have communication skills to be able to produce compelling, rather than sensational content,” he said.

Kyatuka joined World Vision in 2017, as a temporary communication officer, and worked for seven months. He then joined New Vision as a freelance writer. However, not long after, there was an opening for a humanitarian communicator at World Vision, which he successfully applied for.

He is grateful to John Semakula and Stephen Ssenkaaba, who were his lecturers at undergraduate level. Both Ssenkaaba and Semakula encouraged him to join New Vision upon graduation.

“Ssenkaaba assigned me my first story in 2016, and Semakula introduced me to the weekend desk at New Vision,” he said.

Kyatuka, who is now pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication at UCU, studied at Mbarara High School in western Uganda for his O’level and St. Peter’s Secondary School, Nsambya, central Uganda, for his A’ level.

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‘I will succeed as a video producer’

December 12, 2022News, Students, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Andrew is fond of carrying tripods and cameras around campus

By Enock Wanderema
When Andrew Bugembe put up his hand in class, there were indications he could not process his lecturer’s statement that for one to be a successful media professional, one has to be a good writer.

“Yes, Andrew,” the lecturer beckoned, as he called him out to speak. The class was silent. Andrew rarely engages in arguments — especially before lecturers.

“Sir, what would you say about me, who is good at camera work, and editing videos? Writing is not my passion. I have tried to master it, but I have not been successful,” Andrew stated.

“Well, it would serve you better if you practiced writing as well; it can save you somehow,” the lecturer responded.

After class, Andrew told me: “You can’t be good at everything, I know my passion, and I will succeed as a video producer.”

Such a rebellious and decisive thought can only come from someone who is confident of their skills, someone who is a leader. As a new student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2019, Andrew contested for the position of class representative and won. In fact, the only vote his competitor got was his own.

“Can you imagine my dad wanted me to pursue a course in law?” Andrew asked rhetorically, as he recalled how he ended up pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication.

Asked why his dad wanted him to pursue a course in law, he said it was not really because he wanted his son to be a lawyer. Andrew said his dad assumed that the intense curriculum in a law school would distract his son from the passion he had for music. Andrew’s dad was concerned about future earnings with his belief that musicians are generally “not taken seriously” by society.

It is this passion that saw Andrew take up a leadership position, and also radiated his abilities to potential professional networks.

“I found Andrew to be a focused, determined, disciplined and no-nonsense student,” said Frank Obonyo, a lecturer in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at UCU. Obonyo previously supervised Andrew at UCU’s Department of Communication and Public Relations, where Obonyo was the head. He is currently the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Law Development Centre in Uganda.

“We took him up as an intern in our office because he is a good listener, creative, and has an insatiable thirst for improvement, especially in video production.”

Whenever Andrew finds it challenging to creatively manipulate a video project, he always seeks help.

“He consults the Internet, people, and other online sources whenever he is stuck,” Obonyo observed. “This is a strong spirit that any supervisor would like to have around.”

Another attribute about Andrew is that he never says never. He is a “yes man,” a trait which sometimes has him biting off more than he can chew.

He adapts easily to situations and gets along with people effortlessly. Possibly, it is this attribute that has enabled him to take some videos for Uganda Partners, a non-profit charitable organisation based in the USA, that has rewarded him with a partial scholarship to cover a tuition balance during a financially difficult semester. One such video that Andrew produced was of Mwikoyo Rachael, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science at UCU. Mwikoyo is one of the beneficiaries of the charity of the Uganda Partners NGO.

Additionally, Andrew was part of UCU’s inaugural podcast team where, at its inception, he was the producer, a role he was learning on the job.

Andrew, often seen carrying tripods and cameras around campus, is an example of finding strengths in a true passion outside of normal expectations.

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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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Adversity built UCU alumnus Nsobya into author

November 30, 2022News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Paddy Nsobya has practiced journalism for 15 years

By Kefa Senoga
In May 2012, Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum Paddy Nsobya was among four journalists who were beaten at a Pentecostal church in Mukono, central Uganda. Nsobya and his three colleagues had gone to the church to interview the controversial lead pastor, Samuel Landasa. Since they arrived during the service, they waited at a nearby shop, opposite the church. Aware of the contention of the pastor, some members of the church attacked the journalists.

Four church members “pounced on me; one of them started strangling me as the others pulled my video camera, until I surrendered it to them, along with its electronic charger and other recorded materials,” Ronald Kalumba, a television journalist who was part of the group, told IFEX, an agency that promotes and defends freedom of expression.

Nsobya, a New Vision journalist, said that in the attack, he was slapped several times, and got bruised. Pastor Landasa had expelled some critical members of his church, who had accused him of conducting marriages illegally, as well as changing the land title of the church into his names.

And this incident is not a one-off. In 2011, Nsobya was assaulted as he covered a story. Court later fined the woman for the assault. Events like these have been part of the life of the 41-year-old who has practiced journalism for 15 years, mainly writing for New Vision’s Bukedde newspaper that publishes in Luganda, a vernacular language.

Nsobya, a graduate of journalism and mass communication at UCU, has now written a book, State of the Media, on the subject of press freedom, hoping that it will be a campaign tool against the injustices committed against journalists. He says that when journalists are mistreated in the line of duty, it scares off the younger generation who may want to pursue a career in the profession.

“Any profession which is cut off from the younger generation has no future, because when people grow old, the young are expected to take over from them,” Nsobya explains.

And mistreatment is not the only challenge that journalists in Uganda face. Nsobya says many media houses in the country pay their journalists peanuts in salary and, in many cases, even the little pay does not come on time. Circumstances like these force journalists, especially those who are not well grounded in integrity and moral ethics – virtues Nsobya said he attained at UCU – to depend on news sources for their daily survival. These and many more are some of the issues that Nsobya has detailed in his book, expected to be launched on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2023.

State of the Media will be Nsobya’s seventh book in nine years. He made his entry into the book writing world in 2014, with Akaabate, a book written in Luganda, a local dialect in Uganda. Nsobya later translated that book into English, calling it Agony. The book talks about the challenges that young men and women face in the contemporary world.

In April 2021, Nsobya launched another book, this time on agriculture, also written in Luganda, under the title Essanyu Lyomulimi. He later translated it into English, calling it News on the Farm. In April 2022, he launched yet another book, titled Kyosiga, which he has also translated into English, calling it Sowing.

Seeing the book titles that Nsobya has produced would blind one into thinking that all has been rosy for him. No. Before his first book in 2014, Nsobya, a father and husband who graduated from UCU in 2006, says he attempted to write a book seven times, each time giving up along the way, most especially because he encountered a writer’s block.

The resident of Mukono town studied at Masanafu Church of Uganda Primary School, where he wrote his final exams in 1995. From Masanafu, Nsobya, a son of Dan Kyaligamba and Eva Namubiru, joined Victory Secondary School, where he sat Senior Four exams in 1999. For the two years in A’level, Nsobya studied at Kaggulwe Secondary School. All the three schools are located in central Uganda.

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UCU journalism students produce movie

November 9, 2022News, Scholarship, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Journalism, Media and CommunicationPatty Huston-Holm

Students who participated in the movie pose for a photo at the premiere.

By Asenath Were and Vanessa Namukwaya
Uganda Christian University (UCU) students of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication have turned their classroom knowledge into action by producing a short film about university life. The 11-minute film, named My Degree, with a cast of seven students, centers on the dangers of pride at the university.

In the movie, Alexa, a final-year student is seeking an extra mark, to push her score from 49% to 50%. It is that one mark that is standing between Alexa and her graduation. The solution for her challenge lies with the head of department.

At the department, Alexa discovers that there is a new person in the portfolio, someone she had never met. However, as she joins the queue to the office of the head of department, the office bearer arrives. Alexa told the head of department off, thinking she was one of the students, and reminding her that it was only proper that she joins the queue from the back if she wanted to meet the head of department.

The head of department eventually finds her way into her office. When Alexa and the head of department finally met in the latter’s office, the former presented her request for an additional mark so she could be able to graduate. The head of department was clear in her response: “One mark is added to students who have been participating in class and are virtuous throughout the years. Your report does not show that.”

Brian Kaboggoza, a third-year student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication, who directed the movie, said the film’s theme is about students “failing in life because of pride and disrespect.” It does not cost anyone anything to respect others because you may despise someone who will rescue you one day,” he added.

The movie was a work in progress from June 2022 to its September 16, 2022, premiere at UCU’s Nkoyoyo Hall, according to Kaboggoza, who said the My Degree film “is a dream come true for me because I thought I needed to start my career right now since the opportunities and the equipment are available.”

Kabogozza believes that the movie will not only market the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC), but also the university, since it has the potential to attract students who are interested in making films.

Brian Kaboggoza, the movie director, poses with the two main actresses, Deborah Anita Talemwa and Shalom Komugisa, at the movie premiere.

Kaboggoza encouraged his student colleagues not to wait for graduation to start putting classroom knowledge into practice. He said, “Anyone passionate about film making should start right now because there is opportunity to learn and get experience.”

The movie producer, Emmanuel Ilungole, is a third-year student. He said the time he spent on producing the movie helped him and his colleagues gain experience in audio balancing and teamwork. “It was the first time I was producing a movie, and the experience taught me that hard work pays.”

The lead actress, Alexa, whose real name is Deborah Talemwa, is a second-year student. She said she joined the cast because she saw it as a learning opportunity for the film crew, but also as an avenue through which they could pass a message to fellow students about the consequences of their actions.

The 11-minute short film that students produced

John Semakula, the head of the Department of Undergraduate Studies at the School of JMC, said the project consolidates the school’s position as a leading practical journalism training institution in Uganda.

“We pride ourselves in equipping students with practical skills in line with our curriculum that is heavily practical and, therefore, students’ projects, such as My Degree, make us feel proud that our efforts of skilling them have yielded positive results,” Semakula said.

“Most of the work in this project was student-led,” he added. “The school’s main contribution was skilling and encouraging the students, plus providing the equipment.”

Kaboggoza said they have plans to produce more episodes concentrating on the life of a campus student. He, therefore, called upon all those able and willing to finance their projects.

The movie is just one of the many practical projects that the School of JMC is engaged in. The students also produce a weekly TV news bulletin through the online channel The UCU Focus, podcasts and multimedia stories on the Standard website. They previously produced a bi-monthly newspaper, The Standard, and assisted the Uganda Partners NGO with the July 2022 production of a newspaper called Ebenezer.

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