Category Archives: News

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology wins grants worth over $57,000

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, COVID-19, News


By Dalton Mujuni

When people have faith, God makes a way where there seems to be no way.

That is what He has done for the Bishop Tucker School of Theology and Divinity at Uganda Christian University (UCU) during the ever-present Covid-19 period.

The Dean of Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Rev. Prof. Dr. Christopher Byaruhanga, in office.

While most academic institutions in the country struggle to find funds because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to the education sector, the School has continued to receive providence in form of multiple grants for capacity building of its staff and refurbishment.

According to the Rev. Prof. Dr. Christopher Byaruhanga, the Dean of School, four of the UCU theology/divinity lecturers – Rev. Andrew Nalumenya, Rev. Rose Ekirunga, Rev. Hope George and Mr. Denis Ruhama are pursuing their Ph.D. studies in South Africa using grant funds.

The school has won several grants from different sources. The donors and amounts include the Overseas Council Australia, $5,000; Cornerstone Foundation, $33,000; and St. Augustine Foundation, $19,000.

Byaruhanga said the grant from the Oversees Council Australia is a two-in-one.  

“They agreed to partner with us in terms of staff development at the Ph.D. level for the next 15 years and also granted us sh20m (just over $5,000) for purchasing laptops for the lecturers at the regional campuses to help with the on-line teaching during the Covid-19 period,” he said. 

Overseas Council Australia is an Australian-based Organization that matches the interests of Australian donors and the need of their partner Bible colleges by educating and encouraging Australian Christians to understand the mission scene in the 21st Century. 

Byaruhanga said that the sh123m ($33,000) from the Cornerstone Foundation USA is for the refurbishment of the Department of Theology at the Mbale Campus (Mbale University College). Cornerstone Foundation Australia Inc. is a Christian, interdenominational, non-profit organization registered as an incorporated body in Adelaide, and is affiliated to Cornerstone Foundation USA.

He revealed that the School bought space from a Primary School near the Mbale Campus for the Department of Theology.  The Cornerstone Foundation money was directed towards renovating the block. 

“The face-lifting of the block is going on very well, and the first phase is done,” he said.

Similarly, the sh69m ($19,000) grant from St. Augustine Foundation is intended to support the School’s Online Theological Education during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Byaruhanga noted that with the grant, they were able to procure other laptops for seven of the lecturers at the UCU Main Campus and fund on-line teacher trainings for the staff.

The St. Augustine Foundation is an international organization that supports the needs of individuals and communities that advance the Kingdom of God. It is an expression of St. Augustine’s directive “to hold all things in common.”

“The grants have not only impacted the School but the University at large,” Byaruhanga said.

During the 21st graduation ceremony on December 18, the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi commended Faculty heads, including Prof. Byaruhanga, for securing the grants.   

The Bishop Tucker School of Theology and Divinity is Uganda’s oldest theological School affiliated with the Church of Uganda. The school offers both undergraduate and postgraduate levels training in Theology, Divinity and Child Ministry.

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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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‘Mummy, I have told you, I want to pray alone.’

News, Students, UCU School of Business


House of Rest existed as a church for over a decade on the top floor of the famous Fido Dido building on Kampala Road. Photo by Jimmy Siyasa

By Jimmy Siyasa and Joseph Lagen

On July 2, 2021, and during Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) 22nd graduation, Lorita Blessy Asiimwe will receive a Faculty of Business and Administration Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree – posthumously. 

Lorita Blessy Asimwe, a victim of the March 2021 building collapse, was slated to graduate in July 2021 with a BA in Human Resource Management.

She will not have a physical presence to cap off 19 years of study from primary through postsecondary. Her young, lifeless body was pulled on March 16 from a partially collapsed church where, ironically, she had gone to pray for a long life and prosperity. Asiimwe, who joined UCU in 2017, was among the more than 30 members of the Kampala, Uganda, House of Rest Church who had gathered for lunchtime prayers on the fateful day. 

Eyewitnesses said when the church had a power outage, a technician climbed to the ceiling to see if he could fix the problem. However, that was not to be. He came tumbling down with the ceiling onto the worshippers. 

Asiimwe was among those critically injured. She and other worshippers were rushed to the Mulago National Referral Hospital. There, she passed away. 

At first, there were no indications that this Tuesday was unusual for Asiimwe. However, as others look back at events of the day, there were signs of difference. 

Her mother, Ritah Bagyenda, had gone with her for the lunchtime fellowship at the church located on the top-most floor of an aging building on Kampala Road. Oddly, Asiimwe declined to sit with her mother for the fellowship. 

“Mummy, I have told you, I want to pray alone. Please let me be,” Bagyenda quoted her daughter as telling her. Asiimwe sat on the side of the church that was badly affected by the collapsed ceiling. Bagyenda escaped unscathed.

A woman who preferred anonymity and claimed to be a survivor of the accident, showed Asiimwe’s photo off her phone to curious onlookers just after the collapse of the ceiling. Her account corroborated that of Bagyenda. 

“They sat on opposite sides of the church. I saw her mother walk to her side before the start of the service. After failing to convince her daughter to sit with her, the woman went back to her seat,” the woman, who in her late twenties, said of Bagyenda and Asiimwe. 

Another woman, identified as Maama Naava, also succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Geoffrey Sam Oyelolobo at the Kampala Central Police Station said they were investigating the cause of the collapse of the ceiling. 

In January 2020, six builders were killed and three others sustained serious injuries when a building under construction collapsed on them in the Kampala suburb of Kansanga. In May 20019, five people lost their lives after a wall fence collapsed on them during a downpour.

Asiimwe was buried in Kayunga district, central Uganda. Among the mourners at her burial was UCU Guild President Kenneth Amponda. 

“We went to console with the family of our sister and colleague,” Amponda said. “The collapse of the ceiling was an accident, but it took away someone dear to us.”.

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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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‘This was not the Jesus I knew’

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication


Site of evangelism experience in day light

When Penelope Nankunda joined UCU in 2017, she attended an overnight prayer service at a hill about a kilometer (0.6 mile) away from the Mukono Campus. Penelope, ending her three-year program in 2021, shares this account to warn first-year students about religious activities outside UCU.

By Penelope Nankunda

The year before I joined the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus in Mukono in 2017, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. My hunger to know God was at its peak. I was willing to satisfy this hunger at any cost. That is when I met a person I will call Alex.

Alex (not his real name) had been coming to our first-year classroom at the University for close to three weeks. He came off as someone eager to spread the good news of the Lord. He did this through sharing his personal testimonies, scripture readings, praying and inviting my class to his Friday overnight prayers on a nearby hill with many names – Monkey Mountain, Prayer Mountain, etc. 

I was captivated.

Alex was a very powerful speaker, seemingly well conversant with the word of God and very charming in an unsettling, Gothic manner. I desired to spend more time in the presence of God as well as seek a strong spiritual family to sustain me through my three-year academic journey at UCU. An overnight prayer event appeared to be a good opportunity to make that happen. After weeks of contemplating, and with a combination of excitement and guilt for this delay in what I perceived as my new-found journey in Christ, I prepared for the Friday overnight on the hill. 

It was a decision I later regretted.

Author Penelope Nankunda

On that Friday evening after my dinner at 8 p.m., I rushed back to my bedroom to gather some things. At 9 p.m. I grabbed my black leather jacket in which I stuffed a handkerchief and my student passbook and ran for the door.

By 11 p.m., I was at the venue – a heavily dense forest with close to 30 meters (98 feet) of cleared trees with a cut-out tree trunk at the center. The weather had changed at the top of the hill and the atmosphere was now chilly with the moon as the only source of light. Slowly analyzing the scene, panic began to set in. 

I was then informed that the overnight did not only consist of students from UCU, but also Kyambogo and Makerere University, and so we were to wait until they arrived. 

At 11:30 p.m., the headlights of two vehicles slowly emerged up the hill pointing towards my direction, before parking nearby. Out of the vehicles, which were taxis, hopped out two dozen university students.

Amidst all the chatting and laughing, a male voice called out to all the students to form a circle. However, before forming the circle, we were told to place our bags, phones and coats onto the cut bark of the tree.

Once the circle was formed, a short man walked to the middle of the circle and began to sing some familiar songs of praise. He clapped his hands and sang as the rest of us followed. The sky grew darker.  Now, I could only see people’s eyes.

Thirty minutes into the singing, I suddenly noticed a white Toyota Ipsum drive up the hill and park under a tree near our circle. Out of the vehicle came a tall, thin man dressed in a long dark overcoat (as though a tuxedo), a cap and what seemed to be gum boots. He walked towards the circle and stepped into the center, standing with a strong presence of command, hands held behind his back.

The singing was immediately brought to a halt as the song leader requested that we welcome our pastor with a thunderous clap.

“You are welcome to another mighty overnight; I am happy to see you all here,” said the pastor with a loud husky voice. “God loves you all, and it is because of this God that we are all here today. Therefore, open your hearts and receive his spirit today.”

As we resumed singing, the pastor pointed at me. Two young men walked towards me and instructed that I approach the pastor. I slowly walked up to where the pastor stood, right at the center of the circle. He took hold of me. He began to pray in tongues placing his hand on my chest, while bending me backward as though wishing for me to fall, but I did not. In less than a minute, he released me to return to where I was standing in the circle.

I resumed singing as I watched him call my neighbors. I saw students fall to the ground while others screamed, as the pastor placed his hand on their chests while praying, just as he had done to me.

Once he had finished praying for all the students, the pastor pointed at me again. I walked towards him. This time, the pastor whispered in my ear “open up your heart and let the spirit in. You are not opening your heart.” 

I remained silent as he began to pray again, placing his hand on my chest and pushing me backwards, but again I did not fall. He released me.

At past Midnight, the pastor preached to us about a new way in which we were going to worship God. He explained to us that this way of worship was directed at calling the Holy Spirit, that it was new to most believers and three-dimensional. He then instructed us to make a circle around the incompletely cut tree bark where our properties sat and begin to rotate around the tree bark until he told us to stop. 

As we rotated around the tree bark, the pastor told us to begin imitating how leopards roar in order to invite Jesus the lion of Judah. Everybody, it seemed, except for me began to roar loudly as they rotated around the tree bark. 

The whole night was full of such strange activity as different groups of people performed different rituals.  This was not the Jesus I knew from worship on the UCU campus. At one point, a few other students and I attempted to leave the hill but failed, because Alex followed us and nudged our return. I could only leave at sunlight. 

Needless to say, this is not an experience I repeated. While I realize there are different ways that different people come to Christ, this is not the means endorsed and provided by UCU. In fairness, there is much good on that hill, including tent housing for the homeless. 

I am narrating this account to advise other students to be more discerning to avoid falling prey to religious activities outside the University.

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

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‘This Ph.D. is not mine…This was purely God’s grace.’

News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business


Dr. Isaac Wasswa Katono, left, and son, Jim Katono, at one of their projects.

By Jimmy Siyasa 

With a new doctorate degree under his belt, Dr. Isaac Wasswa Katono is eager to live his wish of being among the most cited scholars from Uganda Christian University (UCU). In December 2020, the former dean of the Faculty of Business and Administration at UCU graduated with a Ph.D. in Business Science and Entrepreneurship from the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. That journey further reinforced his passion and understanding of the value of research for publication. 

Metric data from the Web of Science reveals a promising, proactive researcher whose impact has risen steadily since 2010. ResearchGate, a European commercial social networking site for scientists and researchers, shows that Dr. Katono has 16 publications, 7,029 Reads and 382 citations. This places him at the pinnacle of UCU’s distinguished scholars. GoogleScholar has juried his research on action-based entrepreneurship training, automatic teller machine quality and government impact of multi-party politics, among others. 

Katono does not simply bask in the glory of his Tudor bonnet. He always has his scholarly sleeves rolled up.

Dr. Isaac Wasswa Katono in his office at UCU.

“Currently, I have a list of 10 papers, which I am supposed to have finished and published, because I already have the data,” he said. “I pray for God’s peace because all I now need is to sit down and do my data analysis. God willing, I will have executed all of them by year’s end.”  

Not only Google but friends and colleagues attest to Katono’s unwavering zeal for research. 

“One thing I know about him is his passion for research,” said Richard Sebaggala, a lecturer of Economics. “He encourages us to do research and always looked out for opportunities for staff to upgrade their studies when he was still Associate Dean in the faculty. Dr. Katono is also a very humble person.”

Everything about Dr. Katono, 65, seems mellow and simple. His office space is unlike a typical Ugandan office; it is clean and clear of old, dusty files or piles of papers. While a Ph.D. somewhat warrants its bearer in Uganda and some other developing countries some pomp, Katono brushes off that elevated status. 

He says, “This Ph.D. is not mine. It is for my benefactors. But most importantly, it’s not a fruit of my labor. This was purely God’s grace. And you should emphasize that…” 

Dr. Katono and wife, Christine, at a recent traditional marriage ceremony.

Katono’s graduation ceremony in South Africa happened (virtually, due to Covid-19) in December, just as UCU’s 2020 virtual graduation ceremony did. He was the only graduate from the UCU Faculty of Business and Administration, let alone being the only Ugandan from his Ph.D. class of 2020 from the South African-based university.

His PhD thesis is titled: “Cultural Predictions of Entrepreneurial Orientation and the Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Competencies on Graduate Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Cross-Sectional Survey of East Africa. The research focuses on the impact of culture on entrepreneurial orientation. 

Dr. Katono was admitted to UCT in 2012 but wasn’t able to join until 2016 because of lack of funds. 

“When I received the news of my admission, I shouted and all the neighbors came,” he said.  “I knelt down and thanked God… My admission for the Ph.D. was absolutely by God’s grace. Not my performance or intellectual prowess.”

After his admission, Katono applied to the UCU Staff Development Committee for a scholarship. His fingers were crossed to receive the financial award. To his shock, Katono was granted a full scholarship by UCU. To him, this was a miracle as the $70,000 cost of private pay sponsorship was insurmountable.

From his Ph.D. research, Dr. Katono established that the rate of unemployment in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania is appallingly high. “Many graduates cannot be employed in the formal sector because jobs are not there,” he argues.

He attributes this “tragedy” to the unfavorable cultural/ entrepreneurial orientation in the countries in question. A common string he found tying youth in the three societies is retro activeness and poor attitude toward risk-taking. 

He calls upon students and youth at large to embrace risk-taking, be proactive and undertake entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Katono further argues in his thesis that the education curriculum in these countries must change to solve the problem.

 “We don’t let the students think for themselves under the current curriculum,” he said. “We simply cram them with notes, which we expect them to reproduce during exams.”

Katono’s natural business acumen evolved after acquiring a Bachelors of Science from Makerere University in 1979. He was charged with running the family business – a secondary school called Seeta College where he was Principal for six years. Thereafter, he joined Kasuru Enterprises, an agricultural company in Uganda, where he was head of agrarian projects. In 1995, he quit and enrolled for an MBA at the Makerere faculty of commerce. 

Earlier in 1986, at age 30 years, Dr. Katono invested in a company called Wasswa Katono’s Hatchery. He bought 50 acres of land in Njeru, Mukono district, for the project. It still stands to date. Dr. Katono hopes that his children can master the art of business management, learn the fundamental principles so that they can effectively manage the estates, assets and reputation that he has curved out of unstinting effort. 

Dr. Katono counts himself blessed because he saw UCU at its beginning stage as it hatched from Bishop Tucker School of Theology in 1997 to become the “Center of excellence in the heart of Africa” as a university with other faculty. He went to Bishop’s Primary school Mukono and Bishop Senior Secondary school, in Mukono – both schools adjacent to UCU. Thereafter. he joined Kololo Secondary School, in Kampala, from where he attained a high school certificate. He is married to Christine Katono for 40 years. Together, they have four children.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Covid-19: UCU revises graduation program for 2021

COVID-19, News, Students


UCU Graduates celebrate after graduation ceremony on October 11, 2019.

By Ivan Tsebeni

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has announced that this year’s graduation ceremonies will be held in July and October – a departure from the usual March, July and October ceremonies. Another change in the ceremonies will be their virtual nature, as opposed to the usual in-person attendance, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

A memo to the students, signed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. John Kitayimbwa, says the July 2 event also will involve the other campuses and constituent colleges of UCU. The university has two constituent colleges – Bishop Barham University College, Kabale, and UCU Mbale University College – and three campuses – in Mukono, Kampala and Arua.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, UCU would hold three graduation ceremonies at the main campus in March, July and October and one at each of its constituent colleges during a 12-month period.  The two constituent colleges would hold their ceremonies a few weeks after the primary one at the main campus. However, world over, the disruptive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have made institutions to move to a fully virtual graduation ceremony or a hybrid one, with just a handful of the graduands attending in person.

Graduates excited after their graduation at UCU Mukono-based campus in July 2018.

Kitayimbwa said no student will be allowed to graduate before clearing with all the university’s departments. The July event, which will be the 22nd graduation of the university, will also be the second time UCU holds a virtual graduation, after its maiden online event held on December 18, 2020.  In the December 2020 graduation, only guild officials and graduands who had attained a first-class degree were allowed to attend in person. 

UCU’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Olivia Nassaka Banja, noted that the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have made it impossible to run a normal graduation plan of up to five in-person ceremonies a year.  Dr. Banja said the decision on when to hold the graduation ceremony was made by the University Council. 

“Covid-19 has disrupted the program, so the University Council thought it wise to hold the graduation only in July and October, to give students ample time to clear their dues and the transcripts office to finalize the processes (of getting the transcripts and certificates ready),” she said.   

Commenting about the changes, Prof. Monica Chibita, the Dean of Faculty of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies, said everyone is in a “period of reading and learning” how to live in a new normal and that she was sure the university will “go forward,” despite the existing challenges.

Janet Natula, a final-year student of the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration course, said although the new arrangement has hampered the graduation plans of those who expected the ceremony to be held in March, the university had to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Another final-year student, Andrew Semujju, pursuing Bachelors of Arts in Education, said the extension of the graduation date does not worry him much.  After all, and most importantly, he has completed studies all but a ceremony.

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

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UCU Law Student beats decades-older candidates in election

News, Students, UCU School of Law


Wabuyele with her declaration forms after being declared winner. Photo by Lule Eriah.

By Lule Eriah

Before January 2021, the closest Mary Immaculate Wabuyele had been to politics was campaigning for other candidates. 

In 2018, she was the campaign manager of Joshua Wanambwa, who was contesting for the position of Uganda Christian University (UCU) guild president. Wanambwa lost in that election. The following year, guild presidential candidate Timothy Kadaga brought Wabuyele on board as his campaign manager. This time round, Wabuyele’s candidate won.

Wabuyele during the campaign. Courtesy photo.

When Wabuyele, a fourth-year student of law at UCU, declared her intentions of contesting herself in national politics last year, she took many by surprise. It was even more surprising that the novice emerged victorious over contenders two decades older than her. For the next five years, she will represent Goma division in Mukono as a councillor in the local council three. She assumes office in June this year.

In Uganda, councillors monitor performance of the civil servants in their jurisdiction, ensure compliance of government policies, approve budgets of the respective local government, as well as monitor provision of government services.

Wabuyele attributes her victory to the support from her friends and family. The tenacity of the 23-year-old could have been passed down from her mother, Lorna Wabwire, the sole provider her daughter’s tuition especially since the death of her husband in 2018. 

“I don’t know the right way to explain how Mary has brought prestige to this home,” said an emotional Wabwire. “I can’t imagine that my girl represents all these people in the division.”

Wabuyele’s poster used during campaigns. Courtesy photo.

For a novice politician who only showed up to campaign twice a week due to the stringent academic schedule of the law school, one would understand the source of Wabwire’s emotion.

“I thank God that in spite of having less time to campaign, compared to my fellow contestants, the people of Goma still trusted me with their votes,” Wabuyele said. She contested on the National Unity Platform party ticket. Many candidates who contested on the same party ticket in central Uganda emerged victorious because of the party’s popularity in the area.

Her greatest challenge during the campaign trail was the language barrier. She was reaching out to not only the uneducated people, but also people with diverse dialects, the majority of whom do not understand English. 

“Since I was young and educated, if I had tried to use English during the campaigns, it would be construed as a mockery of their illiteracy,” she said. “Besides, some were already indifferent about the fact that I am a young woman who aspired to lead them.” The two contenders who Wabuyele defeated were her mother’s age. 

“I was very shocked when Mary told me she had joined national politics. In fact, till now, I am still shocked she won,” Carle Uwitingiyimana, a student pursuing a course in procurement and logistics, said. “I believe one day, she will become a Member of Parliament for the area.”

For now, Wabuyele has the uphill task of elevating her impoverished community by ensuring that the government services in the area reach the intended beneficiaries. Most of the residents are subsistence farmers. 

 “As a woman councillor, I want to lobby for my people from this society, so that I can inspire socio-economic development in the area,” Wabuyele said. Should she achieve this goal, voters may find it easy to give her another nod for an electoral office five years from now, if she chooses to contest.

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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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Hostel owners hike fees as UCU students return for physical classes

COVID-19, News, Students


One of the plush hostels that accommodate UCU students

By Simon Omit and Yasir J. Kasango

The excitement was palpable on February 4, 2021, when Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni gave the okay for the physical return to school of learners, starting March 1. 

The permission for the return to school, which is expected to be in a phased-in manner, follows the October 2020 resumption of face-to-face learning of final-year learners, some of whom start their national exams in March 2021. Uganda closed all education institutions in March of 2020 to control the spread of the coronavirus, allowing on-line studies at mid-year. 

Hostel outside UCU Mukono campus gates

That excitement by Uganda Christian University (UCU) students about the resumption of in-person learning was, however, short-lived when they heard the news of the increase in fees by hostels located outside the campus gates in Mukono. In some cases, these hostels had increased their fees by over 70%. 

Inside the UCU main campus, students pay hostel fees per semester for accommodation in its halls of residence. At sh1.2million (about $330) to the university, a student gets housing as well as meals for the entire semester. However, the space in the halls is not adequate for all the students; hence, the need to seek accommodation in the hostels. 

In justifying the increase in hostel fees, hostel proprietors argued that they had spent a year out of business, and under Covid-19 guidelines can have fewer students in their facilities. Their income has suffered.  Having a smaller number of student residents in order to maintain social distancing has increased the demand for hostels around the university. For a few, it seems like an increase when actually the rent was reduced during a more restricted time and is now back to the previous rate. Many of the hostels announced their new charges in notices pasted on their gates.

Examples include: 

  • At Jordan Hostel in Bugujju, students now pay sh605,000 (about $164) per semester, up from the sh350,000 ($94.90) that they paid last semester. 
  • At St. Benedict Hostel, students will have to part with sh100,000 (about $27) more, up from the sh800,000 ($216) they paid last semester. 
  • For Ndagano Hostel in Bugujju, management has increased fees from sh400,000 (about $108) to sh600,000 (about $162) for a single self-contained room. New management said they renovated the hostel during the lockdown, rebuilding rooms to be self-contained.
  • The non-self-contained rooms, which previously cost sh300,000 (about $81) per semester at Luna Hostel in Bugujju, are now at sh650,000 (about $176). The hostel also charges sh850,000 (about $230) for the self-contained rooms, up from sh400,000 ($108) last semester.    
  • Orange Hostel is charging sh500,000 (about $135) this semester, up from sh300,000 (about $81). 

Ritah Kaitana, a student who resides in an outside-campus hostel, said the services have improved, which could justify the increase. 

“Previously, we used to fetch water from one stand tap in the hostel’s compound, but now the rooms have been fitted with taps,” she said.

The Benedict hostel manager, Jotham Kinene, echoed what other proprietors said – that the increase is intended to recoup the loses they incurred during the lockdown.  Charles Nabongo, the director of the Luna Hostel, said: “Last semester, we were considerate to the students because we were just emerging from the COVID-19 lockdown.” 

The proprietors of hostels are smiling, but most students are not.

Asaph Nsadha Lee, a student of business administration, said despite the increase in hostel fees, there is no innovation in the services offered. “I think the increment is because there are more students now, hence more demand for rooms.” 

 “The increase in prices would have been okay if we were living in normal times, but all of us have been hit by Covid-19,” said student David Awoko. “But hostel owners are still asking for exorbitant accommodation fees.” Awoko asked the university’s student leaders to engage with the hostel owners to reach a lower price compromise. 

UCU’s Guild President, Kenneth Amponda Agaba, called for calm among the students as the leaders engage hostel owners. 

Meanwhile, more students are weighing the less-expensive option of residing in university halls. 

“I will return to Sabiti Hall inside the university, where I know that after paying sh1,200,000, (about $335), I will have access to food and shelter, unlike in hostels where only the shelter is provided,” Janat Nalukuba said.

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

UCU course focuses on bird tourism

News, UCU School of Business


Crested Crane, one of more than 1,000 bird species in Uganda

By Dalton Mujuni

In 1907, British explorer Winston Churchill visited Uganda. His visit gave birth to his book, My African Journey, a year later. In the book, Churchill detailed the beauty of nature that he had met in Uganda. And that was not all. He also concluded that Uganda is, indeed, the Pearl of Africa.

And the African Wildlife Foundation confirms Churchill’s assertion. The continental wildlife body says Uganda has more than half of all the bird species in Africa. The Uganda Wildlife Authority puts the figure at 1,070 species.

Johnnie Kamugisha, an East African birding guide for more than 20 years, explains the birding industry to Martin Lwanga, at left.

The allure of Uganda’s birder paradise attracted the attention of the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Business, which recently established a course in birding. The new course, which will yield a certificate in birding, started on February 5. Up to 30 students in this first course are learning the economic potential of the birding industry, important bird areas of Uganda, professional bird guiding as a career, marketing bird watching locally and globally, establishing and running a birding tour company, and conservation and protection of bird habitats. 

 

The two-month course is part of the sh238m (about $65,000) grant that the UCU School of Business won from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.

During the project’s recent info-day held at the university, UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said the university is the first in Uganda to offer higher education knowledge and skill for bird industry professionals. 

“This is a big step in building UCU to keep its might as the center of excellence in the heart of Africa,” Mushengyezi said.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, said the birding course is practical and that it will enable tourism students and other interested learners to explore the industry.

 “We are reengineering the structure of tourism by recruiting industrial lecturers to whom students will be attached to study for one-and-a-half years,” he said.

Kitayimbwa also revealed that the university has put in place an online teaching infrastructure that will enable students studying the course to attend it from anywhere.  

The Dean of the School of Business, Martin Lwanga, said they have hired Johnnie Kamugisha, one of the country’s top bird guides, to train the first cohort of students.

During the info-day, Kamugisha showcased the cameras, spotting scope, notebook, sound recorder, binoculars, and bottles that he said he will be using while teaching the course. 

Lwanga said the new program is expected to create jobs for the UCU graduates. The UCU School of Business offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality, under which the birding course will fall, in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship.

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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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Excitement as students return for face-to-face classes

COVID-19, News, Students


UCU returning students check in

By Dalton Mujuni and Ivan Tsebeni

With excitement, students returned to Uganda Christian University (UCU) after a year-long absence. For finalists, the face-to-face reporting for classes was February 8; for the rest, it was March 1, 2021. 

Their return to school follows the lifting of the ban the Ugandan government had imposed on all academic institutions in the country. On March 18, 2020, President Yoweri Museveni closed all academic institutions and banned gatherings, a move intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus. After a six-month lockdown, academic institutions were opened slowly to final-year students.

In January 2021, the government allowed universities and all institutions of higher learning to reopen in a staggered manner. Primary and secondary schools were also allowed to reopen, following the same pattern.  

University students had been allowed to study online, beginning October 2020. However, the online classes in many institutions were hampered by poor internet connectivity and inadequate skills among both learners and their lecturers.

Students in the queue for registration at UCU after returning for the Easter Semester

“It’s exciting to be back for physical classes,” Gloria Adikin, a year-three student of social work and social administration, said. Adikin returned to UCU mid-February for the Easter Semester that usually starts in January and closes at the end of April.  

Ruth Owomugisha, a second-year student of social work and social administration, said: “I have been missing friends, lecturers and the beautiful UCU compound…Home has many distractions that make reading and studying online difficult.” 

Marvin Sseruma, a third-year student of procurement and logistics management, said the face-to-face studies will enable him engage with his lecturers more. “Most of my course units have calculations in them and require face-to-face consultation,” he said.

Sseruma appealed to the university management to revise the operation hours of the library, to enable students catch up on lost time. He said an extension from the current closing time of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. would create ample time for revision and research.

Rinah Mumpe, a second-year law student, said the e-campus that they were using for online studies lacked the social component of learning. 

“I was afraid I would fail to complete my assignments at the college if the university had not opened for physical classes. I am going to work tirelessly to accomplish my four papers, to be able to graduate on time,” Marvin Kaddu, a final-year student pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, said.  

The excitement of the resumption of physical classes at UCU spread to the students undertaking the Honor’s College Leadership mentorship program that has also been allowed to resume.  The new Head of Department at the Honor’s College, Pamela Tumwebaze, said students will be able to utilize all the resources in the university, to accomplish their assignments.

According to a memo to the UCU community dated February 8, the Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, noted that all classes for this semester will be conducted in a blended manner – a mixture of online and face-to-face.

The university has been a hive of activity, with registration of students, training of staff in online teaching, elections for student leaders and campus beautification. The Easter Semester is expected to end by April 30, for the Trinity Semester to start in May.

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

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UCU men’s football team receive trophy for University Football league in 2019. Courtesy photo

UCU sports department struggles during pandemic

News, Sports


UCU men’s football team receive the trophy for University Football league in 2019. Courtesy photo
UCU men’s football team receive trophy for University Football league in 2019. Courtesy photo

By Lule Eriah

The strange silence at the Uganda Christian University’s sports department speaks volumes about how hard COVID-19 has hit sports activities in the academic institution. Usually, around this time of the year, activities such as the university football league and the basketball league as well as the interdepartmental sports activities keep the department busy. But that is no more, at least until the threat of COVID-19 is diminished.

On March 18, 2020, the government of Uganda imposed a countrywide lockdown that left all academic institutions in the country closed. The sports department has not opened since then. 

What have the people running the department been up to? 

UCU sports department with closed doors
UCU sports department with closed doors

“We are doing other things to survive,” said Cornelius Engwenyu, the head of the sports department at UCU. “My wife and I have a young family to take care of and when the situation normalizes, we shall come back and work.”

He noted that he and others have started small retail businesses and ventured into farming with crops, livestock and poultry “in order to survive.”

The sports department head said that despite the lockdown, the department is in touch with all the UCU players on WhatsApp. 

In October last year, universities were allowed to open for final-year students, but with stringent standard operating procedures.

UCU Director of Students Affairs (DOSA) Bridget Mugume said that due to COVID-19, the university suspended all the sports activities and halted staff contracts.

 “The university couldn’t sustain the sports and its administrators because it was financially struggling,” Mrs. Mugume said. 

According to the DOSA, the sports department takes 35% of the students’ activity fee, which the university could not raise. Mugume added that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that the government asked the university to implement before taking players to the pitch needed more money to put in place. 

For instance, she cited the periodic mandatory testing of the athletes for Covid-19. The cost of a Covid-19 test in Uganda is a minimum of sh180,000 (about $50) per person. In some facilities, the cost is up to sh250,000 (about $68).

She noted that even if the university leagues open in the near future, the university’s participation will be determined by the capacity to raise funds for the activities. All the leagues where UCU participates on the national level, such as basketball, volleyball, netball, wood ball and women’s football are still suspended because of Covid-19.

The suspension of the sports activities also has affected students on sports scholarship. Engwenyu said the university has only allowed to continue paying tuition for the students who were on scholarship before the lockdown.

“However for the new players that are coming on board, the university can’t sponsor their education because of lack of funds and has stopped new entries to maintain the existing scholarships,” he said.

Engwenyu said among the country’s sports federations, it was only the Federation of Uganda Football Associations that gave footballers food during the lockdown last year. Uganda was under a lockdown from March to June.

The suspension of university sports activities has led the athletes to venture into other income-generating activities for survival. Former UCU guild sports minister and male football team captain for the Canons, Derrick Were, said many of the athletes have ventured into farming, trade and ICT. 

“Although we are still in contact with our coaches, it is difficult to maintain the fitness levels because we don’t have pitches to practice from, and the time,” Were added.

Fred Tuhaise, a midfielder on the UCU male football team, said he has started farming to support himself. 

“Covid-19 showed me that apart from football and school, I can do something else to earn a living,” he said.  “I am working hard to be one of the best farmers in my area.”

Hasifa Nassuna, a former national women team captain and the forward player for UCU Lady Cardinals basketball team, said due to lack of activity, some of the players are struggling to pay rent for the houses they occupy. 

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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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Entrance to Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono – one facility that benefited from UCU equipment donations

UCU shares medical equipment with Mengo, Mukono hospitals

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


Entrance to Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono – one facility that benefited from UCU equipment donations
Entrance to Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono – one facility that benefited from UCU equipment donations

By John Semakula

Whenever songs of the late South African artist, Lucky Dube, are played, many music lovers in Africa strike a chord with them. One of the songs, The Hand that Giveth, makes lovers of his music go wild – not just because of the beats, but also the message in the lyrics. The message in The Hand that Giveth is derived from Acts 20:35, which says it is more blessed to give than to receive.

The most recent act by Uganda Christian University (UCU) is a replica of the message in The Hand that Giveth. The institution has shared a donation of the sh520m (about $141,488) medical equipment that it received recently from the US with three hospitals in Uganda – Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, Mukono General Hospital and Mengo Hospital in Kampala. The three beneficiaries are UCU’s training partners for its medical and dental students.

The medical supplies and equipment was donated and transported to Uganda by MedShare, a US humanitarian organisation.

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe; Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Dr. John Kitayimbwa; and Dr. Edward Mukooza, the chairperson of the university’s health and safety committee, delivered the equipment to the hospitals.

The consignment included catheters, breast pump kits, blankets, abdominal binders, a Cook SP Tube Introducer Set, and PDB Kidney Shape Balloon. Also provided were applicators, antiseptic, swabs, Povidone Iodine 10%, cabinets, filing metal drawers, covers, face rest pad covers, disposables, thermometers, electronic probe, drapes, surgical and endoscopies.

At Mengo Hospital, UCU’s medical training school founded in 1897 by the Anglican Church, the consignment was handed over to the facility’s medical director, Dr. Rose Mutumba. Commending UCU for the gesture, she said. “UCU is walking the talk and we are excited about the fruits and the prospects of this partnership.”

At Mukono General Hospital, the donation was received by Dr. Robert Kasirye, who is in charge of the facility. Kasirye, too, expressed appreciation to UCU for the gesture. Part of the donation was delivery kits for expectant mothers. Statistics show that in Uganda, 15 women die every day from pregnancy or childbirth-related challenges. Many of the expectant mothers who die during child birth delay to reach hospitals after failing to get money to buy delivery kits, hence developing complications.

“We shall use whatever you have given us equitably to the save mothers,” Dr. Kasirye said, adding, “For long, we have had a good working relationship with UCU. The university’s program, Save the Mothers, built a shelter at this hospital, for expectant mothers. That is a plus for UCU and we shall continue working with you.” 

At Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital, the Diocesan Bishop, James Williams Sebaggala, who is the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the hospital, received the equipment and supplies.

The prelate said he was glad to receive the donation at a time when they were looking for a Good Samaritan to donate the necessary equipment.

Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi noted that the donations were intended to further cement the relationship between UCU and the hospitals. 

“We thought that as part of building our partnership in training students, we should support you also by providing some essential medical items that you need in your daily work, as you attend to patients,” he said. “We are here to show that we care for our friends by donating these supplies.”

Mushengyezi added that UCU’s first lot of medical and dental students who are in their third year now would soon be sent out for internships and asked the staff of the hospitals to accord them the necessary support.

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

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UCU International students celebrate during the International Students Cultural week in 2019.

UCU student services reorganized as part of Covid cost-saving plan

COVID-19, News, Students


UCU International students celebrate during the International Students Cultural week in 2019.
UCU International students celebrate during the International Students Cultural week in 2019.

By Grace Bisoke

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has made changes in the three offices that handle student-related issues under the office of the Director of Students’ Affairs (DOSA).

Largely as a cost-cutting measure, the university fused the previously independent international student administrator’s office, the guild record’s office and the Ugandan student administrator’s office. The Covid-related, government order to close education institutions in Uganda during 2020 grossly affected the purse of various establishments, including UCU. 

The Director of Students Affairs, Bridget Mugume K. Mugasira, said that in addition to cost savings, the fusion reduces the duplication of services. Previously, for example, there was a thin line between tasks handled by the guild records assistant’s and student administrator’s offices in regard to financial requests for students. The international student administrator’s office that focused on helping students from countries outside of Uganda is closed with that role assumed by the guild office. 

Reception area of DOSA office in 2020.
Reception area of DOSA office in 2020.

These changes made through the UCU human resource department, which could be temporary, resulted in loss of staff positions. 

“I feel sad to see some of the people under my office leave after we have built a strong relationship,” Mugume said.

While Tom Toboswa, the guild records assistant, said he stands more than ready to help the international students under the new arrangement, he likewise laments that others are without a job. 

The former international student administrator, Edgar Kabahizi, said it was not easy for him to leave his previous office, but he understands the re-organization need. 

“I ask the international students to support whoever will be working with them,” he said, adding: “I will also not be far away since I lecture at UCU. During the International Students Association (ISA) meetings, I will always be with them.” 

“He knew his job well,” said one beneficiary of the international services, Hellen Akek Marial, a student from South Sudan.  “He knew everything about that office and, even when was tired, he would never let his face show.”

Gracia Bwale, a third-year student of bachelor’s of mass communication from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said Kabahizi has left a big gap that will take time to fill. Bwale said Kabahizi was among the people who helped her fit into the university when she arrived. 

Another example of UCU’s fiscal responsibility plan is the introduction of the Management Information System (MIS). The MIS helps an individual perform tasks that were previously handled by other people, rendering some office positions obsolete. 

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

UCU alumnus ‘will not be intimidated’ as icon of justice

News, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


UCU lawyer and alum receiving award

(NOTE: 2004 Uganda Christian University graduate and civil rights lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo, was imprisoned in Uganda for eight days, including Christmas 2020. The charges were related to fundraising of the human rights’ nonprofit organization, Chapter Four Uganda, where he serves as executive director. Without access to Opiyo until his release on December 30, this story was written largely with information from sources outside Opiyo. Once released, he posted on his Facebook page his response to his written/spoken support. That response is at the end of this story.)

By Douglas Olum

The mention of the name, Nicholas Opiyo, rings a bell of justice and the struggle for protection and defense of human rights among many Ugandans.

As Diana Muhanguzi puts in her Facebook post, “I [first] met Nicholas Opiyo in the year 2016 when he was representing my father in court for free and he managed to get for him bail.”

In the same vein, Bryan Ksg, a medical doctor writes, “During our internship three years ago, [the] Ministry of Health brought up a draconian policy of bonding Medical Interns into work without any compensation at respective hospitals. Imagine working 24 hours as an intern without food or even rent! Counsel Nicholas Opiyo offered zero cost legal services to medical interns and helped us secure a Court injunction to stop this policy.”

In the words of a renown Ugandan columnist and journalist, Daniel K. Kalinaki, “Few lawyers spend as much time hobnobbing with the police trying to find ‘disappeared’ people, helping folks post bail or just press back against the overreach of executive authority [as Nicholas Opiyo does].”

Nicholas Opiyo, right, interacts with his client, Dr. Stella Nyanzi, during one of her trials in 2019
Nicholas Opiyo, right, interacts with his client, Dr. Stella Nyanzi, during one of her trials in 2019

Nicholas Opiyo, a 37-year-old, bespectacled Uganda Christian University graduate, is described by his colleague, Robert Kirunda, as “tall, dark, gentle, soft spoken and deeply caring. Selfless to a fault, and loyal in every way. Deeply reflective and thoughtful in every task and time. Never to shy away from a fight and yet as carefully strategic and methodical.” 

Opiyo is the Executive Director and Lead Attorney at Chapter Four Uganda, a civil rights charity. He is the recipient of German Africa Prize, 2017, UCU Law Society Alumni Human Rights Award, 2018, Voices for Justice Award from Human Rights Watch 2015 and the European Union Parliament Sakharov Fellows Prize in 2016. Until March of 2017, he was a member of the Team of Experts to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Peaceful Assembly and Association. He also is a visiting scholar at the Centre for African Studies, Stanford University, Calif., and the Global Health Program at the University of San Francisco (UCSF), California.

His work has over the years been characterized by a series of wins. But asked what the secret to his success was, he told The Independent Magazine journalist, Joan Akello, in a 2014 interview that, “I do not believe that there is any secret to my work except hard work, persistence and being able to take the walk along sometimes lonely legal roads. [But] I chase causes not a big cheque.”

Recently, Opiyo has represented the leading Uganda opposition politician and presidential candidate, Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), the controversial Makerere University academic, Dr. Stella Nyanzi, and many others he believes have been unfairly and illegally arrested and detained. He has been in the forefront for condemning actions of security operatives who torture and abuse Ugandans.

On December 22, 2020, Nicholas Opiyo, alongside three other human rights advocates – Herbert Dakasi, Anthony Odur and Esomu Obure – was abducted by plain-clothes, armed men from a restaurant in Kamwokya, a suburb of the Ugandan capital, Kampala, where they went to have lunch. Until late evening of that day, police said they had no clue about the arrest and did not know the whereabouts of Opiyo and his colleagues. But with mounting pressure, they later revealed that the four were under their custody. 

Nicholas Opiyo

Opiyo was charged on December 24 with money laundering and remanded to Kitalya Prison, while his colleagues were released. Prosecution alleges that, in his capacity as the Director of Chapter Four Uganda, Opiyo, on October 8, received $340,000 through the organisation’s account, “knowing at the time of receipt that the said funds were proceeds of crime.”

Chapter Four Uganda denied the claim. The arrest and detention of Opiyo attracted criticism from diplomatic missions in the country, Civil Society Organisations and the legal fraternity.

Partners for Democracy and Governance, a coalition of 14 diplomatic missions in Uganda, including the US, UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the EU, among others, expressed concern over the arrest, saying that “Human rights defenders play an important role in every country and should be able to work without fear of arrest or reprisals, wherever they are.”

On Monday December 28, Opiyo re-appeared before a Kampala Magistrate via video conferencing from his detention facility, and he was further remanded until January 11. He, however, attained partial freedom on Wednesday, December 30, when High Court Judge, Jane Okuo Kajuga, who heard his bail application, granted him a Uganda sh15m ($4,104) cash bail.

Prior to his arrest, unknown people, suspected to be government security operatives, broke into Opiyo’s house and took his “laptop, phones, other electronics and several other items,” as his September 9 Twitter account states. Similar break-ins have been reported in various civil society offices in the recent years.

Chapter Four Uganda, posted on their Facebook Page, shortly after the arrest that at the time, that Opiyo was gathering evidence of the killing of more than 50 Ugandans in Kampala during a demonstration over the arrest of presidential hopeful, Robert Kyagulanyi around Mid-November.

As Daniel Kalinaki sums it up, “Officials whose capacity has been “built” under Western donor funding to the “Justice, Law and Order sector” go around hunting for people receiving money from abroad. The government is happy to beg and borrow… but will spear any citizen it finds in bed with the aforementioned partners…”

The first Facebook post from Nicholas Opiyo since his release expresses his appreciation for messages of support.  In part, the post states: “I am teary reading all of your messages… Thank you so much. We will fight these baseless and malicious charges. One thing is clear; we will not be intimidated. I will continue to do my work and defend the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized in our society… I can only repay your faith and belief by fighting on and continuing the work we have been doing over the years. I am undaunted by this minor inconvenience, rather inspired by it.”

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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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Monkeys are a unique feature of Uganda Christian University.

Why UCU ranks among the 50 most beautiful Christian campuses globally

News, UCU School of Education


Monkeys are a unique feature of Uganda Christian University.
Monkeys are a unique feature of Uganda Christian University.

Story and photos by Esther Byoona and Jimmy Siyasa

The sight of monkeys freely swinging from tree to tree, shaking up and enlivening the evergreen foliage, is hard to miss for anyone visiting the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus in Mukono. The interaction between students and the monkeys plays out best on Sunday afternoons. Usually, part of the menu for students on Sundays are bananas – something the monkeys seem to be keenly aware of as the primates play like court jesters for a king, hoping to be rewarded with the yellow fruit. 

Monkeys are likely part of the reason why UCU was designated one of the 50 most beautiful Christian campuses globally in 2017 by Christianuniversities.org, an online independent resource. As if to buttress the findings by Christianuniversities.org, a year later, in 2018, timeshighereducation.com ranked UCU among the top 10 most beautiful campuses in Africa. 

UCU’s lush green terraces and beauty spots sometimes are dotted with mangoes and guavas that fall off the fruit trees. The fruits become food for the monkeys and various species of birds. 

The birds sometimes fly waist-high. They land with a peace that tells of their guarantee for safety. During the Advent semester, which happens during wet season in Uganda (September to December), the misty hills of UCU cut an impression of quasi-winter in Africa. 

This is the same period doves are seen in beautiful array, pecking at grains underneath the greenery, in front of the Nsibambi university hall. Viewed from the main gate, located at its extreme lower front view, the crown of Hamu Mukasa library also deceptively appears to have snowflakes dangling above it at dawn, during the wet season.  

Hamu Mukasa, the largest building on the UCU Mukono campus, houses the library.
Hamu Mukasa, the largest building on the UCU Mukono campus, houses the library.

Even when the dry season strikes, between February and June, UCU’s beauty does not fade with the weather. Magnificent buildings, such the Hamu Mukasa Library, stay stunning, in and out of season. The library is the largest facility in the university, covering 5,582 square meters. 

The Bishop Tucker building, which will make a century of existence in 2022, is another magnificent feature at the university. The building is belted by green ribbons of lush grass and well-tended flowers, on both sides of an isle made of ever-clean, concrete paving. The building, looking like a smaller version of the centuries-old Fiesole Cathedral in Italy, is the most iconic on the university main campus.  

Mariam Naigaga, a second-year student, pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Education, says UCU has such a beautiful campus that is conducive for learning.

“The garden near the university’s main gate is really beautiful and inviting,” Naigaga said. 

The Rev. Jessica Hughes, from the US, working with the chaplaincy and theology department in UCU, also praised the university’s beauty. 

The Bishop Tucker building that houses the UCU main administrative block, including the Vice Chancellor’s office, was built in 1922.
The Bishop Tucker building that houses the UCU main administrative block, including the Vice Chancellor’s office, was built in 1922.

“I admire the way the UCU campus is always improving and I love the beautiful garden that was put at the main gate, as well as the new developments coming up within the university,” she said. Hughes finds the UCU landscape beautiful.

Mary E. Chowenhill, a lecturer at the Faculty of Business Administration, said the variety of plants in the university gives a beauty to behold.

“The hibiscus in the UCU compound has beautiful flowers and originally was planted with the idea that the hedges would be flowers,” she said.

Despite being located within Mukono town, UCU sits on a huge chunk of land, thanks to former Buganda Kingdom Chief Hamu Mukasa, who donated it to the Church of Uganda in the early 1900s. 

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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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Saracen security guards check a staff member's vehicle at the UCU main gate in Mukono.

UCU moves to outsource private catering, cleaning and security services

News


Saracen security guards check a staff member's vehicle at the UCU main gate in Mukono.
Saracen security guards check a staff member’s vehicle at the UCU main gate in Mukono.

By Dalton Mujuni

If you last visited the Mukono campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) before December 2020, you will be surprised by the changes that have happened at the dining, security and cleaning departments.

Starting in December, the University outsourced support services in those three sections, eliminating UCU’s oversight to over 100 part-time and full-time staff. 

In a November 11 memo to the University staff members, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, noted that the changes were intended to cut down the administrative costs amidst the adverse budgetary effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

“This decision was made by the University Council after a consultative process involving University Management, academic and administrative leaders following a report by the Business Continuity Committee, which was set up in July 2020,” Mugawe wrote in the memo. 

The changes also were intended to save resources to increase the salaries of a smaller number of full-time staff especially after a recent promise by the new Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, to raise salaries for full-time staff. 

While some previous staff members were able to re-invent themselves into entrepreneurs as part of the outsourced services, the changes left some staff members financially challenged.  

Dan Mubiru who was laid off from the cleaning department said the financial situation after losing his job became very hard to cope with since it was his main source of livelihood.

“I wish this had not happened during the pandemic period because my side businesses had also come to a standstill as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown that started in March, 2020,” said Mubiru. 

However, the new service providers have exhibited a high degree of standard and quality that both staff and students say the move to outsource was long overdue. 

The New Royal Hospitality Restaurant staff serve a customer.
The New Royal Hospitality Restaurant staff serve a customer.

Richard Ekadu, the manager of the new catering service, said effective January 5, 2021, the students’ Dining Hall transitioned into The Royal Hospitality Restaurant providing new dishes, and a wide service delivery to the entire University. 

Ekadu, who was previously in charge of the dining, was allowed to start a private company to provide the catering services under the new privatized arrangement. 

“I and three other directors of The Royal Hospitality Restaurant sat and agreed that our stakeholders – the students and staff – are royals and we ought to give them royal services, which is why we branded ourselves as the Royal Hospitality Restaurant,” said Ekadu.

He added that they will introduce Asian and European dishes to serve their customers better while pleasing international students and exposing East African students to new choices. 

Richard Ssekitoleko, a technician in UCU’s Information Systems Department, called the change “fantastic,” adding his pleasure with the buffet style that has an entre with salads, stew, ground nuts and greens. 

Some students who don’t live on campus also believe that the changes at the dining will reduce their burden of having to pay for expensive meals from outside restaurants. So far lunch at the Royal Hospitality Restaurant goes for sh3500 (about $1) a plate for students and sh5000 ($1.35) for University staff members. 

Previously, one would not be served food at the dining unless they had a meal card issued by the University, which was always expensive to pay for at once. But under the new arrangement, anyone can pay for a single plate of food.

Nixon Kamugisha, a technical assistant at the eLearning department, said the dining changes are a convenience. “I can verily say that the challenge of long-distance treks for lunch will no longer be existent,” he said. 

The University security services also were taken over by an outside source, Saracen Security Limited. Charles Nahamya the manager of Security Services at UCU, said Saracen is a trusted entity of UCU that has provided commendable security services at the Kampala campus for years.

Saracen’s regional supervisor for Mukono District, Emmanuel Kedi, said his company is humbled by the call to service by UCU and that they will provide safety to the best of their competence. 

A cleaner attached to Sevenstar Cleaning Company sweeps the University’s compound.
A cleaner attached to Sevenstar Cleaning Company sweeps the University’s compound.

The tender to clean the University premises at Main Campus went to Seven Star Cleaning Company. David Kivumbi, the Director Estates and Capital Projects at UCU, said that Seven Star cleaning Company also had provided commendable cleaning services at UCU’s Kampala Campus in Mengo. 

He added that there has been considerable improvement in sanitation at the main campus considering that the company does things that had never be done at UCU.

“These people have gone a step further by scrubbing walk paths, toilets, and also worked on places that had algae,” said Kivumbi.

Seven Star Cleaning Company is a well-established business entity owned by Rashid Kintu and is based in Kampal–Makerere Kampala on Ham Towers. 

A number of the previous staff members at the Cleaning and Catering departments were hired by the new service providers. 

Some students also have expressed their satisfaction for some of the new service providers. 

“The new security guards use a very sophisticated and effective form of radio call communication, which has strengthened security around the University,” said Mavin Kaddu, a second-year communication student. 

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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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(L-R) UCU Vice-Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and German ambassador to Uganda Matthias Schauer leave the conference venue on February 5.

UCU hosts 2021 Church of Uganda head teachers’ conference

News


(L-R) UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and German ambassador to Uganda Matthias Schauer leave the conference venue on February 5.
(L-R) UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi; Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and German ambassador to Uganda Matthias Schauer leave the conference venue on February 5.

Story By John Semakula; Photos by Sam Tatambuka

French Painter Alfred Agache says, “Saying thank you is more than good manners; it is good spirituality.” Agache’s quote had added sense when Ugandan head teachers of educational institutions under the Anglican Church of Uganda committed to prompt payment of the foundation fee to the Church during their annual conference held at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono, from February 3rd -6th, 2021

The foundation fees are paid in recognition of the role the Church played in establishing the schools, which are now managed in partnership with the government of Uganda.

Church of Uganda leaders and head teachers after the conference on February 5, 2021.
Church of Uganda leaders and head teachers after the conference on February 5, 2021.

Since 1887, the Anglican Church has founded and owns over 40% of Uganda’s schools – 2,000 pre-primary schools, 5,200 primary schools, 630 secondary schools and six universities.

The prompt payment of the foundational fee was part of the 14 resolutions the head teachers, under their umbrella organization, Church of Uganda Heads of Education Institutions Conference (COUHEIA), made at the conference.

They also resolved to uphold Christian values in their schools, by being exemplary and further agreed to be steadfast in the fight against Covid-19 in the Church-founded schools.

The conference that attracted over 100 participants from different parts of Uganda, was held under the theme, Improving Professional Training of Teachers for Better Learning.

The Rev. Paul Kakooza, the head of Church of Uganda’s directorate of education, thanked UCU for hosting COUHEIA’s annual conferences without attrition. Kakooza noted that the ambience at UCU makes head teachers look forward to attending their annual conference whenever they receive invitations.

“The natural beauty at UCU, punctuated with a well-designed landscape and buildings makes the university one of the most beautiful places to stay in,” Kakooza said.

He thanked the deputy vice chancellors in charge of academics and that in charge of finance and administration; the chaplaincy and the entire UCU team for the “splendiferous” working relationship during the conference.

The head teachers also congratulated UCU’s new Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, upon assuming the office. Mushengyezi was installed as UCU’s third vice chancellor in August last year. He attended the opening and closing sessions of the four-day conference held at the UCU Mukono campus’ Nkoyoyo Hall.

Mushengyezi told the head teachers that UCU was ready to partner with them, to take short courses to Church-founded schools in a bid to impart more skills on the teachers.

He noted that the Faculty of Education and the Bishop Tucker School of Theology and Divinity had quality short courses that suit those who teach in high school.

The closing ceremony was graced by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu and the ambassador of Germany to Uganda, Matthias Schauer, who was the chief guest.

Kaziimba asked government to prioritize the teaching of Christian Religious Education and to support the section of the chaplaincy in schools. He also appealed to government to expedite the reopening of schools, arguing that the move will save young girls who are getting unwanted pregnancies during the Covid-19 lockdown in Uganda. Uganda Police records show that at least 547 girls were defiled in Kampala from April to July 2020, when the country was under lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Learners in the final years at the different levels of education in Uganda returned to school in October last year. Starting March 1 this year, those in Primary Six, Senior Three and Senior Five also will join those already at school as the rest continue with homeschooling.

Ambassador Schauer commended those who are teaching learners during the Covid-19 period, saying that he has “enormous respect for them.” He also urged teachers to be inviting to the learners since they are the latter’s role models in the absence of their parents at school.

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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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The acting Dean of Department, Dr. Gerald Tumusime, tries out some equipment on a UCU student.

UCU Schools of Dentistry and Medicine acquire nearly $400,000 in modern training equipment

News, UCU School of Dentistry, UCU School of Medicine


The acting Dean of Department, Dr. Gerald Tumusime, tries out some equipment on a UCU student.
The acting Dean of Department, Dr. Gerald Tumusime, tries out some equipment on a UCU student.

Story by John Semakula; Photos by Samuel Tatambuka

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has acquired state-of-the-art dental and medical equipment worth sh1.46bn ($397,855) to boost the training of students at its dentistry and medical schools in Mengo.

On February 18, University top management received equipment that included 5 dental suites, LED dental lights, a separator tank assembly, a powervac P7 base, powerair oil-less compressors and a Midmark M3 Steam Sterilizer, 230V.

Speaking at the function on the UCU main campus in Mukono, the University’s Vice Chancellor Associate Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, revealed that all of the dental equipment was donated to the University by Midmark, a US-based manufacturer of medical and dental tools while the medical equipment was donated by MedShare, another US based organization that procures medical donations and helps ship them to hospitals and medical schools around the world.

The donation from Midmark was worth over sh520m ($141,722).

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, together with the University staff, observe how equipment works.
The Vice chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, together with the University staff, observe how equipment works.

“We are now getting to where UCU should be,” said Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi. “We want UCU to set the pace in the training of a wholesome individual. From today bring your children to study dentistry at UCU because they will get the best training.”

Mushengyezi added that with the newly acquired equipment, UCU is now compliant with the set standards of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States National Medical and Dental Practitioner’s Council to run a full-fledged dentistry school.   

In 2020, the Council identified a number of infrastructure gaps at the School of Dentistry, including the need for certain equipment.
UCU made the necessary improvements and continued to rapidly acquire more dental and medical equipment.

Inspecting equipment are the Dean of School of Dentistry, Dr. James Magara; the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi: Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration Mr. David Mugawe: and the University Chaplain Rev. Paul Wasswa.
Inspecting equipment are the Dean of School of Dentistry, Dr. James Magara; the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi: Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration Mr. David Mugawe: and the University Chaplain Rev. Paul Wasswa.

Dr. John Kitayimbwa, the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, noted that UCU is working very hard to ensure that it sends to the job market well trained Christian medical and dental practitioners to transform the two professions.

Kitayimbwa added that with the new dental suites, the ratio of students to the training equipment at the UCU Dentistry School is almost 1:1, which is an assurance of quality education to the leaners. 

He commended Midmark for donating the equipment and Uganda Partners in the US for ensuring that the donated equipment was delivered to the University. The donated equipment from the US was delivered free of charge to UCU due to the generosity of many individuals who donated to Uganda Partners to make the shipment possible, and the work of MedShare in packing and shipping the container. “This would not have been possible without the generosity of both Midmark and MedShare. MedShare’s expertise in shipping medical supplies overseas was an essential part of this process.”

The Dean of the UCU School of Dentistry, Dr. James Magara, described the donation from Midmark as generous, critical and foundational in setting up a dental training lab.

“It’s very expensive to train a doctor,” he said. “If the purchase of the equipment had been left to us, we would not have been able to achieve it.”

Mushengyezi disclosed that while all of the dental equipment donated by Midmark would go to the School of Dentistry, some of the medical equipment donated by MedShare will be given to hospitals that partner with the School of Medicine for clinical training, include Mengo Hospital, Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital and Mukono Government of Uganda Hospital. He said the hospitals are key partners of UCU in the training of the medical and dentistry students.

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

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Some students in the Uganda Partners e-lab pilot interact from the UCU-Mukono library via Zoom with managers of the NGO in the United States.

UCU Partners launches e-lab pilot to benefit students and organization

News, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication


 

Some students in the Uganda Partners e-lab pilot interact from the UCU-Mukono library via Zoom with managers of the NGO in the United States.
Some students in the Uganda Partners e-lab pilot interact from the UCU-Mukono library via Zoom with managers of the NGO in the United States.

By Jimmy Siyasa

It’s only mountains that don’t meet, but people do, goes a famous saying. This came to pass on January 25, when a group of Uganda Christian University (UCU) students met virtually with UCU Partners leadership.

UCU Partners is a two-decades old, non-profit organization that raises awareness about UCU in the United States by seeking material and spiritual support for students. The students, meeting via Zoom, are part of a new UCU Partners e-lab project designed to provide real-world experience to learning while creating products for the organization. Mark Bartels, executive director, and Patricia Huston, communications director, for UCU Partners were coming in virtually from the USA states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. 

The time was 4 p.m. in Uganda when the curtains opened on the face of Huston. She started by telling the “junior writers” a bit about her journalism and public relations careers. She dusted off any doubts in her capacity to support the writers in their career development by showcasing some of the payoffs from her own professional journey. It was inspiring to behold Huston’s accolades, published literature such as Inviting a Giraffe to Tea (now also available in Luganda), among other achievements. 

This was no doubt a result of hard work. She urged the students to “work hard and be open to learning.” She advised the students to put into practice the writing, photography, videography and social media theories and skills they learn in class and from textbooks. 

“It’s good to acquire facts and figures, to learn the theory of journalism and communication and to be able to take a test to prove that knowledge,” Huston said. “But if you can’t apply what you learned, then of what use is it to you, your country or your work?” 

Together with Bartels, Huston unpacked the mission and vision of the Partners NGO and the relevance of the pilot for the students involved. Prior to the Jan. 1, 2021, launch of the education-product delivery model, Huston and selected UCU alumni and staff generated stories and photos for the organization.  Huston, who has been a volunteer consultant and teacher at UCU since 2012, says the new e-lab model reinforces student learning and provides products for the organization. 

On Feb. 14 – 1.5 months into the e-lab pilot – Huston noted: “The product quality I see so far is impressive.”

Bartels, who is the son-in-law of the first UCU Vice Chancellor Steven Noll, said the organization exists to “raise money and develop partnerships for UCU.” Bartels lived with his family and worked on the UCU-Mukono campus for 10 years. 

Via Zoom, the Uganda Partners leaders rolled out the pilot “Communication Plan,” which was more like a dartboard of expectations for the students. With the on-the-ground guidance of three seasoned Uganda professionals, the 12 UCU journalism students chosen for this new hands-on learning model were eager to shoot right in the bullseye. The Ugandan leadership team under  Huston’s guidance consists of John Semakula, coordinator; Edwin Byarugaba, technical consultant; and Constantine Odongo, editor and social media consultant. Another Ugandan, Frank Obonyo, and an American, Ashton Davey, provide collaborative assistance as ex-officio members of the team. 

John Semakula, UCU Partners e-lab communications coordinator, at left, with some of the UCU journalism/communications students chosen for the pilot project.
John Semakula, UCU Partners e-lab communications coordinator, at left, with some of the UCU journalism/communications students chosen for the pilot project.

According to Huston, the model rollout is designed to start with an emphasis on writing and still photography, followed in the coming months by video and audio products and promotion using traditional and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp). 

“I was nervous at first, because this was the first time I was attending a Zoom meeting, let alone with Americans,” Grace Bisoke, a student who is part of the e-lab project, said, adding: “Surprisingly, everything went well.”

Pauline Ruth Alupo, another student, said: “With my journalism skills, I would like to establish a multimedia production company in Uganda. One that creates high quality content for the global audience.” 

The youthful Ugandans left the late January 2021 virtual launch meeting with a clearer vision of their careers and excited and eager to roll up their sleeves and get into the trenches. 

With that, Bartels hopes that at the end of the day, the “donors will be able to see the huge impact they can have by investing in Uganda Christian University and the UCU students.” He added, “We are also excited by the opportunity to contribute directly to the experience of these students—giving them opportunities to grow and develop their professional skills.”

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

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram

UCU Student Mark Wandera with one of his pieces during the exhibition

UCU markets student artwork to boost sales during pandemic

News, UCU School of Education


UCU Student Mark Wandera with one of his pieces during the exhibition
UCU Student Mark Wandera with one of his pieces during the exhibition

Story By Fiona Nabugwere and Majorine Kiita
Photos by Paulyn Alupo and Dalton Mujuni

By 8 a.m. on a hot Friday morning, the Technology Park area of the Mukono campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) was a beehive of activities as 3rd year students of the Bachelor of Industrial Fine Art program make final touches on their art stalls.

It was December 8, 2020. The students had decorated the area with stunning art pieces ready for the 2020 UCU Annual Fine Art Exhibition. Their master art ranged from ceramics, pottery, and fashion to interior design assembled according to different themes and styles. The 2020 exhibition was a wonderful display of creativity, effort and talent.

Kevin Kambere, one of the students who exhibited pieces, said he created his best piece – a family of giraffes on canvas – using fiberglass and bark cloth. He chose a giraffe to represent the African family.

Kelvin Kambere exhibiting his art
Kevin Kambere exhibiting his art

“I molded clay and laid it on the floor before creating designs in different shapes,” he said. “Then I cast the mold. When it was complete, I introduced the bark cloth sliced into small pieces and thinned to reduce the thickness. I dipped the bark cloth into glue for about 2-3 days to ease the manipulation before putting it on the mold and leaving it to set.” 

Kambere spent sh900,000 ($244.95) to make the fiber glass giraffe sculpture and about sh200,000 ($54.06) for the bark cloth piece. 

Another student, Mark Wandera, used pencils, pens and watercolors to draw human figures in a style he calls expressionism.  One of those pieces depicted a boy eagerly catching water into his mouth. 

“I am a freelance artist, and people like the human figures in my work,” Wandera said. “My art pieces can be put anywhere in galleries and sitting rooms where there is no (outside) water to spoil them.” 

Solving a Problem in Society through Art was the 2020 exhibition theme. 

The late 2020 event drew fewer than normal buyers because it was two days vs. the normal seven and entry inside the Mukono campus was restricted due to Covid-19. Another barrier to sales was a shorter preparation time for students. But being able to do artwork and display it after a virus lockdown brought hope to the young artists. 

Mercy Chekwemboi, a fashion student who focused on decency in dressing while still looking elegant and stylish in an African print dress called “Ekitengi,” displayed a detachable dress that could be worn in several different ways. She said time was her biggest challenge in preparing for the exhibition. 

“I failed to get a suitable floral material to make the duvet,’’ she said. 

To ease student frustrations and offer added opportunity for sales, UCU offered to allow students’ best pieces to remain with the university for another 12 months. During that time, the university would help market and sell those pieces from a gallery in the art department area, from different churches and during university events. One of those events is planned for March 2021 at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala.

“It’s true the students did not have enough time to create as many art pieces like in the past years because of the pandemic,” said Grace Ashe, a lecturer for Painting, adding, “But still they have displayed impressive work.”

According to Rita Namwebe, the acting Head of the Department of Industrial Art and Design, students can retrieve money from sales as they occur and pick up artwork not sold after a year. 

Obinna Ikenna, a student who majored in sculpture, said he was glad that the university had granted them this offer. “I am giving them my best piece, which I made under the theme ‘unity among family’,” he said. Chekwemboi loaned a hand-knitted mat to the university to sell it for her. 

But Esther Blessing Ageno, who majors in interior design, was concerned that the University may not get the best price for their products. “I spent almost a week working on this piece so it won’t be fair to just give it at a price I am not happy with,” she said. 

Esther Ageno assembling her stall during the exhibition in January 2021
Esther Ageno assembling her stall during the exhibition in January 2021

During the preparations for this year’s exhibition students faced several other setbacks including challenges in blending colors and patterns plus breakdown of machines.

Art student Abel Nshemereirwe had a process challenge with cracking in ceramics. He illustrated through his zebra-themed ceramics pieces three methods of making ceramics: pottery wheel method, slab method and slip-casting method. He explained that using a pottery wheel produces more durable and attractive ceramics compared to the slab method. 

The department of Industrial Fine Art and Design offers a number of course units that include painting, drawing, computer graphics, ceramics, interior design, and fashion and fabrics.  In addition to an exhibition, lecturers award students with grades. 

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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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International students from the United States, Nigeria and Rwanda

UCU students say International Desk relieves loneliness

COVID-19, News, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, UCU School of Law, , ,


International students from the United States, Nigeria and Rwanda
International students from the United States, Nigeria and Rwanda

By Gloria Katya

Joining Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2019, Garcia Bwale’s major challenge was the language barrier. Since she is from a French-speaking country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), she was not fluent in English.  Contributing during class discussions was one of her major challenges.

International students pose for photo after a 2020 food gala at UCU
International students pose for photo after a 2020 food gala at UCU

With the little English she knew, and spoken with a French accent, most of the Ugandan students found it funny whenever she raised her hand to contribute in class. This lowered her self-esteem.

“Whenever I was contributing in class, I noticed students laughing silently and the lecturers, too, found it hard to interpret what I was saying,” Bwale says.

However, from the UCU International students’ desk, Bwale discovered a solution. The desk provided her with a language mentor as she journeyed in her academics.

Once she solved the language issue, her fears were greatly diminished. She is now a confident journalist in the making who also has served as Minister on the International Students Association.

Another student, George Caleb from Nigeria and who is in his second year studying law, faced a similar obstacle. Interacting with locals especially when buying food and talking to transporters in case he had to move around had become a serious challenge for Caleb because he didn’t speak any of the Uganda local languages.

He, too, was helped by the International students’ desk to get Ugandan friends who gradually taught him survival skills.

“The desk linked me to some Ugandan students who helped me and life became easier,” he says.

The International students desk, headed by Mr. Edgar Kabahizi, was established in 2011 by the university management to help mainly with international students’ welfare. This desk serves  students from the time they step in to the time they exit.

Usually a friendly and welcoming face, Kabahizi awaits to be of service to fresh international students from the time they arrive in Uganda for their studies at UCU.

“Studying away from one’s home country and family is always challenging and at times creates a lot of anxiety not knowing what to expect,” Kabahizi said. “Most times, it’s the local culture and language that is most perplexing for the foreigners so students need help.”

To simplify life for an international student, Kabahizi does a lot of things for them.

“I follow up on the students from the time they are admitted by the University until they are settled and begin to progress academically,” he says. “Students that face linguistic problems are incorporated in mentorship classes under the Uganda Studies Program where they learn English.”

Kabahizi’s office also makes sure that international students have the necessary paperwork that enables them access to living in the country.

“We are there, when the students are sick, struggling academically and when facing any challenge,” he said, “This office is their first reporting point.”

With 7% of the UCU student population from outside Uganda, the Director of Students Affairs Bridget Mugume K. Mugasira says the university created the desk to better serve those students. International students at UCU come from such countries as Nigeria, DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and the USA.

When an international student arrives at UCU, he/she is led to their place of accommodation that is already organised for them by the International Students’ Desk. The students are then oriented the next day by introducing them to other international students.  They are also given class timetables and briefed about the Ugandan currency and its exchange rate.

The students also are informed about the dos and don’ts in Uganda, Ugandan culture, and UCU norms.

“The International Students Desk is a serious relief to foreign students as it brings them together such that they don’t feel lonely on campus,” Kabahizi said.

International students are not left out in the different co-curricular activities on campus such as the cultural galas, food galas and politics. International students are engaged in many fun activities on campus including dinners, picnics, trips, food galas, celebrating their country’s days of Independence, among others. The students also are represented with the guild government.

“Our last trip last year with the International students was in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese and Bundibugyo before the Coronavirus pandemic struck,” Kabahizi said.

Covid-19 that has affected education across the globe has interfered with the desk, but UCU is not ready to compromise any of its services. Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown in Uganda, the University took full care of the international students without asking them for additional financial contributions.

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

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram