Category Archives: Students

Greenhill Academy teacher asks a question during the seminar

UCU helps Christian primary-secondary schools with e-learning

COVID-19, News, Students, UCU Alumni


Greenhill Academy teacher asks a question during the seminar
Greenhill Academy teacher asks a question during the seminar

By Ian Asabo
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) e-learning candle is spreading its light to other institutions in the country. Among the recent beneficiaries is Greenhill Academy, a group of Christian-founded primary and secondary schools in Kampala. Leaders from the Academy met with UCU e-learning staff for a virtual learning seminar in December 2021.  

During the UCU visit, Greenhill Academy officials gained a better understanding of how UCU accommodated learners virtually during the Covid-19 lockdown when in-person learning was halted in the country. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, Uganda has had two lockdowns, with some classes remaining closed to in-person learning from March 2020 to December 2021. 

Greenhill Academy Rector Joy Veronica Maraka led the Academy’s staff who attended the seminar. The head of the UCU Online Distance Learning Department, the Rev. Jessica Hughes, provided insight into how classes are taught on the platforms, highlighting how the switch to online classes has improved her work. She said students prefer having small assessments, which makes it easier to track their progress during the semester. 

“Online classes have provided flexibility in the way lectures are conducted because they can evaluate students through small quizzes and assignments, which enables critical thinking,” she told the delegation from Greenhill Academy.

The Rev. Dr. Hughes proposed the evaluation of students on a “more regular basis through videos, quizzes and questions that allow for more critical thinking to eliminate the aspect of cramming.” 

During UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony on October 22, 2021, Uganda’s First Lady and education minister, Mrs. Janet Museveni, said she was impressed by UCU’s “robust online education programme” and encouraged the university to share best practices with other institutions.

UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, the Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, who also attended the seminar, said the university was ready to partner with Greenhill Academy. 

“This is a great opportunity to find ways of changing the way teaching is conducted,” Kitayimbwa said, encouraging Greenhill Academy to take the lead and show other schools that online learning is the way to go, and that with it, “the possibilities of learning are endless.”

Kitayimbwa said the university has invested a lot in the networking, IT department and library database, which work in unison to provide a seamless experience for  students. The university has invested about sh1.4b ($395,000) on e-learning, management information systems and networking, Kitayimbwa said. 

Recently, UCU Partners donated $50,000 (about sh170m) to the university to help it expand the e-learning platform. Mark Bartels, UCU Partners executive director, said the organization contributed the funds following a call by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, for external funders to support the eLearning infrastructure. 

Greenhill Academy Rector Joy Veronica Maraka thanked UCU for hosting them, stating that they will “pick ideas from the session and follow in the footsteps of UCU in evolving education in Uganda.” 

At a virtual dialogue held in August 2021 to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on education institutions in Uganda, Mushengyezi advised institutions to consider a rigorous shift towards online distance learning and service delivery, so that future lockdowns do not affect operations and learning.

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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 Faculty members and Mukono local government officials after the meeting

UCU teams up with German university to promote eLearning in rural areas

COVID-19, News, Science and Technology, Students, UCU Alumni


UCU Faculty members and Mukono local government officials after the meeting
UCU Faculty members and Mukono local government officials after the meeting

By Dalton Mujuni
Koome Island, which is among the largest of 84 Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria, has fishing possibilities, stunning sunsets and more. What the Koome archipelago of 17 islands lacks for its 20,000 residents is technology. Until now. 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has partnered with a German university, Hochshule Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences (HNU), to provide solar energy to the islands. The development is a boost to Koome students who have struggled to participate in e-learning that was accelerated necessarily in the Covid pandemic. They faced challenges of access to electricity to power mobile phones, computers, radios and televisions. 

Ugandan schools were in a lockdown for one year, from March 2020. When they were opened for in-person learning in March 2021, it lasted only three months, before they were shut down again in the first week of June 2021 due to a rise in the Covid-19 infection rates. Universities and other higher institutions of learning have since opened, with the rest of the schools expected to be opened in January 2022.

Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Dean for the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (right), explains relevance of the project to stakeholders
Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Dean for the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (right), explains relevance of the project to stakeholders

A recent Uganda Bureau of Statistics household survey shows that the rate of access to the national electricity has increased to 57%, of which 19% are on-grid and 38% off-grid connections. 

The solar power project, named the “Implementation of Solar Mini-Grids for Digital Learning Models in the rural areas of Uganda” was launched at the UCU’s eLearning lab at the main campus in Mukono, central Uganda. The event attracted stakeholders from the Electricity Regulatory Authority as well as members from UCU faculties to harmonize strategies for the project’s implementation. 

The project aims to install solar panels on poor households on the island to foster digital learning. The implementation of the project will unfold as a multi-disciplinary initiative involving all the faculties at UCU since each has a role to play in the transformation of communities. 

Speaking at a press conference, Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at UCU, stressed that all the institution’s faculties are relevant in this project due to its diverse nature. 

The agricultural officer in charge of Koome island, Obed Nsubuga, commended UCU and HNU for spearheading the project on the island. 

Participants during closing prayer
Participants during closing prayer

Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, the team leader of Online Distance Learning at UCU, expounded on the modalities of the Distance Learning model intended to be introduced in Koome. He noted that if appreciated by learners, the model will improve diversity in learning, since teachers who are hesitant to cross Lake Victoria to the island will be brought closer to the islanders virtually.

The project is expected to be funded by HNU, to the tune of Euros 1m. ($1.15 million), according to Inken Hoeck, the HNU Africa Institute representative at the conference. He said the project has already registered success in the southern African country of Namibia. 

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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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Technicians connect solar panels on Nsibambi Lane.

UCU main campus gets solar-powered lights

COVID-19, News, Students, UCU Alumni


Technicians connect solar panels on Nsibambi Lane.
Technicians connect solar panels on Nsibambi Lane.

By Ivan Tsebeni
The Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus has installed solar-powered lights as part of a movement to promote a green lifestyle. 

The solar-powered lights were bought with support from Uganda President Yoweri Museveni. In February 2020, Museveni donated sh30m (about $8,400) and pledged another sh50m (about $14,000) towards the activities of the UCU students’ guild government during the year’s UCU Guild Run. The President’s contribution was especially welcomed in 2021 as the guild’s plans to conduct a run virtually vs. in-person struggled in a Covid-restricted environment.

“I’ll put in sh80m towards the cause, but I came with sh30m,” Museveni said. “I will pay the sh50m later.”

The President also pledged to help UCU on installing security lights on the Bishop Tucker Road.

One solar light installed at the new pitch at UCU main campus.
One solar light installed at the new pitch at UCU main campus.

During the university’s 22nd graduation ceremony on October 22, 2021, Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi announced that Museveni fulfilled his promise of sh50m in August 2021. 

Former UCU guild president Timothy Kadaga’s administration initiated the solar light project and dedicated part of the proceeds of the year’s guild run towards the cause. The annual UCU guild run is organized, in part, to raise funds for tuition support to needy students, and to set up security lights around hostels established near the university. 

At the guild run event on February 22, 2020, Kadaga also made a request to the Ugandan Government to tarmac the Bishop Tucker Road from Mukono town to the university campus. The President agreed to help with the road paving in his remarks at the UCU October 2015 graduation.  

Technicians offload solar panels from a truck near Nsibambi Hall of residence.
Technicians offload solar panels from a truck near Nsibambi Hall of residence.

In December 2020, people operating businesses on the Bishop Tucker Road issued a sigh of relief when Mukono Municipality’s local council started renovations on the road. The constructors placed fresh tarmac on the section of the Bishop Tucker Road from the Bus Stop on the Kampala-Jinja road to Wandegeya trading centre, just before the UCU small gate, a distance of about ½ mile. 

UCU director of projects Eng. David Kivumbi said that under phase one, 13 solar-powered lights are installed in three Mukono campus locations: on five poles along Ankrah Rise; on four poles on Nsibambi Lane; and on four poles in the university’s new soccer pitch.

Kivumbi said that after the guild government’s spearheaded first phase, a partnership with Mukono Municipal Council will enable phase two with solar lights fixed on Bishop Tucker Road from Mukono town to the main campus.

“If you move around the university, you will realize that the solar lights are working,” Kivumbi said. “Students have been taking selfies near the poles with the solar-powered lights.” 

The UCU Guild Vice President for 2019-2020, Ezra Ambasiize Rwashande, noted that the idea of installing solar lights by Kadaga’s government was something that should inspire future student leaders to think of projects that improve the image of 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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Jonathan Mbabazi at the UCU main campus on the day he picked up his academic regalia before the graduation

Business graduate sold charcoal and reared pigs to raise tuition

News, Students, UCU Alumni


Jonathan Mbabazi at the UCU main campus on the day he picked up his academic regalia before the graduation
Jonathan Mbabazi at the UCU main campus on the day he picked up his academic regalia before the graduation

By Yasiri J. Kasango
A business degree was not Jonathan Mbabazi’s first choice for his post-secondary studies. He had his eyes on medicine, envisioning a career of restoring health to patients.

However, when preparing to apply for the course at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2017, Mbabazi discovered that he did not have the financial resources to sustain paying the tuition for the five years he would be studying for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

He opted for Bachelor of Business Administration, whose tuition was comparatively cheaper and for fewer years. However, even with business courses, the 29-year-old had no stable source of income for the tuition. He established two enterprises – piggery and charcoal-selling – to help pay his bills.

Mbabazi usually had 10-15 pigs, whose piglets he sold at a profit. The married father of two says it was difficult for him to multitask in running his business, looking after his family and concentrating on class work. However, he says that God enabled him to surmount the challenge.

On many occasions, he lacked money to buy classwork handouts, something he says many of his classmates found affordable.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent education shutdowns in 2020 increased Mbabazi’s worries about school. First, when physical learning was stopped in March 2020, to reduce concentration centres that would accelerate the spread of the coronavirus, Mbabazi resigned to fate, thinking he would not graduate on schedule. He also started making plans for how to get more money to cater for a longer stay in the course.

However, UCU quickly introduced online learning, to ensure studies were not interrupted.

“I thank God that UCU continued teaching during the lockdown. We managed to do coursework and also write our exams through the online platforms,” says Mbabazi, who studied at the Kabalega College Masindi, one of the affiliate institutions of UCU, located in western Uganda.

However, he says the online learning, though convenient for the circumstances, also offered a fair share of challenges.

“It was tough because one had to do a lot of research on their own, but I managed to complete my final semester,” he adds. Mbabazi was able to graduate on October 22, 2021, with a First-Class Degree.

He says he could not have had a better choice of an institution for his undergraduate studies. At UCU, Mbabazi says, Christian faith is extended to students through certain course units, such as World View, New and Old Testament. He believes this has enabled him to become more grounded in his spiritual life. 

With the knowledge he has gained at UCU, Mbabazi intends to expand his business enterprises, and even establish more, in order to be able to provide employment to some youth in his community.

Background
Mbabazi is the third born of 11 children. His parents – Moses Byaruhanga and Jackline Kugonza –  live in Buliisa, western Uganda.

Before he joined UCU, Mbabazi pursued a diploma in business, specializing in accounting, from Uganda College of Commerce, where he, again, excelled with a First Class Diploma.

He attended Kibengeya Primary School from 1999 to 2005 and then Mukitale Development Foundation Secondary School from 2006-2009 for O’level. For A’level, Mbabazi attended Premier Secondary School Hoima from 2010 to 2011. All the schools are found in western Uganda.

Mbabazi is married to Charity Jovia Kobusingye, with whom he has two daughters – Smiles and Shanice.

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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.

Boss John Bruce is the new Guild President for the Uganda Law Development Centre.

UCU alumnus elected LDC Guild President

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


Boss John Bruce is the new Guild President for the Uganda Law Development Centre.
Boss John Bruce is the new Guild President for the Uganda Law Development Centre.

By Ivan Tsebeni
Boss John Bruce, an alumnus of Uganda Christian University (UCU), has been elected the Guild President of Uganda’s Law Development Centre (LDC). In the elections held on November 8, Bruce garnered 69% of the votes cast, beating off a challenge from Mubarak Kalungi, who polled 31% of the votes.

LDC offers a postgraduate bar course, the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a mandatory course for all lawyers intending to practice law in Uganda. LDC is the only institution that offers such a course in Uganda.

Bruce, a former UCU Guild Electoral Commission chairperson, says that the latest electoral victory is the biggest political milestone in his life. 

During his one-year term of office at LDC, Bruce has promised to set up a hotline which students can use for giving feedback to the body’s management and student leaders. He also hopes to create strategic partnerships and alliances with organizations, to enable LDC to extend its brand reach.

“We are looking forward to utilizing the student leadership structures so that we can receive your concerns and the same will be passed on to the administration in a timely manner,” he told the students during campaigns.

Bruce joins former student colleagues at UCU who have in the recent past achieved victory in elections. Ezra Ambasiize, currently a fourth-year student of Bachelor of Laws at UCU, was recently voted the speaker of the fourth National Youth Parliament of Uganda. Immediate past UCU Guild President Agaba Kenneth Amponda also was recently elected the Speaker of the Uganda National Students Association, an umbrella body of student leaders in the country.

Bruce says the latest electoral victory is the biggest political milestone in his life.
Bruce says the latest electoral victory is the biggest political milestone in his life.

Bruce’s triumph at LDC elicited celebrations at UCU. “The Guild Government, together with the entire students’ community, take this opportunity to congratulate @Bossjohnbruce upon being elected Guild President Law Development Center (K’la Campus). Bruce is a former Guild EC Chairperson,” the UCU guild government tweeted. 

“Congratulations to UCU’s former Guild Chairperson Electoral Commission, Boss John Bruce, for being elected LDC Guild President,” read one of the posts on UCU’s Facebook page.

UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs Dr. John Kitayimbwa said: “As a university, we are blessed to have our alumnus triumph in the LDC elections. Glory back to God.”

At UCU, Bruce will be remembered for overseeing an online voting process, as the university’s elections boss. The e-voting app, code-named e-Chagua, helped UCU, for the first time, in 2020, to change its student leaders even when the university was not fully functioning. Uganda had imposed a lockdown on in-person learning in schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of that process, 

Agaba Kenneth Amponda became the university’s new guild president in November 2020. In November 2021, Sserwadda Rachael became the second Guild President of UCU to be voted using the e-Chagua platform.

Bruce was born to Bernard Betambira and Beatrice Ndagano, of Ibanda district in western Uganda. It is in the same region where Bruce had his education before joining UCU in 2016, to pursue a Bachelor of Laws course. 

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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.

Jimmy Siyasa, pictured with his mom, was among the graduates at UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony.

UCU graduate applies learning for Partners organization

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


Jimmy Siyasa, pictured with his mom, was among the graduates at UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony.
Jimmy Siyasa, pictured with his mom, was among the graduates at UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony.

By Nickie Karitas
Recent Uganda Christian University (UCU) graduate Jimmy Siyasa didn’t wait to have a degree in hand before applying what he learned in his journalism program. And it has paid off – in experience and money to support his next level of master’s degree studies. 

On October 22, 2021, Jimmy Siyasa was among the more than 3,000 students who graduated at UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony. He bagged a Second-Class Upper Division, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.38 out of 5.0. A First Class starts at 4.40. 

In December 2021, he is enrolled in a UCU post-graduate degree path in Strategic Communication (MA). At the same time, he has been helping the UCU Partners NGO by producing videos and print stories for several months and is a writer in the UCU Office of Communications and Public Relations. He gets stipends for each. 

Before all this, here’s his story. 

Siyasa attended Mbuya Church of Uganda for primary education and St. Kizito SS Bugolobi for O’level. For his A’level, Siyasa attended Bishop Cypriano Kihangire Secondary School. All three schools are in Kampala.

UCU and Partners e-lab communications team member, Jimmy Siyasa, playing guitar in UCU’s Nykoyoyo Hall in 2017.
UCU and Partners e-lab communications team member, Jimmy Siyasa, playing guitar in UCU’s Nykoyoyo Hall in 2017.

Jimmy Siyasa never dreamed of studying at UCU. In fact, he knew little about the institution as he thought about studies after high school. In Senior Six, while making choices for courses to study at a university, he opted for the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Bachelor of Arts in Education, in that order, at Makerere University. 

In 2017, Makerere admitted him for his second choice, the Bachelor of Arts in Education, specializing in English and Literature in English. Siyasa’s father, Robert Waiga, insisted that his son live on campus for added security that an outside hostel wouldn’t provide. Siyasa was admitted to Mitchell Hall where, because of high demand for slots, students were asked to pay accommodation fees for the first semester in advance. 

The lodging payment was the first of the many hurdles for the second born of the three children of Waiga and Celine Ayikoru.  The family did not have the money to secure the slot. This setback caused Siyasa to ask himself whether he really should pursue a course in education, where he did not have much passion anyway.

One of the members of the church band that Siyasa was in suggested he consider applying at UCU. Siyasa did and was offered studies toward the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.

“I heard of UCU from my friends at church,” the 24-year-old Siyasa said. “I also discovered that friends from my former school were already there. . . but I feared the expenses associated with private universities in Uganda.” 

University fees in private institutions in Uganda tend to be higher than public institutions, largely because of no funding support from the government.

Now, Siyasa’s younger sister, Peace Asara, is the one trying to ensure that she graduates in the course her brother did not pursue at Makerere University. Asara, who wants to become a teacher of English and Literature in English at an institution of higher learning, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree at Kyambogo University in Uganda.

As Siyasa was getting ready for his second semester in first year at UCU, Waiga’s contract at his workplace ended, and it was not renewed. That meant one thing – Siyasa had no tuition to continue with his studies. His father advised him to take a “dead semester” as he tried to find more solid financial footing. 

When Siyasa shared his challenges with some friends he had made at UCU, they were against the dead semester. They mobilized funds and paid his tuition. For the second-year first semester, Siyasa’s friend, Rick Kagoro, and his father, Ivan Lumala, met the tuition requirements. The two are based in Washington State, USA. Rick, whose family is acquainted with former UCU Vice-Chancellor, John Senyonyi, had come to Uganda for a visit. He resided at UCU for a while, and at some point visited Jimmy’s class as a Teaching Assistant for a foundational course unit- Elements of Math. 

By the next semester, Waiga (Jimmy’s father) had found financial stability, having been recalled to his former workplace, the U.S Embassy in Iraq. 

Fast forward to December 2021.

“Siyasa is a brilliant, and dependable young man,” Frank Obonyo, UCU’s communications manager, said. “He is a valuable addition to our great team as we can already see his contribution.’’ 

The platform that offered Siyasa the opportunity to cut his professional teeth months ago is the USA-based UCU Partners.

This happened because his lecturer, John Semakula, now head of UCU’s journalism department, asked if he could write an article about dental challenges that students face at UCU. He says that story ushered him into writing for the non-profit’s Web site, an opportunity that helped him turn classroom knowledge into real-life practice.

Stephanie Gloria, who studied with Siyasa, says he has worked his way to the top.

“His hard work and integrity cannot go unnoticed,” Gloria says of Siyasa, adding: “His greatest happiness is not in having everything he wants in life, but in appreciating the little or whatever that is available.” 

In the next five years, Siyasa hopes to have his master’s degree as well as a Ph.D. in a media-related field. At the same time, he is engaged in music. He has some original songs, including this one he has recorded here: (https://soundcloud.com/siyasa-jimmy/workingfromhome)

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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.

Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi on graduation day

Congolese student overcomes money, language challenges to graduate

COVID-19, Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU Alumni


Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi on graduation day
Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi on graduation day

By Gloria Katya
“One day, I will be like them.”

This is what Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi commonly told his parents whenever he saw workers at a road construction site.

That desire drove Mugabe from his country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, to Uganda Christian University (UCU) for an undergraduate course in engineering.

In 2016, Mugabe was among the students who started the journey to attain a degree. That journey came to an end on October 22, 2021, when the 27-year-old and 66 other colleagues received a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCU.

Making the decision to pursue his undergraduate course from Uganda was not without anticipated challenges. In DR Congo, the national language is French. Mugabe, therefore, had to undergo a mandatory pre-year program at UCU, to enable him learn English, since it is the language of instruction in Ugandan institutions.

He learned English, but it was not sufficient enough for him to communicate. 

“I could not express myself well in English,” Mugabe recalls. “The lecturers could teach, but I hardly picked anything, except from one course unit, Engineering Mathematics.”

Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi
Alexis Mugabe Munyakazi

Despite the challenges, Mugabe soldiered on with the course. With persistence and camaraderie, he, eventually, caught up. 

Mugabe says the Christian orientation of UCU was key to his nudge to study in Uganda. When he eventually joined the institution, he says he was not disappointed. 

“What I found unique about UCU were the Christian values they teach their students and they always practice what they teach,” he said.

Mugabe was actively involved in Christian ministry at UCU and held various positions of leadership, including minister of religious affairs at the UCU Honors College and chaplain of the UCU International Students’ Association. 

Tough financial times
Mugabe is one of the students whom the economic impacts of the Covid-19 hit especially hard at both the personal and family level. He got stranded in Uganda when a lockdown was declared in March 2020. While some of his colleagues managed to go home, Mugabe could not because he did not have the resources to transport him. He is grateful that the university continuously housed and fed him and a few other international students who were in his shoes, throughout the lockdown.

In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Uganda imposed a lockdown on movement of people from March to June 2020 and on schools from March to October 2020, when it was opened only for in-person classes for final year students as they prepared for their exams.

The pandemic also did not spare the jobs of Mugabe’s parents – Munyakazi Matthew and Nyambo Angel – who were employed in DR Congo, leaving their son with a huge tuition bill.

“I was frustrated since I could not raise that big amount of money on my own,” Mugabe says. 

It was at that point that Mugabe got wind of an opportunity – the UCU Financial Aid Office had made a call for applications for financial relief.  UCU Partners was willing to make tuition top-ups for students who were due for graduation, but were financially stuck. Mugabe was among the fortunate few who got that financial relief.

“The financial aid helped me to understand that, indeed, there are generous people out there who are ready to help you to achieve your dreams, even when they do not know you,” Mugabe says.

“May God bless them abundantly.”

Now with the bachelor’s degree, Mugabe says he is leaving UCU with not only a transcript, but also with friends from diverse worlds, including America, because of his relationships with students in the UCU Uganda Studies Program. 

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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.

Agaba at his work place at the Next Media Services.

Former UCU Guild President lands job at major Ugandan broadcaster

COVID-19, News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Business


Agaba at his work place at the Next Media Services.
Agaba at his work place at the Next Media Services.

By Derrick Muduku
To many, being the Guild President at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Kampala campus and doing comedy at the same time is mutually exclusive. That was not the case for Mark Agaba. In 2019, Agaba, a famous figure in the entertainment circles, won the contest to become the campus’ top student leader. 

The stand-up comedian, who goes by the stage name Uncle Mark, ably executed the two roles of comedy and student leadership. 

Agaba on stage during a stand-up comedy show
Agaba on stage during a stand-up comedy show

His role as a student leader played a great part in Agaba scooping his most recent job as Public Relations Protocol Executive at Next Media Services, a media company in Uganda. Next Media Services owns NBS TV, Next Radio, news site Nile Post and Sanyuka TV. 

“As Public Relations Protocol Executive, I am tasked with writing press releases, and reaching out to people who are engaging with our media outlets,” Agaba said. “This opportunity means a lot to me. I’m also expected to co-ordinate activities of Next Media Services with partner international media organizations, such as CNN and BBC.”

“I discovered my funny side during conversations with my friends,” he said. “Whenever I was around my peers, my comments would always leave them in stiches.” Agaba said that is what propelled him to take comedy more seriously and nurture the talent. 

Agaba credits the virtues he learned at UCU for carving him into the person he is today. 

“It is the virtues of Christ-centeredness, diligence, integrity and stewardship that I honor in every field of my life,” he said. “I have not found any better waves of transformation than these.”

Just how did Agaba manage to balance books, comedy and leadership? 

“I endeavored to make the time for books, since I believed in leading, even in academics,” Agaba says. “I also have to give credit to the competent team with whom I served during my tenure as Guild President. I am grateful to my Vice President of the Guild leadership, Jemimah Jehopio, and the different heads of departments for their diligent service. They made my work a lot lighter and enjoyable.” 

Phoebe Namujehe, the immediate past Guild President of UCU Kampala Campus, said Agaba, who was her predecessor, was a tolerant, humble, hardworking and committed leader. 

Namujehe said Agaba often lit up the mood at the campus with his comedy. “Even as he read his manifesto, he was comical,” she said of the son of Jane Agaba and the late Godfrey Agaba from Kabale district in southwestern Uganda.

Before joining UCU, Agaba acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Makerere University. At UCU, he studied in the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration program. 

Now that he has found his way onto the staff list of a major broadcaster in Uganda, Agaba says he will use the opportunity to further nurture his love for communication.

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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 Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (right), receives UCU’s Certificate of Recognition as Best Exhibitor under the Public and Private Chartered Universities Category from Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE.

UCU wins Ugandan universities’ virtual exhibition

COVID-19, News, Students, UCU Alumni


UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (right), receives UCU’s Certificate of Recognition as Best Exhibitor under the Public and Private Chartered Universities Category from Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE.
UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi (right), receives UCU’s Certificate of Recognition as Best Exhibitor under the Public and Private Chartered Universities Category from Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE.

Story by Yasiri J. Kasango, Photos by Jimmy Siyasa
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has won the first ever virtual exhibition for higher education institutions in Uganda.  The three-day virtual contest that took place in November was organised by the regulator of higher education in Uganda, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). 

A total of 50 institutions of higher learning – both private and public – took part in the exhibition that saw Mbarara University of Science and Technology, a government aided institution, emerging second.

The first-place win is the third straight one for UCU, having emerged the best exhibitor at the 2018 and 2019 fairs. Due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no exhibition in 2020. This year’s fair has been virtual because the Ugandan government imposed a ban on large gatherings, limiting the number to 200, to reduce chances of spreading the coronavirus.

On October 22, Janet Museveni, Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, who was the chief guest at UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony, acknowledged the strides the university has made in virtual infrastructure, noting that the institution has a “robust online education program” and encouraged the facility to “share best practices with other institutions.”

In the November fair, institutions of higher learning exhibited their e-learning services that reflected the programs taught and their capacity to admit and facilitate learning for students. They also displayed the technological innovations to overcome the challenges caused by Covid-19. 

Certificate given to UCU
Certificate given to UCU

UCU’s Communications Manager, Frank Obonyo, said that the university exhibited its capacity in conducting online admissions, pre-entry exams for students who want to pursue courses in law and medicine, virtual elections for student leaders, e-library, online classes and online exams.

“The judges found UCU’s virtual stall attractive and in line with the event’s theme, Innovation for Current and Emerging Challenges and Opportunities under the COVID-19,” Obonyo added.

The lead judge, Denis Omvia, said: “UCU displayed a stall that resonated well with the theme. UCU’s booth also showed a high level of organisation and preparation.”  

Omvia added that the UCU booth had video uploads and it was easy to navigate and download content for anyone who visited the site.   Among the visuals in the UCU display was a UCU Prospectus, developed by UCU Partners communications team members, Patty Huston-Holm and Constantine Odongo. 

During the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Mrs. Museveni said the COVID-19 pandemic was a wakeup call for institutions to shift from face-to-face learning to online.

Christa K. Oluka, UCU’s Director of Admissions and Student Records, said the win was a vote of confidence by their regulator in the university’s level of innovation. 

“It is special whenever your regulator recognises something good about the institution,” Oluka said, adding: “This motivates us to keep working harder and finding new and better ways of doing things.”

When universities were closed during the lockdown on education institutions as a result of Covid-19, UCU embraced online learning that saw the institution’s students continue with learning, uninterrupted. 

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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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Fiona Kemigisha working from her home

UCU Law alum becomes digital content icon

COVID-19, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


Fiona Kemigisha working from her home
Fiona Kemigisha working from her home

By Vanessa Babirye Gloria
Studying a course in law was not Fiona Kemigisha’s first choice, but it was the choice of her parents. In pursuing the course, she intended to fulfill their dream while trying to put a finger on her own desires that edged toward digital media.

In 2013, Kemigisha graduated from the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Law program. She immediately headed to Kenya, where she did her internship in Nairobi. She later enrolled in a post-graduate diploma in legal practice at the Kenya School of Law. To practice law in Uganda and Kenya, one must attain a diploma in legal practice.

She is grateful for the four years she spent pursuing a Bachelor of Laws course at UCU because she says it provided her a platform to keep the right company and meet friends who have remained invaluable in her life.

Kemigisha, at right, and her friend, Nyonyozi, also a digital content creator
Kemigisha, at right, and her friend, Nyonyozi, also a digital content creator

Upon her return to Uganda, she was employed at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, where Kemigisha put her professional learning into action. Her initial intention was to spend five years in this job and then switch to something else. And she almost hit her target. She left the agency just after four years.

While practicing law at the immigration department was rewarding, she felt her heart belonged somewhere else. That place was digital content. She had a side job of creating digital content, which she sold to clients, and hopes of full-time work there. 

The force with which the covid-related lockdown came in 2020 was the push that Kemigisha needed for her to throw in the towel at the immigration directorate. Uganda imposed a lockdown last year, from March to June, where movement was only permitted to staff it considered essential workers.

Being home more for Kemigisha meant more acquired skills in creating digital content. 

 “I got to a point where I realized that I needed to do something that didn’t just make other people happy, but myself,” the 31-year-old says.

Watch: “Kemigisha interview about self-employment” (more than 2,500 views)

Under the digital platform business name of Fiona Kemi, Kemigisha shares everything from natural hair care tutorials to her own journey with her hair. She started her journey on a WordPress blog, where she shared about alopecia (hair loss) and hair care. 

Eventually, when her content gained traffic on social media, she began sharing videos not just about natural hair, but about a complete lifestyle. She uses YouTube channels and Instagram to engage with her followers. She helps clients find the necessary hair tools, products and designing a customized hair care regimen to help them grow healthy hair. 

Watch: Kemigisha talking about her natural hair (nearly 1,000 views)

Nyonyozi Murungi, a content creator and a friend of Kemigisha, said when her friend told her about quitting her formal job, she got concerned.

“I was afraid about her life outside work, but Kemigisha is a creative woman; you can’t help admiring how her brain thinks,” she said. “She’s unstoppable. I love how her content has helped all of us nurture our hair and relationships.”

Though her parents were concerned when she was quitting her job, they supported her in her new venture. Kemigisha says: “They let me be when I chose and that was all the support I needed from them.”

The ball is now in Kemigisha’s court to turn her passion more fully into finances to support herself.  

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

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Professor Thomas Deans in his office within the main campus post-graduate block

American Fulbright Scholar helps UCU improve writing skills

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education


Professor Thomas Deans in his office within the main campus post-graduate block
Professor Thomas Deans in his office within the main campus post-graduate block

By Eriah Lule
An American Fulbright Scholar is in Uganda with a goal of helping Uganda Christian University (UCU) establish a writing center. 

Thomas A. Deans, a Professor of English, began working in late August with UCU’s Department of Languages as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Uganda on a teaching and research award. The proposal of a writing center at UCU, Deans says, was the centerpiece of his Fulbright application. 

And it is not by accident that Deans is pushing for a writing center at UCU. He is currently the Director of the University Writing Center at the University of Connecticut, a position he has held since 2005 when he joined the institution. 

Tom Deans interacting with a student in his office at UCU
Tom Deans interacting with a student in his office at UCU

In fact, even before joining the University of Connecticut, Deans played a pivotal role in steering a college writing program. He was the Director of College Writing at the Haverford College in Pennsylvania. No doubt he is fully aware of the benefits an institution can reap from a center designed to enhance writing skills. 

Writing centers are places for collaboration between writers and their tutors. Writing centers may offer one-on-one scheduled tutorial appointments, group tutoring, and writing workshops. They are maintained by universities or created as part of the writing program to help students find their writing voice and tackle any writing challenge.

From August 2021 to the end of February 2022, the duration of the scholarship, Deans is teaching two courses and conducting a research project on undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics writers. 

The 54-year-old also has been using the six months to help review UCU’s Department of Languages’ graduate curriculum for master’s students and work closely with the writing and study skills department.

He also is extending his more than 30 years of professional experience to Makerere University in Uganda, where he will be offering faculty development workshops through that University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Support. 

“For most Fulbright scholar awards, a letter of invitation is recommended or required, and that can leave applicants who don’t already have established relationships with a potential host institution feeling at a loss,” Deans says.

Initially, Deans had contemplated Finland as his host country for the Fulbright. But that was not to be as his request for a letter of invitation was not granted.

The cold shoulder he got from Finland was a blessing in disguise for UCU. When Deans thought of the warm encounter he had had with Ugandan scholars, he re-established contact with Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, whom he had met while the latter was pursuing his PhD at the University of Connecticut. Mushengyezi did not hesitate to invite Deans to UCU. When Mushengyezi first met Deans, the former was an academic at Makerere University.

According to Dr. Taabu James Busimba, the newly appointed Head of the Department of Languages, Prof. Deans is laying a firm foundation by establishing the center. Busimba believes the center will not only offer a head start for more scholars to go to UCU, but also open doors for them to win grants and sponsorships for the department. 

Exams are among the activities which give students goosebumps at school. No wonder, Katusiime Gift, a master’s student in the Department of Languages at UCU, is excited at one proposition by Tom Deans to replace exams for some master’s students in preference for research and presenting of papers.

“I am so excited to have a Fulbright scholar in our department,” Katusiime said.

While exams are an option to research papers in many United States post-graduate programs, Tom Deans asserts that “MA students won’t grow as researchers unless they are writing seminar papers that involve sustained research.”  A substantial paper or literature review (completed in several drafts, with feedback and revision) could help build the research and writing experience and could be preferable over a test. 

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program awards more than 800 fellowships annually to scholars at all career levels who take up teaching, research, and professional projects in more than 135 countries. Deans won the award under the theme “Cultivating Writing Centers and Writing across the Disciplines in Ugandan Universities; UCU /Makerere University.” 

He is married to Jill Deans and they have two sons – Griffin, 21, and Elliot, 18 years. Griffin and Elliot are expected to join their parents for the Christmas holidays in Uganda.

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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 Guild President Kenneth Amponda Agaba (blue shirt, holding microphone) during an online conference hosted in the eLearning lab at UCU

UCU Partners donates $50,000 to UCU’s eLearning platform

COVID-19, News, Science and Technology, Students, UCU Alumni


UCU Guild President Kenneth Amponda Agaba (blue shirt, holding microphone) during an online conference hosted in the eLearning lab at UCU
UCU Guild President Kenneth Amponda Agaba (blue shirt, holding microphone) during an online conference hosted in the eLearning lab at UCU


By Yasiri J. Kasango
Efforts by Uganda Christian University (UCU) to upgrade its eLearning platforms have gained momentum after Good Samaritans donated funds to assist.

UCU Partners has donated $50,000 (over sh170m) to the university to expand the platform. Mark Bartels, UCU Partners executive director, said the organization contributed the funds following a call by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, for external funders to support the eLearning infrastructure. 

“The idea to support eLearning came from UCU,” Bartels said. “In all of the support that UCU Partners offers to UCU, we seek to meet the most important needs of the university. When the Vice Chancellor communicated this need to us, we were glad that we had some funds available to donate to UCU towards achieving its goal.” 

Bartels added that given the restrictions in Uganda due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the significant increase in eLearning needs, it was a natural place for UCU Partners to make a contribution. 

Students attend virtual conference in eLearning lab.
Students attend virtual conference in eLearning lab.

“We know that these funds will make a difference for so many students, even after the Covid-19 restrictions are eased,” he said “We have been so impressed with the way UCU has led universities in Uganda in terms of eLearning.” 

“It is always exciting to support a project that has shown promise with few resources, knowing that additional resources will make a big difference,” Bartels added.

At a recent virtual dialogue to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on education institutions, Mushengyezi advised government and schools to follow the online learning path that his institution has taken in order to reduce effects of Covid-related lockdowns on studies.

In March 2020, when the government of Uganda imposed a total lockdown on academic institutions in the country as precaution to limit the spread of Covid-19, UCU embraced eLearning and it is one of the few universities in Uganda teaching during the lockdown.

“We have invested in infrastructure of electronic learning and have something to share with other institutions,” Mushengyezi said at the dialogue, adding that such a move will not only keep students from lagging behind because of the pandemic, but also enable them to continue studying on their own time.

UCU Partners is a US-based non-profit charitable organization committed to raising public awareness about UCU by seeking material and spiritual support for students and other projects in the university. 

The University ICT Services (UIS) technical manager, Rebecca Kangabe, said the contribution from UCU Partners will go a long way towards purchasing cooling equipment for the servers. “The funds will also go towards improving the internet service capacity of the university and the PS link from 1GB to 10GB,” she said.

The increase in the PS link is expected to boost the communication at UCU, making the internal emailing system faster and also simplifying the teaching on the Big Blue Button. 

Kangabe commended UCU Partners for the generous contribution. 

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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.

Andrew Ayebare in his office at UCU. (Courtesy photo)

UCU Law staff member shares story of Covid stigma

COVID-19, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Law


Andrew Ayebare in his office at UCU. (Courtesy photo)
Andrew Ayebare in his office at UCU. (Courtesy photo)

Andrew Ayebale is the academic registrar at the Faculty of Law at Uganda Christian University. Ayebale was diagnosed with the coronavirus in June at a time when Uganda was receiving a beating from the second wave of the pandemic. He narrates his story to Lule Eriah.

The biggest challenge people who contract Covid-19 have to deal with is trauma. Trauma from stigma as well as from the sad stories about the deaths and the suffering that people go through. The case was not any different for me. 

In fact, I had to temporarily go off social media, because there was an avalanche of negative stories about Covid-19. They only made me more depressed.

Andrew Ayebare (left) with the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe.
Andrew Ayebare (left) with the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe.

I contracted the coronavirus at a time when Uganda was just entering its second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Every time I was on my bed, my only prayer was for God to give me a second chance to live and serve Him. 

I watched helplessly as Covid-19 frustrated a lot of my personal plans and those of our department. We had planned a UCU senior staff retreat, for which I was the coordinator, but it did not happen. I was down. The country was plagued with both the disease and the restrictions on movement to reduce the incidences on infection.

The disease manifests itself
From May 29-31, 2021, I was feeling unwell. So, I decided to go to the Allan Galpin Health Centre (University Clinic). Surprisingly, the doctors diagnosed non-Covid infection and gave me medication.

On June 2, there was information that the University Clinic had acquired some Covid-19 vaccines and we were urged to get vaccinated. I did. As expected, I felt fever at night. Surprisingly, for the next few days, I would be fine during day and develop high fever at night. 

Could this be the after-effects of the vaccine? I asked myself. 

On June 3, I travelled to Mbarara in western Uganda, to play a football match, but I could not make it for the second half of the game. 

I was so dizzy, and developed flu. When I got home, I began to rigorously steam and drink concoctions because the Covid-19 scare was becoming more and more real. 

On the night of June 4, I got a terribly bad fever. It was worse than the ones I had been getting the previous days. However, by day break, the fever was clearing. Indeed, it cleared.  In a bid to self-medicate (something not medically recommended) I took painkillers and antibiotics. Later, the fever hit again, and it was worse this time round. I had just returned from a trip to Jinja in eastern Uganda.

I went to hospital three days later, to test, not for Covid-19, but other diseases. I was still in denial. The doctor warned that I was suffering from a strong virus. He could not name it, since the test was not conclusive. Nevertheless, he prescribed Azithromycin, an antibiotic. Thereafter, I took Vitamin C tablets. 

By June 10, I had lost the sense of smell and appetite. I was feeling so sick. And it was my birthday.

The following day, when I visited the University Clinic, I was given a referral to Mukono General Hospital. There, I found a long queue of patients and could not wait. I considered testing for Covid-19 elsewhere. The results were positive.

By June 12, I was coughing incessantly. I instantly began medication and got onto the recommended regimen of taking vitamins, eating a lot of fruits, sunbathing, strolling sometimes for about 4 miles, among others. Thankfully, I did not get bedridden. 

On June 18, I regained my sense of smell and was feeling almost normal. Around that time, my younger sister, too, and her four friends were battling the virus. Together, we built a support system – praying together and encouraging one another.

On June 25, 2021, when I was declared negative for Covid-19, I was on cloud nine. It felt like being born again. I, immediately, took a photo of the results and sent to my supervisor, friends at work and family. I also requested for a scan to find out whether all my body organs were functioning normally. And all was well.

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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.

A busy lunch time at the cafeteria

New restaurant employs former UCU kitchen staff

COVID-19, News, Students, UCU School of Law


The outside view of pearl classic food court
The outside view of Pearl Classic Food Court

By Michael Kisekka
It is barely six months old. It contains a food buffet. For about $3 a person, there are local and spicy selections. It’s called Pearl Classic Food Court on the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus.

A busy lunch time at the cafeteria
A busy lunch time at the cafeteria

Roughly double the price of what other nearby restaurants charge in a time with fewer students on campus, this UCU-Mukono canteen is swimming against the tide but keeping its head above the water.  How? The quality of food and service and fine-dining atmosphere give the eatery an edge. 

“I had come to campus to pay tuition, but I felt hungry and branched at this fancy-looking restaurant,” Juliet Nyakato, a third-year student pursing Bachelor of Laws at UCU, said.  “I have been impressed by the good food and the high-quality customer care.” 

Understanding how a restaurant might work on the UCU campus is a plus as the court is operated by employees who were laid off and hired back as independent contractors. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and education institutions were closed, the UCU administration outsourced catering services from a service provider. 

The move meant that the members of the UCU catering department were rendered redundant. Upon learning that he had no job, the head of the UCU catering department, Richard Ekadu, opened a restaurant at the premises of the former Guild Canteen, which had closed due to the effects of the Covid-19.

Ekadu recalled to duty many of his faithful servants after the layoff. This time, they would be staff at his new restaurant, which he oversees as the director. The restaurant now employs about 20 people as cleaners, waiters, chefs and delivery persons.

With neatly kept wooden walls painted in purple, white and green, a conspicuous banner on the roof edge, a huge water dispenser at the entrance for clients to sanitize, the restaurant officially opened its doors for the first customer on July 20, 2021. 

Bridget Lugunda, a waitress at the restaurant, is proud of her new workplace and the opportunity to have a job. 

“I am happy to be serving here, especially after I lost my job,” she says, adding, “I urge students and other people to come and try out our food.” 

Habib Felix, who works as the delivery man, says he delivers food to people even outside the university. 

In such a business, professionalism is key, if one is to maintain their clientele and that is what Pius Mutebi, one of the chefs, says is their goal. 

David Ebonyu, the manager of the

David Ebonyu, manager, at the cafeteria
David Ebonyu, manager, at the cafeteria

restaurant, says through the facility, they hope to market the university to the people who eat their meals. He also says they take advantage of the time when they provide services at parties to market the university. 

The restaurant intends to train UCU students interested in culinary arts. “Through internship programs, we are aiming at training students as well as providing employment opportunities, eventually,” Ebonyu says.

While much is positive at the food court, there are challenges. The manager says the prices of food in the markets are high and there have been fewer people at the university because in-person classes were suspended June through October 2021, when the second wave of the Covid-19 hit Uganda. Success is expected to increase now as the Ugandan government has allowed universities to open for in-person lectures, starting in November. 

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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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Godfrey Loum will enthroned on November 21, 2021, at St. Phillip’s Cathedral, in northern Uganda

Loum: From grandmother’s bishop to Bishop of the Church

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


Godfrey Loum will enthroned on November 21, 2021, at St. Phillip’s Cathedral, in northern Uganda
Godfrey Loum will be enthroned on November 21, 2021, at St. Phillip’s Cathedral, in northern Uganda.

By Jimmy Siyasa
For a larger part of his childhood, Godfrey Loum’s grandmother called him Bishop. In fact, to immortalize the Bishop name, she named him after former Ugandan Anglican Archbishop Janani Luwum, in whose reign Loum was born. 

While the grandmother has passed away, her prophecy will come true on November 21, 2021, at St. Phillip’s Cathedral, Gulu district, in northern Uganda. Loum will be enthroned as the eighth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Uganda. 

Loum, who is currently the Vicar of Christ Church in Gulu, seems to be already prepared for the expectations. 

“It means from now on, I am going to be exposed and many people will be looking up to me, especially in the areas where I will be serving,” Loum, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum, said.  

The 49-year-old will take over from the Rt. Rev. Johnson Gakumba, who has been the bishop since 2009. The news of election by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda was released in August.

Godfrey Loum
Godfrey Loum

Loum was ordained a deacon in 2007 and a priest the following year. Four years into priesthood, he assumed the role of chairperson of the House of Clergy, a position he holds to date. In the position, among his other duties, Loum is expected to convene meetings of House of Clergy.

During his tenure as bishop, the Rev. Loum looks forward to fishing more men. 

“I would want to see more people give their lives to Christ,” he said. 

Secondly, he hopes to bolster structures of the church in Gulu to be able to offer psychosocial support to members of the church and the community. 

From 1986, for two decades, there was insurgency in northern Uganda, arising from the atrocities of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels led by Joseph Kony. Loum is targeting the people in the post-conflict northern Uganda, especially those who are still facing major depression disorders, to benefit from the psychosocial support program. 

Loum’s choice of program is not surprising. He specializes in psychology. Having both psychology and theological expertize is something Loum believes will help him understand people and their social environment better. Loum has authored a book on counseling – A Quick Guide to Premarital Counseling for Pastors and Couples.

Behind Loum’s rise to the apex of the Church of Uganda clergy is a series of events. While in secondary school at St. Joseph’s College Layibi, in northern Uganda, Loum was lured by a cousin into alcohol and smoking. He drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes so often that the habit became an addiction. 

Loum says he made several attempts to quit, but with not much success. For the few times he stopped, they did not last. 

Eventually, he found a spiritual remedy to his challenge of addiction. Loum went to church. On October 4, 1998, he did not only mark his 26th birthday, Loum also gave his life to Jesus Christ. 

“That day means everything to me,” he said. “It means a total turning point.” 

To this day, Loum is unashamed to share that difficult season of his life because of his strong belief in the power of testament. “If you let others know about what God has done for you, it offers great empowerment to them,” he says.

Loum graduated from UCU with Bachelor of Divinity in 2004. In 2019, he graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, also from UCU. That was his second MA, having acquired another in development studies at Cavendish University in Uganda a year before. 

Loum credits UCU’s training for preparing him to offer a double-edged ministry as pastor and counselor. He speaks fondly of Prof. Stephen Noll, the former UCU Vice Chancellor who was one of his lecturers, and the Rev. Can. Dr. John Senyonyi, who was the chaplain during the time of his undergraduate. Senyonyi eventually replaced Noll as the Vice Chancellor, a position he held from 2010 to 2020. 

Among Loum’s role models are Noll and Senyonyi – the former for his “deep knowledge of theology” and latter for his “oratory prowess that he often displayed on the pulpit.”

As Loum readies for his ordination in November, he looks back at his early life with nostalgia, especially about the conduct of his grandmother making it a point to call him her bishop, a prophesy that is about to pass. 

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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.

First Lady Janet Museveni addresses the public lecture on October 20 through Zoom. At left is University Council Chairperson, the Rev. Canon Dr. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese.

Uganda First Lady advocates for parenting seminars at UCU public lecture

News, Students, UCU Alumni


First Lady Janet Museveni addresses the public lecture on October 20 through Zoom. At left is University Council Chairperson, the Rev. Canon Dr. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese.
First Lady Janet Museveni addresses the public lecture on October 20 through Zoom. At left is University Council Chairperson, the Rev. Canon Dr. Alfred Olwa, Bishop of Lango Diocese.

By Ivan Tsebeni
Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni has asked parents to be responsible and nurture their children to love God, arguing that such a move will reduce crimes in the country.

Mrs. Museveni, wife of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, said many parents do not want to take responsibility for their children. She has called for more parenting seminars “so that we can let them know that educating their children is a shared responsibility.” 

During a recent virtual public lecture held at Uganda Christian University (UCU)’s Principal’s Hall, Mrs. Museveni urged listeners to make God’s word the foundation of their lives when it comes to issues of the family.   

Parenting in Uganda has faced challenges, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where many schools have been shut since March 2020, with the exception of the months of March to May 2021 (when upper primary, secondary and tertiary institutions were open). 

According to Mrs. Museveni, because of deficient parental support during the lockdown, some children have been exploited by “wrong people” and now parents are blaming government. Different studies during the lockdown in Uganda have revealed an increase in the number of children who have been sexually abused during the lockdown.

During a televised address in September 2021, President Museveni announced that primary and secondary schools would reopen in January 2022 for in-person learning. Already, universities and tertiary schools were opened for in-person learning on November 1, 2021.  

In March 2020, Uganda closed schools for in-person learning to reduce the rate of the spread of the coronavirus. The shutdown on schools for in-person learning was lifted in March 2021, but reinstated three months later, after a spike in the number of infections had increased by 137%. 

Guest Speaker Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire gives her keynote address.
Guest Speaker Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire gives her keynote address.

During the virtual lecture held under the theme “Christian family in the postmodern era,” Justice Catherine Bamugemereire of Uganda’s Court of Appeal noted that the process of nurturing good children is under threat because marriages are increasingly becoming unsustainable in Uganda.

Bamugemereire said when she joined the Family Division of the High Court in 2013, before moving to the Court of Appeal, she found 50 divorce cases that had been filed. She noted, however, that the number of divorce cases being reported has almost tripled now.

Bamugemereire, who was the guest speaker, noted that one of the adverse effects of social media is people constantly looking up to celebrities for marriage advice, which has put many families on a slippery path because some of the celebrities also have challenges in their marriages.

UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi advised Christians to stick to one wife

and husband for better and strong families as stated in Genesis 2:24. 

The Dean of the UCU School of Dentistry,

Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaks during the public lecture at UCU Principal’s Hall.
Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi speaks during the public lecture at UCU Principal’s Hall.

Dr. James Magara re-echoed Justice Bamugemereire’s view on raising children.

 “In homes today, both parents are now working,” he said. Regardless of how busy you are… raise your children deliberately, find out what they are up to, it may be a difficult time but you will overcome it.” 

Magara asked parents not to let schools and the Government to take over the responsibility of raising up their children. 

“Education is more about the family’s role than the state,” he said.

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

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First-year students wait registration at the Hamu Mukasa Library on first reporting day for in-person classes. Courtesy photo.

UCU welcomes students for in-person studies

COVID-19, News, Students


First-year students wait registration at the Hamu Mukasa Library on first reporting day for in-person classes. Courtesy photo.
First-year students await registration at the Hamu Mukasa Library on first reporting day for in-person classes. Courtesy photo.

By Joseph Lagen
For the first time in five months, Uganda Christian University (UCU) welcomed students on its campuses for in-person learning. The development follows a September directive by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, allowing universities to commence physical teaching after education institutions were shut in June 2021, after a second wave of Covid-19.

According to an October 28 letter to all students and staff of UCU, Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said freshly admitted first-year students who joined in September would report on November 1 for additional orientation sessions. Mushengyezi said the first-year students would then migrate to blended learning – online and in-person – starting December 4 before they sit for their exams from January 3 to 17, 2022.

Two freshman girls drag suitcases through the main gate to check into university halls of residence. Courtesy photo.
Two freshman girls drag suitcases through the main gate to check into university halls of residence. Courtesy photo.

“Continuing students who have been studying virtually will report on November 8, 2021, for face-to-face classes in a phased manner,” Mushengyezi wrote, noting that they will then take their examinations from December 4 to 17, 2021. 

UCU Communications Manager Frank Obonyo said the institution is not allowing all the continuing students at once because of “escorting potential health risk.” 

“We prioritized first years – the rest will have blended studies,” he said.

In early summer, Museveni directed all education institutions to close, starting June 7, to reduce concentration centers that the government argued were increasing infection rates of the pandemic. At the time, the Covid-19 cases in the country had gone up by 137%. It was the second time that education institutions were closed in Uganda as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

In March 2020, Uganda closed all schools to reduce chances of Covid-19 infection on learners. In October 2020, final-year students were allowed back to school for in-person learning as they prepared to take examinations. The rest of the classes, with the exception of lower primary, were allowed back to school for in-person learning starting March 2021. However, that excitement was cut short by a surge in the Covid-19 infection rate, necessitating the closing of schools in Uganda, again after only three months of opening. 

On June 18, 2021, the Ugandan government imposed a total lockdown on movement, with the Covid-19 positivity rate at 17% at the time. However, the lockdown was lifted at the end of July 2021, with many of the sectors of the economy being opened for operations. For the sectors that are still closed, such as the entertainment industry and bars, Museveni said in a televised address on October 28 that they will be opened fully in January 2022, whether people go for Covid-19 vaccinations or not.

According to the President, by the end of December 2021, the country will have received 23 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines of two-per-person for more than 12 million people, including 4.8 million frontline workers.

As UCU welcomes its staff and students for in-person learning, the institution has set up its university health facility, the Allan Galpin Health Centre, for vaccinations. The condition for in-person learning, according to Government, is that all institution staff and students above 18 years should be vaccinated. 

Despite the two lockdowns – of 2020 and 2021 – on education institutions, UCU continued with online learning. At UCU’s 22nd graduation ceremony held on October 22, Uganda’s First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni congratulated the institution for its “robust online education programme” and encouraged the university to share best practices with other institutions. 

At a recent virtual dialogue to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on academic institutions, Mushengyezi said UCU had invested in infrastructure of electronic learning and, therefore, “has something to share with other institutions.” 

Due to the robust online operations infrastructure, Obonyo said UCU was able to conduct online semesters, plus other virtual activities, such as virtual guild elections, conferences and pre-entry exams for students for courses in law, medicine and dentistry. 

The university has locally developed two online applications to supplement the use of tutoring e-services in its operations. These are the Alpha MIS for student registration and the E-Chagua, which the university uses during virtual elections. 

Among some of its other virtual activities, from October 14-16, the UCU Faculty of Journalism, Media and Communication (FJMC) hosted the 10th Annual East African Communication Association Conference. 

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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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Mecca Akello, new student head at UCU Honors College

New Honors College president wants student-to-student mentorships

News, Students, UCU School of Education


Mecca Akello, new student head at UCU Honors College
Mecca Akello, new student head at UCU Honors College

By Gloria Katya and Ivan Tsebeni
Mecca Akello is the new president of Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Honors College, which is a leadership training program that mentors and trains students with life skills, preparing them for survival in the competitive world.

Akello, a student of Bachelor of Arts with Education, beat two other contenders in the elections that were held virtually on September 23. Akello garnered 29 votes, beating her closest challenger, Samantha Atuhaire, who polled 25 votes.

“It was a tough race, but I’m glad I won,” Akello said, attributing her success to God. 

Mecca Akello, student of Bachelor of Arts in Education
Mecca Akello, student of Bachelor of Arts in Education

Born in the northern Uganda district of Kole to Benson Ongom and Grace Asio, Akello is the last of four siblings. She is no stranger to leadership. As early as secondary school, she was a students’ leader at Kole Secondary School.

In 2018, when Akello joined UCU, she was elected a class representative. She says that position paved the way for her to later join the university’s students’ guild government in 2020.

She believes that her most recent position as Minister of Education in the guild government will help her perform even better at her new role at the apex of leadership at the Honors College, which focuses on Christian mentorship, leadership and academic research. 

In her early days as president for UCU’s group of honors students, Akello wants to put in place a student-to-student program to help guide and mentor new students. 

“This will reduce the number of students who drop out of the college since the mentors will have been through the same struggles,” said Akello, who joined the Honors College in 2019 in her second year at UCU.  She also pledges to address the issue of tuition which she said is the biggest reason for student dropout.

“When I joined the college, I did not really know much, I was scared, I joined it with the intention of keeping the good academic grades,” she says, adding that the college has offered her more than she expected.

To join the Honors College, applicants must have at least a 4.0 Cumulative Grade-Point Average (CGPA) out of 5.0. The college offers talented students the opportunity to tap on their mettle through an extra certificate-program, alongside the regular bachelor’s degree course.

The college, which is the brainchild of Prof. Stephen Noll, UCU’s first Vice Chancellor, offers a multidisciplinary approach to scientific and social issues, which helps to enrich students’ projects and research.

Pamela Tumwebaze, the head of the Honors College, says that Akello is one of the students who recently had a wonderful research project. 

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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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Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, the UCU Chancellor, cuts a ribbon to commission the UCU SoD medical equipment donated by Midmark. On his right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. On his left is Mark Bartels, UCU Partners Executive Director.

UCU Chancellor Kaziimba commissions School of Dentistry equipment

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Dentistry


Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, the UCU Chancellor, cuts a ribbon to commission the UCU SoD medical equipment donated by Midmark. On his right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. On his left is Mark Bartels, UCU Partners Executive Director.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, the UCU Chancellor, cuts a ribbon to commission the UCU SoD medical equipment donated by Midmark. On his right is Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. On his left is Mark Bartels, UCU Partners Executive Director.

By Dalton Mujuni and Jimmy Siyasa
The Most Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), on Thursday, October 21, 2021, commissioned medical equipment donated to the UCU School of Dentistry (SoD) by MidMark.

The commissioning served as an act of appreciation and official acknowledgement of use. More significant, perhaps, is that this ceremony signified that the SoD has overcome the threat of being closed down by regulators who in 2020 cited the facility for inappropriate infrastructure. The SoD’s new state-of-the-art equipment elevates the training facility, enabling it to nurture all-round dentists. 

The UCU Chancellor Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu prays over dental chairs donated by Midmark.
The UCU Chancellor Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu prays over dental chairs donated by Midmark.

In his remarks, Kaziimba expressed gratitude to the management of Mengo Hospital for accepting to house the University’s School of Dentistry. He called for respect towards the dentistry profession, saying whereas dentists do a great job in keeping teeth healthy, in Uganda, dentists are not as respected as other medical professionals and are even sometimes given demeaning nicknames.

At the event, UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, said more than $700,000 (over sh2.5b) had been injected into setting up the modern facility. Mushengyezi said the regulator, the National Medical and Dental Practitioner’s Board, recently inspected and declared the school capable of training dental professionals.

Mushengyezi also commended MidMark for donating equipment worth sh1.46b ($397,855)  through UCU Partners, a US-based non-profit charitable organization that raises public awareness about UCU in the United States by seeking material and spiritual support for students through sponsorships.

Kaziimba unveiled the equipment donated by Midmak during the event. The equipment includes dental chairs, LED dental lights, a separator tank assembly, powervac P7 base, powerair oil-less compressors and a Midmark M3 Steam Sterilizer.

“Dental equipment is very expensive, and so to be able to have five dental units, that is a very great boost for us as a School,” says Dr. James Magara, Dean, UCU’s SoD. “We are grateful to Midmark for a very generous donation that they gave to us, which is setting us on our way to begin training students in the clinical practice of dentistry.”

Dr. James Magara poses with dentistry school students.
Dr. James Magara poses with dentistry school students.

UCU SoD not only trains native students, but also those from other countries around the continent. The equipment arranged through the Uganda Partners NGO and coming from North America was long awaited when it arrived over the summer. Hence, Dr. Magara believes “the impact of the [Midmark] donation is going to be felt throughout Africa.” 

David Magara (not related to the dean), a fourth-year student of Bachelor of Dental Surgery, said: “This technology makes us unique, compared to students in other institutions, given that we will be equipped with the necessary skills to meet the demand of the international market.” 

The UCU School of Dentistry started in 2018 as a department under the School of Medicine. In 2020, the department morphed into a school of its own. The school currently offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, with 24 students and 10 staff members.

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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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Douglas Agaba poses in his graduation gown. Photo/ Jimmy

Agaba overcomes financial challenges to earn First Class Degree

News, Students, UCU Alumni, UCU School of Education


Douglas Agaba poses in his graduation gown. Photo/ Jimmy
Douglas Agaba poses in his graduation gown. Photo/ Jimmy

By Eriah Lule
Tough. Tense. Lucky. Diligent. That is how one would sum up the educational journey of Douglas Agaba, an October 2021 Uganda Christian University (UCU) graduate with a First-Class Degree in Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance.

Agaba, who was among the more than 3,000 graduates at UCU’s 22nd award ceremony on October 22, 2021, attributes hard work as the main factor in his attainment of a 4.5 of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average.  The best student at the graduation, Sore Maureen, obtained 4.78.

While Agaba is jubilant about his success, the 26-year-old had rough patches in his education journey. Agaba was orphaned at an early age, resulting in his move from one relative’s home to another.  He struggled through school. Yet, each time when he was just about to lose hope, luck smiled on him.

For instance, because of his good academic performance, Agaba earned himself a high school sponsor. He attended Kisugu Primary School, Tropical High School and, later, Buloba High School – all these in central Uganda.

As he sat his Senior Six examinations, one thing was clear to Agaba. He would have no sponsor willing to foot the high tuition fees at a university. While working hard on his studies, he looked for a window of government sponsorship for the best students.

When the results of the admission shortlist in the public university – Makerere – were out, Agaba’s name was not among those who were to study on government sponsorship. He was despondent. As he waited for the next move, a retired Ugandan accountant who belonged to Agaba’s church learned of his dilemma.

Catherine Katwe did not hesitate to offer to meet the cost of Agaba’s university education. In 2017, he was admitted at UCU to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance course.

His tenacity, excellent leadership and resourcefulness is lauded by both classmates and teachers. Agaba was a class representative all the three years of his undergraduate study. He occasionally stepped in to hold academic group discussions for his classmates, to break down course units that his fellow students found too tough for them.

Nixon Katusime, Agaba’s former lecturer, credits his former student for being “ambitious and selfless.”

“He used to help me discuss some topics for his colleague students during online studies,” Katusime said.

Agaba’s strong desire to equip himself with all the marketable skills in the accounting field awakened the overwhelming talent in him. In a bid to supplement on his pocket money, Agaba started holding online private tutoring sessions in his field of study and, he says, many students even from other universities to receive his services.

He also engaged in research and filing tax returns for businesspeople at a fee. With the experience he has acquired, Agaba hopes to register a company to carry on with the services he has been offering.

As a student at the university, Agaba created time to teach at a secondary school on a part-time basis. He says much as he earned sh120,000 (about $35) per month, his passion for sharing knowledge kept him on the job.

At one point, Agaba also worked the night -shift at a filling station, a place he believes he learned the virtues of good customer care, self-discipline and willingness to work even in tough conditions.

Agaba believes that the high moral Christian virtues that UCU stands for is responsible for the success of many of its graduates and he has faith that it is just a matter of when he will also be a recipient of that success in his next job after 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.

Also, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.