Category Archives: Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology

Top class children at the Kids Day Care Centre learning how to write. Enrollees play and learn in an integrated system of basic early learning.

UCU Kids Day Care Centre offers staff children Godly upbringing

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News


Top class children at the Kids Day Care Centre learning how to write. Enrollees play and learn in an integrated system of basic early learning.
Top class children at the Kids Day Care Centre learning how to write. Enrollees play and learn in an integrated system of basic early learning.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Working parents continue the struggle to find a convenient, safe and responsible child care school that gives them a peace of mind as they do their jobs. For Uganda Christian University (UCU) staff members, the dilemma is less because of a high-quality Kids Care Centre on the Mukono campus.

Deborah Mugawe, the administrator, said the Kids Care Centre offers day care to children of UCU current and former staff and students, those of UCU service providers and those recommended by the above categories. The plan is to expand the school to UCU’s general community members who subscribe to Christian values and principles. 

“One can be sure of the child’s safety, good moral and Godly values as well as quality learning,” Mugawe said.

The Centre admits children from 1 to 6 years. They are grouped into Toddler Class (1-2 years); Baby Class (3-4); Middle Class (4-5); and Top Class (5-6). There are currently 23 children studying at the Centre that has a capacity for 60 children. School fees are about $191 for a term.

Mugawe recalled one humorous incident involving a child who submitted his workbook for grading. A young boy named Isaiah had a sentence error. He wrote “My name Isaiah” instead of “My name is Isaiah” because he thought the verb “is” was already embedded in his name.  

“I love coming to school to play with my friends, to sing songs like, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’,” said five-year-old student, Nicole Kwikiriza. “I  also love to write.”

The Centre incorporates play and education based on an integrated system of Uganda and basic early learning format.

Rev. Alex Kamoga, the assistant chaplain at UCU and a part-time lecturer at Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology (BTSDT), enrolled his son, Kisakye Kamoga, at the Centre last year based on convenience and holistic learning. 

Children during break time. The Centre services children ages 1 to 6 grouped into Toddler Class of 1-2 years; Baby Class (3-4); Middle Class (4-5); and Top Class (5-6). In July, there were 23 children at the Centre.
Children during break time. The Centre services children ages 1 to 6 grouped into Toddler Class of 1-2 years; Baby Class (3-4); Middle Class (4-5); and Top Class (5-6). In July, there were 23 children at the Centre.

“I shared a fence with the school,” said Kamoga, a resident of Tech Park. “Usually in the morning, we would see my son going to the fence to listen to the children at the school as they read the Bible and sang; that inspired me to take him there.”

Kamoga said his son is now able to count with added confidence because teachers encourage him to express himself.

 “I am glad my son has learnt to pray and memorized a few verses,” he said.

The Rev. Can. Rose Ekirunga Muhumuza, a BTSDT lecturer, is a mother of two children under age five at the Kids Care Centre. Muhumuza said it was a necessity for her to take her children there when she joined UCU in 2020 because she had a two-year-old child and no nanny.

“The UCU Kids Care Centre is one of the blessings I found here. When I interacted with the teachers there, I loved the way they look after the children,” she said, adding that having her children in the centre makes her a better lecturer as it “lessons my burden” and allows her fuller concentration on teaching. 

Daphine Okiria Nabimanya, who works at the UCU church relations office, recommended the school to her brother for his son – her nephew who now lives with the aunt. 

“When I am busy, the teachers at the Centre look after him for me until I pick him after work,” she said. “Sometimes, I even pick him up at 7 p.m. on days when I have a lot of work.”

Nabimanya said in less than a year, there was a remarkable turnaround in the life of a boy who was shy and didn’t speak English. 

“Now, he speaks English and is confident,” she said, adding. “I am happy that my nephew has learnt how to pray.”

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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 altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.

When Uganda Martyrs sowed the seed of Christian faith in the world

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


The altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.
The altar during prayers at the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Shrine on June 3.

By Pauline Luba
When King Mwanga, a former Ugandan traditional leader, ordered the killing of fresh Christian converts more than a century ago, he might not have known that his actions would lead to the sowing of the seed of Christianity in the country. Now, 137 years down the road, the death of the Uganda Martyrs is a reference point to the special grace that God bestowed on the 45 converts who chose death over renouncing the faith they had received.

The converts, who were pages in the palace of King Mwanga of Buganda, having learned about God, put their loyalty first before the Almighty and denounced the time’s unchristian practices such as polygamy. Mwanga was a polygamous man. However, the shift of allegiance from the king to God, the King of Kings, enraged Mwanga. He thus ordered the execution of those who did not renounce the new faith.

Every June 3 is a public holiday in Uganda, to allow a pilgrimage to Namugongo, near Kampala, to pray in remembrance of the martyrs who were killed for their faith. 

Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to attend the celebrations. In the foreground is an artist’s depiction of how the converts were killed under the orders of Mwanga
Pilgrims traveled from far and wide to attend the celebrations. In the foreground is an artist’s depiction of how the converts were killed under the orders of Mwanga

At Uganda Christian University (UCU), the theme of the week preceding June 3 is most times centered around faith, endurance and grace, taking the example of the action of the Uganda Martyrs. 

“The Martyrs help build our faith,” said the Rev. Capt. Esther Wabulo, the UCU Church Relations Officer. “And since UCU is a key center for the building of faith in our community and students, celebration of the day is important.” 

She also emphasized that as a Christian university, propagating the Gospel is its main aim hence they derive inspiration from the courageous act of the Uganda Martyrs.

Many members of the UCU community often participate in the activities of the day at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine on June 3. For instance, for this year’s event, Wabulo, Bishop Joel Obetia, Dr. Isabirye Moses, the Rev. Richard Mulindwa and the entire Church Relations Department joined the organizers at Namugongo. Theology students at UCU served as ushers at the prayers. 

The Anglican Church organized this year’s prayers under the theme “United for Service and Growth.” Dr. Foley Beach, the archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, who was the day’s guest preacher, lauded the church for sticking to the word of God. “Do not allow the devil to tempt us and lose faith,” Beach told the pilgrims, urging church leaders to “prepare people to do ministry everywhere.”

The pilgrims such as these attendees were urged to stick to the word of God, and not to allow the devil to tempt them.
The pilgrims such as these attendees were urged to stick to the word of God, and not to allow the devil to tempt them.

In UCU’s 25 years of existence, the Anglican church in Uganda has on two occasions bestowed the responsibility of organizing the Martyrs Day prayers on the institution – in 2004 and  2013 – an opportunity the university maximizes to advertise its programs to the world. In 2013, there was a double celebration for the institution as the Bishop Tucker Theological College was celebrating a century of existence.

The Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, the UCU Chaplain, said in the spirit of the faith whose seed the Uganda Martyrs sowed with their blood more than a century ago, students should follow Revelations 2:10: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”

Ssembiro said faith is not a casual affair, and that, therefore, one must be willing to show resilience, no matter the test.

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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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Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.

Global Anglican Conference reaffirms need for Bible conformity

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News


Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.
Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, preaches at the GAFCON conference in April in Kigali, Rwanda.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The fourth Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) brought together 1,302 delegates representing 52 countries, including 315 bishops, 456 other clergy and 531 laity.  The April 17-21 conference was held in Rwanda under the theme: “To whom shall we go?”

Delegates at GAFCON seek to guard the unchanging, transforming gospel of Jesus Christ and to proclaim Him to the world.

Rev. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop Church of Uganda (COU) who also doubles as the Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), said Uganda made up 16% of the delegates.

A team of delegates from UCU at the GAFCON conference pictured (L-R) are Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Mukeshimana, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, Rev. Julius Tabi Izza, Prof. Christopher Byaruhanga and Rev. Richard Mulindwa.
A team of delegates from UCU at the GAFCON conference pictured (L-R) are Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Mukeshimana, Rev. Dr. John Kitayimbwa, Prof. Aaron Mushengyenzi, Rev. Julius Tabi Izza, Prof. Christopher Byaruhanga and Rev. Richard Mulindwa.

Kaziimba commended COU bishops for attending the conference in such a big number, saying it was a sign of their commitment to the Lord and His Church. The Archbishop said the three-day conference was full of inspirational worship, excellent Bible teaching and helpful background information on the current challenges in the Anglican Communion.

“We also had practical equiping to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to a world searching for answers to life’s challenges,” Kaziimba said.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the UCU Vice Chancellor, said the conference offered a wonderful time of fellowship and repentance.

“It was a very good time of worship, reflection and prayer, both individually and as country groups,” he said. “We also had time to repent on behalf of our church – the Anglican Communion.” 

In an interactive session, delegates expressed their views on the challenges facing the Church globally and the direction they would like to see it take.

On the last day of the conference, the Archbishops of all the provinces present issued the “Kigali Commitment.” In groups, the delegates went through the draft statement and gave their input in a formal statement that represents the position of the Anglican Communion.

The Kigali commitment statement, which Mushengyezi urged believers to read, recognizes the importance of confession, repenting and remaining faithful to the teachings of the Bible. It speaks against being swayed by teachings that are not in conformity with the Bible and with the orthodox doctrine of the church.

“We were pleased with the Kigali commitment because we believe it charts a way forward for global Anglicanism to reclaim its historic and Biblical faith,” Kaziimba said.

At the conference, the church leaders resolved to officially cut ties with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England.

Reverend Richard Mulindwa, the UCU church relations manager, catches up with Prof. Stephen Noll, the former UCU Vice Chancellor at GAFCON
Reverend Richard Mulindwa, the UCU church relations manager, catches up with Prof. Stephen Noll, the former UCU Vice Chancellor at GAFCON

“The view was that unless they repent and return to the faith and salvation, we can no longer walk together with the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, given their Synod resolution which allows clergy to bless same-sex unions, approved supplemental prayers and liturgies for such occasions,” Mushengyezi said.

GAFCON promised to offer support to churches including those in the Church of England that are willing to remain faithful to what God teaches.

The GAFCON and Global South Primates are expected to offer further guidance on a new structure that will give hope and a home to Anglican Christians worldwide.

Aligned with the conference resolutions, the Vice Chancellor said UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology needs to refocus its training.

“We need to be more careful now with where we send our clergy and ordinands for training, where we send our priests for teaching and what kind of teaching they go through,” Mushengyezi said. “It’s important that we train faithful church leaders who will lead us on the right path of salvation and doctrine.”

Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, UCU’s Chaplain, said UCU participated so that they experience first-hand the developments in the church and thereafter, advise and guide the COU.

“It was important for us to be part of this because UCU trains clergy for the COU and also gives counsel to the house of bishops in matters of theology,” Ssembiro said. 

Canon Ssembiro said while at GAFCON, he felt great joy to witness that the Anglican Church has many Christians who still uphold the authority of the Bible.

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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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Patience Akampurira was sponsored and mentored by a missionary to study at Uganda Christian University

Education Lecturer Attributes UK Contributor and UCU for Success

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Education


Patience Akampurira was sponsored and mentored by a missionary to study at Uganda Christian University

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Coming from a humble background with a peasant father, Patience Akampurira had no hope of joining a university after completing A’ level in 1998. It was like a dream and yet an answered prayer when her father, a very committed Christian and a canon in the Church of Uganda heard about Uganda Christian University (UCU) and how it offered other programs apart from theology.  Her father quickly sent for the application forms, and she was offered an opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Arts concurrent with a Diploma in Education (BAED). 

The added blessing is that her father’s friend from the United Kingdom – a woman who had visited their church in Uganda – offered to pay her tuition for the three years.  Akampurira says Alexandria Mynors and her family changed her life through a donation of about £50 (about $62) each month. The sponsorship saved her from worrying and reinforced her determination to focus on her studies and excel.

Akampurira joined UCU for her undergraduate studies in 1999. Hard work yielded a high-level, “second upper” for Patience. No sooner had she completed her Bachelors of Arts in Education in 2001, than she was retained by the university to work as assistant lecturer. She was an assistant lecturer for over 10 years. She loved the emphasis on Christian values that UCU imparted to the students.

“When I was at UCU, a lot was instilled in us such as discipline, Christian morals, conduct, commitment to God, prayer, love and care for one another,” says Akampurira, who is now a lecturer at Cavendish University Uganda.  “I also remember indecent dressing at that time was prohibited. This modeled us to be the responsible people that we are today.”

Akampurira is still guided by those principles at work and her day-to-day life. She stands out as an excellent teacher: committed to work, very organized and disciplined – traits she learned at UCU. For her, the quality of education UCU offers distinguishes young professionals from other institutions. 

“Most of my fellow alumni are very responsible people holding high positions of leadership and management in various organizations, government and politics because of how UCU modeled us,” she says.

Akampurira is a proud alumnus and holds good memories of the Christian university that helped make her who she is today.

“It was indeed a blessing and great opportunity to have had a chance to be trained at UCU with a holistic education that is transformative, employable and entrepreneurial and to start my career there,” she said. “This was possible because someone was kind and generous enough to pay my tuition and support me in all ways.”

It was Mynors and her family (which has many professional teachers) who inspired Akampurira  to become a teacher. Mynors invited her to the UK for an experience of a lifetime – teaching in a UK school in 2002. 

“It was a life changing experience being with someone with a golden heart; her invitation filled me with indescribable joy,” Akampurira  says.  When she returned, she was a better teacher and resumed teaching at UCU and also was coordinator for professional and continuing education at the education department.

“My life has been a success by God’s grace in that I got a sponsor from senior one till university. Immediately I completed my undergraduate degree, I got a job at UCU, then pursued a Master’s degree at Makerere University, all sponsored by Mynors,” she said. “And three years ago, I won a prestigious scholarship from the Gerda-Henkel Foundation to do a PhD, which I completed last December.”

Akampurira, who also is a mother of three daughters, is thrilled about the UCU 10K campaign, which is an innovation of sponsoring needy students.

 “I would urge any student who is lucky to get a sponsorship opportunity to use it to the best of their ability and excel,” she said. “A little dollar can change a life and even change the life of those around them.”

Akampurira recommends students to consider attaining their university education at UCU because the Christian institution offers all-round training. 

“My story started from UCU, which gave me an opportunity to develop my career and a chance to progress in the field of academia,” she says.

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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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Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa, newly named chaplain for St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, and husband, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, preach at Central Uganda King’s College Buddo.

‘Digital Mama,’ Rev. Lydia, becomes new Makerere chaplain

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology


Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa, newly named chaplain for St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, and husband, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, preach at Central Uganda King’s College Buddo.
Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa, newly named chaplain for St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, and husband, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, preach at Central Uganda King’s College Buddo.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
As Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa recently shifted her duties from the Uganda Christian University (UCU) chaplaincy to chaplain for St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, she received significant accolades from members of the clergy and academic faculty. At that, her favorite professional title is “digital mama.”  She got that nickname from youth engaged in on-line church.  

“When people started calling me digital mama, I couldn’t turn the name down because through the digital platforms, lives are being touched by God’s grace,” she said. “God is enabling us as clergy to reach people who may never come to church.”

In a world of traditional, in-person church services, especially in East Africa, Rev. Lydia is swimming not against but alongside that tide.  She believes that Christ teachings can and should be provided on various platforms. It’s a belief grounded in research.  Her new climb to a Practical Theology PhD degree from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, is tied to her thesis entitled, “Communicating the gospel in a digital age: A case study of the dioceses of Kampala and Namirembe in the Anglican Church of Uganda.”

Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa during her PhD graduation. She studied practical theology and media at Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Rev. Dr. Lydia Kitayimbwa during her PhD graduation. She studied practical theology and media at Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.

In response to the 2lst century influx of digital media use in daily life with a specific interest in this usage by the Anglican Church of Uganda (ACOU), Rev. Lydia’s study examines the digital age communication of the gospel focusing on four churches in ACOU Namirembe and Kampala dioceses. She has brought this passion to her role as coordinator of the Online Church of Uganda.

“My love for the Lord compels me to share the gospel within the Church building and beyond the four walls of the church,” she said, giving much credit for her understanding to UCU students who shared with her how to effectively serve God in their generation. She added, “I often organized open talks with the students both physically and virtually to offer guidance and prayers. We learn from each other.”

Rev. Lydia, wife of Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, who is the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, is a born-again clergy of the Diocese of Kampala Church of Uganda. She was raised in a Christian home and has served in the church since 2004. Before joining UCU in 2022, Rev. Lydia was serving at St. Luke’s Church of Uganda Ntinda where she was overseeing several ministries, including leading the youth ministry and starting an online ministry. In early 2021, she asked for and was granted leave to focus on her doctoral studies. Following her leave, she was sent to serve at UCU.

Former assistant Uganda Christian University (UCU) chaplain Rev. Lydia poses with her family and Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu during the chancellor’s pastoral visit. At left is her husband, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of UCU.
Former assistant Uganda Christian University (UCU) chaplain Rev. Lydia poses with her family and Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu during the chancellor’s pastoral visit. At left is her husband, Rev. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of UCU.

During the study leave, Rev. Lydia, who graduated with her PhD in December 2022,  was among the team that helped establish the Online Church of Uganda, which was especially timely and relevant during the Covid-19 lockdown. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, appointed her to coordinate the church that conducts a number of services throughout the week on a daily basis. Through the Online Church of Uganda, the gospel message is shared by priests and laity through different digital media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and Zoom. There are many testimonies that have been registered as a result of this online ministry by the Church of Uganda.

“I am committed to discipling and mentoring male and female students in their walks with the Lord and challenge them to use their gifts to serve God in their different professions,” Rev. Lydia  said. “ I am grateful to God for my gifts to serve God and draw many to Him.”

Rev. Lydia and Rev. John Kitayimbwa live on the UCU Mukono campus with their 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.

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Some of the girls supported by Rev. Prisca Alice Auma under “Save the day” project that she started during the Covid-19 school lockdowns to keep them safe

UCU theology alum is shepherd to rejected

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU Alumni


Some of the girls supported by Rev. Deacon Prisca Alice Auma under “Save the day” project that she started during the Covid-19 school lockdowns to keep them safe
Some of the girls supported by Rev. Prisca Alice Auma under “Save the day” project that she started during the Covid-19 school lockdowns to keep them safe

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Father lost when she was 14. Absentee, alcoholic mother. Forced, abusive relationship. Any of these three factors could have sent Prisca Alice Auma down the wrong path – or no path at all. She considered suicide. Instead, however, she used her bitter childhood as a springboard to improve the lives of unfortunate young girls. 

Auma, who studied theology at Uganda Christian University (UCU), said the institution played a big role in shaping her calling and ministry of service to the unprivileged in her home district of Lira, northern Uganda, where the Rev. Prisca Alice Auma was ordained a Deacon for St Augustine Church (Diocese of Lango in 2021).

Rev. Prisca Alice Auma, a recent alum of UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, was ordained a deacon in 2021.
Rev. Prisca Alice Auma, a recent alum of UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, was ordained a deacon in 2021.

Today, Auma, who talks of being “abused and cheated,” is greatly disturbed by stories of child abuse and neglect by parents. The first child she “adopted” and supported on her meager salary was a neighbor’s daughter who was living with a drunkard father after her mother abandoned her.

“The first child I started staying with in 2014 was a four-year-old girl who is 14 now and in senior one,” she says.

Some parents can be redeemed from bad behavior, she has found. One father corrected his abusive ways and supported his daughter, including help for her university education. 

The UCU theology alum’s reputation for reforming men, women and children has brought many underprivileged children to her door.  With her skills,  caring and God’s help, she sees them turn their lives around.

 “I invited them to my house and made them understand that as much as that path (of whatever they were doing) seemed easier, it was not what God wanted them to do,” Auma says.


Some of the girls supported by Rev. Auma’s “Save the Day” program in which young women are taught vital lessons such as rejecting child marriages and staying in school

During the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns in 2020/2021 she started a project, “Save the Day,” and trained over 60 girls in tailoring and more than 30 young boys and girls in mechanics. Save the Day was conceived from an encounter with a group of girls who begged her for sanitary pads. Moved and challenged, she bought them some pads and encouraged others to go to her for other help. She started mentoring them. She also started a fellowship with the girls to teach them about God’s love and also reproductive health lessons such as the dangers of engaging in early sex.

Her charity and goodwill attracted more blessings when in 2016, she got a better paying job at Lightforce International, an NGO that takes care of the needy. The organization was impressed by her project and decided to offer financial support so that more could be helped.

Rev. Prisca Alice Auma, the charitable assistant vicar of St Augustine church (Lango diocese) in Lira district, northern Uganda
Rev. Prisca Alice Auma, the charitable assistant vicar of St Augustine church (Lango diocese) in Lira district, northern Uganda

Auma, who rose through the ranks to the deputy director of Lightforce, has started other projects caring for women and widows, with funding from the NGO. 

“I have managed to come this far because of three principles; the more you forgive, the more you release your blessings, every hand that gives will receive and every wrong one does will always find its way back to them,” she says.

The 29-year-old cleric, who hopes to start an orphanage one day, has 13 children (7 girls, 6 boys)  at her home that she looks after as a personal ministry. She is their “mother,” providing everything including food and education. For some, their parents retrieve them after rehabilitation or when parents have realized they need to be better caregivers. Recently, a grandmother of one of the girl’s picked her up from Auma’s home. The girl had been living with the charitable reverend for six months after a disagreement with her parents. 

Bishop Joel Obetia, an acquaintance and lecturer of pastoral studies at UCU, says that Auma is very passionate about Godly living. He says as a student, she was dedicated to serving as the chapel minister and regularly participated in worship, preaching, cleaning, among others.

“During her time as a student here, she balanced her books with service. I always saw her spend so much time serving at the chapel and during community hour. She also excelled in her exams and had excellent grades,” he says.

In 2018, Auma was asked why she wanted to pursue a degree in theology as a freshman at UCU. 

“I want to be a shepherd to the rejected,” was her apt response. 

Auma, slated to be a priest on July 30, 2023, is an assistant vicar and her roles include managing the day-to-day running of the service, reaching out to the sick and counseling. She is betrothed to a banker.

She draws her daily inspiration from Proverbs 31, which outlines the virtues of a  Christian woman. Likewise, she wants to be “A woman that preaches, but goes back to being a mother to her 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.

Prof. Peter Nyende during the interview with Uganda Partners at his residence on the UCU main campus.

UCU professor reinforces need for deep understanding of Bible

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


Prof. Peter Nyende during the interview with Uganda Partners at his residence on the UCU main campus.
Prof. Peter Nyende during the interview with Uganda Partners at his residence on the UCU main campus.

By Pauline Luba
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Prof. Peter Nyende’s first love was football. In the 1980s, as a young boy at Kenya’s Jamhuri High School in Nairobi, he was part of the national team that represented the country in the under-14 football competition in South Korea. Nyende’s interest in the game made him harbor intentions of playing it at a professional level. However, his father thought he should pursue a “more serious career.” 

By the time, as the teenager started his A’levels at Jamhuri, his interest had shifted to economics. However, he says as time went on, he had a deep sense of God’s calling to serve him fully in the church. By 19 years, Nyende was fully committed to serving God in the ministry. While growing up, Nyende was an active member of the church and in the Christian Union in school.

“I felt a deep sense of God’s call in my life,” Nyende related during a Uganda Partners’ interview in his UCU-Mukono campus residence.  “That made me abandon the other ambitions I once had.”.

However, when he applied to join a theological school, he was told that he was “too young and too bright” to immediately venture into priesthood. He was advised to first study something else that he was interested in before joining a theological college. 

The cover photo of Nyende’s new book
The cover photo of Nyende’s new book

Again, Nyende’s father did not approve of his son’s choice of a career in the church over work as an economist. Later, Nyende’s father warmed up to his choice, noting that it must have been God’s plan. Nyende went to Daystar University, also in Kenya, for his undergraduate degree, with a major in Bible studies. He then undertook training at an Anglican college in Nairobi, and was ordained in 1998. Thereafter, Nyende obtained a Master of Pastoral Studies from Ridley Hall in Cambridge and a Masters in Theology in the New Testament from Edinburgh University. 

Currently, the 53-year-old is an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology of UCU. He also is a canon in the Anglican Church and a commissioned evangelist with the Church Army Society of Africa. Nyende has interests in biblical theology and the interpretation of the Bible in African contexts. 

He says the “word of God must make sense in the context of the hearers.” Nyende has to date published 12 research articles and 2 book chapters. This year, he has hit another milestone, with his latest publication, a 288-page book, The Restoration of God’s Dwelling and Kingdom. 

In the book, published by the UK-based Langham Publishing, Nyende presents the central story of both Old and New Testaments as the restoration of God’s dwelling and kingdom in the world. “He traces this narrative through its many stages of development — creation and fall, God’s covenants with Israel, exile — to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the church and the new Jerusalem,” says a short profile of the book on the Langham Publishing website. 

Though mainly written for theological students and teachers, the book can be read by anyone who wishes to deepen understanding of the Bible. Nyende says he began writing the book in 2019 and had completed it by December 2022. He was lucky to land a deal with Langham Publishing to have it published in 2023.

For a man who studied, lived and worked in Kenya, how did he end up as an academic at UCU? In 2014, he says he was approached by the Dean of UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology to join the university community. Through the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Uganda, the Archbishop of Kenya was informed of the need for Nyende at UCU. Nyende says when he was informed of the request, he accepted, and applied to join the UCU family, which he did in 2015. He says he has been able to witness how the Church supports activities of the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, enabling the preparation of well-trained pastors.

As an expert in the interpretation of the Bible, when Uganda Partners asked him how the challenge of the misinterpretation of the Holy Book can be dealt with, Nyende said to properly interpret the Bible, there is need to understand the context in which a section was written, why it was written and what prompted the writing.  There is also the need to understand the whole Bible as one book. 

“The Bible is one book. One cannot read one book (or a chapter in the book) in isolation of the books before and after, if one is to understand the Bible properly. Although it is made up of 66 books, they are interlinked,” Nyende explained. 

Born in Butere town of western Kenya on June 15, 1969, in a family of 10 – seven boys and three girls – Nyende’s academic journey got rocky when his father retired just before he began his university education. However, he says by that time, he was old enough to know that the responsibility of completing school lay with him. He says he made money teaching English privately to students and also raised some funds from friends and the church. 

Nyende has been married to Josephine Njoki Marete for 17 years, and they have two children – 13-year-old Brodie, a student at Vienna College, and six-year-old Arabel, a pupil at Seeta Junior Primary School. Nyende says he visits his home country at least three times a year and usually enjoys Christmas holidays with members of his extended family there.

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

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A prelate colleague congratulates Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe (left) after his consecration.

Adversity and controversy are part of UCU alum’s journey to Bishop

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


A prelate colleague congratulates Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe (left) after his consecration.
A prelate colleague congratulates Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe (left) after his consecration.

By Kefa Senoga
The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, the newly consecrated Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of North Kigezi, grew up in a home where it was mandatory to pray. In fact, he used to even take readings in church. However, at some point in his life, Asiimwe took to drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes so much so that many people lost hope in him.

However, one day, after a night of heavy drinking, Asiimwe said he heard the voice of the Lord say to him: “Onesimus, do you not know that your body is the Temple of God?”

In response, according to a statement from the Church of Uganda, Asiimwe “threw away the cigarette that was dangling between his fingers and called on Jesus for salvation.” The day was January 8, 1988.

Since that day, Asiimwe, an alum of Uganda Christian University (UCU), says he developed a passion for preaching to youth, especially those facing social challenges such as alcoholism. By the late 1990s, Asiimwe was a household name among Anglicans as miracles would be reported during his crusades. 

In 1997, for example, he says he prayed for a couple that had been seeking to conceive for close to six years. The woman later conceived, and they had a child. In 1999, Asiimwe says he prayed for a man, Henry Mugisa, who regained his sight after a long time. However, Asiimwe’s type of ministry – one with “miracles” –  soon ruffled feathers with some church leaders in his diocese. 

Bishop Asiimwe with his wife, Florence.
Bishop Asiimwe with his wife, Florence.

Preaching at a UCU community worship in Nkoyoyo Hall on March 4, 2021, Asiimwe noted that when he had crusades in Kigezi, his home diocese located in southwestern Uganda, his ministry was considered incompatible with the traditions of the Anglican Church.

“Many times, I was summoned to explain where I was getting the power to perform miracles; we were praying for people and they were getting healed.”

Asiimwe said he was invited before a committee of 12 theologians who asked him to explain where he was deriving the power of healing. “I stood before them and confidently said I was simply following what the Bible says.” 

Asiimwe was later blocked from attending prayers in the diocese. However, he later mended fences with the leaders in the diocese, and, today, miracles are part of ministry in the Anglican Church. St. Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama, where Asiimwe was, in early 2000s, blocked from attending church prayers as a punishment for conducting a ministry that was considered alien to the Anglican Church, is where he was ordained a priest in 2012.

In 2006, the archbishop at the time, Henry Luke Orombi, shocked many when he appointed Asiimwe his personal assistant, who also holds the position of chaplain of the archbishop. It was the first time that a lay person was being appointed to such a position in the Anglican Church in Uganda. However, Orombi continued to persuade Asiimwe to pursue further studies so he could get ordained. In 2009, Asiimwe, a graduate teacher from Makerere University, enrolled for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Theology at the current Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology in UCU. He later returned to UCU, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Theology.

During his consecration ceremony on March 12, 2023, at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyansano in Rukungiri district, western Uganda, Asiimwe, who has been the chaplain of the Anglican community at Makerere University in Uganda, thanked Orombi for being “a great mentor” in his life. In his sermon at the function, Orombi noted that he groomed Asiimwe because he knew that one time, he would become a bishop. Asiimwe now replaces Patrick Tugume, who has been the caretaker bishop since the death of the former bishop, Benon Magezi, who succumbed to Covid-19 in 2021.

Asiimwe was born on April 24, 1965 in Mparo, Rukiga district, in western Uganda, 

to Samwiri, and Samali Meisho. Samwiri was a lay reader in church. Asiimwe attended Kihanga Boys Primary School and later joined Kigezi High School for O’level and Makerere College

School for A’level. He obtained a Bachelor of Education from Makerere University and a Diploma in Education from the National Teachers College, Kabale. He has been married to Florence since 1993 and the couple has three children – Daudi, Ruth and Marjorie.

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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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Kagodo was consecrated on February 26.

UCU alum Kagodo is Mukono’s new bishop

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


Kagodo was consecrated on February 26.
Kagodo was consecrated on February 26.

By Pauline Luba
After the death of James Kibirige, the father of new Mukono Diocese Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo, the burden of looking after the family fell on their mother. Ruth Kibirige found herself brewing local beer and selling fish to get money to keep her children in school. Occasionally, Good Samaritans would support Ruth with handouts for the family. At the time, Kagodo was in Primary Five.

While lucrative, the work Ruth engaged in to make a living for the family had a temptation hazard. As a 19-year-old, Kagodo befriended another teenager whose mother also brewed local beer.  Kagodo says his friend would steal alcohol from his mother’s stand and share it with him. What started as a one-off soon became a habit, leading Kagodo to alcoholism and juvenile delinquency.

“Peer pressure got me into a life full of drinking. We would sneak out of Bishop West Senior – my secondary school – and go drinking,” Kagodo said during an interview with Uganda Partners at his home in Mukono, central Uganda.

However, God seemed to have a different plan for Kagodo. While still in secondary school, Kagodo would attend church service every Sunday. One day, the church hosted a preacher whose gospel was especially connected with Kagodo. He felt the need to know God more and, in order to do that, he would have to get rid of his worldly pleasure. When he did, God, indeed, made him discover a new life.

But change, seldom a welcome idea in people’s lives, didn’t happen readily. For Kagodo, quitting alcohol meant losing his alcohol-drinking friends and figuring out how to spend the time when he wasn’t drinking.

He found answers to many of the challenges in service.  Kagodo has since been able to serve the Anglican Church in various capacities, including as parish priest, archdeacon, diocesan health coordinator and as the provost of St. Phillip’s and Andrew’s Cathedral in Mukono. His latest position of service is the Bishop of Mukono Anglican Diocese, a position he assumed on February 26, 2023, at a plush consecration ceremony at the St. Phillip’s and St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Mukono.

Kagodo says his story of alcohol and conversion is a testimony that encourages youth, especially those who may be facing the same challenge, to believe that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. He encourages youth to  seek a higher form of spirituality and to always think about their life after death, in cases where they get temptations to engage in inappropriate acts. 

To become bishop, Kagodo competed against his friend, the Rev. Godfrey Ssengendo, for the position. Kagodo said he was prepared for any result. 

“Whatever the outcome, I would have praised the Lord. Ssengendo is a good friend. Any of us is able to do the job well,” Kagodo said. 

A text message from his bishop, James William Ssebaggala, on the afternoon of January 18, the day the voting took place, announced to Kagodo that he had sailed through in the elections. Anglican bishops in Uganda are elected by the House of Bishops, which is composed of active Diocesan and Assistant Bishops.

After completing his Senior Four at Bishop West Senior School, Kagodo briefly stopped studying. He, thereafter, proceeded to acquire a certificate, progressed to study theology and then became a deacon. He studied at Uganda Christian University (UCU) from 2011 to 2014, obtaining a Master of Divinity. He says he enjoyed studying at UCU because of its deep roots in Christianity and a good studying environment.

“The university has many denominations and gives a chance for everyone to learn about God through its course units,” Kagodo said. “I also liked the fact that as an older person studying, I was made to feel welcome and comfortable at the university.” 

This year, Kagodo and his wife, Catherine Namuddu, are celebrating 27 years of marriage. The bishop says his wife has been his biggest support system. 

When not doing church work, one is likely to find Kagodo either playing sports with his children, listening to music or spending time with friends.

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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 Rev. Richard Mulindwa, manager, UCU Church Relations, says training has been provided to members of the clergy in the dioceses of Mukono, Busoga, Mbale and Rwenzori.

UCU church relations department skills clergy

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, manager, UCU Church Relations, says training has been provided to members of the clergy in the dioceses of Mukono, Busoga, Mbale and Rwenzori.
The Rev. Richard Mulindwa, manager, UCU Church Relations, says training has been provided to members of the clergy in the dioceses of Mukono, Busoga, Mbale and Rwenzori.

By Kefa Senoga
The church relations department at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has embarked on training the Anglican clergy in Uganda with contemporary skills to be able to evangelize better in the ever-changing world.

The Manager of Church Relations at UCU, the Rev. Richard Mulindwa, said that one of the areas they have put emphasis on as they train the clergy is educating them to integrate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in their work. The church relations department acts as a link between the university and the church.

“During lockdown, many of our churches shut down completely whereas our colleagues from the Pentecostal church were using digital and online media to do pastoral work and evangelism,” the Rev. Mulindwa notes.

The gospel does not stop at preaching at the pulpit, Mulindwa argues, emphasizing that the clergy need to use all the available avenues to take the gospel to the people. 

“Social media, and even just an SMS (Short Message Service), can be powerful tools for reaching out to people with a word of encouragement,” he said.

Among the other issues that the training delves in is land matters. 

“Many land grabbers are targeting church land and part of the reason it’s happening is because some members of the clergy have limited knowledge in that aspect,” Mulindwa explained.

He said they have partnered with the UCU School of Law, to provide lawyers among the students and lecturers, to guide the participants on how best they can deal with issues related to land management.

The church has on several occasions been embroiled in disputes, especially on land situated in prime areas, with most of them having squatters. In 2016, Anglican Archbishop Stanley Ntagali and close to 40 other bishops escaped an attack by a mob when the prelates had gone to inspect a church-owned land in Mukono, central Uganda.

In 2020, operating on the orders of a businessman in Kampala, workers demolished a Church in Ndeeba, Kampala, with the businessman claiming ownership of the land on which the church was sitting. Situations like these make the training a timely venture for the clerics.

The Church of Uganda oversees 55 pre-primary schools, 4,904 church-founded primary schools, 460 secondary schools, 50 post-primary schools, including vocational training schools, and six universities. According to Mulindwa, the training, which usually takes up to three days, with a certificate presented to the participants, also focuses on how the chaplaincies in such institutions can be revamped so that they play a more influential role in the spiritual nourishment of the learners in the institutions where they belong. 

Many parents take their children to church-founded institutions with the hope that Christian values will be instilled in the learners, a role that is often played by the chaplaincy. 

Mulindwa said they have so far reached members of the clergy in the dioceses of Mukono, Busoga, Mbale and Rwenzori, and that some of the responses they have been getting are encouraging. 

“Many churches have started online prayers out of this training and many pastors have taken up online ministries from their respective dioceses and parishes,” Mulindwa said.

Since the members of the clergy are servants of God in the church and family people outside church, they are also exposed to the every-day challenges that families go through. “We also talk to the clergy about child upbringing, issues of marriage, and sex, among others, because they are a pertinent matter in their lives,” Mulindwa said, noting that people who are approaching retirement at their workplaces also have been included. 

Last year, UCU also extended an invitation to teachers in mission schools in the Church of Uganda to participate in a special training to enable certificate-holding teachers to be able to upgrade and attain bachelor’s degrees through specialized programmes that suit their work schedules.

“The government is nowadays demanding that all teachers are graduates. We are calling upon teachers from the mission schools to come and enroll for the courses,” UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi said last year. 

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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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Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes’ paper argues that the lack of the inculturation of Christianity means that it is not molding or shaping the Ugandan worldview.

Hughes champions cultural expressions during Christian practices

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes’ paper argues that the lack of the inculturation of Christianity means that it is not molding or shaping the Ugandan worldview.
Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes’ paper argues that the lack of the inculturation of Christianity means that it is not molding or shaping the Ugandan worldview.

By Pauline Luba
In 2022, Jessica Hughes, a USA missionary serving at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, found herself in every academic’s dilemma of trying to condense a voluminous thesis into a journal article. For Hughes’ case, she was adapting a 300-plus-page thesis into an article for Missionalia, a journal of the Southern African Missiological Society. 

She succeeded. Her journal article, titled The Influence of the Missionary Legacy on the Practice of Discipleship in the Anglican Church of Uganda, was published on December 30, 2022. The article, co-authored with Marilyn Naidoo, a professor in the discipline of Practical Theology at the University of South Africa, centers on discipleship, a subject Hughes confesses she has always been passionate about. Naidoo supervised Hughes for her doctorate.

Hughes argues that currently, in the Church of Uganda setup, “evangelism is still the hallmark and priority of the church.”

“The number of people ‘saved’ in a service is often publicized, even among the bishops’

Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes
Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes

press releases regarding their pastoral visits,” the paper argues, suggesting that such actions have made discipleship take a backseat to evangelism in terms of church priorities. Much as evangelism leads to widespread professed Christianity, it may not also lead to a “skin-deep” faith. 

According to Hughes, a missionary serving under the Pennsylvania-based Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders (SAMS), seeking to gain more believers and numbers rather than deepening the spiritual maturity of the believers makes the church “send people to evangelize, yet they are supposed to make disciples.” And she bases this argument on Matthew 28:19: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Discipleship is not only bringing people to God, but also being able to relate to them and deepening their faith, Hughes, who has been a lecturer at UCU for over a decade, explained during a Zoom interview from the US state of Virginia. In addition to being a lecturer, she is currently UCU’s head of the Online Distance Learning (ODL) department – more commonly known by students as eLearning. 

During the interview, Hughes offered suggestions on how the faith of a newly saved soul could be strengthened – by spending more time in prayer and answering questions together, so that there is more learning. “It’s hard to grow in faith when one is not being corrected,” she reasoned.

Another central pillar in Hughes’ paper is the concept of inculturation, which is the process of assuming or assimilating the behaviors and beliefs of another culture. The paper argues that the lack of the inculturation of Christianity “has caused it not to become a part of the culture, and that means that Christianity, though widely accepted, has not been involved in molding and shaping the Ugandan worldview.”

The experience of Christianity, it has been argued, can be expressed by cultural means. And Hughes believes that inculturation is one of the easiest ways to attain this. The Gospel can be fused with traditional practices, she argues, citing the example of cultural dancing and singing, while still glorifying the Lord. Such a blend, Hughes’ paper argues, will lead to an African Christianity, which “honors both the culture and the gospel,” and is more relatable to Africans. Western Christianity, according to the paper, rarely gives room to the voices from the global south to be heard.

“Tribes could still have their beautiful dances and speak their beautiful languages while continuing to worship God and spreading the Gospel,” she said during the virtual interview, where Uganda Partners sought to deeper understand reflections in the article.

Hughes is aware that through her propositions, she is not asking for too much. And she subtly makes this point by drawing from the practices in Kenya, Uganda’s neighbor to the east: “An example of how to inculturate the gospel is found in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and how they develop liturgies, rather than only importing liturgies from the West,” she writes. 

“The ACK has contextualized the liturgies to reflect African culture, by incorporating the ancestors, particularly in the section of the Holy Communion liturgy. Rather than the standard ‘therefore, with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven’, the Sanctus in the ACK reads, ‘therefore, with angels, archangels, faithful ancestors and all in heaven’,” she writes in the paper, as though reading from the same script that Pope Francis has always read.

In 2021, the Pope called for Christian freedom, by rooting for the respect for other people’s cultures and traditions. “How many errors have been made in the history of evangelization by seeking to impose a single cultural model,” the Pope asked during his address to the weekly general audience at the Vatican. 

Explaining that unity does not mean uniformity, the Pope argued that in the call to freedom, one discovers the true meaning of the inculturation of the Gospel.

Writing on her blog, the Virginia-USA-born missionary notes that she initially had no plans of coming to Africa as a missionary. However, this later changed. “My bishop, the Rt. Rev. John Guernsey, had suggested that I study abroad for my M.Div., and then suggested Uganda, since my home church (All Saints Anglican in Woodbridge, Virginia) had come under the Church of Uganda when we left the Episcopal Church,” she writes. 

Hughes obtained an undergraduate degree from the George Mason University in Fairfax Virginia and a certificate as a legal assistant from George Washington University in 1993. In 2005, she earned her first master’s degree in human performance systems at Marymount University based in Arlington, Virginia. Her second was the Master of Divinity from UCU, which she got in 2011. She is now a lecturer at the university’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology.

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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 Rev. Canon Assoc. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja is the new Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University in Uganda.

Banja narrates how UCU prepared her for greatness

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


The Rev. Canon Assoc. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja is the new Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University in Uganda.
The Rev. Canon Assoc. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja is the new Vice Chancellor of Ndejje University in Uganda.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Hard work rarely goes unacknowledged. For the Rev. Can. Assoc. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, the sweat that she has been breaking in the academic sphere has yielded results with her appointment to the apex management position of a university in Uganda.

Banja is the new Vice-Chancellor of Ndejje University. Her appointment makes her the third Vice Chancellor of Ndejje, and the first woman to hold that position in the university. Banja was the Dean of the School of Education at Uganda Christian University (UCU) for about a year prior to her new position.

“I’m grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve at UCU, where I have been groomed, shaped, mentored and equipped with skills that I am taking with me to serve and lead in another institution,” said Banja, who was head hunted for the position because of her stellar performance and tested legacy as an administrator at UCU.

Banja became the first female dean of UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology in 2008 and served in the position till June 2014, when she became UCU’s Director for Teaching and Learning. It was from this position that she switched to head the UCU School of Education as its dean in September 2021.

Formerly Bishop Tucker Theological College, the school, which started in 1913, gave birth to UCU, in 1997. Looking at Banja’s academic journey before becoming the dean of the UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, it was evident she was undergoing formative preparation for the big job. For instance, as early as 1993, she was the curate of St Andrew’s Cathedral Mityana Diocese and was made the acting vicar of the same cathedral the following year.

Banja was part of UCU’s inaugural staff members, serving as a lecturer and also the Female Students’ Warden. In 2004, she was promoted to the position of Senior Lecturer. She was part of the team that developed the first PhD program at UCU, the Doctor of Ministry.

The holder of a bachelor’s degree, three master’s and a PhD was ordained deacon in the Church of Uganda on December 19, 1993. She says that the day she committed her life to God was the day she “saw her path.”

Also in 1993, she was a recipient of a First Class in Bachelor of Divinity at the Bishop Tucker Theological College Mukono. In 1996, she earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies of Makerere University and added another master’s degree, MA, Mission and Ministry of St John’s College, Nottingham University in the UK, the following year.

And Banja was not done yet, with her master’s degrees. In 2000, she earned her third, Master of Theology by Research of the University of Edinburgh. In the same year, she started her PhD course in the same university, graduating in 2004.

As she leaves UCU, Banja looks back with great pride at the first graduation ceremony of the university in 2000. She remembers typing and printing all of her exams before heading to the nearby Mukono town to photocopy because the university did not have such services at the time.

“After all we had done, seeing the university produce its first graduates was a great joy to me,” she said.

For all that the 55-year-old has achieved, she thanks her parents, James Lwanga and Daisy Ndagire. “My father didn’t have gender stereotypes, and he believed in me to be an achiever at a very young age.”

For her primary education, Banja attended Bat Valley Primary School and Nakasero Secondary School for both her O’level and A’level. Both Bat Valley and Nakasero are located in Kampala.

She married the Rev. Canon Venerable Moses Banja in April 2001. Banja says she spends her free time cooking and reading when not busy with academic or religious work.

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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 Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, preaching at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero during UCU Sunday.

UCU Sunday: Christians asked to donate to “build walls’

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, News, Students


The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, preaching at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero during UCU Sunday.
The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, preaching at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero during UCU Sunday.

By Kefa Senoga
The Anglican Church in Uganda recently marked Sunday September 25 with a common theme throughout the province – “Arise, let us build the walls” (Nehemiah 2:18). And the call throughout the province was to rally Christians to contribute towards helping Uganda Christian University (UCU) build a special project for a special category of students, the ordinands.

The Ordinands Apartment, a project that the university is currently undertaking, seeks to build a residential block for UCU students who are training to be priests or church ministers.  Currently, such students are residing in the same halls of residence with other students, which, according to the Rev. Richard Mulindwa, the Acting Manager of the Church Relations Office at UCU, is not ideal for their concentration. The apartments are expected to house more than 50 ordinands. 

The Rev. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe.
The Rev. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe.

September 25 was the last Sunday of September, a day set aside by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, for the province to hold prayers for UCU, a church-founded institution. On the day, named UCU Sunday from its start in 2017, representatives of the university spread the word about UCU in all services.

The intention of the day is three-fold – to solicit prayers for the university, to increase awareness about university programs and to raise money to support the university.

Preaching at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero, UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, the Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa, urged the congregation to donate to help the church and its ministers. 

“Many of the ministers in the church have children, but cannot afford to offer them a good quality education,” he said. “Therefore, what you offer during UCU Sunday will help us, as UCU, to try to bridge that gap.”

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Kitayimbwa  explains the purpose of the UCU Sunday

Kitayimbwa, who preached at all the three services at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero that Sunday, said UCU is one of the greatest tools that the Church of Uganda can use to spread the gospel. The choral voices that pierced through the cathedral’s rooftop at all the three services were of the UCU choir. 

A screengrab of the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi preaching at Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel.
A screengrab of the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi preaching at Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel.

At Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel, the Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, UCU’s former Vice Chancellor, centered his preaching on the topic: “Let My People Go.” Senyonyi reminded the congregation that God’s intention was to entrust man with the responsibility of looking after the world, emphasizing that when one chooses to serve God, He blesses them abundantly.

The Rev. Dr. Elly Kansiime, UCU’s Chaplain, spent the Sunday preaching during services held at Sts. Philip’s and Andrew’s Cathedral Mukono, while the Rev. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa, the Assistant Chaplain at UCU, preached at St. Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe.

Urging people to donate generously for UCU’s cause, the Rev. Lydia Nsaale Kitayimbwa tipped the congregation on how to make long-lasting impact on the world. 

“If you want to make a difference in the world for a year, plant rice; if you want to make a difference for 10 years, plant trees; and if you want to make a difference for a hundred years, educate children,” she told the St. Paul’s congregation. 

The Rev. Mulindwa says as people move out of the Covid-19 pandemic, many have lost hope, businesses and family members, and, therefore, the theme of building walls as enshrined in Nehemiah 2:18 is not just about the physical walls, but also rebuilding people’s souls, to give them hope. 

According to the Vice Chairperson of the UCU University Council, James Abola, the institution has so far used collections made in the past UCU Sundays to support 52 students to graduation level.

UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi recently said sh400m (about $113,000) had already been secured for the apartments project that is estimated to cost sh8.5b (over $2.2m).

Collections for the past UCU Sunday events have been used to implement a number of projects at the institution. For instance, the sh300million ($78,148) that was collected for the UCU Sunday of 2018 was invested in building the UCU School of Medicine at Mengo Hospital in Kampala. 

American donations can be made through the Uganda Partners Web donation button at https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/. Put “UCU Sunday”  in the comment box.  

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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.

Donations sought for UCU (September 25) Sunday

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


Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu with members of the clergy and other Church leaders who converged at Uganda Christian University recently for the Provincial Assembly.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu with members of the clergy and other Church leaders who converged at Uganda Christian University recently for the Provincial Assembly.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
It is that time of the year, again, when representatives of Uganda Christian University (UCU), take time off to spread the gospel about the institution. Named the UCU Sunday, the day, celebrated every last Sunday of September, was set aside by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, for the province to hold prayers for the church-founded institution.

In addition to the prayers, the UCU Sunday, which will be celebrated on Sunday, September 25, is intended to mobilize support and resources for various activities at UCU, as well as create awareness about developments at the institution. 

Speaking about the objective of this year’s UCU Sunday, UCU Chaplain, the Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, said it is three-fold. 

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu

“Our main objective this year is to pray for the institution, support clergy students through scholarship and also construct the Ordinands Apartment,” Ssembiro said. 

UCU is currently working with the 37 dioceses, alumni, the university’s guild government and students in preparation for the day. UCU Sunday first took place in 2017.

The Ordinands Apartments is intended to accommodate clergy students at the university. The apartment is expected to house more than 50 ordinands. An ordinand is a person training to be a priest or a church minister. Richard Mulindwa, the Church Relations Manager at UCU, noted that theology students require a calm environment to focus on God. 

“At the moment, the students are residing in the same halls of residence with other students, which is not ideal for their concentration,” Mulindwa said. 

UCU Council Chairperson on UCU Sunday

While preaching at a virtual UCU Sunday service last year, UCU Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi explained the reason for the Ordinands Apartments. He said some of the ordinands are married and would wish that their spouses could visit them during weekends. However, that is not possible since they reside with other students. 

Last year’s service, which was virtual due to a ban on gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus, was celebrated at Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala. That ban on physical gatherings in church has since been lifted due to the waning number of Covid-19 infections globally. 

Recently, Mushengyezi said sh400m (about $113,000) had already been secured for the apartments project that is estimated to cost sh8.5b (over $2.2m).

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who is also the UCU Chancellor, appealed to Christians to take part in the UCU Sunday. He called upon the flock to support the project under the theme “Arise, let us build the walls” (Nehemiah 2:18). Kaziimba also emphasized that ordinands need a supportive environment while pursuing their dreams of being professional evangelists. 

Collections for the past UCU Sunday events have been used to implement a number of projects at the institution. For instance, the sh300million that was collected for the UCU Sunday of 2018 was invested in building the UCU School of Medicine at Mengo in Kampala. Unlike public universities that get financial support from the central government, private universities in Uganda, in which category UCU falls, are run on tuition fees paid by students. 

American donations can be made through the Uganda Partners Web site donation button at https://www.ugandapartners.org/donate/. Put “UCU Sunday” in the comment box.  

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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.

Chaplains during the workshop in Nkoyoyo Hall.

UCU offers to help primary-secondary teachers upgrade credentials

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, UCU School of Education


Chaplains during the workshop in Nkoyoyo Hall.
Chaplains during the workshop in Nkoyoyo Hall.

By Israel Kisakye
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has announced a special, affordable offer for teachers who hold certificates and intend to upgrade to the degree level. 

Addressing chaplains of institutions in Mukono Diocese during a workshop in June, UCU Vice Chancellor Associate Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi implored teachers, especially those in Church of Uganda-founded schools and holding Grade Three and Grade Five certificates, to take advantage of UCU’s opportunity to continue their teaching jobs with degrees.

Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi addresses chaplains.
Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi addresses chaplains.

“We are preparing a special intake for all teachers, especially those from the Church of Uganda (COU)-founded institutions, starting with the advent intake,” Mushengyezi said. He noted that the institution was considering packaging a more affordable tuition for the teachers, starting in September.

The Grade Three certificate is the lowest qualification for a teacher in primary school in Uganda, while the lowest rank for secondary school teachers is Grade Five. The move by UCU follows a government announcement that it intends to phase out the two teaching qualifications, in preference for holders of the bachelor’s degree in education. 

In 2019, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the Director of Education Standards in Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports, said the policy of phasing out teachers without degrees would be implemented in a gradual manner after discussions with stakeholders to best prepare teachers for the transition, as well as to allow students already enrolled in the certificate-awarding institutions to complete their courses and be supported to upgrade.

At the workshop held in UCU’s Nkoyoyo Hall, Mushengyezi urged the chaplains to ensure that their works show the Christ-centeredness that the church advocates and strengthens the Christian religious education in their schools. 

“Make yourselves relevant to the mission of the church,” Mushengyezi told the chaplains. “You are the torch bearers of Christ’s message in the schools, hospitals, and prisons where you work.” The Vice Chancellor told them not to “get tired of spreading the Gospel.”  

The workshop was held to equip chaplains with focused training and spiritual support to be able to function in multi-faith contexts. Mushengyezi revealed that the university had approved a special fund to support the work of the mission, evangelism and discipleship.  

The Rev. Canon Diana Nkesiga, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedral Nakasero, addresses chaplains.
The Rev. Canon Diana Nkesiga, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedral Nakasero, addresses chaplains.

The Rev. Canon Diana Nkesiga, the Vicar of All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero in Kampala, urged the chaplains to take their profession as a calling. 

“This is a profession that must be respected and given full attention,” Nkesiga, who was one of the facilitators at the workshop, said. “Your role is crucial, especially in the schools where you are posted.” 

The Rev. Canon. Geoffrey Muwanguzi, the chaplain of Ndejje University, re-echoed Nkesiga’s call, urging the chaplains to “know their roles in the schools, hospitals and prisons where they are posted.” 

The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, the UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (DVCA), noted that one of UCU’s aims is to promote Church-founded schools by admitting more students from such facilities. He challenged the chaplains to master the new education order and evangelism systems that have emerged in the post-Covid era. Most of the courses taught in UCU are now through blended learning – partly physical, partly virtual.


The Rev. Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, reinforces the value of continued learning. 

Robinah Kato, one of the chaplains who attended the training, said she learned new skills about dealing with children and asked for more of such trainings.

Joshua Lujja, another chaplain, said he was looking forward to the programs that the clergy and teachers will benefit with improved skills from through UCU. 

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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 and Facebook.

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.

Archbishop Kaziimba visits elderly at UCU

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


Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.
Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Magula with the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba during the prelate’s visit to his former teacher in Mukono.

By Israel Kisakye
A few meters from the Uganda Christian University (UCU) main gate is a house with a lush green compound. The greenery in the home is a testament to the love for nature by the occupants. The sofa in the house’s sitting room and the art pieces dotting the walls convey owner ‘s appreciation for fine things.

In this Mukono residence lives a Church of Uganda icon, the Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba, who has spent a better part of his life teaching the gospel. On June 13, 2022, this home hosted the Church of Uganda Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

In a tweet, Kaziimba summed up the purpose of his visit to Kasamba’s home: “This afternoon, I paid a courtesy visit to our mentor, Rev. Canon Lusania Kasamba, in his home in Mukono, to pray with him and appreciate God for his contribution to ministry.”

Kaziimba arriving at the home of Kasamba (second-left) in Mukono. Second right is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa and right is UCU Chaplain, the Rev Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro
Kaziimba arriving at the home of Kasamba (second-left) in Mukono. Second right is Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa and right is UCU Chaplain, the Rev Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro

Kasamba and Kaziimba met at Bishop Tucker College, where the former was a lecturer of Church history in the college, and the latter, a student at the institution. In 1997, Bishop Tucker College evolved into UCU.

Among those who accompanied the archbishop to the home of his former teacher, now age 82, were Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Assoc. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa, UCU Chaplain the Rev. Canon Eng. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro and the University’s church relations coordinator, the Rev. Richard Mulindwa.

“The Rev. Kasamba is a great resource to many people, especially as he taught Church history,” Kaziimba said during the visit, adding that Kasamba “had and still has a sense of humor…My visit is to pray with him and appreciate his contribution to God’s ministry.” 

In addition to teaching at UCU, Kasamba was a chaplain at Uganda’s oldest higher institution of learning, Makerere University, from 1978 to 1987.

As a lecturer in Theology, Kasamba acted as UCU chaplain, before the institution found a full-time job holder. Kasamaba eventually handed over the position of chaplain to the Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, upon the latter’s appointment in 2001.


Referencing John 16:33, the Chancellor, Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu thanks UCU management, staff and students for their contributions toward the university’s progress.

Kaziimba’s visit to Kasamba was part of the activities the archbishop performed during his second official pastoral visit to UCU, where he is the Chancellor. In March 2022, Kaziimba performed another of his pastoral visits to the university, noting that he was excited to be “back home,” when the institution is marking 25 years of existence and the university’s iconic structure, the Bishop Tucker Building, marking 100 years.

During the March visit, Kaziimba launched the magnificent Ankrah Foundation Hall of Residence. Prof. Eleanor Maxine leased an estate that belongs to her and her late husband, Canon Kodwo Ankrah, to UCU for setting up a resource centre, accommodation space for students, as well as office space. The hostel that Kaziimba launched is part of the estate that was leased to UCU.

Archbishop Kaziimba at the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah (left).
Archbishop Kaziimba at the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah (left).

In the June pastoral visit, Kaziimba’s intention was to visit the elderly living around UCU. From Kasamba’s home, the archbishop headed to the home of Prof. Eleanor Maxine Ankrah outside the university. Kaziimba said he was pleased with the partnership that the university has with the Ankrah Foundation.

 “I’m looking forward to seeing stronger and faithful partnerships, many people will be blessed from the collaborations,” the archbishop said.

From Maxine’s home, Kaziimba then returned to the university, where he met the Dean and staff of Bishop Tucker School of Theology, as well as the students. He urged the staff to offer selfless service to students undergoing ministerial training and formation. 

The Rev. Canon Christopher Byaruhanga, the Dean of the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, told the archbishop that the discipline of the ordinands was commendable. Dr. Nimron Sekanabo, a student pursuing a master’s in divinity, commended Kaziimba for the visit and asked for more of such, saying they are inspirational.

Vice Chancellor Aaron Mushengyezi later hosted Kaziimba together with his team and some members of staff to a dinner at his home. Mushengyezi and his wife, Patience, expressed delight in hosting the archbishop. Mushengyezi noted that the university was ready to work with the Church of Uganda to contribute to ministry work. 

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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  and Facebook.

UCU School of Medicine students pray during community worship on their campus at Kampala’s Mengo Hospital.

UCU School of Medicine gets added spiritual infusion

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


UCU School of Medicine students pray during community worship on their campus at Kampala’s Mengo Hospital.
UCU School of Medicine students pray during community worship on their campus at Kampala’s Mengo Hospital.

By Patty Huston-Holm with Muduku Derrick Brian and Jimmy Siyasa
First, there were five. Then 10.  And on a spring day and under a white tent shelter below darkening skies, there were 50. On the Ides of March 2022, half of the 100 blue plastic chairs in the pavilion were filled by Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Medicine (SoM) doctor hopefuls.

“I pray, Jesus, that you will cleanse our hearts,” a young woman began before bowed heads, concluding, “Father, we pray that you bring your spirit in this place.”

According to the Rev. Ocen Walter Onen, the 28-year-old UCU-Mukono chaplaincy priest assigned to the medical school, participation in community worship at the Mengo hospital location has been growing, albeit slowly, in the past five months. Spirituality for UCU’s future doctors became a priority following a discussion among the university’s theology and divinity leaders in the fall of 2021.

Rev. Ocen Walter Onen, UCU chaplaincy intern and newly assigned at the UCU School of Medicine.
Rev. Ocen Walter Onen, UCU chaplaincy intern and newly assigned at the UCU School of Medicine.

Previous to Rev. Walter’s assignment, the Rev. Alex Kamoga was straddling responsibilities at the UCU Kampala campus with the SoM location, but he was often stuck in traffic jams, delaying the service. At that, Rev. Alex had little time for one-on-one counseling.

“We realized we had a population of students not receiving the Christian services that those in other programs did,” Rev. Walter said. “Medical courses are full of stress and these students have the same frustrations and temptations that others do.”

The Rev. Eng. Paul Wasswa, UCU’s chaplain, initiated the discussion among the clergy. Coming out of Uganda’s Covid lockdown, he expressed his concern about the need for added spiritual infusion for the current 230 students who would someday become pediatricians, surgeons, dentists and other medical professionals.

“The work of the chaplaincy is more than coordination; it includes teaching, but most importantly, it includes discipleship and pastoral care,” he said.  “Effectiveness in chaplaincy work requires consistent presence on every campus.”

UCU School of Medicine students pray during community worship on their campus at Kampala’s Mengo Hospital.
UCU School of Medicine students pray during community worship on their campus at Kampala’s Mengo Hospital.

According to Rev. Wasswa, community worship exists for teaching, reinforcing a sense of Christian community and a reminder of God’s presence. When it comes to addressing student problems, the UCU chaplaincy “does not work in isolation,” but engages the counseling staff, he said.

The five-year SoM program began in 2018 with the vision of adding to Uganda’s health care system more physicians that were not only highly skilled, but also encompassing Christian values and practices. SoM planners were aware that some professionals mentoring and teaching students would not be believers in Jesus Christ. They were, likewise, aware of the science vs. religion debate that continues today, globally.

“Science and theology are complimentary in wisdom, but God is the ultimate creator of that knowledge and wisdom,” Rev. Walter said. “Without our Lord and Savior, the work within the medical discipline would not exist…when you go to a hospital, you ask Jesus to treat you through a doctor.”

At the UCU main campus in Mukono, as well as at Kampala, students have easier access to clergy guidance. Additionally, the Mukono UCU students engage in sports, student leadership groups and other activities to relieve stress and youth pressures related to drugs, alcohol and sexual activity that can lead to pregnancy out of wedlock.

“I tell them that I am single, too, and have the same pressures that I overcome through my faith and understanding of scriptures,” Rev. Walter said. “Romans 12 addresses that we need to be a living sacrifice.”

In Apostle Paul’s Romans 12:1, sacrifice references service or offering to God.

“God has a plan for all of us,” Rev. Walter said. “If you partner with God, you are headed for prosperity.”

In this day’s message and as mid-day Islam chants echoed in the background, Rev. Walter referenced Luke 11:1-4 and the Lord’s prayer, reminding students that “our Father is in heaven” but that “He also is everywhere.”

Such is among the messages that Rev. Walter delivers to the 3-5 students, mostly female, who come to him privately, with problems and questions at the SoM campus. His messages are about faith, strength to have it, forgiveness and understanding. One lesson he repeats is the importance of Christian character in a world where “beauty can fade.”

On this particular day, he closed his message with a story about a man who borrowed a spear from his brother with the intent of using the weapon to stop an elephant from destructive behavior.  When the elephant took off with the spear, the lending brother was angry and not forgiving.

“There is power in forgiveness,” Rev. Walter said. “There is power in the Word.”

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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, and Facebook.

Bishop Michael Okwii receives a new vehicle from Uganda’s Vice-President Jessica Alupo (right) who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the consecration on March 6. Behind Okwii wearing a miter is Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba.

Unity among Okwii’s priorities as he takes over shepherding Kumi diocese

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


Bishop Michael Okwii receives a new vehicle from Uganda’s Vice-President Jessica Alupo (right) who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the consecration on March 6. Behind Okwii wearing a miter is Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba.
Bishop Michael Okwii receives a new vehicle from Uganda’s Vice-President Jessica Alupo (right) who represented President Yoweri Museveni at the consecration on March 6. Behind Okwii wearing a miter is Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba.

By Ivan Tsebeni
When the House of Bishops of Uganda’s Anglican Church voted the Rev. Michael Okwii Esakan as the second bishop of a diocese in eastern Uganda, not everyone received the news of this February 2022 event with joy.

Okwii’s joy of victory was short-lived as a section of Christians in Kumi Diocese petitioned court, seeking to revoke his election. The three Christians argued that the process of electing Okwii was not conducted according to the laws of the Church.

However, three days to the set date of consecration of Okwii on March 6, 2022, court dismissed the case for want of evidence, giving the greenlight for the ceremony.

“I will not join any camp in Kumi; I will not promote hostility,” Okwii said at his installation on March 6, adding that his approach to leadership is through “dialogue and resolving issues amicably.”

It is understandable when one hears Bishop Okwii preaching peace and dialogue. When Okwii was elected, two camps emerged in the diocese, one for and another against him. The people who were against the election of Okwii argued that the rightful person for the seat was supposed to be the Rev. Charles Okunya.

Okunya had, in fact, been elected in November 2019 as the would-be next bishop for Kumi to replace the Rt. Rev. Thomas Irigei who had reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.

However, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Kaziimba, noted that Okunya was disqualified from becoming the bishop because, after a review of the records, it was established that he was 44 years old, a year younger than the age of becoming a bishop. He had told the House of Bishops that he was older.

At his installation in March, Okwii, an alumnus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) and a former lecturer of the institution, promised to strengthen prayer teams, entrench truth-telling and form reconciliation committees that will be tasked with mediating conflicts to avoid litigation.

He is aware that these are just a drop in the ocean of the responsibilities that await him as he shepherds the diocese.

“I have come in good faith, and with open hands and heart; I will be a bishop for everybody,” Okwii said.

Okwii’s remarks seemed to be a direct answer to the request by the day’s preacher at the consecration, the Rt. Rev. Alfred Olwa. Olwa, the Bishop of Lango Diocese, is also the UCU Council chairperson.

“I want to appeal that today, as you receive the second bishop of Kumi Diocese, you must move forward and grow in your faith in Christ,” Rev. Olwa told the congregation that gathered at St Philip’s Cathedral in Ngora district in eastern Uganda.

The first task before the new bishop is reconciling Okunya and a section of aggrieved Christians with the Church. In fact, Okunya in April 2022 resigned from diocesan and priestly duties in Kumi. A few days later, he was seen at Sunday prayers with a faction of aggrieved Christians and clergy who had renounced the Anglican Church.

Background
Okwii received a Bachelor of Divinity and Diploma in Theology from the Bishop Tucker School Divinity and Theological College (now UCU) in 1987. He later graduated with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Uganda Management Institute in 2003 and also earned a Master of Arts in Applied Theology from Trinity College, Bristol, UK.

Okwii taught, first, as a part-time lecturer at the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology in 2001 and, later, in 2009, as a full-time lecturer in the school.

At Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, Okwii taught Pastoral Psychology and Sociology, Missions, Gender Studies, and Pastoral Care and Counselling, among others. He also served as director at UCU Mbale College between 2009 and 2010.

Born on February 10, 1965, into a Roman Catholic family in Atoot, Ngora district, Okwii got saved on June 3, 1986, at a fellowship. It was here that he joined the Anglican Church, despite knowing that a change of faith would be an unwelcome move before his father.

Four years later, in 1990, Okwii was ordained a deacon at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti, in 1990 and a priest in 1991. He has served in many capacities in the Church, including as parish priest and Cathedral Vicar.

His last posting before becoming bishop was as the Archdeacon of Soroti and parish priest of Asuret. Okwii is married to Christine, with whom he has  six children, five of whom are alive, and one grandson.

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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 and Facebook.

Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, Business Chair, UCU Center for Open Distance Learning, says on-line learning is the wave of today – not tomorrow.

UCU On-line Education: Despite Challenges, it’s here to stay

Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology, COVID-19, Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, UCU School of Business


Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, Business Chair, UCU Center for Open Distance Learning, says on-line learning is the wave of today – not tomorrow.
Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, Business Chair, UCU Center for Open Distance Learning, says on-line learning is the wave of today – not tomorrow.

By Patty Huston-Holm and Nicole Nankya
For those who think Uganda Christian University (UCU) started on-line learning because of the country’s Covid lockdowns, think again. 

The movement started five years prior. The succession of government-ordered education lockdowns from March 2020 through December 2021 simply accelerated education delivery known globally as on-line, virtual, digital, edu-tech and e-learning, among other terms.   

With a directive from former Vice Chancellor Rev. Dr. John Senyonyi, Dr. Stephen Kyakulumbye, senior lecturer and business chair, Center for Open Distance Learning, was leading the charge early on, as well as when the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, came on board in the height of the pandemic. 

“People who lagged behind were running around buying and borrowing laptops to get on board,” Kyakulumbye recalled of the mid-2020 period. “It was clear that Covid and restrictions were not going away and in order to work here, they had to adapt.”

On a late March 2022 morning and from his office inside the UCU admissions building, Kyakulumbye shared the story of how e-learning began at UCU five years ago, how it accelerated in 2020 and what role he played in it alongside the late Dorothy Mukasa and her successor as manager for UCU e-learning, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes.

“It was not Covid that got us thinking about on-line education,” he asserted. “The pandemic both slowed us down and moved us faster.” 

The slow down occurred because of Ugandan government concern about fairness for economically and technologically disadvantaged students and because of the normal bell curve with middle and late adopters. The hastened move was motivated by job security.

“Jump on board or lose your job,” Kyakulumbye said, adding that he observed “the diffusion theory in action.” The theory is one that seeks to explain how, why and at what rate new ideas and technology spread. 

At UCU, the idea for virtual learning was advanced in 2016 when five UCU faculty members were chosen for an on-line teaching, virtual training out of Muranga, Kenya. Kyakulumbye, already known for his expertise in Information Systems Curriculum Design, relished the fact that he was among the five. 

Likewise, when Covid hit and on-line learning was a necessity to continue education while avoiding the deadly virus, Kyakulumbye was front and center because of his academic credentials and experience.  He has a doctorate degree in Information Systems (University of the Western Cape South Africa), a master’s degree in management studies with an ICT specialization and a bachelors in computer education.  His subject matter expertise includes on-line digitization of curriculum since 2010.

The work to get UCU deeper on line involved acquiring software to do compression, understanding that the hardware being used by faculty and students ranged from phones to computers, and instructing teachers and students in the new way of learning.  

Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes, Manager, UCU e-learning
Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes, Manager, UCU e-learning

In the midst of Kyakulumbye leading the charge and before Uganda had ready vaccines, he got a mild case of Covid. Still, and with a team that included the current manager for UCU e-learning, Rev. Dr. Jessica Hughes, and despite the Covid-related death of the then-manager Dorothy Mukasa, UCU pushed ahead – moving content and assignments onto an on-line platform called Moodle. 

“The perception still is that on-line is all about the lecturer’s content,” Kyakulumbye said. “If you do it right, there is peer review, peer chatting, e-badge awards and more.” 

One challenge was bandwidth for lecturers to upload videos, assignments and other content. According to Kyakulumbye, another challenge was lecturer “work-arounds” such as having students send completed exams as email attachments, resulting in lost marks. 

Regarding unaccounted for student test results, Hughes said, “ln that time, there were a lot of things happening that caused that result, which is unfortunate. We are continuously working to ensure that our processes are leading up so that students don’t have that experience again.”

Hughes, a lecturer with the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology with her first master’s degree in human performance systems, specializing in instructional design, defined the difference between online and physical studies as learner- and teacher-centered.

“A big difference is that in the classroom, it is teacher centered education where by you sit for two hours and the lecturer talks for two hours,” she said. “Online learning should be learner-centered, by which students engage in more research, critical thinking, and analysis.” 

The UCU plan through 2025 includes delivery of face-to-face, on-line and blended curriculum. Due to emergency guidelines issued by the National Council for Higher Education, all the courses are being revised across the university to address on-line learning. At UCU, at minimum, all courses will be blended.

“The library is expanding the digital resources for research so that research students are able to use books and on-line journals,” she said. “When you come to campus, you have a blended experience, whereby some work will be on line and some physical.”

Hughes said the online movement at UCU is leading the way throughout Uganda, making it “a very exciting time to be here.”

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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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New Nebbi Diocese Bishop Awinjo Ozelle waves to congregation after his consecration.

UCU alumnus consecrated Nebbi diocese bishop

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


New Nebbi Diocese Bishop Awinjo Ozelle waves to congregation after his consecration.
New Nebbi Diocese Bishop Awinjo Ozelle waves to congregation after his consecration.

By Ivan Tsebeni
Nebbi Anglican Diocese in northern Uganda has a new bishop. Pons Awinjo Ozelle, a Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum, was on January 16, 2022, consecrated at the diocesan headquarters with a call for him to “seek to serve,” rather than expecting to be served.

Bishop Awinjo Ozelle holds UCU’s 2022 calendar at Nebbi diocese headquarters.
Bishop Awinjo Ozelle holds UCU’s 2022 calendar at Nebbi diocese headquarters.

Ozelle was elected by the College of Bishops of the Church of Uganda in October 2021, replacing Bishop Alphonse Wathokudi who succumbed to Covid-19 early last year. Wathokudi was not the only Anglican prelate who became a victim of the pandemic. The Anglican Church also lost Bishop Benon Magezi of North Kigezi Diocese last year.

Ozelle, who becomes the third bishop of the diocese, is no stranger to administration in Nebbi. He previously served as a diocesan secretary and diocesan administrator, Archdeacon of two Archdeaconries, parish priest, and Chaplain of several schools. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Trinity Theological College in Singapore and a Certificate in Administrative Law. Ozelle received a Bachelor of Divinity from UCU about 23 years ago.

Ozelle also served with World Vision, taught at Uganda College of Commerce and Paidha Primary Teacher Training College, as well as chairing the Boards of Governors for Uringi and Pakwach secondary schools.

At his consecration, Jessica Alupo, the Vice-President of Uganda, who represented the President, handed over a new car to Ozelle, urging him to “serve with faith, dedication, humility and integrity beyond personal compromise.”

“We are here to walk this path with you,” Alupo said.

Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi speaks during the consecration ceremony of Bishop Pons Awinjo Ozelle in Nebbi on January 16, 2022
Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi speaks during the consecration ceremony of Bishop Pons Awinjo Ozelle in Nebbi on January 16, 2022

Church of Uganda Archbishop Most Rev. Dr Stephen Kaziimba, who performed the consecration ceremony, informed Ozelle that now that he has assumed office, he will be charged with “loving and serving God’s people.”

Kaziimba used the function to appeal to parents to groom both boys and girls alike, if they want to fight gender-based violence in homes.

”Mothers, as you teach the girls, please, do not forget that a boy also needs grooming and grounding in responsible living,” Kaziimba, who is also the Chancellor of UCU, said. “I’m sure people have given more attention to girls, forgetting about the boys.”

He also urged schools to prioritize counseling for learners, stressing that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused post-traumatic stress disorder for some students.

Speaking at the function, UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi congratulated the new bishop, noting that the university would continue supporting the church by providing scholarships for the clergy and their children.

He added that the university, through the church relations office, would start short courses to train members of the clergy in fields of financial management, among others.

Mushengyezi said Ozelle would be appointed to the advisory committee of UCU Arua campus, tasking him with working with the team to turn the campus into a college.

On behalf of the University Council, Mushengyezi donated sh1m (about $280) and an iPad to the new bishop. He also pledged to donate another sh10m (about $2,800) towards the construction of the cathedral, the first development project that Ozelle is expected to engage. 

Ozelle expressed happiness upon the consecration, urging the church to keep supporting Nebbi Diocese to be able to offer better service to Christians.

“The church has shielded me since my childhood,” Ozelle said. “I still need the same guidance so as to be able to fully perform my duties.” 

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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.