By Kefa Senoga
Were it not for charity, Waiswa Moses might not have made it to university studies. His twin sister, Namukose Babirye, temporarily put a halt to education after sitting her Senior Four exams because their single mother, Namugabu Jaliat, a market vendor, could not afford the school fees.

Many familiar with Waiswa’s background did not approve of his desire to contest for the highest office of student leadership at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Kampala Campus. And their disapproval is not because they begrudged him the position of Guild President of the institution. They knew fully well the financial requirements to campaign. Even Waiswa knew he did not have the financial muscle to pull off a successful campaign.

Moses Waiswa’s Journey to UCU Guild Presidency

But somehow, his mother, friends and students helped him to pool resources for his triumphant campaign. In December 2023, the third-year student of Bachelor of Laws was sworn in as the campus’ next Guild President, after he defeated his challenger, Molly Kebirungi. 

The 22-year-old takes over power from Zedekkia Ssekyonda, a student in the School of Medicine who was the first medical student to lead the UCU Kampala guild presidency.

In Ugandan politics, it is rare for people to fully fund one’s political campaigns of someone running for an electoral office. In most cases, it is the contestant who bears all the financial needs of running the campaigns for an electoral office, including facilitating the campaign agents.

Waiswa said in addition to providing the money, his friends also provided the vehicles he used for his campaigns. The money is usually used for fueling the cars, printing campaign fliers and posters and hiring a public address system and music to attract students to the campaign rallies.

In appreciation for the help he got from students and friends, Waiswa has aptly christened his leadership as the People’s Government. In his manifesto, Waiswa promised to “improve the academics, accountability, advocacy and level of sociability at the campus.”

Waiswa’s education has largely been courtesy of bursaries. Even currently, his tuition needs are being met by charity. 

Waiswa joined Compassion International Uganda, a non-governmental organization, for leadership training, after completing his Senior Six. At the organization, Waiswa is a participant in the Leadership Development Initiative, a program that nurtures outstanding students into the leaders of tomorrow. The program empowers youth to become devoted disciples of Christ, unlocking their inherent potential and positively impacting their communities.

When Compassion International Uganda learned of the success of Waiswa in the elections, they congratulated him: “Through the Leadership Development Initiative, we focus on key outcomes such as growth in Christ, wellbeing, youth agency and self-sufficiency. We’re proud to see Hon. Waiswa Moses embodies these principles and we’re confident he will continue to make a meaningful difference in his role as guild President.”

Among the people watching keenly for Waiswa to complete his law degree are some of his five siblings, who are expecting that he will offer financial relief to them. His twin sister, Nakato, who hopes to become a nurse, says is soon joining a nursing and midwifery school to realize her dream. 

Besides academics, Waiswa is also an enthusiastic scout. In 2018, he represented his school, Jinja Senior School located in eastern Uganda, at a scouts camp at the famous Ransburg Scout Reservation on the banks of Lake Monroe in Indiana, USA. At Jinja Secondary School, Waiswa was a student leader — the Head Boy from 2017 to 2018 and Head Prefect from 2019 to 2020.

By Irene Best Nyapendi and Jimmy Siyasa
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi’s recent visit to the United States focused on partnerships, strengthening ties with prominent academic and other institutions, and exploring collaborative opportunities. During the same period of the trip (November 29 to December 9, 2023), Prof. Mushengyezi attended the African Studies Association Conference in San Francisco, Calif., among other high-level interactions. 

Bethel University
Prof. Mushengyezi visited Bethel University in St, Paul, Minnesota, where he met President Ross Allen, professor of nursing emerita Karen Drake and Dr. Dave Muhovic, who helped to start and elevate UCU’s nursing program. The alumni of the program are now top leaders in the healthcare sector across Uganda. 

Wisconsin Lutheran College
Prof. Mushengyezi had productive meetings with Dr. Daniel Johnson, President of Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) in Milwaukee. The discussions centered on fostering cooperation in student and staff academic exchanges, as well as collaborative research. WLC, renowned for its strength in biological sciences, biotechnology and nursing, expressed a keen interest in partnering with UCU. The Vice Chancellor extended an invitation to President Johnson to visit UCU in future.

African Studies Association Conference
From November 30 to December 2, the Vice Chancellor attended the African Studies Association (ASA) conference in San Francisco, California, where he presented a paper titled: Re-imagining the university’s pedagogical mission in the pandemic era. Prof. Mushengyezi showcased UCU’s digital innovations that have helped the university to successfully adapt to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anglican Diocese of New England
At the invitation of Rt. Rev. Andrew Williams, the Vice Chancellor visited the Anglican Diocese of New England (ADNE) in Boston, Massachusetts. The bishop committed to hosting theology scholars and graduate students in ADNE to foster cross-cultural ministry formation between UCU’s Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology (BTSDT) and the Diocese. A short-term ministry exchange programme is planned for 2024, where the Dean of BTSDT and a theology graduate student will visit the Diocese.

University of Connecticut Reunion
The Vice Chancellor also visited his alma mater, the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he obtained his doctorate in 2007. The Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), Prof. Kate Kapshaw-Smith, and Prof. Tom Deans hosted Mushengyezi along with the Head of the English Department, Prof. Claire Costley King’oo. As a visiting Fulbright scholar at UCU in 2021, Deans helped to start UCU’s Writing Centre in the Department of Literature and Languages. The English Department and the Writing Centre at UConn are willing to send staff on short visits to support and mentor the Writing Centre and writing programmes at UCU. The Associate Dean and Department Head also encouraged UCU early-career staff to apply to UConn for graduate studies.

The UConn team congratulated their former student and now Vice Chancellor on his immense contribution to scholarship and to higher education leadership in Africa. The visits marked another milestone in UCU’s commitment to global academic collaboration and excellence. The institution is optimistic about the fruitful outcomes of the partnerships.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU’s) sports teams roared into action on the first day of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games. From breathtaking basketball comebacks to netball supremacy and a nail-biting football victory, the UCU Canons, UCU Angels, and UCU Lady Cardinals made their mark on their home turf.

BASKETBALL:

The UCU Canons men’s team overcame a sluggish start and a 10-point deficit to defeat Bugema University in a thrilling overtime battle, 69-67. Coach Nicholas Natuhereza praised his players’ resilience and highlighted the weather delay as a factor in their comeback win.

“We started on a sluggish note and had a big difference to climb back from, but the boys were resilient enough to dig deep and come back with the win,” Natuhereza said.
The UCU lady canons women’s team dominated the court, crushing Makerere Sparks’s 86-21. Tracy Namugosa’s 25 points and 12 rebounds led the charge, setting the tone for their dominance.

“We have had enough practice leading up to this tournament, and we started off the right way and hope to only get better from here on out,” Namusoga said. The UCU Canons also secured a 69-63 victory against Bugema University.

NETBALL:

UCU Angels displayed their netball prowess, thrashing Bishop Stuart University 115-8. Teamwork and precise execution were key to their victory. Raymond Iga, one of the coaches for the UCU Angels, acknowledged the fact that teamwork was their strongest pillar that propelled the team to the victory.

“The win was very refreshing. The ladies have indeed proven that they didn’t waste their time training, but I must say that teamwork was our biggest asset today,” said Iga.

UCU FOOTBALL:

The UCU Lady Cardinals secured a narrow 1-0 win against Kyambogo University. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Sandra Kisakye’s penalty goal in the second half proved decisive. Despite claiming their first game with a 1-0 score line, the UCU Lady Cardinals weren’t entirely content with their performance.

“We have had our first game and have managed to garner three points and one goal. We don’t like the results per se, but we keep going on and trust the process,” said Shadia Nakya, captain of the Lady Cardinals.

However, the day ended on a bittersweet note as the UCU cardinals fell to Makerere University in a heartbreaking 2-0 defeat. The excitement continues, and UCU fans eagerly await their teams’ next triumphs on the AUUS Games stage.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has stepped up to host the 19th edition of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games in an impressive two-month timeframe—a feat usually undertaken in a span of 18 months. The AUUS Games kicked off today, December 17th, and will continue until December 21st, 2023.

This event, previously scheduled to happen at Makerere University, landed at UCU’s doorstep on short notice, and the university embraced the challenge with open arms.

This is not UCU’s first time basking in the spotlight of the AUUS Games. The university hosted the event in both 2007 and 2013. Even amidst challenges like the 2007 Ebola pandemic, UCU rose to the occasion that cemented its reputation as a reliable and resourceful host.

The president of the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS), Peninah Kabenge, thanked the UCU administration for accepting the request to organize the event at short notice.

“To the organizing committee of UCU, thank you for ensuring that all is set even with the short notice. We are truly grateful for the remarkable facilities, resources and cooperation provided by UCU,” she said.

She mentioned that these games bring together different institutions of different backgrounds and pursuit bound together by the common love for sports and pursuit for excellence.

This rhymes with the hosts mission, a center of excellence in the heart of Africa. 

Despite being informed on short notice, UCU Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi assured everyone during the launch of the games that even though the institution learned of the development late, its ready for the occasion. He also mentioned that as UCU they are ready to host even the next games.

“As a sports house UCU is honored to partner with AUUS to ensure a successful sports tournament,” he said. “UCU takes sports very seriously because we aim at giving our students a complete education for a complete person.”

He emphasized that the AUUS games are entirely for students and that its UCU’s prayer that this edition will be remarkable of sports talent, team work and friendship. 

The Deputy Secretary General at National Council of Sports, David Katende graced the event as the chief guest. He expressed his gratitude to UCU for hosting the games.

“I extend special thanks to UCU who came in as dangerous substitutes and have actually nailed it,” Katende said.  UCU, thank you for your hospitality we are really enjoying our stay in this place.”

He emphasized the importance of university sports and its contribution to the holistic development of students. He also appealed to other universities to take sports seriously. 

The 19th AUUS Games is featuring participation from 21 universities, including UCU, Bishop Stuart University, Bugema University, Busitema University, Gulu University, International University of East Africa, Kabale University, Kampala International University, Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mountains of the Moon University, Ndejje University, Soroti University and Victoria University among others.

UCU is set to participate in various sports such as Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Football, Handball, Netball Rugby, Scrabble, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Woodball.

Come, be a part of the excitement! Witness the warmth of Ugandan hospitality at the AUUS Games hosted by UCU. The AUUS Games have a rich history dating back to 1992. 

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Yesterday, December 10, 2023, the oldest Diocese of the province of the Church of Uganda (COU), Namirembe, witnessed a change of guards in its ranks.
The ceremony marked the formal installation of Bishop Moses Banja, who succeeds Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, the outgoing Bishop of Namirembe Diocese.
Banja, who was at birth named “Musa Omubazi Webbanja Omugenyi Asoka Sewatte,” Yet the question of why he, the eighth child, was named “Asoka,” meaning “firstborn,” lingered unanswered throughout his childhood.
In primary six, he found the name cumbersome and decided to drop parts of it. He translated “Musa” to “Moses” and dropped the second “b” from “Bbanja,” creating the name we know today- Moses Banja.
It wasn’t until recently, reflecting on his unique path, that the significance of his name dawned on him.
Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Chancellor, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, defined Banja as a development- oriented person, a preacher of the word, a teacher, and a prayer warrior.

Kaziimba urged the congregation to support Banja and his ministry as he shepherds God’s people in Namirembe Diocese.
“I have no doubt that he will serve with dedication and devotion to the glory of God. Let’s support Bishop Banja and make his work a joy and not a burden,” Kaziimba said.
He confidently said that, with no doubt, he knows that Banja’s wife, Rev. Canon. Assoc. Prof. Nassaka Banja, will be a mother figure in Namirembe diocese.
He reflected on her time at UCU and described her as a great disciplinarian and role model.
Banja will be the sixth bishop of Namirembe Diocese and the tenth if counted chronologically from the diocese’s creation in 1899.
During the service, Banja took an oath of true and canonical obedience to the archbishop and declared his commitment to uphold the constitution of the Church of Uganda.
“I, Moses Banja, swear that I will pay true and canonical obedience to the archbishop of the church of the province of Uganda, in all things lawful and honest. So, help me, God,” Banja vowed.
During his address, Banja outlined his vision for the diocese. He emphasised the importance of preaching the gospel, building existing ministries, undertaking development projects, preserving church land, promoting clergy welfare, and improving the quality of education in the diocese.
“The first task that is closest to my heart is to preach the gospel of Christ and bring people to his body, including those from different faiths,” Banja said.

He aims to lead the diocese towards spiritual growth, social impact, and sustainable development ensuring the well-being of both clergy and laity.
Banja acknowledged two of the biggest challenges facing the country and the church: poverty and land ownership.
“When you have poverty around you, you may not fulfil the purpose you are trying to achieve,” Banja said. “Land is another challenge in this country. A lot of our land as a church has been taken unfairly.”
He expressed his gratitude to Luwalira for his service to the diocese and said he would strive to build on his accomplishments.
“While I intend to initiate new projects that God will reveal, I shallnot let those initiated by Bishop Luwalira die in our hands. I’ll strive to continue and advance them,” Banja said.
Banja was ordained as a deacon in 1996 and priested in 1998. In 2021, he became Archdeacon of the Luzira Archdeaconry. It was during his time as archdeacon that the Lord called him to the higher office of bishop in the Namirembe Diocese.
God has blessed the 59-year-old Banja and his wife with three children: two girls and one boy.
The ceremony was graced by H.E. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, the Queen and Katikiro of Buganda, and other dignitaries.

Katikiro Mayiga Congratulates Bishop Moses Banja

Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga, representing the Buganda Kingdom, acknowledged the longstanding and strong ties between the Church of Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom.
“I congratulate and affirm to you Bishop Banja that we shall continue to strengthen ties between Buganda Kingdom and the church as we strive for the social and economic well-being of the people of Buganda,” Mayiga said.

The Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, the Very Rev. Canon Jonathan Kisawuzi Ssalongo, also offered his congratulations to Bishop Banja and his wife.
Kisawuzi warmly welcomed Bishop-elect Banja to the cathedral’s deanery and chapter.
“I congratulate Bishop Banja and his dear wife on this higher calling and responsibility entrusted to them,” Kisawuzi said.
As the event came to an end, Banja was gifted a brand new car from the office of the President of Uganda.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Amidst the both serene and busy landscape of Northern Uganda lies the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Arua Campus, a center of excellence in the heart of Africa. Beneath the tranquil setting of the campus lies a bitter chapter in Uganda’s history, etched with the scars of conflict and the yearning for peace.

In 1980, the peace of Arua was shattered when the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) soldiers descended upon the area. Innocent people’s lives were abruptly cut short as UNLA turned their wrath on natives who they suspected to be collaborators of then President Idi Amin. 

In October 1980, Uganda’s West Nile region was the site of a major military campaign between the defunct Uganda Army remnants and UNLA. The civilians were rounded up from neighboring villages and shot in cold blood. The tragic events marked the exodus of many inhabitants who fled into exile. The mass-grave at the UCU Arua Campus and St. Joseph’s College Ombachi serve as grim reminders of this tragedy and the enduring impact of violence.

The Rev. Prof. David Andrew Omona, the Dean School of Social Sciences at UCU, recognized the deep-seated wounds that lingered from this period. He envisioned a public lecture — a platform for truth telling so that the narratives could be reexamined and the path towards reconciliation be paved. 

“I believe in the power of dialogue and collective healing,” he said. “As Ugandans, every part of Uganda should be our concern. I want to see Uganda as a peaceful country –  a country where people can live together in harmony, where the wounds of the past can be healed.”

On October 27, 2023, UCU Arua campus hosted a public lecture in memory of the Ringili village massacre, where 16 residents were butchered by UNLA militants. Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, the chairperson of the university council, was the keynote speaker, and discussant was Dr. Milton Mutto, researcher and executive director at Pincer Training and Research Institute. 

The public lecture, held on the theme, “Peace and reconciliation: paving the way for harmony and prosperity through Biblical insights,” resonated deeply with the Arua community. Individuals, long burdened by the weight of silence, finally found the courage to share their experiences. 

The Rev. Prof. Omona emphasized the importance of this public lecture, saying it allowed people to tell their stories and acknowledge the pain they had suffered.

“The public lecture opened people’s eyes to the reality of what happened, and began a path towards forgiveness and healing,” he added.

Prof. Olwa eloquently captured the essence of peace, defining it not merely as the absence of conflict, but as a state of positive harmony and well-being. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation, a process of healing and restoration that enables individuals and communities to move forward from the wounds of the past.

Prof. Olwa emphasized the values of love, forgiveness and compassion as cornerstones of peaceful coexistence.

“Peace is not just the absence of war. It is a state of positive harmony, where there is justice, equity, and respect for all,” he said. 

He underscored the need for a transformative approach to peace building, one that addresses the root causes of conflict and fosters genuine reconciliation among individuals and communities. He reminded the audience of the transformative power of forgiveness.

 “Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential for healing and reconciliation,” he said. 

Prof. Olwa urged the residents to be peacemakers in their homes, communities, and nation. He encouraged them to start by forgiving themselves and others, and by working together to build a more just and peaceful world.

Dr. Mutto emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, including greed, ignorance and idolatry. He called for a collective effort to heal the wounds of the past and build a more peaceful future. On an individual level, he urged everyone to look within themselves to address their own anger and hatred. He also called for research and storytelling to uncover the root causes of conflict.

 “We must do research; we must tell our stories, and there we will find solutions,” Mutto said.

UCU Takes Bold Steps

UCU has taken the initiative to foster a culture of peace and is preparing a short course on peace studies and documenting the events of the past. Prof. Omona is currently developing the short course on peacebuilding and a curriculum for the Bachelor of Peace Studies program. 

UCU’s commitment to peace and reconciliation extends beyond the lecture hall. The university has established a Centre for Peace Studies, dedicated to research, teaching and community engagement in the field of peace building. The center provides training and support to local communities engaged in peace building initiatives.

As UCU continues its journey towards a more harmonious and prosperous future, the words of Prof. Olwa resonate deeply: “We must never give up on the pursuit of peace. It is a noble calling, and it is one that we must all embrace.”