Irene Nyapendi

By

UCU

UCU Social Work Students Inspired by Industry Experts

Uganda Christian University (UCU) social work students recently benefited from a symposium organized by the university in partnership with the National Association of Social Workers of Uganda (NASWU). The event, tailored for first and second-year students, aimed to enlighten and empower future social workers.

Specifically, the symposium aimed to enhance social work students’ understanding of NASWU, foster discussions on legal aspects of professional social work in Uganda and globally.

The event held on October 3, 2024 also established a networking platform for students and practicing social workers.

COORDINATOR NASWU 1
John Mary Ssekatte, NASWU National Coordinator addressing UCU Social Work students.

John Mary Ssekatte, NASWU National Coordinator, stressed to the students the significance of having interpersonal skills building networks and effective communication.

“It is not just about book knowledge; interpersonal skills are the game-changers in social work. Learning to network, communicate effectively, and listen actively will set you apart and make a lasting impact,” Ssekatte said.

He also urged them to prioritize their self-care and mental well-being.

Gerald Okiria, UCU alumnus, Commonwealth Organisation for Social Work (COSW) Board Member, and NASWU representative, shared invaluable lessons.

He emphasized the importance of integrity in protecting client information and maintaining confidentiality.

Okiria also encouraged the students to register with professional bodies such as NASWU for networking and growth.

UCU students expressed gratitude for the enlightening session:

Judith Alum Ogwal, a first-year Bachelor of Social Work and Administration student, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm after the symposium.

“We are thankful to have learned from experienced professionals whose insights have made social work more appealing, and I am now more determined to pursue this profession,” Alum said.

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Students taking notes during the symposium

Her key takeaways for the symposium included the importance of belonging to a social work body, referrals in complex situations and embracing social work values.

Kim Ceasar Lemukol a first-year Bachelor of Social Work and Administration student also appreciated Mr. Sekate’s emphasis on internalizing social work values, such as promoting inherent human dignity.

“I have learnt and embraced the need to have the values of social work on my fingertips and the need to belong to a body of professional social workers,” Lemukol said.

Additionally, he valued the provided resources and links to stay updated in the field and build professional networks.

Doreen Kukugiza, a social work lecturer at UCU, emphasized the beauty of the profession, encouraging her students to apply the learned principles.

By: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited By: Harriet Adong, Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Office)

UCU innovation hub

UCU-Hanze Innovation Hub Breaks Ground

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Incubation Hub is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and transform communities.

On September 6, 2024, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU Vice Chancellor, officially broke ground for the UCU-Hanze Innovation Hub signifying the onset of construction of the Innovation Hub.

This innovation hub is a result of UCU’s ongoing partnership with Hanze University Foundation in the Netherlands, aimed at equipping students with the skills and knowledge to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The UCU Incubation Hub has been actively promoting entrepreneurship development for the past five years, focusing on ideation, incubation, training, mentorship, coaching, and regular exhibitions and workshops.

The hub’s primary goal is to support the UCU community, including students, staff, and the surrounding community, by providing the necessary tools and resources to start and manage successful businesses.

Key Benefits of the Hub include empowering entrepreneurs as it will provide a platform for them to develop their skills and knowledge, enabling them to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

By supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, the hub will contribute to the economic development of the surrounding community.

The hub also aims to foster a culture of innovation, encouraging entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.

With the construction of the UCU Innovation Hub underway, the future looks bright for entrepreneurs and the UCU community.

This hub will not only provide a platform for innovation and growth but also contribute to the economic development of the surrounding community.

The hub is currently housed in the former Thelma Hall, Honors College Residence.

To further support entrepreneurs, UCU through the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations has established the UCU Innovation Fund, which provides financial support to help businesses grow and become sustainable.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)

UCU Innovators

UCU Students eye $1000 grant in Innovation Challenge

By Andrew Bugembe

More than 25 student groups from Uganda Christian University (UCU) Participated in UCU Student Innovation Challenge (UCU-SIC), organized by the university’s Directorate of Research, Partnerships, and Innovations (DRPI). The challenge, part of the UCU-Research Fund (UCU-RF), aims to empower students to develop projects that address real-world problems.

Up to 10 winning teams will each receive $1,000 to bring their innovative ideas to life over six months. Dr. Elizabeth Kizito, Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, stressed the need for continued support for students beyond the competition. “These brilliant students should be kept and offered much training at the incubation hub,” she said. She also highlighted UCU’s efforts to foster research through well-structured coordination systems.

main campus
UCU Students prepare to present their Ideas to the DRPI committee

The competition is open to all fully registered UCU students, whether pursuing diplomas, undergraduate, or postgraduate degrees, across all campuses. The focus is on student-led projects that align with UCU’s research goals in fields like agriculture, food and nutrition, engineering, ICT, health, and other applied sciences.

Dr. Gerald Tumusiime, Dean of the School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of securing funds for students to unleash their potential. “They secure funding to develop products and identify teammates to work with,” he said.

Vincent Kisenyi, Dean of the UCU School of Business, also encouraged students to participate, saying, “These are free and open opportunities for young minds. It teaches the students to think and come up with solutions in various fields, even in business.” The UCU-SIC is designed to inspire a culture of innovation, providing a platform for students to turn their ideas into prototypes and commercial products.

The challenge equips participants with both financial and technical support to scale up their innovations, acting as a launchpad for entrepreneurial ventures.

One of the standout participants, Gabrielle Lukyamuzi Angel, leads a group called She Funds, which is developing a crowdfunding platform to support children and young women from underprivileged communities.

 “We saw the need in our communities,” she explained. “You find single mothers struggling to meet their needs.”

Although she admitted that $1,000 wouldn’t cover all their project costs, she expressed optimism, calling it “a good start for us.”

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The DRPI Committee Engages with Students’ Innovative Ideas on Glass Upscaling

Another promising project came from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, where Norah Akaba’s team is working on producing cowpea leaf vegetable soup. She emphasized the importance of using traditional foods and reducing post-harvest losses. Her teammate, Sonko Alpha, expressed excitement about continuing the project for his final year research.

Kakande Hanington’s team is working on an innovative project to produce unfired clay bricks using ceramic waste powder and sisal fiber. “I participated to win the $1,000 so I can implement the project,” he said, adding that this innovation challenge introduced him to new ideas and opportunities.

In another project aimed at addressing the water crisis in Kotido, Gaspher Alil Ageno, a fourth-year civil engineering student, proposed a solution to use solar and wind energy to pump water for irrigation and domestic use minimizing the available wind and sunshine in this dry region.

 “The main problem in Kotido is the lack of water, which causes food insecurity, insecurity, and underdevelopment,” Ageno explained. His project seeks to harness renewable energy to improve life in the region.

Also, Jeremy Rukundo, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student from the UCU School of Medicine, passionately presented his idea of creating an automated irrigation system.

Based on nutrition and moisture sensors, this system aims to reduce food insecurity in parts of Uganda affected by unpredictable weather conditions due to climate change. “I am working on an automated irrigation system, based on nutrition and moisture sensors, to help reduce food insecurity in some parts of Uganda caused by unpredictable weather conditions,” he said.

He also emphasized that opportunities like this are important because they broaden his thinking and allow him to present his ideas to a panel of professionals. “Such initiatives are important as they give young people a chance to express their ideas,” he added.

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Innovators Gathered at the Hamu Mukasa Library, Finalizing and Reviewing Their Presentations Ahead of the Panel

Such a competition shows the university’s willingness to creating an environment where students can develop entrepreneurial ventures. “At UCU, we have made several efforts towards creating an enabling environment for research,” said Dr. Kizito Martin the head of partnerships and grants at the UCU DRPI.

With support from DRPI, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of innovation, turning their ideas into impactful solutions for Uganda and beyond.

The UCU Student Innovation Challenge will be held annually to continue inspiring and nurturing student-driven projects, that will make them great men and women in the future.

ENGINEERING

Engineering faculty trains Mukono farmers on biogas technology

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Waste was once defined only as something with no purpose, but this is no longer the case.  The definition of waste as something useless is not accurate among a growing number of Uganda Christian University (UCU) students and staff who are informed and involved in various resource recovery initiatives. 

Most recently, the Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology (FEDT) at UCU invited at least 12 farmers from within the Mukono area to learn what the institution is doing to recover resources from waste. On September 11, a training session for the dozen farmers introduced them to organic waste management approaches, biogas technology, occupational health and safety measures and application of bioslurry in agriculture. The training was facilitated by a team that included Ass. Prof. Eleanor Wozei, Ass. Prof. Sarah Kizza-Nkambwe, Mr. Arnold Mugisha, Mr. Okot Innocent, Mr. Eddy Ojara and Dr. Miria Agunyo. Agunyo is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology and the principal investigator of the project.

Farmers observe bio-slurry during the training
Farmers observe bio-slurry during the training

Farmers walked away having learned how biogas, a renewable energy fuel, is produced from biodegradation of organic waste streams, including food and animal waste. They also learned how the bio-slurry can be used as fertilizer for their crops. Through this technology, greenhouse gas emissions, such as of methane, are prevented, as well as the pollution of soil and water by the waste from landfills. The training took place at the UCU Biogas Plant, which was constructed and commissioned in September 2023, with support from Bingo Projektförderung (project funding) in Germany.

Under this project, Dr. Agunyo said UCU is working hand in hand with the Artefact Centre in Germany to train people how to make simple biogas digester systems while promoting the use of other by-products, such as bioslurry. 

She added: “We want biogas technology to be something an ordinary person can do with very little support.”

Through the Bingo project grant funding of 30,000 Euros ($33,478), UCU installed a 12-cubic-meter digester tank that converts waste into biogas at the UCU water treatment plant and serves as a teaching tool for waste management and construction of digesters. Artefact Centre is doing the same in Germany, demonstrating simple do-it-yourself systems, enabling young people to appreciate the technology through traineeships.

“Recently, we fabricated our own digesters using plastic containers, which has helped us explain how simple biogas technology can be, from construction to operation,” Dr. Agunyo said. 

“The biogas we produce is used in the UCU kitchen, and the bioslurry is used as fertilizer in our demonstration gardens and this component was carried out by our colleagues from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, led by Dr. Rosemary Bulyaba.”

The Bingo Project aimed to demonstrate that as a university, we can sustainably manage the organic waste streams generated from within UCU and use the biogas produced to substitute firewood use at the UCU kitchen, hence promoting the use of clean cooking fuels and enhancing farming through the use of bioslurry.

Farmers Eager to Implement Change

Farmers learn about the process of biogas production, from mixing feedstock to utilizing the gas
Farmers learn about the process of biogas production, from mixing feedstock to utilizing the gas

Some of the participants who attended the training indicated their interest to make changes.  

“I’m tired of using charcoal, and I am excited to use waste to make biogas because it’s clean and will help me prepare meals faster,” said Prossy Birungi, one of the farmers who attended the training.  “Biogas is a double blessing; I hope to use it for cooking and the residue as manure.”

She commended UCU for the hands-on training, which demystified biogas technology. 

“I used to hear rumors about biogas on TV, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn how to make and use it,” Birungi said. 

Another farmer, Allan Kakembo, from Bugujju in Mukono, noted that manure and animal feed have been costly. He is hopeful that the bio-slurry used in his banana and maize plantation will improve production while reducing expenses.  

“Waste has been a challenge to me, and I am glad I can now benefit from it,” Kakembo said. “I look forward to using waste from my kitchen and animal waste to make biogas, instead of dumping it.”

UCU

UCU master’s research focus on money laundering

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The main reason Evelyn Zawedde chose a career in law was to ensure equity and justice in the world. And for the 10 years that she has been practicing law, she has examples to illustrate her impact in that quest.

Here is one of them:

  • In Uganda, it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to grab property owned by the elderly. Zawedde’s grandmother fell victim to such an attempt when someone in her area laid claim to her land. Upon learning of her grandmother’s plight, Zawedde immediately took action, stepping in to represent her grandmother in mediation. She won the case, ensuring the property remained with its rightful owner — her grandmother. Although her grandmother has since passed away, Zawedde recalls that saving the property was one of her grandmother’s proudest moments, a testament to her granddaughter’s dedication.

Zawedde, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), earned a degree in Bachelor of Laws in 2011. However, she nearly abandoned her legal career after her initial application for a spot at the Law Development Center to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice was unsuccessful. In Uganda, obtaining this diploma from the Law Development Center is a requirement for practicing law.

When faced with a setback, she sought another opportunity by applying to Kenya Law School, where she was accepted to pursue her Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. After completing her studies in Kenya, she joined Kilonzo and Company Advocates, one of the leading law firms in Kenya. 

A year later, she returned to Uganda and joined DN Kabugo Advocates, now Ortus Advocates, where she currently serves as a Senior Associate in the Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure department.

Zawedde Tackles Money Laundering in UCU Master’s Research

In July 2024, Zawedde graduated with a Master of Law in International Business Law at UCU. 

She explained that the shifting dynamics of the global economy played a significant role in guiding her choice of research focus for the master’s degree. For the master’s project, Zawedde explored the role of preventive strategies in enhancing the fight against money laundering with a focus on selected financial institutions in the central business district of Kampala. The study focused on the fight against money laundering. 

“I chose this research topic because money laundering is a global issue affecting financial institutions,” Zawedde said, adding: “I wanted to deeply examine the measures being used to combat money laundering in financial institutions.”

Her study found that to keep the integrity of the financial system intact, financial institutions, companies and governments must co-operate. Her study recommends enactment of laws that leverage technology to prevent and detect money laundering. 

With a deep interest in the evolving financial landscape, she hopes that her advanced studies will not only broaden her expertise but also position her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the international business arena.

Born and raised in Mukono, central Uganda, Zawedde is an Advocate of the High Court of both Uganda and Kenya and all courts subordinate thereto. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, Kenya Law Society and the East African Law Society.

With over seven years of experience in structuring, negotiation and documentation of natural resource projects and related financings, Zawedde has conducted negotiations, prepared contracts and closed real estate transactions. According to the  website of her current employers, Zawedde has acted for several clients in acquisitions of property for project development and developing transaction completion documents. 

She attended Nakanyonyi Girls School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, for her O’level education and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in central Uganda for A’level.

UCU

Seeti: The farmer who never liked farming

By Pauline Luba
Mark Seeti didn’t like farming. 

Though his mother tried her best to nudge him into an agriculture career, he remained adamant against it. When Seeti stopped thinking of education after completing Senior Six (grade 12 or the senior year in American high schools), and following months of cajoling, the then 19-year-old gave in to his mother’s request. 

“We used to visit the farm together,” the now 29-year-old student at Uganda Christian University (UCU) said. “Although I wasn’t initially interested, my mother’s persistence paid off.”

The dairy farm
The dairy farm

Born and raised in Kampala, Seeti grew up in a small family with one other sibling. His father, a lawyer and a retired lecturer at Makerere University, separated from his mother during his formative years.

Seeti’s turning point toward agriculture came when his single mother introduced him to the commercial aspects of farming on land that she had bought in the Mukono district. Starting with five cows that were producing 20 liters of milk a day, Seeti’s farm, Maps Premium Fresh Dairy, has grown to 30 cows that produce about 150 liters of milk per day –  a testament to Seeti’s hard work and strategic planning. 

In addition to the dairy farm, Seeti rears chickens on a commercial scale, practices fish farming and owns donkeys that people hire for labor. From his farm, Seeti earns about sh300,000 ($81.60) per day.

When the farm business bloomed and at his mom’s urging, Seeti returned to school. 

Fish farming is part of the farm.
Fish farming is part of the farm.

One decade after finishing his secondary education, Seetti is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at UCU. At first, Seeti says he was worried that he would neither fit in with the younger students nor understand what is being taught in class. However, he says he soon discovered that that was not the case.

One of the reasons he went back to school, he says, is to improve his academic status to compete for a political office. The minimum qualification for one to compete for the position of Member of Parliament in Uganda is Senior Six certificate. 

“Social work and social administration align with my passion for leadership, especially because it has a course unit in political science,” Seeti said.

Managing a dairy farm while pursuing studies is no small feat. Seeti’s day starts at 5 a.m. to oversee the milking process, as well as other morning routines at the farm before heading to the university. 

Seeti’s farm has positively impacted people who live near it.  He occasionally employs workers to provide labor. There are others who have been inspired, with some setting up their own farms in the neighborhood. 

Donkeys at the farm
Donkeys at the farm

Currently, Seeti’s focus is on increasing the value of the milk by venturing into the production of cheese, yogurt and ice-cream. He also hopes to improve the breeds of his cows on the farm to give more milk.  

Senti’s journey has not been without challenges. The biggest hurdle he has faced was dealing with middlemen who take farmer’s produce at lower prices. He found a solution of establishing contacts with market vendors, so that they could get milk and other products direct from the farm

At the UCU Main Campus, Seeti says he supplies the Joy Canteen with some of the products from his farm. 

UCU Sunday

Vice Chancellor Launches UCU Sunday

It is that time of the year, again, when representatives of Uganda Christian University (UCU), take time off to celebrate the UCU Sunday.

Today, Thursday, September 9, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, has officially launched its annual UCU Sunday.

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The newly elected Alumni Executives, Church Relations team, Guild officials share a photo moment with the university Vice Chancellor.

UCU Sunday, 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 29, is intended to mobilize support and resources for various activities at UCU, as well as create awareness about developments at the institution. 

Sharing the 2024 UCU Sunday objectives, Professor Mushengyezi, said it is three-fold. 

“Our objectives include; praying for UCU; mobilizing financial resources to support UCU projects, especially infrastructural development; and to raise awareness about the university,” Professor Mushengyezi said.

He empowered the congregation and encouraged them to be ambassadors of UCU and take part in UCU Sunday.

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President-elect Mr. Emmanuel Wabwire and Kivengere Brenda Mbone, Representative International excited about the UCU Sunday.

Pledge cards were given out, and you can obtain one for yourself from the UCU Church Relations Office in Mukono, Uganda. We look forward to meeting you at your church on Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)
UCU

UCU Alumni Executive Sworn in, Alumni donate UGX 10M to UCU Arua Campus Bishop Orombi Complex Construction

Uganda Christian University (UCU) incoming Alumni Executive was sworn in today Thursday, September, 12, 2024, during a Community Worship session in Nkoyoyo Hall.

The newly elected team, led by President-elect Mr. Emmanuel Wabwire, took a general oath and the oath of office pledging to serve diligently.

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The newly elected team swearing-in.

During the event presided over by the university Vice Chancellor Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the UCU Alumni executives presented a cheque to the UCU Arua Campus administration, symbolizing their UGX 10,000,000 contribution to the fundraising drive for the construction of a modern ICT facility-Bishop Orombi Complex. They also donated sports jerseys to the UCU sports team, further solidifying their commitment to the institution’s growth and development.

The cheque was received by Prof. Mushengyezi and the Rev. Julius Tabi, Director of UCU Arua Campus, who commended the alumni for loving and supporting their university.

“On behalf of management, I would like to thank the UCU alumni for their generous contribution of 10 million towards the construction of the Bishop Orombi ICT complex,” Rev. Tabi said.

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Prof. Mushengyezi expressing gratitude to the UCU Alumni Executives for the jerseys and cheque.

The Bishop Orombi Complex will be a modern ICT facility that will enhance the learning experience for students at the UCU Arua Campus. The alumni’s contribution brings the project one step closer to completion.

The newly elected Alumni Executive for 2024-2027 includes:

– Emmanuel Wabwire, Chairperson

– Amongin Prisca, Vice Chairperson

– Ronald Beinomugisha, General Secretary

– Tumwine Cohen, Deputy General Secretary

– Mike Muhereza Kirungi, Secretary Finance

– Benjamin Elaku, Secretary Academic Affairs

– Rev. Moses Senyonyi, Secretary Religious Affairs

– Lydia Labanya, Secretary Publicity

– Dennis Kabila, Secretary Projects

– Enoch Twinomugisha, Representative South Western

– Onzima George, Representative Northern

– Asire Jeremiah, Representative Eastern

– Kesande Grace, Representative Central

– Ochoko Brian, Representative Karamoja

– Kivengere Brenda Mbone, Representative International

– Mubenzzi Yonna, Secretary Gender Affairs

– Nansubuga Judith, Member

– Wandera Ezra, Member

With their vision and expertise, the UCU Alumni Association is full of promise and potential.

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)

UCU

School of Journalism Receives New Building from University Administrators

Today, Friday, 6, September, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially opened the doors to its new School of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC) building. The state-of-the-art facility was handed over to the school by the university’s leadership, led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration.

This comes after the senior leadership received its completed projects from the contractors, during a handover ceremony, on Monday, 26, August, 2024 at the Main Campus in Mukono.

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Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi welcoming the JMC team to their new building.

Prof. Mushengyezi congratulated the school upon receiving its new home.

“It has been something worth the effort. As people who train the fourth estate, we value your significance in the country. We believe you now have ample space to be more creative and that you will shine even more,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

Prof. Mushengyezi emphasized that the new building is part of UCU’s vision to transform the institution into the real center of excellence in the heart of Africa.

For 13 years, the School of JMC and Words of Hope have shared the same building. From that yellow, storied building, faculty members experienced a bird’s-eye view of the university and surrounding hills. The disadvantage is that as what was once a department under the School of Education grew, staff members were scattered. 

JMC is set to relocate to a new building designed to house all its staff and be more centrally located to administrative and other faculty/school offices. The new building, which previously housed School of Business offices, is located near Baskerville Building which houses the UCU Communications and Public Relations Office.

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department within the School of JMC, said the JMC move is part of a university-wide space rationalization exercise that began two years ago. 

“The new block will be referred to as the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Office Block,” Semakula said. “We had a shortage of office space, and as a result, we have been using different office blocks on campus, which kept us scattered. The new block is an opportunity to bring all the staff of the School under one roof.”

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The new UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building.

Professor Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication expressed gratitude to the engineers, contractors, university administration and the entire team involved in the project.

“We feel special, I never dreamt that the former School of Business building would turn out like this after renovation. It is very beautiful and befitting of us,” Professor Chibita said.

She also cited the advantages of the new building. 

“It is centrally located, surrounded by other faculties and schools, as well as some strategic administration offices, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships,” she said. “It also enables us (the faculty) to share office space, which eases collaboration. Many of our students have complained about the distance from the classrooms to the faculty, and we have struggled with limited office space and storage.”

Prof. Chibita noted that as the school shifts to the new location, the studios and equipment will remain at the current location, transforming it into a multimedia center, with The Standard newspaper, the UCU Focus TV, and other facilities relocating to the former JMC building.

Among those who have noticed the positive growth of the School of JMC is Frank Obonyo, an alumnus and a lecturer at the school. He recalled that the journalism department was started by former journalists – Mr. Illakut Ben Bella for print media, the late Okoku Obomba for radio, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda for television. The department was later joined by other seasoned professionals, including Ben Ochan for photojournalism and Jane Gitau, a Public Relations practitioner.

CURRENT JMC
The Former UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication Building.

Obonyo recalled some early collaboration between the Mass Communication department and Spirit FM radio. He remembered being a student when there was no media laboratory with five still-photo cameras shared by over 90 classmates. 

Today, the curriculum training is supported by highly qualified staff and practitioners in the industry and more equipment in a multimedia laboratory and three studios.

Obonyo, who joined UCU as a student in 2003, was among the first interns at The Standard student newspaper. In March 2007, an advertisement called upon Mass Communication graduates to apply for intern jobs at The Standard. The applicants went through the normal university recruitment process and four of the graduates were selected: Frank Obonyo, John Semakula, Brian Semujju and Emma Wafula. 

Obonyo says this was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their journalism skills. 

“As a result, we all got employed by the New Vision newspaper, Uganda’s leading daily English language newspaper,” he said. “At The Standard, I was responsible for Sports news, Semakula was in charge of news and current affairs, Emma Wafula did Campus Life and Semujju was the Managing Editor.”

As the school prepares to relocate to a new building, Obonyo reflects on this journey.

“Today, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication is among the top media and communication training hubs in the country,” he said. “We have come a long way, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.”

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The team cut a cake to celebrate the unveiling of their new JMC home.

For Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the school since 2008, the move will bring numerous benefits to both staff and students. He notes that it will be easier for students to access them since it is closer to the classrooms, compared to the current building location.

“We have course units taught by people from other faculties like the Social Sciences and Education, so being close to other faculty members will allow for easier collaboration,” Ssenoga said.

As Ssenoga looks forward to the relocation, he reflects on his earlier days as a lecturer, when resources were limited and such renovations to allow for office relocation were far fetched. “Well done UCU team”, he added. 

“I had to draw a camera on the blackboard to teach students how to operate a camera because we only had five cameras,” he notes, “But now, students have the privilege to access the camera whenever they need it to practice.”

Timothy Okurut, a student leader representing the Mass Communication class, said: “In the past, there have been times we failed to access the studio for production purposes because the lecturers were in a meeting however with the new building for the staff, we shall have unrestricted access to the studios and thus enhance learning at UCU.”

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)
UCU

Agriculture University of Athens Visits UCU Faculty of Agricultural Sciences

The Agriculture University of Athens (AUA) is visiting Uganda Christian University (UCU) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences under a bilateral agreement between the universities in an ERASMUS+ project over this week. A number of activities are planned to take place including and not limited to two  guest lectures on exploring epigenetics in plant breeding and conservation of landraces or indigenous crop varieties, a visit to farmers UCU has been working alongside and a tour of the faculty and a cultural experience at Ndere Centre. 

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Prof. Penelope Bebeli presenting on the importance of landraces.

The team from AUA led by Prof. Penelope Bebeli made a passionate presentation on the importance of landraces and the work that they have done as a university to conserve Greek landraces. She challenged the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and he community generally at UCU to consider the importance of Landraces because they not only speak into our rich cultures, and heritage but also tell a story of resilience. 

A landrace is a domesticated, locally adapted, often traditional variety of a species of  plant that has developed over time, through adaptation to its natural and cultural environment of agriculture and pastoralism, and due to isolation from other populations of the species. 

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Some of the UCU team that attended a presentation by guest lecturers from AUA on exploring epigenetics in plant breeding and conserving landraces.

Prof. Penelope also challenged the university to support farmers to register in the national registry land races under UNESCO’s Intangible cultural Heritage for posterity.

In the area of molecular breeding Prof. Eleni Tani challenged the team to integrate for a wholistic approach the -omics approach to better understand the diversity within and between our landrace species.  That is to say to look at the plant right from the genome, is proteins and its metabolites on top of understanding how physically different they are. At AUA, she mentioned, metabolomics has been used to select for drought tolerance during breeding of superior grape plants and she presented their findings in different studies on the same.

This visit will  foster further collaboration and promote both cultural and knowledge exchange with the hope that it will open more doors in what can be done together in terms of research, knowledge dissemination, postgraduate training and research said Elizabeth Kizito, the Director Research, Partnerships & Innovation and an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi and Blessing Twine
Edited by: Harriet Adong, UCU Director Communication and Public Relations (Vice Chancellor’s Division)
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