By Irene Best Nyapendi
Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, the keynote speaker for  Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Annual Public Lecture (July 3) and guest speaker at their 25th graduation ceremony (July 5),  leads a remarkable, diverse life in two continents.

In Africa, he is Nana Ofosu Peko III, a revered traditional leader in Ghana, his birthplace. There, he holds absolute power in his community. In North America, he is a respected academic leader at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he has served as president since 2018. Here, his authority is collaborative.

In the USA, Prof. Wubah primarily resides in Millersville, Pennsylvania, but in Ghana, where he ascended to the royal family throne in 2017, he resides in his private home in the capital city (Accra) and his palace at Breman Asikuma. He skillfully bridges the distance by fulfilling his royal duties virtually, connecting with his council of elders each morning before his workday starts at Millersville. Additionally, he visits Ghana annually to connect with his people and perform essential traditional functions.

These seemingly disparate roles – traditional leader and academic – have a surprising synergy, according to Prof. Wubah.

 “The training I received as a king has been crucial for my success as a university president, and the vice versa is true,” he explains. 

Both roles emphasize active listening and thoughtful decision-making. 

Growing up in Ghana, his mother often reminded him that there is a reason why humans have two ears and one mouth. His uncle, the previous king, bluntly advised him that it was essential to “Listen carefully before speaking.” This philosophy translates well to Prof. Wubah’s approach as a university leader, where he prioritizes collaboration and input from his cabinet, the trustees and other campus leaders before formulating decisions.

Wubah’s professional accomplishments garnered him recognition as a UCU keynote speaker in July. During the graduation ceremony, he challenged graduates to become agents of positive change. He emphasized that success goes beyond personal gain; it involves using one’s talents to improve the world. 

“You have been prepared to make a difference,” he counseled.

Prof. Wubah highlighted UCU’s potential to excel due to its entrepreneurial leadership and Christian foundation. 

“The university’s focus on programs like computer science and artificial intelligence, which address real-world challenges, sets UCU apart,” he said. “This is why Millersville University partnered with them through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 3, to facilitate student, staff and faculty exchange.”

Who is Prof. Wubah?
Prof. Wubah’s story is one of resilience forged in the face of tragedy. At the tender age of seven, his life took an unexpected turn. His father, also named Daniel, typically traveled home every weekend to reunite the family. However, a twist of fate intervened.

Daniel Wubah Senior, the Chief Accountant of Ghana Sugar Products Corporation at Asutsuare, worked far from his family. He maintained a residence near his workplace and traveled home on weekends. However, unforeseen challenges on January 20, 1968, prevented him from taking the entire family. He tragically left with only his wife on a journey of no return.

A devastating car accident claimed the life of Wubah Senior. His wife, Elizabeth Appoe, endured physical and emotional trauma, requiring two years of rehabilitation before resuming normalcy.

Faced with this hardship, his mother, a professional seamstress, shouldered the responsibility of raising their four children. In turn, the children, including Prof. Wubah, displayed remarkable determination. They redoubled their efforts in school, vowing not to let the accident shatter their aspirations.

Prof. Wubah’s academic journey is a testament to his perseverance. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in botany and a diploma in education from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, followed by a master’s degree in biology from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Georgia. He even pursued postdoctoral research at the EPA laboratory in Athens, Georgia. 

Before assuming his role at Millersville University, he served as Provost and later Senior Advisor to the President at Washington and Lee University. Prior to that, he served as a faculty member and academic administrator at Towson University, MD; James Madison University, VA; University of Florida; and Virginia Tech. Prof. Wubah has been married to Dr. Judith Wubah, a developmental biologist, for four decades, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren. 

At Millersville, this esteemed microbiologist has spearheaded initiatives that have fostered a more student-centered and values-driven learning environment.

On July 30^th, 2024, the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Church Relations Department hosted the first UCU Clergy Children Fellowship. This gathering aimed to foster a sense of community, faith, and mutual support among the children of clergy members.

30 Clergy students from various dioceses studying at UCU gathered for a day of bonding, spiritual growth, and mutual support.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, Head of the UCU Church Relations Department, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of unity and faith among clergy families.

Participants shared their stories, built connections, and left with renewed faith and friendships.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, sharing their stories and building lasting connections with peers who understand their unique upbringing.

Esther Grace, a participant, expressed her gratitude for the event. “It is refreshing to be in a space where everyone understands what it means to be a clergy child. I have made new friends and strengthened my faith.”

The success of the inaugural UCU Clergy Children Fellowship has set a positive precedent, with plans already underway for future gatherings. The UCU Church Relations Department aims to make this a monthly fellowship continuing to provide a platform for clergy children to bond and grow together in their faith.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations – Vice Chancellor’s Division

From July 22nd to 23rd, 2024, Bishop Barham University College (BBUC) in Kabale, Uganda, a constituent college of Uganda Christian University (UCU), hosted the UCU Senior Leadership team for a Support Supervision visit.

Led by Associate Professor Aaron Mushengyezi, UCU’s Vice Chancellor, the team comprised of  Rev. Assoc. Prof. John M. Kitayimbwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Assoc. Prof. Angella Napakol, Director of Academic Affairs, Ms. Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations (VC’s Office), Mrs. Halima Nassanga Mutabazi, Head of Finance and Ms. Florence Nakiyingi, Director Human Resource & Administration.

The team leveraged this opportunity to celebrate achievements, discuss and propose solutions to the institution’s challenges, and envision a shared future.

During the visit, Assoc. Prof. Mushengyezi acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the BBUC community.

“We are here not just to supervise, but to learn from each other. Your achievements are our achievements, and together we can overcome any challenges that come our way.” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

Day one of the visits began with a tour of the campus, showcasing the recent upgrades, renovations and developments. From the new investments in infrastructure to the state-of-the-art library stocked with recently donated multidisciplinary books.

Students, teaching and non-teaching staff testified about the positive impact these changes had on their academic experience.

Following the tour, the leadership team and the college representatives gathered in the Multi-Purpose Hall for a series of presentations.

Dr. Alice Jossy Kyobutungi Tumwesigye, the University College Principal expressed gratitude for the continued support from UCU.

The presentations that followed highlighted the milestones achieved by the University College over the past year including improvement in academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community engagement initiatives.

After the presentations, the floor was opened for a candid Q&A session. Staff members voiced their concerns, asked questions, and shared their ideas for consideration. This was aimed at improving service delivery to UCU students, their parents, guardians, well-wishers, UCU partners, and alumni among others.

The visit concluded with the formation of small group meetings, comprising UCU senior leadership, BBUC Departmental Heads, and Administrators. These small group discussions ignited creativity as group members discussed innovative ideas for curriculum enhancement, ways to integrate technology more effectively in all university college activities, and strategies to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment among others.

Compiled by: Simon Turyakira, BBUC Public Relations Assistant

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

By Pauline Luba
A Guild President in a university is the bridge between students and the university administration. The job holder relays any issues affecting students to the university, and this is usually done through correspondences and regular meetings. 

That was the work of Timothy Ddumba, who was the Guild President at the Uganda Christian University main campus from December 2022 to December 2023. Even with such a demanding role, in addition to attending to his studies, Ddumba has shown that he is a special student. At the July 5, 2024, graduation, where Ddumba was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, he was named the Best Male Student of UCU with a Grade Point Average of 4.64 out of 5.0.

How did he manage to pull off such a performance with the added responsibilities of leadership at UCU?

“I knew I didn’t have as much time as others did,” Ddumba said during the interview with Uganda Partners, adding: “So, I always made sure I sat at the front in class and paid maximum attention, to get the point. I would also be the first to do assignments.”

At that, he was shocked to learn that he was the best male student.

 “I knew I had a first class, but I didn’t know I was the best performer,” he said. “I found out during an interview when asked about how it felt to be the best.”

His parents — Mr. and Mrs. Makumbi — could not contain the excitement as they watched their son on the red carpet, going to receive his prize – a plaque — on graduation day. 

“It felt so good,” said Mrs. Makumbi, “There are so many students, but seeing yours walking down the carpet was amazing. I thank God. It has always been his dream, since he was in primary school, and we are so proud of him. I pray he gets a brighter future and achieves all his dreams.”

Mrs. Makumbi is Ddumba’s step-mother. His biological mother, Winnie Makumbi, died in 2008. In contesting for the position of Guild President in 2022, Ddumba did not have to look far for inspiration. While a student, his father was the guild president of Kyambogo University. 

“My mother is also a big part of who I am today,” Ddumba said. He explains that he grew up looking up to his mother and her leadership. Growing up, their home was always open to the community and they frequently walked around, talking to people about their issues and helping them to find solutions. 

As early as primary school, Ddumba was a leader at school. At Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School in Kampala, he was the school’s president, the apex leadership position for learners. For his secondary education, Ddumba attended the elite King’s College, Budo near Kampala, where he was again one of the student leaders. In an earlier interview with Uganda Partners, Ddumba said Budo was the cradle of his leadership growth because, through his leadership at the school, he learned to communicate, and to manage people. 

During his tenure as Guild President, Ddumba ensured the inter-faculty games competition returned to the main campus. Ddumba also led the drive for the Guild Run, where money for tuition is collected to benefit students facing financial hardships. The run, which covered six kilometers (three miles) around Mukono in central Uganda, took place on October 21, 2023. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, was the main guest at the event that collected over $6,000 in cash and hope.

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The Uganda Studies Program (USP), run by Uganda Christian University (UCU), was formed with the expectation that the semester-long offering for North American students would survive on strong partnerships. 

Twenty years later, the bond for the partnership that was envisaged has  become stronger with the program registering milestones. The latest of the milestones was the recent visit to UCU by 21 representatives from 11 USA Christian universities and colleges that are affiliated to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 

The spring 2024 visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, explore more opportunities for collaboration and give the United States faculty a feel of the experience that American students go through during the USP program at UCU. USP offers an opportunity for students to engage with the local culture and people and to experience contemporary realities in Uganda. Through classes, internships, and homestays, students experience authentic cross-cultural immersion.

The USP social work students and their UCU counterparts often have regular meetings during the semester, facilitated by USP social work coordinator, Nazjè Mansfield , and Kasule Kibirige, the head of UCU’s social work department. 

The meetings are intended to help American social work students to experience the culturally-embedded nature of their discipline, discussing ethical dilemmas and differing obligations in individual-based versus community-based societies.

The late May visit to UCU included representatives from Bethel University (Minnesota), Calvin University (Michigan), Grove City College (Pennsylvania), Liberty University (Virginia), Messiah University (Pennsylvania), Missouri Baptist University, Palm Beach Atlantic University (Florida), Westmont College (California) and Wheaton College (Illinois).

UCU’s membership in CCCU dates back to 2002, when the university became an international affiliate. Although CCCU ceased coordinating study-abroad programs in 2020, individual Christian universities in the United States continue to maintain partnerships.

Mark Bartels, who launched USP at UCU 20 years ago and also serves as the Executive Director of the Uganda Partners nonprofit, said: “The visit was organized by UCU and USP, and it’s because of the CCCU that these relationships exist.”

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, often attends the annual conference for all CCCU presidents in Washington, D.C.

During the 2023 CCCU Presidents’ Annual Conference, Mushengyezi met with the CCCU President, Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, and other university presidents who send study-abroad students to UCU.

Bartels also expressed hope for potential collaboration beyond USP, acknowledging that they take time to develop and highlighted the benefits of potential partnerships.

“While partnership development is time consuming, when they happen, there are multiple benefits,” Bartels said. “They provide opportunities for connection, helping institutions grow through staff exchanges, benefiting both UCU and the sending institution.”

Eric Michael Washington, a Professor of History at Calvin University, shared his impressions of UCU during his first visit to Uganda and his fifth trip to Africa.

“I love the students’ dress code, it communicates that education is a serious proposition, and you should take it seriously,” said Washington, who was awarded Professor of the Year at his university in 2018. “It’s evident through UCU students that while it’s important to study hard, you should also dress in a way that reflects Christian values and the seriousness of your work.”

Washington also expressed admiration for UCU’s comprehensive degree programs, including PhDs, which are not offered at Calvin University.

As a professor, Washington was interested in learning about USP and exploring opportunities for his students to participate. 

He was impressed by the flexibility of the USP, noting that it can accommodate students from various disciplines, not just social work, promising to recruit more students for the exchange program.

Paul C. Kemeny, a Professor of Religion and Humanities at Grove City College, said the impressions of UCU exceeded his expectations. 

“My impression of UCU, after reading on its website, showed that it is a strong institution, but being here makes me realize it’s even stronger than I had imagined,” he said. “It’s not just about the size of the campus, but the university’s commitment to advancing the Christian mission and preparing the students to live meaningful lives that glorify the Lord.”

Kemeny said both UCU and Grove City College have a wide range of majors and required Bible courses. However, he also acknowledged the differences such as size.  UCU is a larger university than Grove City College. 

He said his college offers two-week travel courses that allow students to travel to foreign countries. 

Diane Krusemark, the Registrar at Wheaton College, Chicago, said the visit to UCU also was her first to Africa. She expressed delight in the local Ugandan cuisine, including green bananas and ground nut stew. 

Krusemark described the 150-year-old Wheaton College as flat and with indoor buildings and a student union center that serves as a hub for activities. Her visit was motivated by Wheaton College’s desire to become a “School of Record” for USP, which would allow them to consider courses taken by students at UCU. 

A School of Record is a United States-accredited institution that awards credits for courses or programs taken by students at non-U.S.-accredited institutions or through independent program providers collaborating with U.S.-accredited institutions for coursework taken abroad.

Sherita Washington, a Professor of Social Work from Calvin University, was impressed by the students she met, noting that their wit, love for Christ, and professionalism was evident. She expressed appreciation for the Christian aspect of UCU and the students’ bold expression of their faith. Her visit aimed to explore USP and establish a partnership for her department. 

“I had the chance to meet some students and share a meal with them,” she noted.

Mr. Peter Kiwumulo, a seasoned lecturer at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) School of Social Sciences, has been an integral part of the institution since 2011. With a wealth of experience in teaching and community leadership, he has made a significant impact on the lives of numerous students.

Born and raised in Buikwe District, Mr. Kiwumulo has served in the Local Government as a councilor for Ngogwe sub county in Buikwe from 2001 to 2005. Before joining UCU, he worked as a part-time lecturer at Makerere University, Kampala Uganda for two years.

Mr. Kiwumulo was drawn to UCU’s serene environment, Christian background, and proximity to his home. He appreciates the university’s commitment to excellence and its impact on the community.

He attributes UCU’s uniqueness to its facilities, library, peaceful environment, and ICT services.

Mr. Kiwumulo’s teaching approach is centered around student-centered learning, encouraging students to research, present, and engage in peer learning.

His passion for teaching is evident in his words: “I feel happiest when I am before a class, especially when students seem to comprehend what I am talking about.”

Many students have passed through Mr. Kiwumulo’s hands, and he feels that it is incredibly fulfilling to see his former students succeed.

Some of his former students have been helpful in his life. He recalls a particular instance when he was at the Uganda Passport Office, and a student recognized him, called him over, was able to quicken his passport application process, and even made the payments for it.

“Many students have passed through my hands, and I feel a sense of pride and joy when I find them in prominent offices, and they call me by name,” said Mr. Kiwumulo.

Mr. Kiwumulo has witnessed significant infrastructural developments at UCU over the past decade, including the construction of new buildings and the introduction of online learning. He has also seen an increase in colleagues pursuing PhDs, which he believes is a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence.

“I have seen most of my colleagues graduate with PHDs which was not very common then,” Mr. Kiwumulo said.

Mr. Kiwumulo is currently focused on soft skills training, which he believes is essential for students’ success. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, personal branding, and time management.

As his time for retirement gets closer, he plans to dedicate his time to offering soft skills training. He also hopes to continue sharing his knowledge and skills with students even after his retirement.

Mr. Kiwumulo has also started mentoring retired professionals through the Uganda Professional Senior Citizens Network.

“Working with colleagues and friends, we have started something called Uganda Professional Senior Citizens Network, where we aim to train and empower retired professionals to be more useful by helping them write their experiences and pass on their knowledge to the next generation,” said Mr. Kiwumulo.

He expresses his gratitude to UCU’s founding management for creating an institution that has given him a platform to share his knowledge and skills. He also thanks his colleagues for their support and camaraderie.

“UCU has not only employed me, but has given me a sense of belonging, and an identity,” he said.

In recognition of his dedicated service, Mr. Kiwumulo received an award recognizing him for the 10 years of service at UCU.

Mr. Kiwumulo is a proud father of four daughters, with his firstborn being a UCU alumni.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations – Vice Chancellor’s Division