Story By Nathan Simbilyabo and Bena Nekesa

Photos, Video by Nathan Simbilyabo

In 2004, Mark and Abby Bartels embarked on a journey to create a unique educational experience for students from Christian colleges and universities in North America. What started as the Uganda Studies Program (USP) at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has now blossomed into a 20-year legacy of cultural exchange and academic learning.

“We learned early that relationships would be the key to the success of the program,” said Mark Bartels, now executive director of a USA-based nonprofit, Uganda Partners. “Beyond the essential rapport with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and UCU was that the program provided relationships with other students, host families, faculty members and supervisors – primarily Ugandans.”

Now living in Pennsylvania, Mark and Abby, who had USP founding roles of coordinator and assistant coordinator, respectively, spent 10 years at UCU, working, living and raising their three children there.  Both are graduates of Wheaton (Illinois) College, which is one of more than 100 higher education institutions under the CCCU umbrella. 

When the couple launched USP 20 years ago, Abby’s father, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll, was UCU’s Vice Chancellor. 

According to Mark, CCCU had other programs designed with academics and home stays  in Russia, China, Egypt, Costa Rica and England. One different distinction was that USP was the first CCCU program to be closely partnered and embedded within a Christian university. A key UCU component was alignment with the Honors College, coordinated then by the Rev. Canon Dr. Sam Opol, assisted by his wife, Margaret. 

Today, the USP is a program with a focus on Social work, Global Health, and Interdisciplinary studies, offering students a wide range of educational opportunities. Rachel Robinson, the program director for the past 10 years,  leaves her post in June. The director oversees the day-to-day operation and the transformative experience it provides for students.

About the USP Program at UCU

When applying for the Uganda Studies Program at UCU, students choose from one of the following academic concentrations: Social Work, Global Health, or Interdisciplinary, and engage in internships at different organizations depending on their area of study.

The program also creates a different learning experience for students in Uganda and Africa as a whole, arranging for a student to be placed with a host family on arrival, and during the trip they stay in villages for a week in  which a student can learn what academics cannot give. 

During one of two semesters known at UCU as Advent/Fall and Spring/Easter Semester, they do a homestay in Kapchorwa or Serere. At the end of a semester over the years, they make a final study trip to Northern Uganda or Rwanda and finish with a debrief in Entebbe before returning to North America.

The USP since its inception boasts of up to 970 alumni including 120 males and the rest females, who have since become global alumni ambassadors of UCU and sponsors in partnership with UCU. For over two decades of USP existence, the program has had over 93 American and Ugandan staff members, including a coordinator, program assistant and a homestay coordinator.

Rachel’s Journey with USP

On April 10, the USP celebrated two major milestones in its history: first, its 20th anniversary since 2004; and second, honoring Rachel Robinson for her leadership as director of the Program. Outgoing students also bade farewell. 

Rachel’s leadership journey began in 2014 when Mark, now executive director of UCU Partners, moved back to the USA. Her tenure with USP started in 2010 while she was serving as the Coordinator of the Intercultural Ministry Mission Emphasis (IMME). Effective June 1, the USP lead position will be assumed by Emily Entsminger, a USP alum who has been serving as a Student  Life Coordinator.

“I have many memories – both good and challenging – from the years in the role of the directorate,” Rachel said. “One of the difficult memories is the bomb attack that happened in one of the universities in Kenya in 2015.” The Garissa University College attack in Kenya took place in April 2015 when gunmen stormed the institution, massacring 148 and injuring 79 more people.

“It was a serious crisis that happened because from that we were called to evacuate our students before the end of their semester,” she said. “That semester we had farewell without students.”

One of  Racheal’s highlights during her service under USP were trips to Rwanda where she and USP cohorts interacted with a Rwandese national with Christian Action for Reconciliation and Social Assistance (CARSA), Christophe Mbonyingabo, who told them about the Rwandese genocide of 1994 and reconciliation and recovery that was happening.

When asked about her next step, Rachel expressed uncertainty but asserted “trust in God” both for her and USP.

“Whenever there is a success, mostly the directors and leaders get the praise, while I didn’t do it alone and mostly every time there are people in the background working overtime,” she said. “I am undoubtedly confident with the coming director of USP that even if it doesn’t go well or it goes well, she will do well.” 

What others say

The April celebration was attended by many guests including the host families, homestay families, roommates, former USP staff including the former Vice Chancellor Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration David Mugawe and University Chaplain Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro. 

“I have seen this program grow and go through different seasons, both difficult and good, for example during COVID-19 and the attack on the university in Kenya in 2015,” recalled Dr. Senyonyi during his speech. “But the outgoing director, with whom I joined UCU almost at the same time, has worked so hard, so I say, Rachel, you must come back because we still need you.” 

The UCU Directorate of Student Affairs, Pamela Tumwebaze, added appreciation to Rachel “as a colleague and close friend.”

“Rachel had become like a sister to me,” Pamela said. “I will miss her. I wish I could convince her to stay, and I do not know what word I will use.”

During his speech, Mugawe presented Rachel with an award in recognition of her good work and thanked her on behalf of the university community.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of cake, a meal, a touching slideshow of memories and well-wishes from friends, and officially closed with prayer by the UCU Chaplain.

Another commemoration with an audience of USP alumni  is planned in July in the USA state of Colorado. 

As USP marks its 20th anniversary and its impact, it remains committed to providing students with immersive educational experiences that broaden their horizons and shape their worldview. Most importantly, it continues to inspire students to understand and appreciate other cultures.

To combat the toll of maternal and child mortality, Save the Mothers (STM) East Africa organized a Maternal and Child Health Conference on April 26^th  at Uganda Christian University (UCU).

The conference was held under the theme: “No mother or child should die or be harmed due to preventable childbirth-related complications: a role of multidisciplinary professionals.”

It was aimed at addressing key issues in maternal health, sharing innovative approaches, and inspiring positive change across communities. Participants generated and exchanged knowledge, shared experiences, and developed strategies to improve maternal health globally.

The Save the Mothers Conference brought together experts, advocates, and leaders who are dedicated to improving maternal health and outcomes across the world.

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director Curative Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health graced the conference as Guest of Honour. He commended the Save the Mothers’ initiative for their dedication to the cause of saving lives of mothers and babies.

“Your dedicated work shows the transformational power of collective actions, resilience, innovations, and your efforts to implement impactful interventions that save the lives of mothers and babies,” Dr. Olaro said.

Jean Chamberlain Froese, one of the founders of Save the Mothers, encouraged the attendees to assess their skills, gifts, and potential to save mothers and ensure safe motherhood for children in East Africa and beyond.

Janet Apio, an alumni member of the 2016 class, said it was through the skills and knowledge she acquired at STM that she was able to open three projects in Bugiri district after realizing the need in her community to solve the problem of maternal mortality.

“I started three projects as interventions towards reducing maternal mortality deaths, including antenatal, postnatal, and general nursing care to help mothers during deliveries,” Apio said.

Compiled by Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

Uganda Christian University (UCU) Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology (FEDT) has flagged off three students for an exchange program at Aksaray University in Turkey. Rodney Hannington Ssebuliba, Sandra Ssebagala, and Faith Wanadi Angeango will benefit from the exchange programme over a period of two-months.

Miria Frances Agunyo, the Dean of FEDT, noted that UCU has been collaborating with Aksaray University for the past three years. She further stated that students who have done an engineering course or an elective in renewable energy, sanitation engineering, or construction were the eligible candidates to be sent to Aksaray University.

“These students have the opportunity to do a traineeship at Aksaray University, where they can gain more practical experiences and leverage more opportunities to closely and physically work with other students and researchers in different thematic areas,” Agunyo said.

Upon their return, the students are expected to give back to the university by supporting their fellow students in research and other activities in the areas  of innovation and research.

Ssebuliba, a fourth-year Civil and Environmental Engineering student, expressed excitement to further harness knowledge, discover Turkey’s culture, tour around, and make new friends.

“I look forward to venturing into the water and concrete sites in Turkey,” Ssebuliba said.

Angeango is excited for the opportunity to visit Turkey and expand her perspective by experiencing the thoughts, work, and lifestyle of people in another country.

“I want to see how the people there think, how they work, and their way of life, so that I can broaden my knowledge and perspective base too.” She pointed it out.

Sebagala, a third-year Civil Engineering student, is excited to learn, she believes that being in a new country will provide her with valuable experiences and opportunities.

“I have heard a lot about the program from the students who have been there before,” Sebagala said. “I hope to be exposed to what life is like outside Uganda and also further garner technological and practical skills among others to not only benefit I as an individual but also others within and beyond my space .”

UCU is committed to providing its students with opportunities to learn and grow by connecting with the world and expanding their career prospects. This is the third cohort of students going to Askaray University, Turkey.

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi

Editted By: Harriet Adong, Consultant at UCU’s Communication and Public Relations Department

For many university courses, students are expected to engage in  internships or have work placements as one requirement for the award of their degree. Pauline Luba of the UCU School of Journalism gleaned information from  some key university staff, an employer/alum and two students to learn how students should conduct themselves in the world of work, especially during internships.  UCU Law alum, Chris Mogal, created a video to reinforce the message, including how to avoid harrassment. 

Rev. Paul Wasswa Ssembiro, university chaplain, UCU

I am the university chaplain at Uganda Christian University (UCU). I’m in my fifth year here in this position. Internships come with temptations, “predators” and things that could be dangerous to a student. However, when students go into the internship with strong values, they can always cope. Know the value you attach to yourself, and you need a solid character base from which to draw the values. At UCU, we give opportunities to students to grow spiritually. Once you join any workplace, make your stance clear. Speak back to whichever predator, and the good news is the predators know that what they are doing is wrong.

I am the Senior Public Relations Officer at the Law Development Center (LDC). From 2003 to 2006, I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication at UCU. The transition from student to work is really different. As a student, there are lots of dos and don’ts in the guidelines at school to help keep someone in check, but when you move out to the professional world, it is all about you, and so there is interconnectedness between the two. The professional life is informed by the student’s life. There is no disconnect between the two; how you handle yourself as a student will reflect professionally on how you also will live the working life. My transition was formed when I joined UCU. Some of the things that I learned seem to be small, but mean a lot in life. For example, things like worship are not in every university. But when I joined UCU, I felt my level of faith improved because of the opportunity, such as the worship hour every Tuesday and Thursday.  I am one of the people formulating the sexual harassment policy at LDC. If you know yourself, you will not give in. Alumni are a big force in change. They contribute to the reputation of an institution. So, we cannot leave them out. They can guide the students. We can invite alumni to speak to students on how they can be prepared to manage their life of work. 

I have been an intern at places such as Pearl Advocates — a law firm and Resilient Africa Network, a partnership of 20 African universities in 13 countries. Our university usually guides us on where to go for internships. The talks they give us also provide insights into what to expect at the internship. There are some principles we need to uphold in order not to cast the university in a bad light. I have never faced sexual harassment or discrimination at the workplace, and I pray that my peers never get to experience such. Students need to be God-fearing. The university could counsel students on how to keep safe at work. 

UCU prides itself in professionalism and developing the character of students. We expect students to have integrity when they go to the workplace. We also expect our students to be diligent and to live by the core values we instilled in them. We expect them to serve others, and not to behave as if they are above everyone else. Servanthood and stewardship are some of the values we instil in them. They are also taught foundational courses that help them to conduct themselves out in the world. The university organises career affairs and invites several employers to speak to our students. In addition to this, UCU runs mentorship programs for the students. 

The programs equip students with tips and tricks to deal with issues like sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. In case of any harassment at the workplace, students need to identify who is harassing them and inform the authorities. 

At UCU, we offer several services that prepare students for internships and work placements. One of the key trainings that we have is the para counsellors training, where we discuss matters like the dos and don’ts in the world of work, as well as issues about sexual harassment. Students need to know the right steps to take in case of harassment. Harassment comes with a lot of consequences, including pregnancy. So, we try to “journey” with people who may find themselves in such situations. 

We also teach the students about emotional stability — when you go to a workplace, there are little things that can provoke someone, but once you are emotionally stable, you can respond, as well as execute your duties. 

Laetisha Asio Seth, student of Bachelor of Governance and International Relations, UCU

It’s advisable that one holds their values high when going into the world of work, for instance, being God-fearing, assertive, able to communicate and defend oneself. I advise that you just stay away from instances that could compromise you. 

Uganda Christian University (UCU) students have started a Coffee Club and hub to promote the culture of coffee drinking. The effort has been possible with the support of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) whose officials paid a visit to the UCU Incubation Hub, on April 22, 2024.

The UCDA officials provided barista training for the prospective UCU Coffee Club members.

The initiative is expected to lead to the official launch of the UCU Coffee Club, which is a student-centred organization dedicated to promoting coffee-drinking culture.

Richard Miiro Mutebi, the Vice President of the UCU guild, expressed gratitude to UCDA for providing students with valuable insights into the coffee value chain. “ We appreciate the great enlightenment you have offered us on the coffee value chain. The maiden barista training on the process of making lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos is one that we shall always cherish.”

A pictorial of the event is presented below.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

By Irene Best Nyapendi
The first time Victoria Nantambi had a ward round, she was with a team of three other nurses. Together, they were entrusted with the task of treating an elderly woman who was suffering from a lung infection.

The woman also had an open ulcer. Although this was Nantambi’s first time working in a hospital, she did her best to help the woman. By evening, the patient’s condition had improved. 

At 4 p.m. Nantambi, a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science at Uganda Christian University (UCU), happily went home. When she returned the following day, she eagerly inquired about the status of her patient. The bed was empty. The patient had died. 

“The death of my patient struck me, but also taught me that we only treat, and it’s God who heals,” she said. “We do our best to save lives, but the outcomes are not ours to determine.”

For such experiences, Nantambi says: “Nursing keeps me on my toes and that’s what I love about it.”

She says in order for students to garner as much experience as possible, they are always on the move, visiting different hospitals to get a feel of the operations there. 

When it comes time for clinical rotations, they go to the hospital with objectives to achieve while applying the theory they learned in class. While there, they are supervised and have responsibilities dictated by their course unit and objectives.

Nantambi’s recent clinical practice at Mukono General Hospital was on safe motherhood and maternal health. She was tasked with assisting mothers in the labor suite, antenatal and postnatal wards.

However, she feared helping HIV-positive mothers to deliver because of the risk of infection.

On one of her days at Mukono General Hospital, they received an emergency. She quickly prepared the necessary equipment to assist the mother in delivering. During the process, the mother gushed out a lot of amniotic fluid, but Nantambi continued with the delivery process, albeit cautiously. It was after the delivery, that she checked the mother’s antenatal card and discovered that she was HIV-positive. 

“I was worried about contracting HIV due to her excessive discharge,” Nantambi said. “However, I tested negative and the experience helped me know more about HIV.” 

HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is passed on through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus and breast milk and only outside the body if the uninfected person has broken skin.  At that, such person-to-person transmission is rare. 

For the days she works in the labor suite, Nantambi starts by cleaning the area, then assesses the condition of the women in labor, as well as assisting during delivery.

“Working in the labor suite has taught me that patients’ lives depend on the nurses. We have to be fully alert and attentive,” Nantambi said.

After spending the day attending to patients’ needs, scrutinizing and administering medications, conferring with senior nurses, she finally gets to report to the nurse in charge before she retires for the day. 

One of the most rewarding experiences for her is witnessing the recovery of her patients, and subsequently receiving expressions of gratitude from them. Nursing involves touching lives. It gives Nantambi immense joy when her patients call to thank her for treating them. 

UCU Erick Rwamurenzi

When Rwamurenzi, a UCU student of Bachelor of Nursing Science, was 17, he got an injury while playing football. He said at the hospital, the nurse seemed too afraid to work on him that he wondered if she treated all patients the same way. This experience ignited a passion in him to care for patients.

“I prayed to God to help me become the person that will help people,” he says. 

Rwamurenzi and his colleague nursing students reach the hospital by 8 a.m. and start their day with ward rounds and drug administration, and, later, post-conference discussions to share experiences and discuss what they saw in the wards. 

During one of his days in the hospital, he attended to a 35-year-old woman who had been pregnant nine times, but had only given birth to five babies at full term. The rest were miscarriages. The day before, she had undergone a cesarean section, but due to strong uterine contractions, she experienced a severe uterine rupture that resulted in the loss of her uterus. Unfortunately, she was also HIV-positive, epileptic, and had lost her husband only a month before. 

Despite her condition, Rwamurenzi did his best to save both the mother and the baby. He administered fluids, antibiotics, and offered psychological support. He monitored them and was happy to see them improve and be discharged from the hospital.

The most satisfying part of being a nursing student, according to the 27-year-old, is when he helps patients heal and they call to say thank you. The other part is the amount of assistance they get from the nursing administration that helps them find their footing in the hospital operations.

Rwamurenzi narrates that one of the challenges he has faced as a nursing student is when some senior health professionals on the wards do not want to engage with them in the name of being busy. However, he notes that clinical practices are vital as they provide nursing skills and enable them to familiarize with the hospital environment.