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

By Kefa Senoga
Following a recently signed partnership agreement between Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Graham Yoko, the CEO of the Accelerated Education Enterprise (AEE) in Durban, South Africa, UCU is set to launch a study program designed to train teachers for schools following the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Curriculum.

According to Dr. Mary Kagoire, the Dean of UCU School of Education, UCU signed the MoU with AEE because the latter manages the ACE curriculum in Africa, including Uganda.

“Institutions throughout Africa that implement the ACE curriculum receive their teaching and learning materials, as well as support, from AEE,” Kagoire explained.

AEE offers Christian education that inspires faith and guides children towards a meaningful relationship with Christ, with the intention of children being secure in their identity and better equipped to face the challenges of the modern world.

Kagoire said the ACE curriculum is a personalized system of instruction, where the learners are given instruction materials they use to study at their own pace. The instruction materials have integrated biblical values..

AEE has been providing Christian education solutions to schools and homeschools since 1983 through globally-recognized curricula and education solutions tailored to Africa’s unique needs. It seeks to empower and impact Africa by delivering access to world-class Christian education solutions that are innovative and relevant to the continent.

According to Kagoire, every topic a child learns in the ACE curriculum has a related Bible verse. Being a university founded on Christian principles, AEE found it in a better position to support the faith-based program. 

The implementation of the collaboration between the two entities will commence once AEE trains UCU teaching staff on how to instruct the teachers or facilitators of the ACE curriculum. After the training, expected by early 2025, UCU will start promoting the ACE-training diploma program they are set to design, before submission to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for accreditation.

“We are also exploring the possibility of starting continuous professional training programs whereby in case of any adjustments or changes, we can keep on training the ACE teachers,” Kagoire added, noting that a working committee had been established to actualize the Memorandum of Understanding between UCU and AEE.

The diploma course will be available to already trained teachers, as well as individuals passionate about teaching.

“We want the teachers or experts in different skills because all we are giving them are the different pedagogical skills,” Kagoire explained, noting that the partnership comes as a significant step for UCU because it will be the first university to offer the program in Africa. And the university seeks to offer services to Uganda and the whole of Africa, especially through online classes. However, Kagoire said for that to happen, they will need support in terms of computers and the necessary software for online classes. 

UCU Set to Revolutionize Christian Education with ACE Curriculum

According to Kagoire, the number of schools partaking in the ACE curriculum is increasing because many parents are interested in their children receiving a biblical foundation in their education. Uganda is among the more than 20 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa with the ACE program. Currently, 67 schools are under the ACE program in the country.

There is an increase in demand for ACE schools, especially among many of the church schools, including All Saints Cathedral School in Kampala, which is now an ACE school.

ACE runs from pre-school up to grade 12 and AEE oversees the testing and assessment of the learners enrolled in the curriculum. However, in Uganda, there is an arrangement in place where the Uganda National Examinations Board does the “process of equalization.”

Kagoire further remarked: “Now that they have handed the bit of training and developing of facilitators to us, we shall see a lot of potential in growth.” 

On Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda and Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU), along with Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor, and Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Finance and Administration, visited the UCU Arua Campus. The purpose of the Chancellor’s visit was to boost morale, assess progress, and pledge support for the development projects at the Campus.

Rev. Julius Izzy Tabi, Director of UCU Arua Campus, expressed gratitude to the Chancellor and his entourage for braving the challenging journey to Northwestern Uganda to visit Arua Campus.

“We thank you, Chancellor and your entourage for enduring the challenging journey to the Northwest to visit us at Arua Campus” Rev.Tabi said.

Rev. Tabi highlighted the Chancellor’s launch of the 50-year master plan for the campus, which includes the construction of the Bishop Orombi ICT Complex. Fundraising efforts have been initiated for this project.

Rev. Tabi with gratitude also mentioned the Vice Chancellor’s pledge of 20 million and the President of Uganda’s pledge of 2 billion Uganda shillings towards the Bishop Orombi ICT Complex.

 Additionally, an announcement was made about organizing a fundraiser dinner on August 9, 2024, at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala, inviting everyone to contribute generously towards the project.

“We invite everyone to contribute generously towards the project, which will enhance our campus infrastructure and have a profound Socio-economic impact,” Rev. Tabi said.

Furthermore, it was also noted that Bishop Charles and the diocese of Ma’di West Nile have offered 60 acres of land for the university college. This offer is pending ratification by the Trustees (house of bishops) before proceeding with the application for college status.

Attainment of constituent college status would create opportunities, including potential partnerships with the neighboring Church of Uganda Kuluva Hospital, allowing UCU to introduce medical, public health, and nursing programs in Arua.

Dr. Kaziimba commended the leadership, staff, and students of the campus for their dedication and hard work, stating that, “your efforts have not only upheld UCU’s standards but also contributed significantly to the development and progress of the West Nile region and beyond.”

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

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

Uganda Christian University (UCU) has today, Friday, July 5^th, 2024, graduated a total of 1,160 students at its main campus in Mukono, Kampala during the first part of its 25th Graduation Ceremony. Among the graduates, 538 were male and 622 were female. Of these, 24 students achieved first-class honors, with 14 being female and 11 male.

The 1,160 students graduating with diplomas and degrees today came from disciplines including: Education, Law, Social Work and Social Adminstration, Medicine and Surgery, Dentistry, Business Adminstration, Accounting and Finance, Development Studies, Engineering and Public Administration among others.

Sarah Nsereko emerged as the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.72. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

Timothy Ddumba, a former UCU Guild President, emerged as the best male student, with a CGPA of 4.64, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

The university Chancellor His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, thanked the UCU Vice Chancellor and his dedicated staff for their tireless efforts and exemplary leadership. He noted that, it is the commitment of the UCU Vice Chancellor and team around him which has kept the university growing from strength to strength.

Dr. Kaziimba noted that this ceremony marks a significant milestone in the life of UCU graduates who have dedicated years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice to reach this momentous occasion.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2024,” said Dr. Kaziimba. “As you step out into the world, beyond the UCU gates, I encourage you to keep learning because learning is the only thing the mind will never get exhausted of, fear, nor regret.”

He mentioned that today the graduates stand on a face fold of a new chapter in their lives, equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with values that reflect the philosophy of UCU.

Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the University Vice Chancellor noted that UCU graduates are known for being different in whatever they do hence they should go and shine in the marketplace.

As he delivered his remarks, the UCU Vice Chancellor congratulated staff members upon their awards and accolades, also mentioning his own Golden Jubilee Medal awarded by the President of the Republic of Uganda for his contribution to the education sector.

Prof. Elizabeth Kizito, Director of Research Partnerships and Innovation, being elected President of the All Africa Horticulture Congress, which will be hosted by UCU in 2028.

Prof. Emily Maratcho, from the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication, being elected Board Chairperson of the African Centre for Media Excellence.

Prof. Angella Napakol, Director of Academic Affairs, being promoted to Associate Professor among others.

Prof. Mushengyezi later took the guests through some of the other achievements UCU has registered in the recent past.

For the sixth year in a row, UCU emerged as the overall “Best Exhibitor” among both public and private universities in Uganda during the National Council for Higher Education Exhibition which was hosted by UCU at its regional college in Mbale.

NCHE recently accredited a PhD in Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC); a PhD in Development Studies; a PhD in Business Administration; a Master of Arts in African Studies; and a Master of Literature among others.

UCU emerged first runner-up at the 2023 Inter-University games, with six gold medals.

UCU has signed a partnership with Millersville University for student and staff exchanges, joint research, and other activities.

UCU has launched a seven-year campus transformation initiative.

The new Kampala campus building was handed over to UCU by the contractors on May 20th, and construction of parking lots, renovation of buildings, and infrastructural improvements are ongoing at regional campuses.

The UCU “Just for 10k” campaign has raised 167 million Ugandan shillings, supporting over 100 needy students.

UCU has strengthened partnerships with the US and regional based partners, including St. Paul’s University in Kenya, and signed a partnership agreement with Accelerated Christian Education Enterprise in South Africa.

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences received an Erasmus grant worth 800,000 Euros.

A team led by Dean Dr. Rose Mary Bulayaba received 50 million Uganda shillings through the UCU research fund among other grants.

UCU students of Computer Science were awarded the best pitching team at one of the national hackathon sessions among other achievements.

Prof. Mushengyezi urged all graduates to face the world with the courage and boldness of one who has a vision and purpose in life.

“Pursue your dream relentlessly, and as you do so, demonstrate excellence in word and in deed as a servant leader that UCU has prepared you to be,” said Prof. Mushengyezi.

He also encouraged them to make the most of the knowledge and skills they have acquired while at UCU, their cherished alma mater.

Prof. Daniel Wubah Urged UCU Graduates to Drive Positive Change

Prof. Daniel Asua Wubah, a Ghanaian-born, and the President of Millersville University of Pennsylvania who was the guest of honor at the ceremony, urged graduands to be advocates of positive change in their communities. 

He noted that while it may be tempting to view success solely in terms of personal achievements most important individuals in history are not those who focused solely on their own achievements but rather those who used their talents to make the world a better place.

Prof. Wubah encouraged the graduates not to be anxious, assuring them that their education has provided the skills needed to turn challenges into opportunities.

“Graduates remember you have been prepared to go and change the world,” said Prof. Wubah. “The world needs your expertise, creativity, and commitment to serving others.”

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

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

By Dorothy Tushemereirwe
Not all adventures are created equal. Ask me – or maybe query a dozen Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Dentistry students who recently traveled with me by boat to a remote island.

The moment I was carried, yes, carried, and plopped into a handmade boat fashioned of steel and wood, I was in for a ride and experience of a lifetime. Identically attired in  orange life jackets, the students, instructors, representatives of the UCU Directorate of Research Partnerships and Innovations (DRPI), and others traveled with me across a not-so-calm Lake Victoria towards Koome Island, remotely located within central Uganda’s Mukono District.

More than 19,000 residents from as far as Western Uganda make the island their home. In the early 1900s, there were fewer occupants because  many fled or succumbed to a parasite-causing African “sleeping sickness.”

Today, cultures that include Baganda, Banyankole, Bakiga, Acholi, Langi, the Iteso and Lugbara gravitate here, with the lure of free land but little else. Houses are scattered with a church, one government health center and a primary and a secondary school on 3,000, mostly mosquito-free acres. Hand-crafted canoes and nets, scattered about the shoreline, tell the tale of meager economic support through catches of Nile perch and tilapia.

In short, and to help facilitate a dentistry school project of free services to economically-poor residents, I was stuck in the middle of nowhere.  Tourists and citizens find other nearby land masses like Ngamba-Chimpanzee Island for orphaned chimpanzees more familiar and attractive, and even livable with restaurant food and electricity. Koome, part of Kyaggwe Saza in the Buganda Kingdom, uses solar energy and sketchy generators.

A group of polished urban dwellers  and office-type urban colleagues, we arrived near Entebbe, 22 miles from Koome, with an expectation of a somewhat modern Packwach or Kalangala-like ferry, the kind you see in the honeymoon movies, replete with a roof, and wind sails.  I imagined the one I used at Kazinga Channel and pineapple bay,  but Koome’s ferry, we were told, got stuck somewhere. The Uganda government, noticing no sustainable commercial benefit from it, was reportedly not thinking of reviving it, but local government officials said that revival plans are underway.

The lessons of obstacles to accomplishment were just starting, albeit untimely and harsh.

Yet, zealous for our (worthy) dental mission among the island’s most vulnerable population, we felt nothing was going to hinder us.  The first shock was getting loaded (and I mean physically ) onto a boat. Along with a group of  University students and Dr. Arabat Kasangaki, a dentist and teacher, we allowed the rugged hands of a fisherman to carry us to the unstable swinging vessel. 

After about 30 of us were nervously hauled onto the seemingly fragile, open-air wooden transport,  we navigated the June winds and the gale. The message that we would arrive “soon” was followed by more than two hours of a hair-and-clothing-wet journey of life jacket-tightening and, for some, nausea. 

As people from a Christian university would do and as waves hit the transport’s outsides and splashed inside, we sang. Led by Dr. Arabat, there were the words of “Tukutendereze Yesu” as well as the UCU theme song, “To God be the Glory” and other melodies of Zion.

It seemed we were on a trek to a foreign land. Our heavenly home seemed nearer than before. Jonah’s biblical account of every guy in the boat praying to his own god seemed more real, except that in our case, unlike Jonah, we had no hope of a Nile perch spitting us out.

Responses among passengers were both varied and similar. As faith followers, thoughts went to empathy for the Lord’s disciples seeing Jesus sleep through such sea turmoil as did a baby among us on this 2024 journey. 

“Service learning is very essential in our training,” Dr. Arabat, a seasoned medical professional said. “Taking our students to remote areas like this one is of value to our students to help those who have been urban all their lives appreciate the need within our communities. We believe this helps them nurture compassion later after graduation. “   

I am a mobilizer experienced in Human Resource practice.  But no human in this boat seemed either resourced, or emotionally mobilized enough for what we were facing. At that, some, like my neighbor enroute, could still afford a nap.

I had spent a better part of my life familiar with facing discouraged employees, not sailors, so I may have been ready for a pounding boss all my office days, but not a pounding wave.  What seemed like an ordinary day quickly turned out dramatic, as engine failure rounded up the early drama at mid-lake when no mainland was in sight. 

One of our rowers looked so baffled and clueless, too, to which someone in the boat remarked “He must be an intern.” I am not sure we laughed as well at that joke as we should have. Alas, does anybody banter when the smell of uncertainty is near?

To be precise, it was 2.5 hours later that we had an island in view.  You could almost hear the loud sighs, arriving around 4:30 p.m. By sheer grace, we touched land feeling weary, beaten, hungry and emotionally spent.

I wondered: Must fixing teeth be this hard?

Initially, we were to have stayed at the remarkable Ngamba island, (renowned for its chimpanzee tourism) but it was flooded, which meant we eventually had to  be booked at Walindi Point, another island about 20 minutes away from the service area and by antiquated boat transport.

UCU’s Commitment to Service

The first night on the day we arrived at Walindi point, we were exhausted. We crashed but were awakened by a fierce storm that raged and shook our cabins from Midnight to 3 a.m. Preceded by another boat trip, Koome was waiting for us the next day. 

By 7 a.m., my group and our captain, Geoffrey, were enroute to Koome, where dentistry students had spent the night and  were already receiving patients – the start of helping roughly 400 men, women and children with cavities, gum diseases and tumors during four days.  For ongoing wellness practices, toothpaste and toothbrushes, compliments of Henry-Schein dental supplies, were left behind. 

The service there as well as in Mukono was sponsored by the UCU Directorate of Research Partnership and Innovation in collaboration with Uganda Partners, Koome Sub-county Local government and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation and Education Centre (UWEC).

Part of my role, arranged by Uganda Partners, was to support the person recording demographic information. As with many low-income populations, the number of teenage mothers was high, with one particular embedded in my memory.  The young woman arrived with her two children, seething with tooth pain and in need of fillings and extractions. I wondered what would have happened if we hadn’t come.

Such is the dire plight of many Koome Island residents that have never seen a dentist.  Every mission UCU undertakes on this island is a healing affair, for such who never get a chance to have teeth checked, let alone use a toothbrush.  

Would we go again?  

“Yes,” Dr. Arabat readily responded. “We would appreciate any support to keep the light shining. We believe this as an entry for other university programmes to improve the livelihoods of the island communities.”

Will I go again?  Yes, for the same reasons.