News & Updates Archives - Page 13 Of 22 - Uganda Christian University

March 11, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

Congress provides hope for parents of special needs children

By Kefa Senoga
In 2018, a patient in a Ugandan hospital labor ward developed a ruptured placenta. As expected, this emergency required all the attention of the medical staff on duty. Many of the women who were in labor in the same ward could only be assisted after handling the urgent situation.

Akut Suzan, who was among the other women in labor at that time, says when she eventually gave birth to her son, she and her son were exhausted.

“He did not cry at all,” Akut narrated during a recent seminar at Uganda Christian University (UCU) main campus.

Dr. Jeremy Waiswa (holding microphone) addresses the audience at the event. With him are some of the faculty.

“When I was discharged, he turned yellow and got jaundice. He got sepsis in the umbilical cord, and that part got paralyzed,” she recalled, adding, “By the time we returned to hospital for review, I was told the baby had already been affected, so they could not reverse his situation.”

The result is that for the rest of her life, Akut, who works as a house-help for a living, has to contend with mothering a child with cerebral palsy and other health issues.

At five years now, Ajono Daniel cannot walk by himself; his hands cannot hold anything and he has developed a conversion disorder. He is currently using a walker for movement.

At his age, Ajono would ordinarily be in his second year of a kindergarten class in Uganda. But that is not the case. He has not even started school.

Some of the special needs children who attended the event

Ajono and Akut were at the UCU main campus on February 16 to participate in a seminar for children with special needs, as well as their parents, and stakeholders. The two-day seminar, held under the theme “Unlocking the Potential Towards Inclusive and Equitable Education for Children with Special Educational Needs in Uganda,” started on February 15.

Akut, a resident of Makindye, a suburb of Kampala, says she has sought, without success, admission for her son in many of the schools that do not offer specialized care for children with special needs. The few that agreed to admit him, she said, increased the tuition fees, with the justification that Ajono needs specialized care. In addition, they asked Akut to hire a special caregiver for her son while at school.

Amidst all these challenges, Akut remains positive. Her husband and the father of Ajono has not abandoned the two. He has endeavored to provide the little that he gets to support his son, in addition to showing him “unconditional love.”

“He is not ashamed to carry him, even in public,” she says.

Special needs children perform in Nkoyoyo Hall at the event.

Information at the UCU seminar further reminded Akut that she isn’t alone.

At the dialogue, which took place on the first day of the event, the primary discussion centered on inclusive education, aiming to spark potential actions or policy interventions for the betterment of children with special needs.

The second day of the event was focused on fostering interaction with special needs children, along with their parents and teachers. The objective was to gain insights into their challenges and to advocate support. Akut said by attending the congress, she was able to share with parents who are facing the same dilemma.

When at home “you may think that the situation of your child is the worst, yet there are people out there in worse situations,” Akut said at the congress organized in collaboration between the UCU School of Social Sciences and Promise International, a US-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering and educating children with special needs and their families in Uganda.

Some children with special needs prepare to perform at the event.

Representatives from the government, the academia, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others, took part in the congress. Uganda’s minister in charge of disability affairs, Hellen Grace Asamo, was among the special guests.

Sarah Bugoosi, the Commissioner for Special Needs in Uganda, urged parents to embrace and support their children with special needs, and not to listen to negative public opinion about their children.

Dr. Jeremy Waiswa, the coordinator of the partnership between UCU and Promise International, said they fronted the partnership, so that UCU, given its strong foundation on Christian principles, can make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.

Waiswa said they took advantage of the congress to organize a medical camp for the children. The UCU School of Medicine provided 12 medical students who assisted the medical workers from the university’s Allan Galpin Medical Center to run the medical camp.

March 10, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

Rural Uganda women defy odds to create a livelihood for families

By Kefa Senoga
Achito Loyce is not someone who prides in being defined by her past. She does not want challenges to define her. And that is precisely the reason she has defied all odds to transform not just her life, but that of her children, as well as siblings.

From an early age, Achito, a resident of Soroti in northeastern Uganda, shouldered the responsibility of caring for her seven siblings. Following the passing on of her father and her mother’s ailing health, Achito became both the breadwinner and a mother figure for her family. In fact, her clan members forbade her from marrying because there was no one to take over the responsibility of looking after her family members.

Achito Loyce says her restaurant has not only transformed her life, but also for those who depend on her.

Achito and her seven siblings were being raised on land their mother’s family had given their father. However, upon the passing on of their father, Achito says her maternal relatives had a change of heart on the land – they sent them off, reasoning that the children were supposed to return to their paternal relatives. And they neither knew the paternal relatives nor where they lived.

After many months of wandering, Achito and her siblings finally settled on land donated to them by a Good Samaritan. The family knew full well that the odds were stacked against them. For that, they engaged in casual work for willing members of the community, in order to eke a living.

The family members saved some money, which they used to set up a restaurant in Tuburi Town Council, Soroti district. Achito says the restaurant has not only transformed her life, but also for those who depend on her. She has been able to meet the needs of her family, including educating her four sons. The boys are now grown children, and each of them is living in their independent homes. From the restaurant, she has also been able to save money and build a permanent house.

Five kilometers away from the home of Achito is Anayo Mary, a widow. Anayo was living with her husband in Adjumani, northwestern part of Uganda. However, upon his death, she says she faced economic hardships that made it almost impossible for her to take care of her four children. She gave in and returned to her parents in Soroti.

Anayo Mary with some of the chairs she rents out to people organizing parties

Currently, Anayo runs small businesses, which she complements with farming. She is actively involved in livestock farming. Additionally, she engages in the sale of agricultural produce, such as millet, tomatoes, wheat and soya. She also owns 100 plastic chairs, which she rents out to people who have parties in the community.

The solid business acumen of Anayo and Achito are not by accident. The two have undergone training in running businesses, including basics of how to save money, book keeping and accounting, customer care and record keeping.

Destiny Community Development Initiative (DECODI) is one of the organizations that have held the hands of Anayo and Achito, and shown them how to keep afloat in the world of business.

Elotu Mercy, an alum of Uganda Christian University, who is the head of business and investment at DECODI, notes that many of their beneficiaries, just like Anayo and Achito, have been able to improve their livelihood using interventions, such as those provided by DECODI.

The organization mobilizes and applies its resources, leverages its networks, and avails its expertise to engage with, and

directly meet the psychological, economic and social basic needs of vulnerable women and their homesteads, focusing on single mothers in northeastern Uganda.

It is not easy for one to do proper bookkeeping when they are illiterate. Therefore, DECODI runs programs on adult learning to equip its beneficiaries with literacy skills that can enable them to successfully run their businesses. Both Achito and Anayo are graduates of the organization’s literacy classes.

One of the current learners in the adult education program, Amoding Sarah, says they have learned about keeping proper sanitation at home. She says one of the reasons for joining the program was because she wanted to learn how to keep proper hygiene in her home.

“I have been able to learn about a balanced diet and now I am able to feed my family well and nutritiously,” Amoding says.

Micheal Eberu, an official at DECODI, said although their target is women, they also include men in their programs, reasoning that in many communities, when women get more economically empowered than the men, it can create domestic violence. On many occasions, men can sabotage women’s projects because they feel marginalized. As Eberu elaborates, they often implore the men to work with the women.

March 10, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

Solar lamp gifts transform lives of UCU students

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Whenever there is a power blackout in Mukono town, it affects the hostel where Diana Nakiyemba lives. As a result, the only option the fourth-year student of Bachelor of Laws at Uganda Christian University (UCU) had was traveling back to the main campus, so she can access electricity light to read her books.

Diana Nakiyemba poses with her solar lamp.

And she would not be alone. Nakiyemba, whose hostel of residence is hundreds of meters away from the university, says she often returned to the campus to get light for reading with a group of friends. There were days they would stay on campus up to midnight, reading. Some of such evenings were those the night before they wrote exams.

However, it is now safe to say such scenarios are a thing of the past for many at UCU. Nakiyemba and a group of other UCU community members are recent recipients of solar lamps donated to them by Brian Kluth, an American missionary. Kluth, a Christian speaker and writer, was at UCU as a guest preacher during the university’s Mission Week in mid-February.

The Mission Week is dedicated to spreading the message of Christ both on and off campus. Spearheaded by the UCU chaplaincy, the Week is intended to foster spiritual growth and community outreach through a series of impactful initiatives.

Rev. Brian Kluth with recipients of the solar lamps

One of the highlights of the Mission Week was the “Share the Light” event, where Kluth donated solar-powered lamps to more than 600 people who attended his talk. Kluth, known for his teachings on faith, delivered a sermon on the importance of generosity in Christian living.

Kluth said he was able to distribute the solar lamps after an unexpected encounter with a generous donor, who entrusted him with $40,000, which he was asked to use to bless others.

“Many people are hesitant to give because they fail to recognize the blessings that come from generosity,” Kluth said during his sermon.

The congregation during one of the services during the Mission Week

For the solar-powered lamp that Nakiyemba received, she is already reaping the benefits: Recently, she overcame her hostel power blackout to finish a class presentation. She turned to her newfound lifeline, the solar lamp, which she used as light to help her get her assignment ready.

“For as long as we have the lamps, I doubt we shall ever stay on campus till late in the night again,” she said.

Nathanael Simbilyabo, a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism, Media and Communication at UCU, said he had never imagined the challenges that awaited him when he started staying in a private hostel outside the university. Simbilyabo had previously been living in a university hostel, which had access to a standby generator, to provide power whenever there was a blackout.

“Living without light is hard,” Simbilyabo said, adding: “This solar lamp has helped me, especially now that I’m writing my research dissertation.”

Some of the missioners who preached the gospel during mission week

Victoria Nantambi, a final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Science at UCU, says she cherishes reading late in the night. And that cannot be supported by the unpredictable electricity power supply. So, whenever there was a power blackout, she would just abandon reading and go to bed. However, that is not happening anymore as she now takes advantage of the light from the solar-powered lamps whenever there is a blackout in her hostel.

The Rev. Henry Majwala, the Assistant Chaplain at UCU, explained that the intention of the Mission Week is to guide new students in their journey with Christ while providing opportunities for spiritual renewal and discipleship.

“Mission Week is about making Christ known, nurturing spiritual growth, and serving the community,” Majwala said.

Central to this semester’s theme of “Living by Faith,” derived from Habakkuk 2:4 were sermons on the role of faith in personal growth, financial stewardship and servant leadership.

March 6, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

Young entrepreneurs showcase products at business expo

By Kefa Senoga
The first student-organized business expo at the Uganda Christian University (UCU) School of Business (SoB) was held at the university’s main campus from February 9-10.

Sekiziyivu Denison, president of the UCU School of Business Society, said the event was intended to promote student commerce, as well as expose them to legal ways of running a business. To participate in the expo, each exhibitor was charged sh20,000 (about $5.1), while alumni paid sh50,000 (about $13). The expo attracted about 80 businesses.

Angella Kongai, an official from Uganda Revenue Authority — the country’s taxman, said her entity’s role at the exhibition was to create tax awareness.

“We were told that many students with such businesses are not aware of what happens after setting up a business,” Kongai said. “We have educated them on how to register their businesses, that’s why we came with some literature like the taxation handbook.”

She said they also explained to the exhibitors how to compute the amount of tax they are supposed to pay based on their businesses.

Some participants shared (below) their experience.

Miiro Joseph, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Using the knowledge and skills I acquired in class, I set up Shelby Gamers, a gaming technology company. Today, I am here to showcase various gaming technologies, including virtual reality and gaming consoles, such as PlayStations, featuring popular games like Mortal Kombat and FIFA soccer.

Many people have had the opportunity to visit our stall and experience augmented reality and virtual reality. Although I have made some money at the exhibition, my primary goal was to market our business. We are the only company in Mukono operating virtual reality games, so we wanted to let people know that we exist.

This business has greatly supported me in terms of income for upkeep at university. I use that money for meals and other basic needs while at campus. Upon realizing the benefits of this business, I started on a journey of training some youth in the community on technology so that they can also empower themselves.

We intend to introduce an app which people can use to request for boda boda services, such as delivery of food, parcels and for transport.

Tumwesigwa Emma, Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering

I am here to sell Happi bathing oil and soap. The body jelly is our latest product on the market. We launched this project a year ago, as a group of four friends. All of us are students of UCU, pursuing Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The main ingredients of the 100% natural oil are sunflower and honey. We make the products ourselves and then distribute them to supermarkets and retailers. We use social media platforms to reach different potential customers.

Inventors of the students and staff planner team

As a group of students from the Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, we are offering a planner for students and staff of the university. We started this project as an entrepreneurship assignment from the business school incubation hub. When we excelled in the project, we actualized the idea. Our current objective is to scale up the production. We are optimistic that the product will be well received by the UCU community.

We pooled resources from our savings to start this business after we got the branding guidelines from the UCU communications and marketing office.

We came up with this idea because we thought it’s important for staff and students to plan their days. Sometimes they forget their assignments, so we wanted to have something that can remind them about that. The planner, which costs sh20,000 (about $5.1), covers the entire semester. More than 50 students bought copies of the planner from our stall.

Arobu Chelsea sells groundnuts in wine bottles

Arobu Elsie, Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics

In order to put what I learned in class into practice, I started a business of selling roast ground nuts, which didn’t require a lot of capital.

Some of the ground nuts are flavored with chili. I do not put any oil or salt in the ground nuts, in order to serve even those who, for health reasons, do not take them.

Josephine Mareete, lecturer, Department of Art and Design

Josephine Mareete at the stall selling student art pieces

We are here to showcase some of the creative works of our students, such as fabric work, woodwork, ceramics and paintings. Our primary goal of participating in this exhibition is to promote and market the offerings of our department.

We have actively sought feedback to identify areas for improvement, especially concerning marketing strategies and price ranges of our products. The products available for display are pieces for coursework completed by. For instance, some ceramic pieces are at sh5,000 (about $1.3); art pieces at sh10,000 (about $2.54) and woodwork ranges from sh50,000 (about $13) to sh100,000 (about $25.4).

March 4, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

UCU Fitness Club empowers minds, bodies, spirits

By Bena Nekesa
In the heart of Uganda Christian University (UCU), amidst the bustling academic endeavors and vibrant Mukono campus life, the UCU Fitness Club emerged.

The club visionary is Charles Miti, age 31, a student working toward a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, School of Business. While he struggled with a weight of 94 kilograms (207 pounds), he knew that body image was more than physical fitness. He envisioned a journey of holistic transformation that encompasses mental resilience and spiritual growth not just for himself but others. Since its inception a year ago, the club has become a cornerstone of support and empowerment for its members, touching the lives of students in profound ways.

UCU Fitness Club participant, Joseph Kyeswa, warming up

The story of the UCU Fitness Club began when Charles engaged in a walk of 78.4 kilometers (48.7 miles) from Kampala to Jinja during the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic. The journey garnered others’ attention on social media platforms and further ignited a passion for health and fitness within Charles.

“I was inspired to create a space where others could embark on their own transformative voyages,” he said. “Walking is at the center of what we do, but it’s so much more. Fitness is medicine and is everything. Once you choose the road of fitness, you are cured physically, mentally and spiritually.”

With the support of like-minded individuals such as Edonu Emmanuel, a UCU School of Law student, the club took root, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among its members. Charles’s brother, a medical doctor, Joseph Ssebanenya, played crucial roles in the club’s inception. At the 2024 program launch in February, the brother provided insights about health and fitness. Additionally, Charles’s family, including two sisters and their parents, who are retired farmers, formed a supportive foundation for his endeavors.

Through activities like hiking, swimming, and other physical challenges, the club members forged bonds that transcended mere acquaintanceship, evolving into a tight-knit community.

The American Medical Association reports exercise as a top contributor to a healthy and longer life. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), regular exercise not only extends lifespan by up to 10 years, but also promotes overall health, reduces the risk of chronic diseases and enhanced cognitive function, leading to improved productivity and quality of life.

For Charles and the 50 other participants, the club represents more than just physical activity; it is a sanctuary of happiness and personal growth. Rejecting the allure of vices like clubbing and substance abuse, Charles and others have found fulfillment in the pursuit of holistic wellness.

“Through prayer, fellowship, and shared experiences, our members discovered the transformative power of nurturing both body and spirit,” he said.

The journey of the UCU Fitness Club has not been without its obstacles. From mobilizing members to overcoming usual college temptations of parties and societal misconceptions about fitness, the club faced its fair share of challenges.

Contrary to perceptions, the pursuit of fitness did not detract from academic pursuits; rather, it complimented them. Members found that physical activity enhanced their cognitive abilities and provided a welcome respite from the rigors of academic life. Discussions during club activities often led to insights that translated into academic success, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between physical and mental wellness.

As the club gained momentum, it became a beacon of hope. Through support and encouragement, individuals struggling with issues ranging from self-esteem to addiction found solace and strength within the club’s embrace.

“Through collective efforts, we have created a supportive community where individuals thrived, not just academically, but also emotionally and spiritually,” Charles, now weighing 74 kgs (163 lbs.), reflected.

As Charles looks towards the future, he knows that the club’s journey is far from over. With each new member welcomed and each new challenge overcome, the legacy of the UCU Fitness Club should continue to thrive, empowering more minds, bodies, and spirits.

February 28, 2024ByJimmy siyasaNews & Updates

Uganda-UCU to host the 6th All Africa Horticultural Congress in 2028

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO: At the 5th All Africa Horticultural Congress (AAHC) held in Marrakech, Morocco, from February 28 to March 1, 2024, Uganda has been voted to host the 6th All Africa Horticultural Congress in 2028. Uganda Christian University (UCU) will serve as a lead convener, representing Uganda on the global stage. The UCU team to Morocco was led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi.

Prof. Mushengyezi said, “This is a big win for Uganda, which has become one of the top destinations for international visitors including investors and tourists. Hosting AAHC 2028 also indicates growing confidence in UCU as a reputable university in Uganda and the region. We pledge to continue diligently serving humanity as a Centre of Excellence in the heart of Africa”.

UCU Vice Chancellor — *Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor UCU speaking at the 2024 AAH Congress in Marrakech, Morocco.*

The AAHC attracts over 500 delegates, scientists, researchers, companies and private sector investors in the agricultural value chain from Africa and all over the world. The theme for this year is Unlocking the potential of a resilient Horticulture in Africa.

UCU will be the key convener, and is working in conjunction with Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), represented by the Director, Dr. Richard Edema; and National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO).

Another Win for UCU

Kizito UCU — *UCU Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovation, Prof. Balyejusa Elizabeth Kizito, Director making a presentation to the AAHC audience, during a panel discussion. Courtesy photo*

At the AAHC 2024 congress in Morocco, Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito of UCU was elected as the new President of the All Africa Horticultural Congress, taking over from Prof. Abdelhaq Hanafi of Mohamed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco.

The election of Uganda was announced by the President of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), Prof. Francois Laurens from France.

Uganda is a top destination for large international events because of its stability, hospitable people, beautiful weather, a great variety of foods, and numerous tourism attractions. In January and February 2024, Uganda hosted large international events, including the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the G77+China Summit, and the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth held at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala. Over 124 countries and 1,700 delegates attended.

Uganda also hosted the International Conference on Food Safety Management Systems and Quality in Food Science (ICFSMSQFS) in February 2024, and the Renewable Energy Conference and EXPO (REC23 & EXPO) in November 2023.

Previous AAH congresses were held in Kenya in 2009, South Africa in 2012, Nigeria in 2016, Senegal in 2020, and now Morocco in 2024.

February 27, 2024ByJimmy siyasaNews & Updates

UCU bids to Host All Africa Horticultural Congress 2028

By Jimmy Siyasa

For the 5th edition of the All Africa Horticultural Congress, a delegation from Uganda Christian University (UCU), led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, has convened in Marrakech, Morocco. Notably, they are not only participating in the event but also actively bidding for UCU to host the next Congress in Uganda in 2028.
This prestigious conference typically draws over 500 delegates, scientists, and researchers from various corners of the globe. UCU is collaboratively working on this with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement, and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).

Delegates gathered during one of the sessions. Courtesy picture.
The UCU delegation comprises, notably, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Mr. David Mugawe, and Director of Research, Partnerships, and Innovation, Assoc. Prof. Elizabeth B. Kizito, among others, who are actively involved in advancing the university’s initiatives.

The conference themed “Unlocking the potential of a resilient Horticulture in Africa” started on February 26, 2024, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir. It will end on March 1, 2024.

About All-Africa Horticultural Congress (AAHC)

The All-Africa Horticultural Congress (AAHC) is the most important scientific event organized every four years in the fields of Horticulture in Africa under the auspices of ISHS. Morocco was assigned the organization of the fifth edition of this Congress, and this will be the first time such event will be held in North Africa.

The previous four AAHC took place in Kenya in 2009, South Africa in 2012, Nigeria in 2016 and Senegal in 2020, corresponding to East Africa, South Africa, Central Africa and Western Africa, respectively.

The International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) is the largest global horticulture network comprising over 6,000 members. Its aim is to promote and foster research and education in horticultural science, support industry and to facilitate cooperation and knowledge transfer on a global scale through events and publications.

The development of Horticulture in Africa is one of the main tools that can help ensure food security by increasing agricultural productivity and improve the competitiveness of its products. It can also strengthen its contribution to the overall wellbeing of the population, improve dietary and nutritional behavior, create wealth, alleviate hunger, and reduce dependency on food imports.

The African population is essentially rural and contributes significantly to agricultural production which in turn contributes to nutrition, food security and socio-economic development of these populations.

In Morocco, Agriculture contributes, on average, 13% to Morocco’s GDP and employs about 40% of the nation’s workforce. The country has several agroclimatic regions including Mediterranean in the North, semi-arid in the Middle and arid-to-desert in the South with somewhat mild/cold in the higher altitudes and, thus, produces a great diversity of agricultural products including horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic species, flowers, and ornamental plants.

Production is mostly in open field but crops such as tomatoes, pepper, berries, banana, and flowers are also produced under plastic-covered greenhouses. Most of the production is for the domestic market but a significant percentage, particularly fruits, vegetables and flowers go to export markets including Africa, Europe, and North America. Operators of the sector are all private. Many small-scale growers are organized in cooperatives and associations to ease their production, marketing and export.

In recent years, the horticultural sector in Africa has been facing several constraints and worldwide challenges including climate change with global warming, outbreaks of new pests and diseases, pandemics such as Covid-19, low precipitations and water shortage for irrigation, heat stress and scarcity of investment and funding of new development projects.

“Unlocking the potential of a resilient Horticulture in Africa” is the theme of the fifth AAHC, with the objective to discuss and promote the huge potential of African Horticulture. The event will provide a platform for professionals of horticulture, researchers, young scientists, and entrepreneurs, where they can share their research results, experiences and latest innovations. It will be an occasion to consolidate and expand a network of technical cooperation between professionals of horticulture throughout Africa and the rest of the world. Young and more experienced scientists will have ample opportunities to interact and explore scientific and technical exchanges and partnerships for research and development initiatives. In addition, the Congress will raise and discuss aspects related to the impact of climate change, invasive diseases and pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses on current and future horticulture.

Furthermore, socio-economic, and financial aspects related to food security, market issues, best use and management of natural resources in the fields of horticulture will be tackled. Issues such as contribution of horticulture to wealth creation, alleviating poverty, empowering youth, and women will also be discussed.

The organizing committee is deploying all means possible to make the Marrakech edition of the AAHC Congress (AAHC2024) a successful and an exceptional one. The meeting will focus on hosting an outstanding scientific and technical event, reinforcing the links between research and development, education, industry, public and private and non-government organizations and enhancing the links between African countries as well as between Africa and the rest of the World.

Head Teachers' Publication UCU education

February 27, 2024ByJimmy siyasaNews & Updates, Publications and Research Profiles, Research and Innovation

Education: UCU Researchers Reveal Head Teacher’s Critical Role in Inclusive Education

By Jimmy Siyasa

Overview of Research

In a joint research publication by Dr. Mary Kagoire Ochieng and Dr. Faith Mbabazi Musinguzi, alongside three scholars from Busitema University and Health Tutors College Mulago, a significant correlation between the head teacher’s support role and the achievement of quality inclusive education in selected secondary schools was discovered.

The study, titled “Head Teacher’s Support Role on the Quality of Inclusive Education in Secondary Schools in Iganga District,” established that secondary school administrations implementing certain best practices are more likely to realize inclusive education quality. These practices include;

Continuous professional development workshops
Staff welfare initiatives
Support supervision
Provision of teaching aids, among other constant factors.

These research findings in the U.K-based Advances in Social Sciences and Management, a monthly online publication by the Open-Source Journals under the Public Knowledge Project, shed light on the importance of effective leadership in fostering inclusive education environments.

Publication Abstract

The study investigated the Head Teacher’s support Role in the Quality of Inclusive Education in Secondary Schools in the Iganga District. It examined the head teacher’s mandates in the realization of quality inclusive education in selected secondary schools.

Explicitly, the study determined the influence of the head teacher’s support role on the quality of inclusive education in secondary schools. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, drawing on quantitative and qualitative research approaches with a sample size of 83 respondents. Interview guides and questionnaires were used for data collection. SPSS software version 23 was used with a focus on descriptive statistics. The verbatim method was used for qualitative data.

The study revealed that there was a moderate positive or constructive significant correlation between the head teacher’s support role and achievement of quality inclusive education in selected secondary Schools. The study established that putting in place continuous professional development workshops, welfare, giving support supervision and provision of teaching aids, while other factors or issues remain constant, is most likely to better the process of inclusive education quality in secondary school.

Conclusively the study revealed that the Head teacher’s planning, support and motivation cannot work in isolation in the attainment of quality inclusive education. Monetary and non-monetary ways greatly influence the quality of inclusive education. Also, the study recommends head teachers make relevant plans and increase support and motivation to uplift secondary schools’ quality of inclusive education.

For more information and to access the full study, click here.

About the authors

Lastone Balyaino, researcher at Busitema University; Dr. Charles Muweesi, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Sciences and Education, Busitema University; Dr. Kagoire serves as the Dean of the UCU School of Education, Isabirye Christopher from Health Tutors College; and Dr. Faith Mbabazi, Head of the Education department at UCU.

February 21, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates

Save The Mothers gets a new Executive Director

By Irene Best Nyapendi

In the developing world, having a baby will be the riskiest thing a woman will do. Yet in many cases, mothers there deliver without any skilled attendant.

This is what makes organizations such as Save the Mothers (STM) relevant, according to Dr. Edward Mukooza the former Interim Director of STM, who handed over the directorship role to Dr. Mushin Nsubuga at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Florence Mirembe Hall.

STM believes that a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to save some of the 342,000 mothers and four million children who die in the developing world annually due to unsafe childbirth.

Dr. Mukooza notes that STM is highly relevant due to the high maternal and child mortality rates in Uganda. As a result, there is a lot of work to be done by Nsubuga, to seek support and mobilize resources.

He explained that saving the mothers requires resources, connections, partnerships, and people.

“I expect that he will strengthen the teaching of the Master of Public Health Leadership (MPHL) program because it is an important component of saving the mothers,” Mukooza said.

The STM Program offers MPHL to working professionals from a wide range of disciplines, not just the health discipline. STM East Africa hosts the MPHL at UCU.

SEVEN — *Florence Mirembe adressing the congregation during the handover.*

Florence Mirembe, the founder of Save the Mothers at UCU, thanked Mukooza for filling in while they searched for a permanent executive director.

She urged Nsubuga to collaborate with alumni and ensure that the MPHL students are well-assessed and taught.

“We are all ready to support you Nsubuga, create a good alumni network, and attract as many students as possible,” Mirembe said.

UCU Welcomes Dr. Mushin Nsubuga to STM Board

Dr. Miriam Mutabazi, the Dean of the UCU Faculty of Public Health, Nursing & Midwifery, expressed gratitude towards STM for their partnership with UCU and is thrilled to see this partnership continue.

“On behalf of UCU, I welcome you, Dr. Mushin, and we look forward to working with you,” Mutabazi said. “We value the Save the Mothers program because of its BPHL initiative. We are confident that once we introduce the Ph.D. program, our alumni will return to further their studies.”

Mutabazi mentioned that they are currently planning to offer a PhD program and hope that MPHL students will be able to enroll in it.

SIX — *Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, the new executive director for Save the Mothers.*

Dr. Mushin Nsubuga, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, was given a warm welcome to the board.

Nsubuga expressed gratitude to the founders for creating an opportunity for everyone to participate in saving mothers in their respective sectors.

He mentioned that saving mothers is close to his heart and he is grateful to God for calling him to this important work.

“No mother or baby should die from preventable causes,” Nsubuga said.

He expressed his gratitude to Mukooza, his predecessor, for imparting valuable knowledge and skills. Additionally, he acknowledged Mukooza for the warm welcome and confidently stated his hope for continued mentorship.

“The first time I interacted with Dr. Mukooza I felt like I was in the hands of a father and he has successfully taken me through orientation.”

Nsubuga looks forward to training game changers, promoting initiatives that make hospitals more baby-mother friendly, ensuring the availability of necessary services, encouraging community involvement, and conducting research.

During the handover, he urged members present to continue supporting maternal health. He also read from Philippians 4:13, which states that we can do all things through God who strengthens us.

STM promotes maternal health in the developing world through education, public awareness, and advocacy. Based in Uganda and North America, Save the Mothers is part of a global movement to improve the health of mothers and babies.

February 9, 2024BySenoga kefaNews & Updates, Students Affairs

‘We’ve been created to be in each other’s lives’

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Millie Mercy Namikka is outgoing and composed. Committed to social justice, she often finds herself advocating for the marginalized. This virtue has enabled Namikka to make many friends, both in her community and at school.

“You always find her freely interacting with people in her environment,” Hannington Kikulwe, Namikka’s father, says. “At home, she helps the workers with their chores and also buys them gifts.” Namikka says she learned service and contribution virtues from her parents. Kukulwe was an evangelist, and his wife, a reverend.

Namikka ready to ride her bicycle to her hall of residence during her time in the Netherlands.

It was, therefore, not surprising, when Namikka chose to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration at Uganda Christian University (UCU). And that choice for a course eventually presented an opportunity for Namikka to travel out of the country for her very first time in February 2022. She returned to Uganda in August of the same year.

She was part of the eight students that UCU was sending to Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands for a resume-building exchange program and international exposure. The collaboration between UCU and Hanze is a conduit for cross-cultural exchange, fostering not only academic growth but also personal transformation for both students and lecturers.

Over 30 students have benefitted from this initiative. Dutch students and the faculty also have visited Uganda for field work in agencies in the country.

“I felt so lucky that I was leaving the country and what amazed me was the fact that I did not have to pay any money,” Namikka says, noting that when her friends learned of her imminent trip, they organized a get-together.

Once in the Netherlands, Namikka says it was not easy adjusting to the food and the cost. But she eventually did. With her friends, they pooled resources and started buying food in bulk, sharing costs, and sometimes traveling to Amsterdam to enjoy local food. Her diet also changed from bread sandwiches to pasta, Irish food, and more vegetables. This new way of eating has stuck with her to date.

Namikka in the vintage jacket and boots she bought in the flea market during the King’s Day

One memorable experience for Namikka was attending the King’s Day in the Netherlands. Marked every April 27, the day is a national holiday and celebrates King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with lots of music, dancing, flea markets and fun fair.

“Two days before and after the actual day, it felt like a big holiday. People sold things from their homes at reduced prices, and the streets were full of parties,” she said. “I was shocked, seeing everyone wearing orange, and others selling their items. But I used that opportunity to buy vintage boots and a lot of vintage clothes and items for friends at the flea markets.”

For her classes at Hanze University, they didn’t just stick to theories; they dived into real-life situations. One of her favorite courses was creating and sharing happiness and positive coaching techniques. Every day, they would talk about their day — what went well, what didn’t. It was like a daily life check-in.

This made her realize that life is a mix of little moments. Now, she shares this wisdom with people in her shared workspace. She tells them to live the moment, be aware of how they feel, and focus on their journey of recovery, not the past.

UCU-Hanze Collaboration Promotes Cross-Cultural Knowledge

Namikka during one of her outreach programs at Teens Challenge Uganda

Kasule Kibirige, the UCU head of department of Social Works and Social Administration, said the partnership between UCU and Hanze has been immensely valuable for both students and faculty.

“They promote cross-cultural knowledge and skills sharing, and contribute to individual teaching and learning improvement,” he explained. He added that this collaboration fosters the development of academic networks through regular meetings during guest lecture exchanges.

Namikka currently works with Teen Challenge Uganda, a Christian rehabilitation facility. Here, her responsibilities include reaching out to children, schools, those in brothels and slums, creating support groups and offering counseling, therapy, discipleship, Bible study and awareness on addiction.

Her desire to mend broken hearts and help people learn from their experiences fuels her ambition to become a counseling psychologist. She hopes to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in that field.

“We’ve been created to be in each other’s lives, and sometimes when we are in each other’s lives, we hurt each other and we don’t know how to mend the broken hearts,” Namikka says. The 24-year-old envisions building a career in helping individuals triumph over trauma, grief, and life’s challenges, witnessing them thrive and embrace the joys of life.

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