By Jimmy Siyasa

LIMURU, KENYA – August 14, 2023 – A significant milestone in the world of higher education was marked today as Uganda Christian University (UCU) and St. Paul’s University (SPU) came together to solidify their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremonial event took place at SPU’s Main Campus in the serene town of Limuru, Kenya. Both institutions, rooted in their shared Church-based foundations, are poised to embark on a journey of mutual collaboration and growth.

What’s in the partnership?

The agreement encompasses a range of collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering educational enrichment and innovation. Spearheaded by the leadership of Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, the Vice Chancellor of UCU, and backed by a team including Mr. Samson Wanambuko, the Senior Legal Officer, and Dr. Angella Napakol, the Head of Grants and Partnerships, UCU has extended its hand in partnership to SPU.

Among the key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU are the exchange of faculty and students, collaborative research ventures, the external evaluation of postgraduate dissertations, and the exchange of best practices and innovations in teaching and learning.

Present at the signing ceremony were esteemed representatives from both institutions. Prof. Peter Ngure, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at SPU, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi. Alongside them were Rev. Truphie Sumba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and other prominent university officials from SPU.

In his address, Prof. Mushengyezi highlighted the importance of cultivating a strong partnership between UCU and SPU. He emphasised that the collaborative efforts envisioned under this MoU would not only enhance the academic experience for both institutions’ faculty and students but also contribute to the broader educational landscape.

To further solidify the newly forged partnership, Prof. Mushengyezi extended a cordial invitation to the SPU team to visit the Uganda Christian University campus. This gesture serves as a tangible step towards nurturing the relationship and exploring avenues for joint endeavours.

The partnership between UCU and SPU holds immense promise in fostering academic growth, interdisciplinary exploration, and the sharing of knowledge across diverse educational horizons. As the two institutions embark on this collaborative journey, they set a commendable example of the power of cooperative learning and the impact it can have on shaping the future of education.

By Kefa Senoga
Waste from water to flush toilets, take a shower and do laundry is not a waste at the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU).  It hasn’t been wasted in 17 years. It’s recycled and used to educate students, primarily those studying engineering. 

UCU constructed a $300,000 wastewater treatment plant in 2006. Two-thirds of the cost of the plant, the first of its kind for any institution in Uganda, was funded by the Diocese of Sidney’s Overseas Relief and Aid Fund of Australia.

About UCU’s treatment plant

Wastewater that is generated from various daily activities is toxic to both humans and the environment, hence the need to purify it, before it’s released into the environment. Wastewater is treated in 3 phases: primary (solid removal), secondary (bacterial decomposition), and tertiary (extra filtration).

According to Arnold Mugisha, a demonstrator at UCU’s department of Engineering and Environment under the Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology, the wastewater treatment plant that was developed by Prof. Steven Riley, uses a biological process to treat the sewage and clean the water so that it is safe enough for disposal into the environment.

Mugisha says that the plant uses an activated biological sludge water treatment process, where microorganisms are used to break down the organic matter, which would otherwise be hazardous to the environment.

The plant has several sections, with the first having screens, where paper, pads and other similar waste are removed. The screened waste water then drops into the equalization chamber, from where the microorganisms break down the fecal matter. The water is then pumped into the aeration chamber, where more oxygen is supplied to the microorganisms, to enable them break down the waste completely.

“The waste is broken down by absorption, where the microorganisms eat the waste, and adsorption, where the organic waste sticks onto the body of the microorganisms,” Mugisha explains.

According to Mugisha, this is the most important step of the plant because that’s where most of the biological oxygen demand is reduced.

At the clarifier stage, solid particulates or suspended solids are removed from the liquid. At this point, the deposited sludge settles at the bottom and the clear water remains up, says Mugisha. The sludge is used for both manure and decomposition by anaerobic bacteria to produce biogas. At the time of installation, the plant was able to treat about 350 cubic meters of water per day.

At the chlorination chamber, chlorinated water is used to kill extra organisms that are still in the water. Mugisha says that if waste water is not treated properly, it can pollute water sources, cause illnesses and damage natural habitats. The treated wastewater is used for irrigating flowers, grass and plants in the university compound. People who would want to use the sludge for manure in their gardens are always granted permission to pick it from the facility.

Okot Innocent, a fresh UCU engineering graduate, says the facility provides a platform for engineering students to put their classroom knowledge into practice, learning in practical terms how the processes work. 

“Some of the students who want to become water engineers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the equipment and the systems used in the treatment process,” Okot noted.

In Kampala, the Bugolobi wastewater treatment plant is the largest in the country and serves about four million people per day. The plant is capable of processing 45 million liters of waste daily.

Uganda Christian University (UCU) is pleased to announce that it will confer degrees upon 1002 students during the First part of the 24th Graduation ceremony on Friday, July 28, 2023. Among these graduates, 444 (44%) are male, and 562 (56%) are female.

This will be a historical event for the university as it confers degrees upon the first batch of medicine and dentistry student, since its inception.

The graduation ceremony will be presided over by the University Chancellor, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, with the esteemed Chief Guest being Rt. Rev. Dr. Dunstan Kopoliano Bukenya.

Graduation statistics

A total of 29 students have achieved First Class honours, comprising 18 females and 11 males. We are delighted to recognize Yohana Eyob Ghebrekristos, of Eritrean nationality, as the overall best student, graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and an outstanding CGPA of 4.71. Additionally, we commend Wanyama Wilson, the overall best male student, who pursued a Bachelor of Development and Social Entrepreneurship, and achieved an impressive CGPA of 4.64.

Preceding the graduation, a Commissioning Service will take place on Thursday, July 27, starting at 02:00 pm. During this event, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Chancellor of UCU, His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Kaziimba, will lead prayers and blessings for the graduands. Furthermore, the ceremony will include the recognition and awarding of the best-performing students.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduands for reaching this remarkable academic milestone. We also commend their families, friends, and sponsors for their unwavering support throughout their educational journey.

UCU assures all graduates that their transcripts and certificates will be made available on the graduation day, and we are committed to fulfilling this pledge without exception.

NOTE: The graduation ceremony will be streamed live on the Uganda Christian University YouTube Channel and broadcast live on Family TV (DStv channel 375, Free-To-Air facility through Signet (U) Ltd, GOTv channel 829 and StarTimes channel 282. 

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Working parents continue the struggle to find a convenient, safe and responsible child care school that gives them a peace of mind as they do their jobs. For Uganda Christian University (UCU) staff members, the dilemma is less because of a high-quality Kids Care Centre on the Mukono campus.

Deborah Mugawe, the administrator, said the Kids Care Centre offers day care to children of UCU current and former staff and students, those of UCU service providers and those recommended by the above categories. The plan is to expand the school to UCU’s general community members who subscribe to Christian values and principles. 

“One can be sure of the child’s safety, good moral and Godly values as well as quality learning,” Mugawe said.

About the UCU Kids Care Centre

The Centre admits children from 1 to 6 years. They are grouped into Toddler Class (1-2 years); Baby Class (3-4); Middle Class (4-5); and Top Class (5-6). There are currently 23 children studying at the Centre that has a capacity for 60 children. School fees are about $191 for a term.

Mugawe recalled one humorous incident involving a child who submitted his workbook for grading. A young boy named Isaiah had a sentence error. He wrote “My name Isaiah” instead of “My name is Isaiah” because he thought the verb “is” was already embedded in his name.  

“I love coming to school to play with my friends, to sing songs like, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’,” said five-year-old student, Nicole Kwikiriza. “I  also love to write.”

The Centre incorporates play and education based on an integrated system of Uganda and basic early learning format.

How UCU staff is benefitting from the Kids Care Centre

Rev. Alex Kamoga, the assistant chaplain at UCU and a part-time lecturer at Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology (BTSDT), enrolled his son, Kisakye Kamoga, at the Centre last year based on convenience and holistic learning. 

“I shared a fence with the school,” said Kamoga, a resident of Tech Park. “Usually in the morning, we would see my son going to the fence to listen to the children at the school as they read the Bible and sang; that inspired me to take him there.”

Kamoga said his son is now able to count with added confidence because teachers encourage him to express himself.

 “I am glad my son has learnt to pray and memorized a few verses,” he said.

The Rev. Can. Rose Ekirunga Muhumuza, a BTSDT lecturer, is a mother of two children under age five at the Kids Care Centre. Muhumuza said it was a necessity for her to take her children there when she joined UCU in 2020 because she had a two-year-old child and no nanny.

“The UCU Kids Care Centre is one of the blessings I found here. When I interacted with the teachers there, I loved the way they look after the children,” she said, adding that having her children in the centre makes her a better lecturer as it “lessons my burden” and allows her fuller concentration on teaching. 

Daphine Okiria Nabimanya, who works at the UCU church relations office, recommended the school to her brother for his son – her nephew who now lives with the aunt. 

“When I am busy, the teachers at the Centre look after him for me until I pick him after work,” she said. “Sometimes, I even pick him up at 7 p.m. on days when I have a lot of work.”

Nabimanya said in less than a year, there was a remarkable turnaround in the life of a boy who was shy and didn’t speak English. 

“Now, he speaks English and is confident,” she said, adding. “I am happy that my nephew has learnt how to pray.”

By Irene Best Nyapendi

On June 24th, students from Uganda Christian University (UCU) in the Department of Computing and Technology in collaboration with Google, through the UCU Google Student Developers’ Club, paid a visit to Ntare School in Mbarara to inspire secondary students with their impressive innovations.

The Ntare School Robotics Colloquium saw the participation of at least four secondary schools: Bweranyangyi Girls Secondary School, Mbarara Secondary School, Nyamitanga Secondary School, and Kigezi High School.

During the colloquium, UCU students showcased several projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These projects aimed to address various community issues through innovative solutions.

The exhibition not only allowed the UCU students to demonstrate their practical skills but also provided a valuable learning experience for the Ntare School students.

Students’ Thoughts on the innovation expo

Rachel Mbeiza Isooba, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, was thrilled to participate in the exhibition and inspire her fellow students. She shared, “Being able to showcase our projects to the Ntare School students and witness their enthusiasm was incredibly rewarding. I hope it encourages them to explore their own innovative ideas.”

Joseph Miiro Luutu, another UCU student specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics, recognized the impact of such events on students’ growth. He stated, “It was an honour to be part of the exhibition and share my knowledge with the Ntare School students. By introducing them to robotics and technology, we hope to inspire them to pursue their passions and make a difference in their community.”

The Ntare School students were captivated by the innovative projects presented by the UCU students. The practical demonstrations left a lasting impression, igniting their curiosity and motivating them to delve deeper into the world of robotics. With the guidance and support from innovation-driven institutions like UCU, the students are poised to unleash their creativity and drive positive change through technology and innovation.

Other voices

Martin Kubona, a tutor in the Department of Computing and Technology, explained that their participation in the exhibition was intended to inspire young people to leverage innovation in solving problems within their communities.

He emphasized the significance of exposing their students to different communities across the country, allowing them to gain a broader perspective on various issues. He stated, “At the department, we emphasize project-based learning, allowing our students to put what they learn in class into practice and exhibit their work to the community.”

The event served as an enlightening experience for their students, as they witnessed how other young individuals were tackling problems through innovative projects. “Inspiring the younger generation aligns with our department’s goals. When secondary students observe UCU students exhibiting their projects, they are motivated to explore and see if they can achieve similar or even better outcomes,” said Kubona.

He further highlighted the uniqueness of the exhibition, specifically how secondary students aligned their projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that while many people come up with projects, often those projects fail to address any specific problem.

Wilson Ndeze, the Deputy Head Teacher of Ntare School, expressed gratitude to UCU for providing hands-on technical knowledge to his students. He explained that since the government transitioned from a knowledge-based to a competency-based curriculum, the UCU team’s involvement in skilling young innovators held immense significance.

“We are extremely grateful to UCU for sharing practical knowledge with our students and inspiring them to embrace innovation as a means to solve problems within their community,” Ndeze said. He emphasized that these learners reside in societies facing numerous challenges, and exhibitions like these help open their minds to innovative solutions.

Joseph Twinomugisha, a senior three student from Ntare School was inspired and motivated by the UCU team to embark on his own projects. “Today I’ve learnt from the UCU team that if you have an idea, you need to involve other people so that they can advise and finance you to grow your project,” Twinomugisha said.

He adds that he is so grateful to UCU because robotics has been a silent element of endeavour in the study of sciences, at their school. “We appreciate UCU for bringing us samples of their work and helping us get ideas of projects to work on,” Twinomugisha said.

By Irene Best Nyapendi

On June 26th, Uganda Christian University (UCU) hosted a team from the Ministry of East African Community Affairs (EAC) led by the Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

The team sensitized the UCU community on the mandate of EAC and matters on regional integration. Kadaga emphasized the importance of EAC towards fostering unity and cooperation among countries.

Kadaga on the mandate of the EAC

“We’ve come a long way, and as a country which is landlocked need to have this integration. The African people have for long wanted to have the United States of Africa but has been delayed because of various political differences which is why we have a regional economic block that will eventually become the basis of the integration,” Kadaga said.

She mentioned that as EAC they have security interests in the region because what happens in the neighbouring communities affects each member state due to the many ways they are linked.

While addressing the UCU community, Kadaga mentioned that some of the challenges they face in implementing policies are the mindset of the population. Hence the need for enlightenment. Furthermore, Kadaga pledged to address the challenges of international students who often struggle to travel and study in Uganda and vice versa.

On his part, the UCU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi commended Kadaga for the initiative of coming to sensitize the UCU community about the EAC. He explained that the issues affecting EAC affect UCU directly as a member of the university which is part of the Inter-university Council of East Africa to which he is UCU’s representative.

“We do appreciate the work you continue to do for EAC, especially as you fight very aggressively the non-tariff barriers that sometimes crop up which hamper business in EAC, implementation of our protocols, treaty and free movement of persons and goods in our region,” Mushengyezi said.

On a light note, he further noted that Kadaga is a parent and friend of UCU because her son, “Timothy Kadaga,” was the institution’s 22nd guild president.

The Vice-Chancellor, additionally, mentioned that UCU is a very active university when it comes to EAC affairs because it has a very big representation of students from neighbouring countries including; Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Nigeria, among others.

“As a university, we also participate in the African mobility program for lecturers which we have embraced through the inter-university council for East Africa,” Mushengyezi said.

Over the years, UCU has managed to recruit academic experts from across the East African region to lecture and conduct research on campus, which best practice facilitates cross-border knowledge and skill exchange.

Edith Mwanje, Permanent Secretary Ministry of East African Community Affairs appreciated UCU for hosting them to share about the issues of East African Integration.

“We are so grateful to UCU for giving us this opportunity to implement a part of our big agenda of reaching out to our stakeholders and share with them information on the benefits of what we do and why we do it,” Mwanje said.

She noted that the visit was the beginning of a long journey that they are to have with UCU. She urged the university to form an association of East Africans through which communication can be made to keep the students updated on the happening within the region.

Mwanje explained to the UCU community about the EAC treaty that was signed in 1999, emphasizing the importance for the community to remind themselves of certain facts about EAC.

The treaty for the establishment of EAC was signed in 1999 and became operational in 2000. The regional community is a regional inter-governmental organization meaning we take decisions collectively as Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and DRC.

Through EAC, the customs union which came into force in 2004, eliminates tax of goods within the partner states such that goods produced in Uganda can move freely to neighbouring countries and vice versa. EAC guides the free movement of goods, people, labour, services and capital from one Partner state to another as well as the rights of establishment and residence without restriction.

However, the journey through the EAC still has challenges in the implementation of its policies.

UCU’s 25th guild president Timothy Ddumba commended the team from EAC for their timely visit. A time when UCU is celebrating International Students.

“I’ve heard the wonderful ideas in the pipeline of getting implemented but perhaps we are facing a challenge of enforcing these policies. So, unlike other institutions, we are students who won’t remind you of your problems but rather problem solvers, because that’s what we do,” Ddumba said.

He stated that through the university’s various initiatives, they will start an East African Students’ Association. Click the video below to watch the rest of the programme