Earlier today, Uganda Christian University (UCU) held its freshmen induction service, with Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi emphasizing the university’s commitment to both academic excellence and personal conduct.

Addressing the new students, he reminded them of UCU’s high standing in the country, saying, “UCU students are known for academic excellence, so we want you to balance your grades with your conduct. Ours is a highly respected university because of how we conduct ourselves and do things here.”

Mr. David Mugawe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration, further reechoed this message, highlighting the university’s deliberate efforts to ensure a holistic and enjoyable university experience.

“A graduate from UCU is highly sought after in the job market because of the character we model in our students, besides academic excellence,” he said, reinforcing the importance of nurturing both skills and values.

The induction service at Uganda Christian University (UCU) is special ceremony that welcomes new students to the university community. It’s one of two key services for new students, the other being the commissioning ceremony, where graduating students are officially bid farewell to, “blessed” and “sent into the world” by the Chancellor, who also is Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda. 

The induction service is an opportunity for new students to learn about the university’s values and expectations, and to begin their academic journey. During the ceremony, students from different faculties swear to abide by the university’s rules and regulations. 

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By Irene Best Nyapendi
The main reason Evelyn Zawedde chose a career in law was to ensure equity and justice in the world. And for the 10 years that she has been practicing law, she has examples to illustrate her impact in that quest.

Here is one of them:

• In Uganda, it’s not uncommon for unscrupulous individuals to grab property owned by the elderly. Zawedde’s grandmother fell victim to such an attempt when someone in her area laid claim to her land. Upon learning of her grandmother’s plight, Zawedde immediately took action, stepping in to represent her grandmother in mediation. She won the case, ensuring the property remained with its rightful owner — her grandmother. Although her grandmother has since passed away, Zawedde recalls that saving the property was one of her grandmother’s proudest moments, a testament to her granddaughter’s dedication.

Zawedde, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU), earned a degree in Bachelor of Laws in 2011. However, she nearly abandoned her legal career after her initial application for a spot at the Law Development Center to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice was unsuccessful. In Uganda, obtaining this diploma from the Law Development Center is a requirement for practicing law.

When faced with a setback, she sought another opportunity by applying to Kenya Law School, where she was accepted to pursue her Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. After completing her studies in Kenya, she joined Kilonzo and Company Advocates, one of the leading law firms in Kenya. 

A year later, she returned to Uganda and joined DN Kabugo Advocates, now Ortus Advocates, where she currently serves as a Senior Associate in the Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure department.

Zawedde Tackles Money Laundering in UCU Master’s Research

In July 2024, Zawedde graduated with a Master of Law in International Business Law at UCU. 

She explained that the shifting dynamics of the global economy played a significant role in guiding her choice of research focus for the master’s degree. For the master’s project, Zawedde explored the role of preventive strategies in enhancing the fight against money laundering with a focus on selected financial institutions in the central business district of Kampala. The study focused on the fight against money laundering. 

“I chose this research topic because money laundering is a global issue affecting financial institutions,” Zawedde said, adding: “I wanted to deeply examine the measures being used to combat money laundering in financial institutions.”

Her study found that to keep the integrity of the financial system intact, financial institutions, companies and governments must co-operate. Her study recommends enactment of laws that leverage technology to prevent and detect money laundering. 

With a deep interest in the evolving financial landscape, she hopes that her advanced studies will not only broaden her expertise but also position her to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the international business arena.

Born and raised in Mukono, central Uganda, Zawedde is an Advocate of the High Court of both Uganda and Kenya and all courts subordinate thereto. She is a member of the Uganda Law Society, Kenya Law Society and the East African Law Society.

With over seven years of experience in structuring, negotiation and documentation of natural resource projects and related financings, Zawedde has conducted negotiations, prepared contracts and closed real estate transactions. According to the  website of her current employers, Zawedde has acted for several clients in acquisitions of property for project development and developing transaction completion documents. 

She attended Nakanyonyi Girls School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, for her O’level education and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in central Uganda for A’level.

By Blessing Twiine

In an exciting initiative to promote sustainable energy and waste management, the Bingo Project team, under the Integration of Energy and Resource Recovery System research group, recently hosted a biogas technology training for Uganda Christian University (UCU) staff and Mukono-based farmers. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Miria Agunyo, the training covered a broad range of topics, including organic waste management, biogas production, and bio-slurry utilization, offering participants hands-on experience at UCU’s biogas Plant.

Earlier today, over 12 farmers from Mukono received training from the UCU Department of Engineering and Environment, led by Dr. Agunyo, who also serves as Dean of the department. The session took place at the UCU Biogas Plant, installed in 2023 with support from Bingo Projektförderung. Since its installation, the plant has become a hub for research, training both staff and students in critical areas such as organic waste management, biogas production, and the safe use of bio-slurry as fertilizer.

During the training, Prof. Eleanor Wozei, encouraged participants to start sorting waste at the source, stressing the importance of proper waste management. “It’s not just about the disposal unit,” she explained, “it starts with how we collect and manage waste at every stage.” UCU’s commitment to sustainability includes transforming organic waste into cleaner-burning fuel, while using the resulting sludge in agricultural projects across campus.

In addition to a live demonstration on feeding the university’s biogas digester, participants toured the UCU wastewater treatment plant, where they learned about the potential of wastewater for biogas production. As the only university-based biogas plant in Uganda, UCU is using this facility not only for research but also for training Mukono farmers in adopting biogas technology as part of sustainable farming practices.

The training highlighted how biogas can be an accessible renewable energy source for rural communities, with the added benefit of bio-slurry as a nutrient-rich byproduct for agriculture. The Bingo Project has emphasized the motto, “Waste is Gold,” by providing both research opportunities for UCU engineering students and practical skills for local farmers.

As part of the ongoing community outreach, participants were awarded certificates and urged to view waste not as a nuisance but as a resource. The initiative continues to inspire both students and local residents to embrace sustainable waste management and renewable energy solutions, transforming the way waste is managed and utilized within the university and surrounding communities.

Today, Friday, 6, September, 2024, Uganda Christian University (UCU) has officially opened the doors to its new School of Journalism, Media, and Communication (JMC) building. The state-of-the-art facility was handed over to the school by the university’s leadership, led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi and Mr. David Mugawe, Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration.

This comes after the senior leadership received its completed projects from the contractors, during a handover ceremony, on Monday, 26, August, 2024 at the Main Campus in Mukono.

Prof. Mushengyezi congratulated the school upon receiving its new home.

“It has been something worth the effort. As people who train the fourth estate, we value your significance in the country. We believe you now have ample space to be more creative and that you will shine even more,” Prof. Mushengyezi said.

Prof. Mushengyezi emphasized that the new building is part of UCU’s vision to transform the institution into the real center of excellence in the heart of Africa.

For 13 years, the School of JMC and Words of Hope have shared the same building. From that yellow, storied building, faculty members experienced a bird’s-eye view of the university and surrounding hills. The disadvantage is that as what was once a department under the School of Education grew, staff members were scattered. 

JMC is set to relocate to a new building designed to house all its staff and be more centrally located to administrative and other faculty/school offices. The new building, which previously housed School of Business offices, is located near Baskerville Building which houses the UCU Communications and Public Relations Office.

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department within the School of JMC, said the JMC move is part of a university-wide space rationalization exercise that began two years ago. 

“The new block will be referred to as the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Office Block,” Semakula said. “We had a shortage of office space, and as a result, we have been using different office blocks on campus, which kept us scattered. The new block is an opportunity to bring all the staff of the School under one roof.”

Professor Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication expressed gratitude to the engineers, contractors, university administration and the entire team involved in the project.

“We feel special, I never dreamt that the former School of Business building would turn out like this after renovation. It is very beautiful and befitting of us,” Professor Chibita said.

She also cited the advantages of the new building. 

“It is centrally located, surrounded by other faculties and schools, as well as some strategic administration offices, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships,” she said. “It also enables us (the faculty) to share office space, which eases collaboration. Many of our students have complained about the distance from the classrooms to the faculty, and we have struggled with limited office space and storage.”

Prof. Chibita noted that as the school shifts to the new location, the studios and equipment will remain at the current location, transforming it into a multimedia center, with The Standard newspaper, the UCU Focus TV, and other facilities relocating to the former JMC building.

Among those who have noticed the positive growth of the School of JMC is Frank Obonyo, an alumnus and a lecturer at the school. He recalled that the journalism department was started by former journalists – Mr. Illakut Ben Bella for print media, the late Okoku Obomba for radio, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda for television. The department was later joined by other seasoned professionals, including Ben Ochan for photojournalism and Jane Gitau, a Public Relations practitioner.

Obonyo recalled some early collaboration between the Mass Communication department and Spirit FM radio. He remembered being a student when there was no media laboratory with five still-photo cameras shared by over 90 classmates. 

Today, the curriculum training is supported by highly qualified staff and practitioners in the industry and more equipment in a multimedia laboratory and three studios.

Obonyo, who joined UCU as a student in 2003, was among the first interns at The Standard student newspaper. In March 2007, an advertisement called upon Mass Communication graduates to apply for intern jobs at The Standard. The applicants went through the normal university recruitment process and four of the graduates were selected: Frank Obonyo, John Semakula, Brian Semujju and Emma Wafula. 

Obonyo says this was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their journalism skills. 

“As a result, we all got employed by the New Vision newspaper, Uganda’s leading daily English language newspaper,” he said. “At The Standard, I was responsible for Sports news, Semakula was in charge of news and current affairs, Emma Wafula did Campus Life and Semujju was the Managing Editor.”

As the school prepares to relocate to a new building, Obonyo reflects on this journey.

“Today, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication is among the top media and communication training hubs in the country,” he said. “We have come a long way, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.”

For Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the school since 2008, the move will bring numerous benefits to both staff and students. He notes that it will be easier for students to access them since it is closer to the classrooms, compared to the current building location.

“We have course units taught by people from other faculties like the Social Sciences and Education, so being close to other faculty members will allow for easier collaboration,” Ssenoga said.

As Ssenoga looks forward to the relocation, he reflects on his earlier days as a lecturer, when resources were limited and such renovations to allow for office relocation were far fetched. “Well done UCU team”, he added. 

“I had to draw a camera on the blackboard to teach students how to operate a camera because we only had five cameras,” he notes, “But now, students have the privilege to access the camera whenever they need it to practice.”

Timothy Okurut, a student leader representing the Mass Communication class, said: “In the past, there have been times we failed to access the studio for production purposes because the lecturers were in a meeting however with the new building for the staff, we shall have unrestricted access to the studios and thus enhance learning at UCU.”

Compiled By: Irene Best Nyapendi

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

With 66 postgraduate degree opportunities, Uganda Christian University (UCU) provides expanded academic and professional programs to students in Uganda and beyond. The university, which started in 1997 with master’s degree offerings since 2003, has 3,000 postgraduate alumni. 

Although theory and practical application are important components of any curriculum, the UCU postgraduate research element is key to an advanced degree. The dissertation at UCU uniquely defines the graduate with an expanded body of knowledge for the research field and the researcher. While UCU postgraduate students with undergraduate degrees from UCU generally have research experience, the master’s level students coming from other higher education institutions may not. 

Thus, the Centre for Research and Academic Writing Services (CRAWS) evolved under the Postgraduate Directorate at UCU to serve both experienced and inexperienced researchers. CRAWS, launched in July 2023, addresses the significant demand for academic writing and research support – an effort previously met through one-off clinics that, while useful, were insufficient to fully meet students’ needs. 

CRAWS provides a structured and sustained system of support through regular, on-line seminars and one-on-one coaching sessions.  These services are designed to help students develop the advanced writing and research skills necessary to successfully complete their dissertations and theses. Since its inception, CRAWS has supported over 500 students, significantly contributing to improved research completion rates and the quality of research output at UCU.

The Postgraduate Directorate shares the university mission of promoting high-quality, Christ-centered graduate education. With a vision to become a leading center for graduate training in Africa, the Directorate strives to develop globally excellent scholars and professionals who embody Christian values. The core values—Christ-centeredness, diligence, integrity, stewardship, and servanthood—are aligned with all of UCU and underscore commitment to holistic education.

This approach not only sets UCU apart from other institutions but also ensures that its graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and purpose in their respective fields.

The Directorate strides to enhance  graduate research and training capacity include training staff in research supervision, online instruction,and scientific writing. The Directorate has introduced measures to standardize postgraduate programs, monitor compliance across schools and faculties, and organize scientific writing seminars and workshops. The effective use of external examiners is also a critical component in maintaining the high standards expected of UCU graduates.

The Directorate also is focused on efforts to enrich and harmonize recruitment across the university, promote research and learning opportunities,and improve the quality of graduate student supervision to ensure timely completion. Regular reviews of graduate programs and the implementation of recommendations are key to maintaining high academic standards.

UCU’s Comprehensive Postgraduate Strategy

Recognizing the importance of student retention, the Directorate has implemented strategies to improve support for graduate students, foster vibrant academic communities, and streamline administrative processes. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that students have a positive and fulfilling experience at UCU, which in turn contributes to higher retention and completion rates.

To sustain and grow its postgraduate programs within all of UCU’s 11 faculties and schools, UCU has developed a comprehensive marketing strategy aimed at increasing enrollment and retention. This strategy includes person-to-person marketing through alumni, lecturers and other stakeholders, as well as a focus on online offerings for many programs, which is particularly attractive to working professionals. UCU also recognizes the importance of selecting qualified and engaging facilitators to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

The university understands that to remain competitive, it must continually revisit and refine its strategies, curricula, and support systems. The Postgraduate Directorate’s ongoing initiatives, including the work of CRAWS, are central to this effort, ensuring that UCU remains at the forefront of graduate education in Africa.

The quality of UCU graduates is a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence. 

By Irene Best Nyapendi
For 13 years, the Words of Hope building at Uganda Christian University (UCU) has housed offices of journalism and communication studies on the Mukono campus. 

From that yellow, storied building, faculty members experienced a bird’s-eye view of the university and surrounding hills. A disadvantage is that as what was once a department under the School of Education grew, staff members were scattered. 

By the end of 2024, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) at UCU is set to relocate to a new building designed to house all JMC staff and be more centrally located to administrative and other faculty/school offices. The new building, which previously housed School of Business offices, is located near the UCU Communications Office. 

John Semakula, the Head of the Undergraduate Department within the School of  JMC, said the JMC move is part of a university-wide space rationalization exercise that began two years ago. 

“The new block will be referred to as the School of Journalism, Media and Communication Office Block,” Semakula said. “We had a shortage of office space, and as a result, we have been using different office blocks on campus, which kept us scattered. The new block is an opportunity to bring all the staff of the School under one roof.”

Prof. Monica Chibita, Dean of the School of JMC, cited other advantages. 

“It is centrally located, surrounded by other faculties and schools, as well as some strategic administration offices, promoting interdisciplinary partnerships,” she said. “It also enables us (the faculty) to share office space, which eases collaboration. Many of our students have complained about the distance from the classrooms to the faculty, and we have struggled with limited office space and storage.”

Prof. Chibita noted that as the school shifts to the new location, the studios and equipment will remain at the current location, transforming it into a multimedia center, with The Standard newspaper, the UCU Focus TV, and other facilities relocating to the Words of Hope building. 

Among those who have noticed the positive growth of the School of JMC is Frank Obonyo, an alumnus and a lecturer at the school. He recalled that a journalism department was started by former journalists – Mr. Illakut Ben Bella for print media, the late Okoku Obomba for radio, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda for television. The department was later joined by other seasoned professionals, including Ben Ochan for photojournalism and Jane Gitau, a Public Relations practitioner.

Over the years, the physical identity of the school has been associated with the Hope  building, with Tech Park and with  The Standard news office located between the PR office and the Vice Chancellor’s office. Obonyo recalled some early collaboration between the Mass Communication department and Spirit FM radio. He remembered being a student when there was no media laboratory with five still-photo cameras shared by over 90 classmates. 

Today, the curriculum training is supported by highly qualified staff and practitioners in the industry and more equipment in a multimedia laboratory and three studios.

Obonyo, who joined UCU as a student in 2003, was among the first interns at The Standard student newspaper. In March 2007, an advertisement called upon Mass Communication graduates to apply for intern jobs at The Standard. The applicants went through the normal university recruitment process and four of the graduates were selected: Frank Obonyo, John Semakula, Brian Semujju and Emma Wafula. 

Obonyo says this was a great opportunity for them to sharpen their journalism skills. 

“As a result, we all got employed by the New Vision newspaper, Uganda’s leading daily English language newspaper,” he said. “ At The Standard, I was responsible for Sports news, Semakula was in charge of news and current affairs, Emma Wafula did Campus Life and Semujju was the Managing Editor.”

As the school prepares to relocate to a new building, Obonyo reflects on the journey.

“Today, the School of Journalism, Media and Communication is among the top media and communication training hubs in the country,” he said. “We have come a long way, and I am proud to have been part of this journey.”

For Geoffrey Ssenoga, a lecturer at the school since 2008, the move will bring numerous benefits to both staff and students. He notes that it will be easier for students to access them since it is closer to the classrooms, compared to the current building.

“We have course units taught by people from other faculties like the Social Sciences and Education, so being close to other faculty members will allow for easier collaboration,” Ssenoga said.

As Ssenoga looks forward to the relocation, he reflects on his earlier days as a lecturer, when resources were limited. 

“I had to draw a camera on the blackboard to teach students how to operate a camera because we only had five cameras,” he notes, “But now, students have the privilege to access the camera whenever they need it to practice.”

Timothy Okurut, a student leader representing Mass Communication, said: “In the past, there have been times we failed to access the studio for production purposes because the lecturers were in a meeting,” Okurut said. “With the new building for the staff, we shall have unrestricted access to the studios.”