The supreme governing council of the Church of Uganda, the Provincial Assembly, has convened once again at Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Main Campus in Mukono. According to a statement from the Provincial Secretariat, the assembly aims “to deliberate on critical matters concerning the church and to strategize for its development and sustainability.”

A delegation of 39 bishops from all dioceses of the Church of Uganda began arriving at UCU on the evening of Monday, August 19, 2024, in preparation for the opening ceremony of the assembly, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Mr. John Musinguzi Rujoki, will grace the gathering as the Chief Guest.

Day One: Engagement of Bishops with UCU Management

Today, August 20, 2024, bishops of the Church of Uganda, who also serve as trustees of UCU, engaged in a strategic meeting with the university’s management. During the gathering, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, Vice Chancellor of UCU, presented a status report reflecting the continuous and multifaceted development at the university. “We are committed to championing the vision of making UCU a true centre of excellence in the heart of Africa, in line with the original vision of the founders,” Mushengyezi said.

“To achieve this, the management has launched a seven-year Campus Transformation Initiative,” he added, outlining a 5-Point Plan to be achieved by 2030. The plan includes renovating buildings and constructing new ones, digitising campus services to improve efficiency and service delivery, paving roads and walkways, beautifying and landscaping the campus environment, and training and re-tooling UCU staff while improving their welfare to ensure they can deliver excellent services to key UCU stakeholders.

Additionally, the Vice Chancellor applauded the bishops for their support through their dioceses toward the “UCU Sunday 2023,” where UGX 297,224,648 was raised to support various causes at UCU, including infrastructural development, clergy training, and tuition support for students in need.

UCU Sunday is an annual Thanksgiving Day, established in 2017 when the House of Bishops resolved to deliberately support UCU by designating the last Sunday of September for churches to pray for and fundraise for “the provincial university”—UCU. This year, the celebration will take place on September 29, 2024.

Remarks from the Chairperson of the Governing Council

The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Alfred Olwa, who also serves as Chairperson of the UCU Governing Council, applauded UCU’s management for ensuring the university maintains a competitive edge among institutions in the country, noting that it even outclasses many. He urged them to stay the course.

“Our graduates are competitive in the job market, our student discipline is commendable, our diligent and committed staff members are remarkable, and the advancement in infrastructural development across all our campuses is commendable,” noted Professor Olwa.

“UCU is now graduating an increasing number of PhDs. Indeed, UCU is on the path to becoming a ‘centre of excellence in the heart of Africa,’” he added.

Remarks from the Archbishop/ UCU Chancellor

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who also doubles as Chancellor of UCU, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, called upon the university management and staff to mentor younger leaders, noting that young people are eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. His Grace’s remarks come in the wake of the national census conducted in May 2024, which once again established Uganda as one of the countries with the youngest population in the world, with 22.7% youth and over 50% of the population under 17 years old, according to statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics.

“One of the greatest legacies we can leave is the nurturing and mentoring of the next generation of scholars and leaders,” Archbishop Kaziimba said, challenging university management to identify, retain, and support excellent-performing students.

“Many of our promising students and young lecturers face financial challenges that hinder them from pursuing further studies. As leaders in academia, I encourage you to help identify these individuals and assist them in finding scholarships or other opportunities for further education.”

The official opening of the assembly will be broadcast on Family TV, and updates about the occasion will be published on the digital platforms of both UCU and the Church of Uganda.

By Kefa Senoga
In 2014, while playing football at Ntare School located in western Uganda, Alex Aturinda, a Senior Four student at the time, fractured his tibia. That below-the-knee fracture forced him to retire from sports.

However, it was not long after, when Aturinda picked up his boots, this time switching the sport to rugby. As the now Uganda Christian University (UCU) alum headed to the rugby turf, he knew he was joining a rough sport. Earlier, while in Senior One at Ntare School, he had vowed never to play rugby after watching his first game of the sport.

During his recovery process from the tibia fracture, Aturinda’s friends kept wooing him to join the rugby team as they hoped to benefit from his speed and physique. He was hesitant at first, but eventually gave in.

Aturinda’s rise in the sport was so meteoric that five years later, he earned a call up to the national team. In the same year, 2019, he joined the Stanbic Black Pirates, one of the clubs in Uganda’s rugby premier league. Two years after his call up to the national team, Aturinda got a fracture for the second time, this time on his jaw, during a rugby game.

For three months, he sat out of the games, as he recovered from the injury. He eventually made it back to the pitch and vowed to lead his country to winning at least a silverware during his playing time.

He has now won two, with Uganda’s Rugby Sevens. Both trophies came this year, with Aturinda playing a remarkable role in winning the latest, which came on the weekend of July 6-7, at the Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius during the Rugby Sevens Africa championship. Uganda secured victory on July 7, the final day of the tournament, defeating South Africa 20-17.

In the final, Uganda gained an early advantage with tries from Alex Aturinda and Denis Etwau, pushing the score to 15-5 in Uganda’s favor.

Aturinda is a former player for the UCU rugby team, the UCU Shepherds. He joined UCU in 2017, eventually earning a Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management. He noted that the two weekends of competition in Mauritius were not a walk in the park.

Before travelling to Mauritius for the Africa Sevens competition, the team competed in the Olympic Repechage tournament in Monaco on the weekend of June 22-23. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in the Repechage. This tournament was the final chance for the Uganda Rugby Sevens team to qualify for the Olympic games that were held in Paris, from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in France.

The huge loss in Monaco, Aturinda notes, gave the team great lessons, which they carried to Mauritius. He says to redeem their image at the competition in Mauritius, they had to do thorough research and study the playing styles of their would-be opponents.

He holds the championship they won in Mauritius dearly, as it marks his second gold medal with the team this year. The first came in March from the All-Africa Games in Ghana, where Uganda secured gold after an outstanding performance, with players like Aturinda, Desire Ayera, and Philip Wokorach (all UCU alumni) scoring multiple tries.

Winning the Africa Men’s Sevens Championship opens the door for the Uganda Sevens team to compete in the Challenger Series again next year. The Challenger Series serves as a “second-tier” tournament, where teams that have not yet made it to the main World Rugby Sevens Series (the top tier) can compete and showcase their talent. The top-performing teams in the Challenger Series have a chance to be promoted to the World Rugby Sevens Series, the premier international competition for rugby sevens.

According to Aturinda, their goal as a team is to compete in the World Rugby Sevens Series, the highest level of the rugby sevens.

Aturinda recalls that it was in 2019, as he played for the UCU Shepherds during the inter-university competitions, that he was noticed by the management of the national rugby team. As a result, he was given an opportunity to join the Sevens setup and began training with the national team in January 2020.

He says that rugby has enabled him to earn a living. However, he is also focused on advancing his career and is currently in his final year, pursuing a Master of Science in Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Kyambogo University. Additionally, he is involved in business, specifically selling sports attire.

“My goal is to make sure that even after rugby, I can live a healthy and quality life,” Aturinda says.

Besides Aturinda, UCU has trained many people who have ended up playing for the national rugby team, including Ivan Magomu, the captain; Conrad Wanyama, the vice-captain; Philip Wokorach, who plays professional rugby in France; Pius Ogena, Desire Ayera, William Nkore and Collin Kimbowa, among others.

By Yasiri J. Kasango
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has a longstanding commitment to improving student writing skills, a crucial part of the university’s academic fabric. This commitment is embodied in the UCU Writing Center, which, since its inception in 2022, has played a pivotal role in this pledge across various genres and disciplines. 

Martin Kajubi, acting manager of the Writing Center, plays a fundamental role in the pledge, overseeing coaches who help students refine their ideas and perfect their drafts. 

A 2016 UCU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in languages and literature and a student pursuing his master’s degree in strategic communications, Kajubi is a passionate advocate for writing. Prof. Tom Deans of the University of Connecticut has served as Kajubi’s mentor, helping him publish several articles with the International Writing Center Journal. Deans, director of a writing center at his American university,  has spent time on the ground and virtually to help develop a UCU model that Kajubi wished he had as an undergraduate student. 

“When I was studying, I used to struggle on how to approach writing and other assignments on my own and with friends, since we didn’t have a support system like this,”  he said. 

Kajubi, who hails from Masaka,  says his experience while studying for his bachelor’s degree is part of his inspiration to help students develop their ideas and put them into writing. Kajubi says he has zeal for academic writing.

The UCU center, housed within the Mukono campus library, is extremely important for international students, many of whom struggle with English ability.

“I’ve had challenging moments with international students, particularly those who are not fluent in English,” Kajubi noted. “However, the training we received from Professor Deans has equipped us to help these students improve their English writing skills.” 

The center, which has 29 coaches, attempts to pair students with similar ethnicity to guide them in their writing.

Prof. Deans conducted workshops on nurturing young writers and enhancing writing skills of prospective writing center staff, especially writing and study skills for lecturers in March 2022,  in preparation for the launch of the center in October 2022. The trained team led by Martin Kajubi has been  instrumental in the success of the Writing Center. The center’s creation was supported by the UCU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Bukenya David, the librarian, who designated a tutoring space within the Hamu Mukasa Library.

As of the summer of 2024, over 200 students from different UCU schools/faculties had been assisted by the Writing Center.

Despite its successes, the Writing Center faces significant challenges, primarily related to staffing and funding. Currently, the center relies heavily on student coaches who volunteer an average of three hours a week, limiting the number of students who can be helped. The Center is designed to allocate each student 30 minutes per coaching session with the reality that most sessions go longer. 

“Ideally,  each coach  can only assist about nine students per week in one-on-one sessions,” Kajubi said. “With the high demand, it’s challenging to meet all the students’ needs.”

Additionally, the Writing Center operates largely on donations, such as those from Uganda Partners. 

“We are working towards having the university formally integrate the Writing Center into its budget to ensure sustainable support,” Kajubi stated.

The Vision of UCU Writing Center

Looking ahead, Martin envisions a Writing Center where all students who seek help can be attended to sufficiently and promptly.

“I hope to recruit more coaches and ensure they are compensated for their time,” he said.  “This will allow us to accommodate more students and provide consistent support.” 

The Writing Center’s impact on students is profound, transforming their approach to writing from a mere academic requirement to an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

“I want students to view writing as a chance to express their ideas, not just an obligation to fulfill coursework requirements,” said Martin, who also lectures about writing in various courses at UCU. “Good writing skills enable students to communicate their ideas effectively, which can take them far in their academic and professional journeys.”

Martin’s passion for writing and dedication to the Writing Center is evident in his ability to balance his roles as a lecturer, manager, and writer. He attributes his success to meticulous planning and a strong support system.

“Proper planning and dedication are crucial,” he said. “I also rely on a team of student coaches  who play administrative roles in my absence, ensuring the center operates smoothly.”

Uganda Christian University Students Innovation Challenge Call for Proposals, 2024

Introduction

Uganda Christian University (UCU), guided by its vision, aspires to be a leading institution in research and development across disciplines applicable to the institutional, national, and global environment. To achieve this, UCU has made efforts to create an enabling environment for research, including establishing research coordination structures under the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovation (DRPI). UCU aims to create and stimulate innovations that solve real-world problems and challenges for societal transformation.

Against this background, UCU has established the Uganda Christian University Student Innovation Challenge (UCU-SIC) under the Uganda Christian University-Research Fund (UCU-RF) framework, coordinated by DRPI. The UCU-SIC is an annual competition for UCU registered students, providing support and funding for innovative and viable ideas. The Challenge seeks to create an inclusive space for innovation, encouraging students to turn their ideas into prototypes and commercial products that can be scaled up into successful innovations and entrepreneurial business ventures.

The Challenge benefits student-led projects in agriculture, food and nutrition, engineering, ICT, health, and other applied science fields aligned with the University’s research agenda. Proposals will undergo rigorous assessment, focusing on new products and innovations addressing real-world problems and market needs.

The Call

UCU invites students with innovative ideas tailored to market and societal challenges to submit concept proposals for consideration under this funding window. Students must form multidisciplinary teams with a minimum of three individuals, clearly indicating their respective roles on the project. Teams must integrate a UCU staff member as a mentor.

Eligibility

The UCU-SIC call is open to fully registered UCU students across all campuses with an idea or solution that could have a positive impact on society. All main team members must be enrolled and registered UCU students at any level (Diploma, BSc., or postgraduate levels). Students must form multidisciplinary teams geared towards developing new technologies, innovative business ideas, and competitive products.

Selection Process

1. Submission of concept proposals with innovative ideas (2 pages max, Times New Roman 12, spacing 1.5).

2. All submitted concept proposals will undergo internal and external technical review for merit.

3. Shortlisted proposals will undergo training, including validation of proposed ideas and innovations, Intellectual Property Management, Certification, communication coaching, entrepreneurship support, and product and business development.

4. Teams will pitch their proposals to a panel of judges (technical and industry experts) to assess viability and practicability.

5. Final selection of winning projects and award.

The Award

A maximum of ten winning teams will be awarded up to USD 1,000 to actualize their idea for six months. Teams will also benefit from continuous mentorship and linkages to upscaling opportunities, including incubation.

Submission

Call opens on 23rd July 2024. Submit concept proposals to the Directorate of Research, Partnerships and Innovations (DRPI) through the UCU Grant Management Portal (https://grants.ucu.ac.ug) and email: grants@ucu.ac.ug by Friday 23rd August 2024, 11:59 pm. Note that this Call will close immediately after the deadline, and no submissions will be accepted thereafter.

Guide for Concept Development

1. Title (not more than 10 words)

2. Background & Rationale/Motivation (not more than 300 words)

3. Problem being addressed (not more than 100 words)

4. The innovation (strategies to address the problem above) (not more than 250 words)

5. Methodology (how to achieve the innovation/strategies) (not more than 300 words)

6. Amount requested

7. Team composition (include Access Number for each student and particulars of a mentor)

For inquiries and more information, please contact: Mr. Hamilton Mbokureeba, hmbokureeba@ucu.ac.ug, +256782281661

On July 30^th, 2024, the Uganda Christian University (UCU) Church Relations Department hosted the first UCU Clergy Children Fellowship. This gathering aimed to foster a sense of community, faith, and mutual support among the children of clergy members.

30 Clergy students from various dioceses studying at UCU gathered for a day of bonding, spiritual growth, and mutual support.

Rev. Dr. Richard Mulindwa, Head of the UCU Church Relations Department, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of unity and faith among clergy families.

Participants shared their stories, built connections, and left with renewed faith and friendships.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to engage in open discussions, sharing their stories and building lasting connections with peers who understand their unique upbringing.

Esther Grace, a participant, expressed her gratitude for the event. “It is refreshing to be in a space where everyone understands what it means to be a clergy child. I have made new friends and strengthened my faith.”

The success of the inaugural UCU Clergy Children Fellowship has set a positive precedent, with plans already underway for future gatherings. The UCU Church Relations Department aims to make this a monthly fellowship continuing to provide a platform for clergy children to bond and grow together in their faith.

Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi

Edited by: Harriet Adong, Director Communications and Public Relations – Vice Chancellor’s Division

By Kefa Senoga
Reaching the top among 1,159 students at Uganda Christian University (UCU) was no walk in the park for Sarah Nsereko. With a Grade-Point Average of 4.72 out of 5.0, she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and beat other students’ academic standing at the July graduation.  

While other students were relaxing or engaged in extracurricular activities beyond classes, she was reading – often for long hours into the night. 

“There was a lot of sacrifice,” Nsereko said during an interview with Uganda Partners. “There is nothing that comes out of being in the comfort zone; you have to put in the hours.” On weekends, it would not be a surprise to find her in the library.  

Finding energy was sometimes a struggle. 

“I always got the feeling that people were out there enjoying themselves as I was drained in books,” Nsereko says. 

For her effort, she excelled. The university gave her an award on graduation day. That achievement, Nsereko says, will inspire her siblings to do well at school. Nsereko is the first born of three children.

In addition to her own efforts, Nsereko largely attributes her success to the friends she had at the university. 

“I kept the company of people who were working and many of them had industry knowledge, which they usually shared with me,” she says. 

She names her classmate, Charles Muganga, as her mentor, saying he was always available to offer advice on any academic matter. Two months ago, Muganga led the best pitching team at a national hackathon in Uganda.

“Things became increasingly difficult each semester at school, but Nsereko persisted and kept pushing forward,” Muganga said. “She spent sleepless nights, sought additional consultations, but above all, she also kept on encouraging us.”

Nsereko also attributes her success to the Robotics Club, where she says she received academic guidance, especially on the practical aspects of the course. 

Thanks to her parents — Mr. and Mrs. Hilda Nsereko — Nsereko says her tuition was always paid on time. To pay back  her parents’ hard work, she studied hardl. 

According to Mr. Nsereko, his daughter has had a positive impact by setting a good example for her younger siblings to emulate. He adds that the knowledge Nsereko has gained will be useful to the family, as well as the community.

He said his daughter, who he describes as God-fearing, always seeks clarity on anything not clear to her, in addition to seeking new knowledge. 

Now that Nsereko has completed her bachelor’s degree, she is focusing on finding employment. But that will only be after she completes her current internship at Stanbic Bank, where she says she is gaining valuable experience. 

“I hope to use my knowledge mostly to automate tasks because that’s what I specialised in,” she says.

Nsereko completed her primary education at Kampala Junior Academy and her secondary education at Nabisunsa Girls School. Both schools are in Kampala.